Middle Creek

Coordinates:  39°15’9.273″N 122°57’5.148″W  Map Link

Elevation: 1,480′

Description:  The Middle Creek campground is the main campground we use for staging to get up into the Upper Lake OHV trail system.  This OHV system, often referred to as Penny Pines, is due west of the Stonyford trail system.  The campground is about 185 road miles from Livermore and takes about 3 hours at 65 MPH.
The Middle Creek campground area has spots for RVs (about $8/night) and a large flat staging area next to the camping area.  More info on the campground and trail system here.  Note that Penny Pines Campground (map here) is about 7 miles of winding road further up the hill, but has more limited parking for camping.

Directions (from the Bay Area)

  1. From the East Bay, take I580 West to I680 North.
  2. Follow I680 North across the Benicia-Martinez Bridge — stay to the left after you pass the toll booths.
  3. Left on I780 toward Vallejo for 6.7 miles.
  4. Right on I80 East for 2.8 miles.
  5. West on Hwy 37 (Marine World Parkway) for 21.3 miles toward Napa.
  6. North on I101 for 93.3 miles to Hwy 20 (5 miles past Ukiah.)
  7. East on Hwy 20 for 20 miles to Upper Lake.
  8. Take the first left turn, which is Mendenhall Ave, and go 1 mile to the T in the road. The ranger station is at this intersection. Get a map if they are open.
  9. Left on Elk Mountain Road for 7.7 miles to the Middle Creek campground (it will be on your right).

Directions (from the Central Valley)

  1. Take I5 North to Hwy 20 West at Williams
  2. West on Hwy 20 for 59.7 miles to Upper Lake.
  3. Turn right on Mendenhall Ave, and go 1 mile to the T in the road. The ranger station is at this intersection. Get a map if they are open.
  4. Left on Elk Mountain Road for 7.7 miles to the Middle Creek campground (it will be on your right).

Hotels in area:

  • Closest hotels are in Upper Lake or Lakeport

Other Information:

Upper Lake Ranger District
10025 Elk Mountain Rd
Upper Lake, CA 95485
(707) 275-2361