Red Mountain Campground

Hello, adventurous Californians! If your idea of a perfect weekend getaway involves navigating challenging roads to reach a secluded, beautiful campsite with direct access to extensive off-road trails, then Red Mountain Campground near Ukiah, California, is a destination that demands your attention. This isn't your typical manicured campground; instead, it offers a raw, authentic, and incredibly rewarding outdoor experience for those prepared for a bit of adventure on the journey.

Nestled within the vast Cow Mountain OHV Recreation Area, Red Mountain Campground is a testament to California's diverse landscapes, offering stunning views and a peaceful environment once you arrive. It’s particularly suited for off-highway vehicle (OHV) enthusiasts, but its natural beauty and tranquility also appeal to tent campers and those seeking a truly remote escape. This article will provide you with a comprehensive guide to Red Mountain Campground, covering its unique location and accessibility challenges, the essential services it provides, its standout features, and why it's an ideal spot for locals looking for a different kind of California outdoor adventure.

Red Mountain Campground is located near Ukiah, CA 95482, USA, specifically within the expansive South Cow Mountain OHV Management Area in the Mayacamas Mountains. This positioning offers beautiful views of Ukiah and Lake County, with pockets of old-growth fir and diverse oak species.

However, accessibility to Red Mountain Campground is a significant factor to consider and is not for the faint of heart or unprepared vehicle. Previous visitors consistently highlight that "it wasn't easy" and the "pothole ridden dirt road definitely scraped the bottom of the car a couple times" even for a Toyota Corolla, implying that while doable, it requires careful driving. Another camper successfully towed a "24ft toy hauler RV up to the camp ground" but stated they "wouldn't recommend it" unless you "have a good truck with some good tires." They emphasized, "Just know your capabilities cause it is a rough hike up." The road gets "increasingly bad, rutted, pitted, large potholes in worn gravel/dirt." While not explicitly stated as 4x4 mandatory by all accounts, reviews suggest that "4x4 and high clearance" vehicles are highly recommended or practically essential for comfort and avoiding damage, especially for the latter portions of the road.

Directions typically involve exiting U.S. 101 South at Talmage Road in Ukiah, then proceeding east on Talmage Road, turning right onto Eastside Road, and then following Mill Creek Road for several miles. Visitors should be vigilant for specific directional signs within the Cow Mountain area as the road forks. Despite the challenging access, the consensus is that the journey is "absolutely doable" for prepared vehicles and leads to a rewarding destination. For local Californians, understanding these road conditions is paramount to a successful and enjoyable trip.

Red Mountain Campground provides a rustic and primitive camping experience, focusing on essential amenities rather than extensive facilities. This caters to campers who are largely self-sufficient and appreciate a less developed environment.

• Designated Campsites: Approximately 10 designated campsites are available, offering individual spaces for campers.
• Tent and Vehicle Camping: Suitable for tent camping, as well as camping from the back of SUVs or trucks. RVs up to 30 feet may be able to access, but with significant caution due to road conditions.
• Picnic Tables: Each site is equipped with picnic tables for meal preparation and dining.
• Fire Rings/Barbecues: Fire rings or barbecue grates are provided at each campsite for campfires (ensure no fire restrictions are in place).
• Vault Toilets: Basic vault toilets are available for restroom needs.
• No Potable Water: It is crucial to note that there is no potable water available at the campground. Campers must bring their own water supplies.
• Trash Receptacles: Trash receptacles are generally provided, encouraging visitors to keep the area clean.
• First-Come, First-Served: Camping is typically on a first-come, first-served basis, especially outside of peak seasons if any formal reservation system exists.

• Gorgeous and Beautiful Site: Visitors consistently describe the campground as "gorgeous" and "very beautiful." The elevated position offers stunning views, including glimpses of Clear Lake and Lake Mendocino.
• Seclusion and Peace: Despite being part of an OHV area, the campground can be surprisingly "peaceful" and "secluded," especially during weekdays. Reviewers noted only "one other couple was there too" on a two-night stay, highlighting its tranquil atmosphere.
• Direct OHV Trail Access: A major highlight for motorized recreation enthusiasts is the ability to "just ride out of camp to tons of trails to ride with a great variety of difficulties." South Cow Mountain OHV Management Area boasts over 120 miles of marked OHV trails.
• Natural Firewood: Surrounded by burn pine trees, the area offers "ample firewood," which can be a convenient feature for campfires.
• Challenging but Doable Access: While the road is rough, the fact that it is "absolutely doable" even for a sedan (with caution) and for larger RVs (with a capable truck) makes it accessible to a wider range of adventurous campers. The journey itself becomes part of the adventure.
• Abundant Wildlife: The Cow Mountain Recreation Area is home to diverse wildlife, including blacktail deer, bear, wild turkey, and various upland species, offering opportunities for wildlife viewing.
• Views of Old-Growth Fir: The area features "pockets of old-growth fir," contributing to the scenic beauty.
• Variety of Activities: Beyond OHV riding, the area is suitable for hiking and hunting, with several small streams and reservoirs for fishing (licenses required).

Red Mountain Campground falls under the management of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) within the Cow Mountain OHV Management Area. For the most accurate and up-to-date information on road conditions, fire restrictions, or any changes in accessibility or services, it is always best to contact the BLM office responsible for this region.

Address: Ukiah, CA 95482, USA

Phone: (707) 439-5109 (Likely a general BLM field office number for the area)

Mobile Phone: +1 707-439-5109

Given the challenging access roads and the potential for changing conditions (e.g., weather, fire restrictions), contacting the BLM office prior to your trip is highly recommended for all visitors, especially those driving larger vehicles or those new to primitive camping.

For Californians seeking an authentic and adventurous outdoor experience, Red Mountain Campground offers a truly unique proposition. Its rugged accessibility, while challenging, is also part of its appeal, ensuring a more secluded and less crowded environment compared to many other popular campgrounds in the state. This means locals who are prepared for the journey are rewarded with a peaceful and beautiful retreat, even on weekends.

The dual appeal of Red Mountain lies in its stunning natural beauty and its direct gateway to extensive OHV trails. For the growing community of off-highway vehicle enthusiasts in California, being able to "ride out of camp to tons of trails" is an invaluable feature. Yet, even for those without an OHV, the "gorgeous" scenery, the sense of tranquility, and the opportunities for hiking or simply enjoying the remote peace make it a compelling destination.

Furthermore, the primitive nature of the campground, with its lack of potable water and limited facilities, caters to the self-reliant and environmentally conscious camper – values deeply held by many Californians who cherish their natural spaces. It encourages a deeper connection with the wilderness and a greater appreciation for self-sufficiency. Red Mountain Campground is not just a place to stay; it's an adventure in itself, offering a rugged, beautiful, and deeply satisfying escape into California's wilder side, perfectly suited for those locals ready to explore beyond the paved path.

Red Mountain Campground

Ukiah, CA 95482, USA