South Cow Mountain OHV Management Area

Overview

The South Cow Mountain OHV Management Area is located within the Mayacamas Mountains, east of the city of Ukiah and west of the city of Lakeport, in Northwestern California. The area offers beautiful views of Ukiah and Lake County; pockets of old-growth fir; several species of oak; willows; over 31 miles of stream; 13 reservoirs; and habitat for blacktail deer, bear, wild turkey, and other upland species.

South Cow Mountain OHV Management Area consists of approximately 23,000 acres of public land that is managed for off-highway vehicle (OHV) use.

There are two developed OHV staging areas within South Cow Mountain with graveled access roads accessible by two-wheel drive vehicles. Access roads into these areas are narrow and winding. Travel trailers and large recreational vehicles are not recommended.

Vehicle use within the recreation area is limited to the 94 miles of designated roads and trails and is appropriate for motorcycle, Off-Highway Vehicles (OHV), and 4-wheel drive vehicles. The trails are marked with numbered signs displaying difficulty ratings (ranging from easy to extremely difficult) and the recommended vehicle type depending on the width of the trail.

Operation and maintenance of the facilities, roads and trails within the South Cow Mountain OHV Management Area are funded in part, by the State of California Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division. 

For more information or to review current and past OHV grants, visit: California State Parks Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation

Click here to comment on our California State Parks OHV grant preliminary applications. The public comment period will be open from March 5, 2024 to May 6, 2024.

For information about ATV safety, visit: ATV Safety Institute

For safety information or Recreational Vehicle training, visit: Recreational Off-highway Vehicle Association

Emergency Information:

• In case of an emergency call 9-1-1
• Mendocino County Sheriff (707) 463-4411
• Lake County Sheriff (707) 272-4200

Staging Areas and Campgrounds 

Westside Staging Area 

• Vault toilets 
• Double unloading ramp 
• Bulletin board with OHV and area information 
• Trash receptacles 
• Four picnic sites with picnic tables and barbecues
• Overflow parking

Oakwood Springs Staging Area 

• Vault toilet
• Bulletin board with OHV and area information
• Trash receptacles 
• Three sites with picnic tables and barbecues

Red Mountain Campground 

• Vault toilets
• Ten campsites with picnic tables, fire rings, and barbecues
• Group campsite with picnic tables, fire rings, and barbecues
• Trash receptacles
• Bulletin board with OHV and area information

Buckhorn Campground 

• Vault toilet
• Trash receptacles
• Four campsites with picnic tables, fire rings, and barbecues

Camping

Dispersed camping is allowed throughout South Cow Mountain; however all vehicles must remain on designated routes and trails. The campgrounds afford level parking, barbecues, fire pits, and picnic tables. Camping near springs or guzzlers will prevent wildlife from using the water source. To insure you do not displace wildlife and livestock camp at least 300 yards from any water source. No potable water is available within the recreation area.

Campfires

Campfires are allowed within South 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, call BLM Ukiah Field Office at (707) 468-4000. 

California campfire permits are available free online at https://www.readyforwildfire.org/permits/campfire-permit/ or at all BLM, U.S. Forest Service and Cal Fire offices.

For updates, a complete list of restrictions, including an interactive map, please visit the BLM California Fire Restrictions.

Hunting and Shooting

Hunting is a popular activity throughout South Cow Mountain. Please share the area and watch for OHV riders when hunting in the area. Target shooting is prohibited. The closest designated shooting area is a