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A dark green Toyota pickup with a roof tent parked in tall dry grass as mist closes in.

Bureau of Land Management camping area

North Cow Mountain Recreation Area

Bureau of Land Management camping area, Lake County, California. 7 miles from Ukiah.

Managed by
Bureau of Land Management
Reservations
Not reservable Usually first come, first served. Confirm with the office
County
Lake County

The North Cow Mountain Recreation Area is located within the Mayacamas Mountains, east of the city of Ukiah and west of the city of Lakeport, in Northwestern California. The recreation management area consists of approximately 26,000 acres of public land that is managed for non-motorized use. The recreation area boosts almost 30 miles of hiking, biking, and equestrian trails. No off-highway vehicle (OHV) use is permitted on North Cow Mountain. Emergency Information: In case of an emergency call 9-1-1 Mendocino County Sheriff (707) 463-4411 Lake County Sheriff (707) 272-4200

CAMPGROUNDS

Mayacamas Campground Vault toilet Trash receptacles Six sites with picnic tables and barbeques

Goat Rock Campground Two sites with picnic tables and barbeques Can only access campground by hiking or on horseback

CAMPING

Camping is allowed throughout the recreation area, however all vehicles must remain on designated routes and trails. The campgrounds afford level parking, barbeques, fire pits and picnic tables. Camping near springs or guzzlers isn't permitted to protect the water source and to allow access to wildlife. To insure you do not displace wildlife, camp at least 300 yards from any water source.

No potable water is available within the recreation area.

CAMPFIRES

Campfires are allowed within North Cow Mountain provided you have a current campfire permit. Seasonal fire restrictions may prohibit campfires during periods of high fire danger. To check on fire restrictions or to obtain a campfire permit, call BLM Ukiah Field Office at (707) 468-4000.

PRIVATE LANDS

Some sections of the trail pass through private lands. Please obey signs and stay on the trails. Please respect the rights of private land owners and signs posted in these areas.

HUNTING

Hunting is a popular sport throughout North Cow Mountain Recreation Area. Please share the area and watch for other recreation users when hunting in the area.

Target shooting is only permitted at the Shooting Range on North Cow Mountain Recreation Area.

SHOOTING RANGE

Visitors are responsible for knowing area rules and regulations. The regulations are enforceable under U.S. Code of Federal Regulations and violations are punishable with fines up to $1,000 and/or imprisonment for not longer than 12 months.

You must carry out all litter, including expended cartridges, shot shells and targets.

Target shooting is only permitted at the Shooting Range.

The description, directions and fees are the Bureau of Land Management’s own words, from its record on Recreation.gov.

What people do here

  • camping
  • hiking
  • hunting
  • recreational shooting

The land around North Cow Mountain Recreation Area

The ringed pin is this camping area; the others are its nearest neighbours. Switch on forest roads or BLM routes to see the way in.

Map layers

Layers
Base map
Legend

Federal land, by managing agency

  • Bureau of Land Management (BLM)
  • US Forest Service (USFS)
  • National Park Service (NPS)
  • US Fish and Wildlife (USFW)
  • Bureau of Reclamation (USBR)
  • Department Of Defense (DOD)
  • Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA)
  • Other Federal
  • State
  • Local
  • Alaska Native Lands (Patented or Interim Conveyed)
  • Alaska Native Allotment

Federal campgrounds, by agency

  • Forest Service
  • Bureau of Land Management
  • National Park Service
  • Army Corps of Engineers
  • Reclamation, Fish and Wildlife and others

State and local land (USGS PAD-US)

  • State land
  • County and city land
  • Regional agency or district
  • Land trust or conservancy

Gaps with no tint inside public land are private parcels, often old mining claims and homesteads. They are not open to the public.

Dashed clay lines on the base map are unpaved tracks from OpenStreetMap. They show what exists on the ground, not what is legal to drive.

Select any point to see who manages the land.

Boundaries are approximate and land status changes. This map is a planning aid, not a survey or a statement of access. Confirm routes, closures and camping rules with the managing office.

Nearest campgrounds

Camping near

Source: Recreation Information Database (Recreation.gov), record updated April 9, 2026. Elevation from the USGS 3D Elevation Program. Seasons, fees, water and fire rules change; the managing office has the final word.

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