Best Dispersed Camping near Anderson, CA
Dispersed camping areas near Anderson, California include several free sites managed by the Bureau of Land Management and National Forest Service. Perry Riffle Trailhead offers primitive camping with drive-in access to the Sacramento River, while Cline Gulch BLM Dispersed provides free camping along gravel roads roughly 45 minutes from Redding. Other options include sites in Lassen National Forest, particularly in the vicinity of Christie Hill Basecamp and several dispersed camping zones near Lassen Volcanic National Park, such as 31N17N North Manzanita and Big Pine Dispersed areas.
Many access roads require careful navigation, with conditions ranging from maintained gravel to rough dirt roads with low-hanging branches. Cline Gulch features a narrow one-lane bridge leading to camping areas along a creek. Most sites have no amenities - no water, toilets, or trash service. Perry Riffle Trailhead is an exception with pit toilets and regular management presence. Fire regulations vary by location and season, with several areas allowing campfires in established rings while others prohibit fires entirely. The standard camping limit in most BLM areas is 14 days within a 365-day period, strictly enforced at some locations like Perry Riffle.
These primitive camping locations provide varying levels of seclusion and natural features. Sites along Trinity Lake offer lakeside camping, while several areas feature creekside spots with the sounds of running water. Big Pine Dispersed Camping receives particularly strong feedback for its creek access and spacious sites. "Best dispersed camping near Lassen. Area is clean with amazing creek side sites, fire pits, and plenty of space between," noted one camper. Near Lassen National Park, the Christie Hill area provides high-clearance vehicle access just minutes from the park's southern entrance. Cell service is limited or non-existent at most sites, with campers reporting "Zero cell service" at Cline Gulch and minimal coverage at other locations.
