Lower Deer Valley (FR 16N20) in CA -- Free Camping & Overnight Parking in California

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Lower Deer Valley (FR 16N20) in CA

Mendocino NF, Upper Lake Ranger District
2,731 ft
Maps
Overnight camping allowedRUTTED
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A 4.0-mile stretch of dirt National Forest road in Lake County, CA. The road serves Elk Mountain.

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

All 4 miles in are maintained only for high-clearance vehicles. Dirt the whole way in (4 miles). Climbs 1,100 ft over 4 miles -- sustained grades near 12%, with pitches to 16%. Stretches run along a shelf with a drop of up to ~150 ft on the downhill side. Little level ground alongside -- few of the stretches measured have a flat spot to pull onto. Winds through 4 switchbacks.

Elk Mountain stands 1,456 ft above the site, 1.0 miles northwest. Exposed here -- the nearest through road is 0.0 miles off. East Fork Middle Creek runs 1.2 mi off. Travellers have camped along here. The nearest town, Nice, is 11 mi off.

September normals 6382°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?