Fossil Falls Dry Lake Bed, near Little Lake, California, is a unique spot for those who appreciate the raw beauty of nature. This area offers a wide-open space for dispersed camping, where you can set up your tent among stunning volcanic rock formations and cracked earth, making it a perfect backdrop for your outdoor adventures.

Visitors rave about the spacious sites, each equipped with picnic tables and fire pits, ideal for evening gatherings. The lack of amenities means you’ll need to pack in what you need and pack out your trash, but many campers find the trade-off worth it for the peace and quiet. As one camper noted, “Great place to be, water, reception and camping places spread out.”

If you’re up for some exploration, the surrounding landscape is perfect for biking or just wandering around. The area is known for its beautiful views, especially at sunset, and the starry nights are something to behold. One reviewer mentioned, “The black dirt and yellow grass make this a magical place to wake up.” 

While there are no showers or drinking water, the location is pet-friendly, so feel free to bring your furry friends along for the adventure. Just be prepared for some dust and wind, as it can get a bit breezy. Whether you’re looking for solitude or a place to enjoy with family and friends, Fossil Falls offers a memorable camping experience in a truly remarkable setting.

Fossil Falls dry lake bed

The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Little Lake. Little Lake is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Little Lake. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.

Little Lake

The Best Camping Near Little Lake, California

This place is so odd. The attraction is a dry water fall (not a lake bed) that formed when the last ice age was ending and a river formed from melting ice but the river was jostled by volcanic and earthquake activity when caused the river to become a water fall. It has since dried up like most of this part of the country and most of the remaining ice age water is trapped below, coming up as ‘fossil water’ in springs. The fossil falls rocks are basalt mostly but have been pummeled by water and have smoothed and eroded. There’s also said to be obsidian flakes on the area. 

Anyway, this campground is simple/primitive but has excellent cell service, low prices, and an interesting attraction.

Good cell service, odd rocks

$6 camping. The volcanic river bed and falls area were very cool to explore and learn about. 

Other worldly

The black dirt and yellow grass make this a magical place to wake up. Cell service was good enough that I stayed parked here for the work day. Only 4 RV accessible sites but there was no one else here the Thursday night I stayed. 

Sweet

Almost no people, some night we were completely alone. Due to Covid, restroom are closed.  Water station is just for filling up a container, no hose connection.  
Very spacious sites. Picnic table and fire pit ring

Love this place!

Very beautiful campground. Cannot camp there overnight currently because of covid. However, it’s still a nice place to spend the day with picnic tables, restrooms, and fire pits. Views are gorgeous.

Beautiful

March 5-6, 2021

  

This area is pretty trippy going from volcanic rock and flows to various brush to the dry, beautifully cracked dirt. We landed here and drove thru the FF campground, which we knew was closed but wanted to check it out, and pulled out onto the dry lake bed area to spend the night. 

  

At first, we weren't sure if we liked it but after we set up and took a long walk around the area, we were digging it. Perfect for bike or dirt scooter riding or just running around on the lake bed. Perfect for dogs and kids. Gets dusty so your rig will get a bit dirty. It can get windy but we had a great night. The road is maintained but a smidge bumpy and uneven but should be easy for most cars. Area was quiet and no very little trash. Great to watch the light change the hillsides. 

  

Verizon cell service was great and stars were bright. Saw a jackrabbit while there...thank goodness my dog didn't see him! HA!

  

Disbursed so no amenities so please pack in, pack out. Happy Camping!

Very cool find.

Great place to be, water, reception and camping places spread out, each with a table and a fireplace.

Great place!

This is a nice and flat area just off the 395 freeway plenty of room for large rigs. I set up and was at the base of the old volcano. I was only there for one night got super windy around 1 AM and never stopped the entire evening other than that there are some pretty unique views.

Nice and flat, easy to get to

Overnight stay driving through.  Easy access. Level parking areas. I stopped close to 395 &amp; had no noise from road. Slept well with strong night winds. 

Easy access 

All the space you’d want. All the service you need. Super accessible. Make sure your stuff is tied down tight. Upwards for 40mph thought my roof rack was a goner 

Great spot, very windy 

Short drive from 395 and once the road became dirt it was easily navigable in our Promaster.  No one else there.  Nice wide open views.  It was extremely windy with 50+mph gusts which calmed after the sun went down.  

Photos of Fossil Falls dry lake bed

Real photos from real campers