Grouse Springs-Bear Creek (FR M3) in CA -- Free Camping & Overnight Parking in California

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Grouse Springs-Bear Creek (FR M3) in CA

Mendocino NF, Upper Lake Ranger District
2,426 ft
Maps
Overnight camping allowedRUTTED
VerizonUNMEASURED
AT&TNONE
T-MobileUNMEASURED
StarlinkGOOD

A 21.7-mile stretch of dirt National Forest road in Glenn County, CA.

Mendocino National Forest, Upper Lake Ranger District allows dispersed camping here -- 14-day limit in any 30 days.

All 21.7 miles in are maintained only for high-clearance vehicles. Dirt the whole way in (21.7 miles). Stretches run along a shelf with a drop of up to ~150 ft on the downhill side. Winds through 55 switchbacks. Dead-end road -- no mapped turnaround; expect to back out or unhitch. A water crossing 7.5 miles in.

Exposed here -- the nearest through road is 0.0 miles off. Snow Mountain West stands 4,608 ft above the site, 6.9 miles east. Rice Fork runs 0.4 mi off. The nearest town, Nice, is 16 mi off.

September normals 4085°F, 0.3″ rain. Monthly averages, PRISM 1991–2020.

Fire restrictions

Set by Mendocino National Forest, Upper Lake Ranger District. Stage 1 and 2 orders change within days -- check the current order before you build a fire.

fs.usda.gov
Sources checked August 2026Something wrong here?