Kingsley Glade Campground

For Californians seeking a truly immersive and rustic outdoor experience, Kingsley Glade Campground offers a captivating retreat deep within the Mendocino National Forest. Unlike many developed campgrounds, Kingsley Glade provides a more primitive setting, designed for those who appreciate the raw beauty of nature and the solitude that comes with being off the beaten path. This Forest Service campground is particularly notable for its unique feature: a fenced-off meadow, adding a distinctive charm to its forested surroundings. It's a place where the sounds of the forest replace city noise, and the vast California sky provides a breathtaking backdrop for your outdoor adventures.

Kingsley Glade caters to campers who are well-prepared for a self-sufficient experience, offering basic amenities while emphasizing the natural environment. While recent reviews indicate a temporary closure for public safety due to tree falling operations, this highlights the ongoing maintenance and commitment of the Forest Service to ensure safety once the campground reopens. For those looking to disconnect, enjoy wildlife, and access nearby natural attractions like Thomes Creek for fishing and swimming, Kingsley Glade holds immense appeal. It embodies the essence of wild California camping, inviting visitors to embrace simplicity and reconnect with the natural world.

Kingsley Glade Campground is located on Forest Rte 24N01, within California, specifically near Paskenta, CA. Its exact coordinates are approximately Latitude: 39.90288632 and Longitude: -122.7665027. This placement positions it within the Mendocino National Forest, a vast expanse of natural beauty in Northern California known for its diverse ecosystems, from oak woodlands to conifer forests.

To reach Kingsley Glade Campground, visitors typically start from Paskenta. From Paskenta, you would take Road M-2 west, and then turn left onto Road #24N01, which leads directly to the campground. The drive to the campground can be substantial, approximately 22 miles west of Paskenta, and about 60 miles west of Red Bluff, at an elevation of 4,500 feet. While the precise condition of Forest Rte 24N01 can vary, roads within national forests, especially those leading to more rustic campgrounds, may be unpaved, narrow, and potentially rough in sections. Therefore, it is advisable for Californians planning a trip to use a vehicle with good ground clearance, such as an SUV or truck, and to check current road conditions with the Mendocino National Forest office before departing. The journey itself is part of the experience, leading you through scenic forested areas and open spaces, culminating in a secluded and tranquil camping destination that truly feels removed from the everyday.

• Six designated campsites, suitable for both tents and RVs (though RV size may be limited).
• Picnic tables at each campsite.
• Fire rings at each campsite (subject to seasonal fire restrictions; always check current alerts).
• Vault toilets for basic sanitation.
• No potable water available; campers must bring their own drinking water.
• No electrical or sewer hookups.
• "Pack it in, pack it out" policy for all trash and waste, as no garbage services are provided.
• The campground is currently reported as temporarily closed for public safety due to tree falling operations (as of May 27, 2025, according to the US Forest Service). It is essential to verify its open status before planning a visit.

• Unique Fenced Meadow: A distinctive feature that adds to the campground's charm, providing an open, grassy area within the forested setting.
• Rustic and Secluded: Offers a true wilderness camping experience for those seeking peace and quiet away from crowds.
• Natural Beauty: Situated in a beautiful forested area with a mix of tree species and open spaces, characteristic of the Mendocino National Forest.
• Proximity to Thomes Creek: Located about five road miles from the camp, Thomes Creek is a popular spot for fishing and swimming, offering additional recreational opportunities.
• Wildlife Viewing: The natural setting provides opportunities to observe local wildlife in their habitat.
• Stargazing: Minimal light pollution at this elevation allows for excellent night sky viewing.
• Non-Commercial Environment: As a Forest Service campground, it maintains a natural, undeveloped feel, appealing to purists.
• Elevation: At 4,500 feet elevation, it offers cooler temperatures in summer compared to the valley floor, though winter can be cold.

Address: Forest Rte 24N01, California, USA (near Paskenta, CA)

Phone: (530) 934-3316 (Mendocino National Forest Supervisor's Office)

Email: mailroom_r5_mendocino@fs.fed.us

For the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding the operational status of Kingsley Glade Campground (especially concerning its reported temporary closure), current conditions, fire restrictions, road accessibility, and any alerts, Californians are strongly advised to contact the Mendocino National Forest Supervisor's Office directly. Their official website (fs.usda.gov/mendocino) is also an invaluable resource for checking current conditions and alerts before planning your trip. Since this is a more primitive campground, information might not be as readily available on commercial booking sites, making direct contact with the Forest Service essential for a safe and informed visit.

For Californians, Kingsley Glade Campground offers a unique opportunity to experience the state's wild, undeveloped beauty without venturing too far off the grid. While reviews mention its current closure and some may find its primitive nature and access challenging, these very aspects contribute to its appeal for a specific type of local adventurer. In a state where many natural areas can become crowded, Kingsley Glade provides the solitude and quiet that many seek for a true escape. The prospect of waking up next to a fenced meadow, surrounded by the Mendocino National Forest, offers a genuinely distinctive camping experience.

Its proximity to Thomes Creek for fishing and swimming adds valuable recreational options, and the overall setting allows for unparalleled wildlife viewing and stargazing. For those Californians equipped for rustic camping—meaning they are prepared to bring their own water and manage waste—and who have a suitable vehicle for forest roads, Kingsley Glade promises a rewarding immersion in nature. Once it reopens, this campground will continue to serve as a vital local resource for individuals and small groups eager to disconnect from urban life and reconnect with the raw, untouched splendor of California's northern forests, making it a perfect spot for those seeking genuine wilderness and tranquility.

Kingsley Glade Campground

Forest Rte 24N01, California, USA