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Free Camping Collection

Dispersed Camping

Lacks Creek BLM

Lacks Creek BLM, near the California coast, is a fantastic spot for those who love the great outdoors and want to escape the hustle and bustle. This area offers a unique camping experience with clean, spacious sites surrounded by trees, perfect for hanging a hammock and soaking in the serene atmosphere.

Visitors rave about the stunning views and the peacefulness of the location. One camper described it as “paradise,” highlighting the solitude and the chance to truly unwind. The area is great for hiking and mountain biking, with trails that cater to various skill levels. Just be prepared for some pesky mosquitoes during certain times of the year!

While there are no trash cans or water hookups, campers appreciate the simplicity of the site, which includes fire pits and a bathroom. Just remember to pack out what you pack in—keeping this beautiful area clean is crucial for everyone’s enjoyment. If you’re looking for a quiet getaway with a touch of adventure, Lacks Creek BLM is definitely worth checking out.

Description

Bureau of Land Management

Lacks Creek is a recreational treasure hidden in the coast range and offers a wide range of outdoor opportunities. Ride your horse or bike along the shared use trails, or find your own secluded campsite with a view. Lacks Creek is located in California's northern Coast Range, approximately 15 miles inland from the Pacific Ocean. The area is in Humboldt County, approximately 20 miles northeast of Eureka. The management area includes 8,673 acres of BLM managed public lands 7,377 acres are within the Lacks Creek watershed, with the other acreage made up of contiguous lands. The management area is surrounded by large private land timber holdings, and the region contains some of the most productive and intensively managed commercial forest lands in the United States. The immediate area is sparsely populated with scattered ranches in adjacent Redwood Valley.

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Location

Lacks Creek BLM is located in California

Detail location of campground

Directions

Drive east on Highway 299 for 17.8 miles from Highway 101. Turn left at the Redwood Valley turn off (Bair Road) and travel 3.9 miles. Make a right turn at the sign that reads "Hoopa - 22 miles", and travel 5.9 miles up this windy gravel road. The entrance is a left turn. For a map, click here. For current road conditions please do not hesitate to call the Arcata Field Office at (707) 825-2300.

Coordinates

41.00558592097947 N
123.78440881013779 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Good
  • Verizon
    Available
  • AT&T
    Unknown
  • T-Mobile
    Unknown

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Dispersed
  • Group
  • Equestrian

Features

For Campers

  • Phone Service
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

DISPERSED CAMPING

Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.


PERMIT might be REQUIRED

We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Lacks Creek BLM needs a permit.


Reviews

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10 Reviews

Reviewed Nov. 5, 2024

Absolutely Amazing Spot!

Don’t be confused when you arrive and head up the hill where you’ll find camping spots. Even has an area with picnic tables under the trees.

A great spot overall and a nice drive up. We were there when it rained all day one of our days and it didn’t affect the roads much.

We even pulled up our rear drop camper and had no issues at all.

Month of VisitNovember
Reviewed Sep. 18, 2024

Amazing place to stay for free with hikes close by

I loved staying at lacks creek! I had good cell service with att and it was beautiful, quiet and serene. Hikes right by the campsites. Fire pit. No water at all though. Bring your own water. And no bathroom unless you drive like 3 miles down the other way and some of the roads weren't open due to landslides. I drove my honda civic all the way up there. There was a few points I thought I wouldn't make it but sure enough my good ol honda pushed through. Lol Anyways! Highly recommend! Just bring water! Lol

Sitefirst one on right. number 1?
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Lacks Creek BLM by Kalah H., September 18, 2024
  • Review photo of Lacks Creek BLM by Kalah H., September 18, 2024
  • Review photo of Lacks Creek BLM by Kalah H., September 18, 2024
Reviewed Jul. 31, 2024

Camping

Other than the long bumpy dirt road this site was great! Easy to find and great views. Had pretty good cell service with AT&T. Very quiet

Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Lacks Creek BLM by Hannah A., July 31, 2024
  • Review photo of Lacks Creek BLM by Hannah A., July 31, 2024
Reviewed Jul. 8, 2024

Confusing

Beautiful area, cool drive in. But the map on here is misleading… Follow Pine Ridge Road all the way till you hit dispersed sites with picnic tables and fire pits on the right.

