Valentine Ridge-Cold Springs (FR M22) in CA -- Free Camping & Overnight Parking in California

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Valentine Ridge-Cold Springs (FR M22) in CA

Mendocino NF, Grindstone Ranger District
6,572 ft
Maps
Overnight camping allowedRUTTED
VerizonNONE
AT&TNONE
T-MobileUSABLE
StarlinkGOOD

A 20.0-mile stretch of graded dirt National Forest road in Tehama County, CA. The road serves Horsepacker.

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

4.3 of the 20 miles in are maintained only for high-clearance vehicles. Mostly graded dirt, with 6.6 miles of dirt. Climbs 3,500 ft over 20 miles -- sustained grades near 12%, with pitches to 20%. Stretches run along a shelf with a drop of up to ~140 ft on the downhill side. Winds through 15 switchbacks. Dead-ends 1.6 miles in -- mapped turnaround at the end.

Mount Linn stands 1,515 ft above the site, 1.8 miles west. Harding Spring lies 0.9 mi off. Travellers have camped along here. The nearest town, Covelo, is 28 mi off.

September normals 47–70°F, 0.2″ rain. Monthly averages, PRISM 1991–2020.

Nearby Spots
Thistle Glade in CACampground44.7miPine MTN (FR 18N05) in CAForest Road Road45.0miSt John (FR 18N06) in CAForest Road Road46.3miLog Ridge (FR 18N14) in CADispersed Camping46.3miBenmore Spur A (FR 18N42) in CADispersed Camping46.4mi
Fire restrictions

Set by Mendocino National Forest, Grindstone 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?