Cedar Camp Campground

For those utilizing "Camping Near Me" search queries in the vicinity of Stonyford, California, seeking information on Cedar Camp Campground, it is crucial to present the most current and accurate status of this location. Located on Goat Mountain Rd, Stonyford, CA 95979, USA, Cedar Camp Campground is currently identified as a site that is unfortunately closed and slated for decommissioning.

The information available indicates that Cedar Camp Campground, once a feature of the Mendocino National Forest, has been significantly impacted by natural disasters. Specifically, it is closed due to safety hazards resulting from the 2018 Ranch Fire and the 2020 August Complex. These wildfires caused extensive damage to the area, rendering the campground unsafe for public use. Furthermore, the site is reported to be "Inaccessible due to slides on M5 Road," which is a significant factor contributing to its ongoing closure and the decision to decommission it.

Therefore, any current search for "Camping Near Me" intending to visit Cedar Camp Campground will find it unavailable. This is a critical piece of information for local users and travelers planning outdoor recreation in the Stonyford area. The closure is not temporary; the official statement from the Mendocino National Forest website indicates that the "Campground will be decommissioned."

Historically, when operational, Cedar Camp Campground was situated in a "timber area of mature fir and pine," offering a forested camping environment. It was located within the Stonyford Recreation Area. Access routes, such as "up Trough Ridge or Little Stony Road," were generally "not recommended for trailers," suggesting that even before the fires, the access might have been challenging for larger vehicles. It was typically a primitive camping experience, noted to have "5 tables, fire rings," and specifically "no potable water." Restrooms, likely vault toilets, were mentioned as being available. It was also noted that there was "No garbage collection (pack-it-in, pack-it-out)," emphasizing a leave-no-trace ethic typical of such forest campgrounds.

The operational hours, when the campground was active, included quiet hours from 10:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m. It was generally "closed by weather in winter." Before its closure, it was a public campground operated by the Forest Service, with no fee for camping.

Promotional information regarding Cedar Camp Campground, in its past operational state, would have focused on its rustic, forested setting and its appeal for those seeking a quiet, natural camping experience in the Mendocino National Forest. It would have been a destination for tent campers and those with smaller, more rugged vehicles capable of navigating potentially difficult access roads. Its presence near Goat Mountain also suggests proximity to areas that might have been suitable for off-highway vehicle (OHV) recreation, which is common in national forests. The limited amenities, such as no potable water, would have been a key feature to communicate to potential visitors, requiring them to be self-sufficient.

However, the present reality is that Cedar Camp Campground no longer offers these services or this environment due to the extensive damage and inaccessibility. The phone numbers provided, (209) 962-7825 and +1 209-962-7825, are associated with a different campground (Dimond O Campground) in the provided information, while for Mendocino National Forest inquiries, a general phone number like (530) 963-3128 for the Stonyford Work Center is sometimes listed for similar areas, or (530) 934-3316 for the Supervisor's Office and Grindstone Ranger District. It's important for users to understand that direct contact for a decommissioned site might yield limited specific information about its current status beyond what is publicly stated about its closure.

In conclusion, for anyone searching for "Camping Near Me" and finding listings for Cedar Camp Campground, it is essential to be aware that this site is permanently closed and is in the process of being decommissioned. The devastating impacts of the 2018 Ranch Fire and 2020 August Complex, coupled with road slides, have rendered it unsafe and inaccessible. Therefore, recreationalists looking for camping opportunities in the Stonyford, CA area should explore alternative campgrounds within the Mendocino National Forest or nearby regions that are currently open and operational. This information is critical to prevent wasted trips and to ensure the safety of those planning outdoor activities.

Cedar Camp Campground

Goat Mountain Rd, Stonyford, CA 95979, USA