(41.0051476, -123.7848194)

Sitenot marked
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Lacks Creek BLM by Mateo G., July 8, 2024
Reviewed Jul. 5, 2024

Embrace of forest

Clean, level, spacious campground sites, close together trees so you can hang a hammock, hilltop view, pristine feel. Deep grateful breath. Gaia happy here.

SiteWasn't labeled. One of the group of four.
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Lacks Creek BLM by Kelly V., July 5, 2024
  • Review photo of Lacks Creek BLM by Kelly V., July 5, 2024
  • Review photo of Lacks Creek BLM by Kelly V., July 5, 2024
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Jun. 14, 2024

Great winding drive up

When you get to the area where apple maps says park and walk, just take the pine ridge or whatever trail a couple more miles up. you will pass a single designated camp site( was occupied when I came up). and a ways on past it you will find the Lacks campground! nice little campground and my only complaint is people! Please pack your trash out. the fire pits arent garbage containers. Fruit boxes to soup and beer cans were in almost every fire ring. That’s just irresponsible and is the kind of crap that leads to more and more of these places being closed?

Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Lacks Creek BLM by Joey A., June 14, 2024
Reviewed Nov. 17, 2023

Pretty easy to get to

It was great very peaceful. Only saw one person in the whole time I realize I’m probably going in the off-season thing I went in the middle of November.

SiteI stayed at the first fire ring
Month of VisitNovember
  • Review photo of Lacks Creek BLM by tim M., November 17, 2023
  • Review photo of Lacks Creek BLM by tim M., November 17, 2023
  • Review photo of Lacks Creek BLM by tim M., November 17, 2023
  • (8) View All
Reviewed Sep. 13, 2023

Awesome spot.

Great spot. The site is very secluded and well maintained. Note the gps coordinates take you to the right of the sign at the top of the hill after you turn off the main road. I would recommend going straight. Just follow it to the end. There is three fire pits and a bathroom. That is okay. But it will do. Note there is no trash can on site and the closest gas station is probably an hour from the camp site. After you drive down the dirt roads. They are a little road but any vehicle could make it.

Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Lacks Creek BLM by matt R., September 13, 2023
Reviewed Aug. 14, 2023

Perfect spot

Awesome pull outs on easy terrain. Lots of hiking and mountain bike trails too. Quiet, well maintained spots. Mosquitoes are bad this time of year so prepare well!

Can easily drive a van or pick up. I saw one large trailer here, but there are only 1-2 spots, as corners are too tight as you get higher.

Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Lacks Creek BLM by Julie , August 14, 2023
  • Review photo of Lacks Creek BLM by Julie , August 14, 2023
  • Review photo of Lacks Creek BLM by Julie , August 14, 2023
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Jan. 24, 2021

This review is for Lack Creek, California.

Paradise!! Dispersed Camping at it's finest. Nothing but a Firepit. The Vacation finally started.. Dead battery on car, snowed in, running low on water. Haven't seen someone in along time. This is Paradise! Finally I can relax and start my vacation. Dogs and I are staying warm in a tent. I keep the fire going and I stay warm and dry. If you want an amazing place to camp, bike, hike have some great privacy with a breathtaking view. This is the place for you. The gravel road was intense and make sure you have Chains or 4x4. Or just don't visit the day before an epic snow storm. I give this place five Stars cause of what it is, Paradise!!!

  • Review photo of Lacks Creek BLM by Deleting App D., January 24, 2021
  • Review photo of Lacks Creek BLM by Deleting App D., January 24, 2021
  • Review photo of Lacks Creek BLM by Deleting App D., January 24, 2021
  • (30) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the elevation of Lacks Creek BLM?

    Lacks Creek BLM is located at 2902 feet.

  • Are fires allowed at Lacks Creek BLM?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Lacks Creek BLM, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Does Lacks Creek BLM have wifi?

    No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Lacks Creek BLM does not have wifi.

  • Is there cell phone reception at Lacks Creek BLM?

    According to campers on TheDyrt.com, Verizon signal is available, AT&T is unknown, and T-Mobile is unknown.