Masterson Group Campground
Mendocino National Forest — lakeside, fishing, hiking
Location: Stonyford, CA, CA
Price: From $75 per night
Rating: 4 out of 5 (1 reviews)
Season: May through October
Tucked away in the towering pines of the Mendocino National Forest, the Masterson Campground is perfect for your next big get-together. The large grassy meadows of the campground are surrounded by a dense blanket of forest, offering visitors an outdoor experience of tranquility and solitude.Masterson offers traditional primitive camping with the added convenience of toilets and running water. The site can hold up to 75 guests and 25 vehicles comfortably.The Mendocino National Forest, California’
Cell coverage (FCC estimate): none signal. Actual signal may vary in remote areas.
Amenities: Fire Rings, Picnic Tables, Fishing
Availability alerts: Set a free cancellation alert at camperwatch.org/campground/masterson-group-campground to be notified when sites open up.
Masterson Group Campground offers a tranquil experience tucked in Mendocino National Forest with large grassy meadows surrounded by dense forest. Reviewers praise it as a beautiful, quiet, and private location ideal for large groups, with nearby Plaskett Lake for fishing.
Wildlife alert: Mountain lions, American black bears, fishers, and long-tailed weasels present in area. Also aquatic garter snakes and northern alligator lizards.
Insider tips for Masterson Group Campground: Do not use Google Maps for directions; follow official RIDB directions instead Book early as this is a federal campground with high demand Site is near Plaskett Lake for fishing, though not suitable for swimming
Skip Masterson Group Campground if: You need hookups — no hookups available at sites. You plan to visit outside May-October seasonal window. You're traveling solo — campground is designed for group camping.
Best time to visit Masterson Group Campground: May-October — Campground operates seasonally May through October only.
Nearby campgrounds: Howard Meadows Campground (CA), Little Doe Campground (CA), Pines Group Site - Stony Gorge Reservoir (Elk Creek, CA), Buckhorn (ORLAND, CA).
Cell Phone Coverage at Masterson Group Campground
Cell signal at Masterson Group Campground (Stonyford, CA): none overall signal based on FCC broadband data.
Coverage data source: FCC Broadband Data Collection (BDC). Actual signal may vary due to terrain, tree cover, and distance from towers. Camper reports are more reliable than coverage maps in remote areas.
Tucked away in the towering pines of the Mendocino National Forest, the Masterson Campground is perfect for your next big get-together. The large grassy meadows of the campground are surrounded by a dense blanket of forest, offering visitors an outdoor experience of tranquility and solitude.Masterson offers traditional primitive camping with the added convenience of toilets and running water. The site can hold up to 75 guests and 25 vehicles comfortably.The Mendocino National Forest, California’s only national forest that is not crossed by a paved road, straddles the eastern spur of the Coastal Mountain Range in northwestern California, just a three-hour drive north of San Francisco and Sacramento.
Verified facts
RIDB / Recreation.gov official databaseAmenities
RIDB /facilities /campsites · owner-verifiedStraight talk
CamperWatch intel · curated from camper reportsKnown issues, each with the workaround. Read before you book.
Insider tips & when to go
CamperWatch intel · hand-curated entryDo not use Google Maps for directions; follow official RIDB directions instead
Book early as this is a federal campground with high demand
Site is near Plaskett Lake for fishing, though not suitable for swimming
Campground operates seasonally May through October only
Things to do nearby
RIDB /activities /recareas + intelConditions today
LiveCell signal
FCC BDC · quarterly datasetFCC maps are theoretical — camper reports confirm signal.
Wildlife nearby
iNaturalist · research-grade · 8 kmLocation
Leaflet · OpenStreetMap tiles
Getting there →
From Interstate 5, take the exit for Willows/Oroville Hwy 162 and head west. After about 23 miles turn right at the junction at County Road 306. Travel approximately four miles, then turn left onto 162/Forest Highway 7. After approximately 30 miles turn right at the Masterson Group Campground sign and follow the road for a quarter-mile to the gated entrance.
Campground entrance
Google Maps APICommunity
#community · posts, photos & Q&A · AI-moderated (Claude Vision)Pro tips
- Book on recreation.gov exactly 6 months ahead at 10am ET — Mendocino National Forest fills fast in peak season.
- Check current road conditions at Mendocino National Forest before arrival — seasonal closures common.
- Bear country — store all food in bear boxes or locked vehicle at all times.
Frequently asked questions
RIDB facts + intel · FAQPage schema, speakableHow much does Masterson Group Campground cost per night?+
What season is Masterson Group Campground open?+
Does Masterson Group Campground have hookups?+
What is the maximum RV length at Masterson Group Campground?+
How do I make reservations at Masterson Group Campground?+
What is the cell service like at Masterson Group Campground?+
What season is Masterson Group Campground open, and what are check-in times?+
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