Fouts Campground

For those Californians with a passion for off-highway vehicle (OHV) adventures and a love for rustic camping, Fouts Campground in Elk Creek is a premier destination. Nestled within the golden, rolling hills of the Mendocino National Forest, this campground serves as a vital staging area for an extensive network of OHV trails, making it a bustling hub for dirt bikers, ATV riders, and UTV enthusiasts. Beyond its reputation as an OHV hotspot, Fouts Campground offers a scenic and straightforward camping experience, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of Northern California.

Fouts Campground is known for its practical, no-frills approach to outdoor living. It provides a foundational setting for campers who prioritize access to exhilarating trails and a communal atmosphere with fellow outdoor adventurers. While it can certainly be lively, especially during peak seasons, its fundamental appeal lies in its direct connection to the wilderness and its role as a gateway to exploring the vast expanses of the Mendocino National Forest. For many California locals, Fouts Campground isn't just a place to stay; it's the starting line for thrilling rides and a chance to truly experience the diverse terrains their home state has to offer. It's a place where the scent of pine mixes with the thrill of the ride, and starry nights follow days filled with adventure.

Fouts Campground is located in Elk Creek, CA 95939, approximately 9 miles west of Stonyford on Forest Road #18N03 (also known as Fouts Springs Road or M10). Its position within the Mendocino National Forest places it amidst a landscape characterized by gray pines, spreading oaks, and chaparral, offering a distinctly scenic backdrop for your outdoor activities.

Accessing Fouts Campground typically involves driving on paved and unpaved forest roads. From Highway 162, visitors can connect to County Road 306, which leads into the Fouts Springs area and subsequently to the campground via Fouts Springs Road. While generally accessible, conditions of the unpaved sections of the road can vary depending on recent weather. It is highly recommended that California residents planning a visit check current road conditions and any advisories with the Mendocino National Forest Grindstone Ranger District before traveling, particularly during the wet season or after significant weather events. This ensures a smoother and safer journey to the campground, allowing you to focus on the adventure ahead. The scenic drive into the forest builds anticipation for the rugged beauty that awaits at Fouts Campground.

Fouts Campground provides a straightforward, primitive camping experience with basic amenities to support your stay. It’s designed for self-sufficient campers who appreciate simplicity.

• First-Come, First-Served Campsites: Fouts Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. This means sites cannot be reserved in advance, so arriving early, especially during popular OHV weekends or holidays, is advisable to secure a spot. Payment can typically be made on-site by scanning a QR code using the Recreation.gov mobile app's Scan and Pay feature, so ensure you download the app before arriving, as cellular service may be limited.
• Basic Toilets: The campground is equipped with vault toilets for convenience. While these are maintained, campers should be prepared with their own toilet paper and hand sanitizer.
• No Potable Water: It is crucial for all visitors to bring their own drinking water, as there is no potable water source available at Fouts Campground. Plan accordingly for all your hydration needs.
• Picnic Tables and Fire Rings: Each campsite typically includes a picnic table and a fire ring, allowing campers to enjoy outdoor cooking and traditional campfires. Always check for current fire restrictions and bring your own firewood.
• Undeveloped Sites: While suitable for both tent camping and smaller RVs/trailers (with a maximum trailer length often around 50 feet), there are no hookups (electrical, water, or sewer) for RVs. Campers should be prepared for a dry camping experience.
• Pack It In, Pack It Out: There are no trash services or dumpsters at Fouts Campground. Visitors are required to practice Leave No Trace principles and pack out all their trash and waste, leaving no trace behind.
• OHV Staging Area: The campground serves as a primary staging area for the OHV trails, offering convenient access for riders.

Fouts Campground's key attractions revolve around its recreational opportunities and its picturesque natural setting within the Mendocino National Forest.

• Extensive OHV Trail System: Fouts Campground is renowned as a gateway to a vast network of off-highway vehicle trails. This makes it an ideal spot for dirt biking, ATV riding, and UTV adventures, with trails suitable for various skill levels.
• Scenic Landscape: Despite its popularity for motorized recreation, the campground offers a "kind of scenic" environment, as noted by visitors. It is set amidst fields of Gray pines and spreading oaks, providing a beautiful natural backdrop for camping and outdoor activities. The bluff overlooking Mill Creek adds to the picturesque setting.
• Staging Area: Its designation as a key staging area means convenience for OHV enthusiasts. You can set up camp and directly access the trails without needing to transport your vehicles long distances.
• Proximity to Wilderness: The campground is near the Snow Mountain Wilderness, offering opportunities for those who wish to explore non-motorized trails and more pristine natural areas, such as the Bathhouse Trailhead.
• Hunting Opportunities: The surrounding Mendocino National Forest is a popular area for hunting, making Fouts Campground a convenient base camp for hunters during designated seasons.
• Starry Nights: With minimal light pollution, the area offers excellent opportunities for stargazing, allowing campers to marvel at an "ocean of stars."
• First-Come, First-Served Accessibility: While it can mean competition for spots, the first-come, first-served policy allows for spontaneous trips and avoids the need for advance planning and reservations often required at other campgrounds.

As Fouts Campground is a primitive, first-come, first-served site within the Mendocino National Forest, there isn't a direct phone number for the campground itself. For the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding the campground, trail conditions, fire restrictions, and general inquiries, it is best to contact the managing ranger district:

Mendocino National Forest, Grindstone Ranger District

Address: 5171 Stonyford/Elk Creek Road, P.O. Box 160, Stonyford, CA 95979

Phone: (530) 963-3128 (Stonyford Work Center) or (530) 934-3316 (Willows Office)

Before planning your trip, especially if it involves OHV activities, it is highly recommended to call the Stonyford Work Center for specific trail conditions and any temporary closures, as these can change frequently based on weather and maintenance.

For California residents, especially those in Northern California who own OHVs or simply seek a rugged, authentic outdoor experience, Fouts Campground is an excellent choice. Its proximity to the vast Mendocino National Forest and its designation as a primary OHV staging area make it incredibly convenient for local adventurers. You don't have to travel far to access hundreds of miles of exhilarating trails, allowing for more time spent riding and less time on the road. This direct access to recreational opportunities is a major draw for many Californians.

While some visitors have noted that it "can be crowded," particularly during peak OHV seasons or holiday weekends, this lively atmosphere is often part of the appeal for those seeking a community of fellow enthusiasts. It’s a place where you can connect with other riders, share tips, and enjoy the camaraderie of the OHV culture. For families and groups, it offers a dynamic environment where everyone can find something to enjoy, whether it’s hitting the trails, fishing in nearby creeks, or simply relaxing by a campfire under a blanket of stars. The "kind of scenic" views, as one customer mentioned, provide a pleasant backdrop for a rustic camping experience, offering a simple beauty that is both calming and invigorating.

The primitive nature of Fouts Campground encourages self-reliance and fosters a deeper connection with the natural environment. Having to bring your own water and pack out your trash reinforces responsible outdoor practices, aligning with the values of many environmentally conscious Californians. For those looking for an affordable and accessible outdoor adventure that combines the thrill of motorized recreation with the peace of nature, Fouts Campground delivers. It’s a unique part of California’s outdoor landscape, offering a memorable and action-packed escape for local residents.

Fouts Campground

Elk Creek, CA 95939, USA