About this site

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

BLM · Bureau of Land Management

North Cow Mountain Recreation Area

PASSLANDS ✦ AMBIGUOUS SEE THE SOURCE CHECK

Maybe — confirm before you go.

This Bureau of Land Management site may charge a fee your pass covers — confirm before you go.

Where it is
39.1517, -123.0748
Get directions
Camp at North Cow Mountain Recreation Area This site has campsites you can reserve online. Check availability and book directly on Recreation.gov.
Find & book campsites

Common questions

Quick Yes / No / Depends answers for North Cow Mountain Recreation Area — always confirm with the managing site before you go.

Depends Does the America the Beautiful pass work here?

Maybe — This Bureau of Land Management site may charge a fee your pass covers — confirm before you go. Check with the managing agency before you go.

Yes Can you kayak, paddle, or boat here?

Yes — there’s water for boating and paddling at North Cow Mountain Recreation Area. Hand-launched craft usually need no permit; motorized boats may need registration or a launch fee.

Yes Can you camp at North Cow Mountain Recreation Area?

Yes — camping is available. Reserve ahead where required; you can check availability on Recreation.gov.

Depends Can you have a campfire?

Sometimes — campfires are subject to seasonal fire restrictions and bans. Always check current fire conditions first.

Yes Are there hiking trails?

Yes — trails here include Glen Eden Trail, Trail 3 - Lion's Ridge (Black/Black/Black), Valley View Trail. Check length and difficulty before you go.

Depends Is hunting allowed?

Yes — hunting is permitted here in season, with the required state license and tags. Check seasons and unit rules.

Yes Can you bring a dog?

Generally yes — dogs are welcome when kept under control (usually leashed). Confirm any local rules.

Depends Are drones allowed?

Sometimes — often allowed away from wilderness and developed or crowded areas, with rules. Check locally before you fly.

Nearby sites

Bureau of Land Management

South Cow Mountain OHV Management Area

Check

This Bureau of Land Management site may charge a fee your pass covers — confirm before you go.

CampingHuntingOff Highway Vehicle
CA · Fee unknown
Mendocino Lake Bob Dass / CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Mendocino Lake

Check

Army Corps site — the pass gives 50% off day-use fees only and never covers camping. Confirm at the gate.

BoatingCampingHiking
CA · Fee unknown
Cow Mountain Recreation Management Area Thomas Delgado, United States Bureau of Land Management Volu / Public domain · Wikimedia Commons Bureau of Land Management

Cow Mountain Recreation Management Area

Check

This Bureau of Land Management site may charge a fee your pass covers — confirm before you go.

Auto TouringBikingCamping
CA · Fee unknown
Bureau of Land Management

Red Elephant Mine Trail

Check

This Bureau of Land Management site may charge a fee your pass covers — confirm before you go.

BikingCampingOff Highway Vehicle
CA · Fee unknown