Hole In The Ground Campground

Down a few miles of dirt road, this spot is definitely off the beaten path. It's first-come, first-served, and generally empty during the week. Holidays weekends can be busy. The turnoff is clearly market, about a half mile west of the Mill Creek Resort (where you can get basic groceries and sandwiches and beer/wine), off of Highway 172. There is also a restaurant and somewhat larger grocery in Mineral at the west end of 172, and Highlands Resort (the nicest restaurant in the area) near the east end of 172.

All sites are right next to Mill Creek, which has some excellent catch-and-release fly fishing. Altitude is about 4500', and there are big trees throughout the area: incense cedar, ponderosa, sugar and white pine, and doug fir.. Water from the creek is excellent, though of course you should boil or filter it. There is a pit toilet, benches and fire circles for a dozen or so camp sites. Some can accommodate a modest sized RV, others are only tent camping. Trails go both up and down the creek, and there is a swimming hole down the creek not far away.

Be aware that fires may be restricted from June through the first rains of October. Nearby Mill Creek has more than a hundred cabins owned by local families, and folks are very careful during fire season.

This was part of the Yahi native American tribe's range, and if you've read about Ishi, the last native American indian to emerge from the wild in the early 20th century, you will know a bit about the area.