Top Free Dispersed Camping near Annapolis, CA

Searching for the perfect place to dispersed camp near Annapolis? Here you'll find a diverse selection of places to camp, including remote dispersed camping to boondocking, and everything in-between. You're sure to find the perfect dispersed campsite for your California camping adventure.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Annapolis, CA (3)

    Camper-submitted photo from Mayacmas Campground

    1. Mayacmas Campground

    1 Review
    1 Photo
    45 Saves

    Accessibility is not guaranteed, always scout ahead before driving down dirt roads. Learn more: https://www.campendium.com/camping/boondocking-101/

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Clear Lake View Point Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Clear Lake View Point Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Clear Lake View Point Dispersed

    2. Clear Lake View Point Dispersed

    1 Review
    6 Photos
    44 Saves

    Camping on the Mendocino is not limited to developed campgrounds. Most of the forest is open to those who prefer the quiet and solitude of a completely undeveloped setting. This type of camping is called Dispersed Camping. Maps: Anyone planning a dispersed camping trip should invest in a forest map. You not only have to locate a campsite; you will also have to find your way back. Be respectful and know where you are. Length of Stay: For dispersed recreation areas, visitors may camp in the same location outside a one-mile radius of a developed recreation site for 14 days within any 30-day period but no more than 28 cumulative days in any 12-month period. When you go home, leave the forest the way you found it, or better, for the enjoyment of the next visitor. Locating a Dispersed Campsite: Look for an area where you are not likely to damage any forest resources. Before settling on your spot, investigate the surroundings. Locations at the end of a spur road or a pullout that is clear of vegetation and has a hard, compacted surface are usually good spots. Stay on established roadways; do not drive off-road to camp. Never camp in meadows.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Dispersed
    • Alcohol
    • No image available

    Recent Dispersed Reviews In Annapolis

    20 Reviews of 3 Annapolis Campgrounds


    • don L.
      Camper-submitted photo from Lakeview Dispersed Campground
      Oct. 23, 2024

      Lakeview Dispersed Campground

      still nice..

      we used to go hunting up there in the 8os, you should have seen the campground then. really nice, had picnic tables fire pits great place to camp. i was up there a few years ago still looks kind of the same but they took all that out of the campground years ago.. road going in still looks the same..there is an old tree in the campground, people who have neen there will know the tree i mean, looks old low hangin branches, thats where we used to camp..more trash atound now. in 1987 it was clean.. still nice place

    • Jaye S.
      Camper-submitted photo from Lakeview Dispersed Campground
      Sep. 1, 2024

      Lakeview Dispersed Campground

      Decent dispersed site

      Drive up to the site all incline dirt road ~6 miles - we made it up without 4 wheel drive but some areas were a little sketchy. Overall pretty dusty too. Sites themselves were decently maintained, some trash from previous campers but nothing major. This area is a popular for target practice so if the sounds of gunshots throughout the day isn’t your vibe, then this spot might not be suitable. Overall beautiful sunrises and sunsets and starry night sky

    • Steve M.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Clear Lake View Point Dispersed
      Jul. 27, 2024

      Clear Lake View Point Dispersed

      Absolutely not! Nowhere to camp and a terrible road

      As soon as I started going up an extremely steep hill and saw a sign that said not a through street, I should have turned around but it was impossible with my 30-foot car and trailer. I am Bart Upon A frightening , rutted, unmaintained road that is only suitable for off-road vehicles for sick four wheel drives . Barely made it out of there with everything working as it should on car and trailer and actually got stuck at one point and had to use logs to get myself traction. Do not try this and there is nowhere to stop and set up a ten , at all!

    • Robert H.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Lakeview Dispersed Campground
      Jun. 30, 2024

      Lakeview Dispersed Campground

      High Above Clear Lake

      Beautiful spot with some views of the lake. No services, but had cell service (CC). I drove in from the south access to High Valley rd. The road was challenging. It was steep with loose dirt in spots. It was an adventure. I am going to try north access into Lucerne later. (See Google for more info)

    • Stacy L.
      Camper-submitted photo from Lakeview Dispersed Campground
      Jun. 10, 2024

      Lakeview Dispersed Campground

      Awesome dispersed spot

      Super easy to find coming up from the lake. A lot of spots to choose from. There were around 4 or 5 people here already but we were able to find a secluded spot that overlooks the lake. Very peaceful but some traffic sounds at night from the lake towns.

    • M
      Camper-submitted photo from Lakeview Dispersed Campground
      Jun. 3, 2024

      Lakeview Dispersed Campground

      Nice spot

      The gravel roads here are open again and easy to drive on! We drove here from the north. All wheel drive ist helpfull, but we saw some people with a prius up there.

      Small individual places with self-built fireplaces. It was windy in the evening, but that died down during the night and in the morning we had breakfast in the sun in a clearing.

    • iliana A.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from BLM Sheldon Creek
      Apr. 14, 2024

      BLM Sheldon Creek

      Good Free Spot!

      There are 3 sites. Used the trees to help set up a tarp to keep us and our stuff from the rain. Camped in our car. A little muddy but not too bad for our 4Runner. There was a nice little creek and a fire pit. Had the area to ourselves likely due to the rain.

      You might want to be prepared to dig your own toilet though as the toilet set up was completely infested with spiders.

    • Patricia Y.
      Camper-submitted photo from BLM Sheldon Creek
      Oct. 14, 2023

      BLM Sheldon Creek

      Peaceful

      It's not too bad of a road up there. Had deer, butterflies, and humming birds all around us. Babbling brook, cool and comfortable in mid-October. Looking forward to a springtime visit.

    • Patricia Y.
      Camper-submitted photo from Mayacmas Campground
      Oct. 14, 2023

      Mayacmas Campground

      Very steep

      The ride up was rough. The views made it all worth it. The camp site was not an option for me. I need something semi level to navigate.

    • k
      Camper-submitted photo from BLM Sheldon Creek
      Jul. 9, 2023

      BLM Sheldon Creek

      FREE BLM campground - travel trailers not advised

      Tow behinds/trailers not recommended; rough roads and can’t turn back once on the path.

      Otherwise 10/10 for our truck camper, had the place to ourselves for the 4th of July weekend, beautiful fresh water creek running through, great toilet & even a fire pit with abundance of wood around.

      There are about 4/5 sites, only 2 with actual fire pits.

      Please keep it amazing by keeping it clean.

      FREE

    • T
      Camper-submitted photo from Pt Arena Lighthouse BLM
      Sep. 24, 2022

      Pt Arena Lighthouse BLM

      No camping allowed

      We drove 5 hours to get to this what we thought would be a beautiful ocean view site only to find NO CAMPING signs all over the place. Do not come here and expect to camp

    • C
      Camper-submitted photo from BLM Sheldon Creek
      Aug. 9, 2022

      BLM Sheldon Creek

      Pleasant BLM camping, hot in the summer.

      A decent drive off the highway, but a good one. A few nice views. Google maps will not get you there, we followed the directions on this page.

      Only 2 spots up here, maybe 3. But we had it to ourselves on a weeknight. The Bathroom (vault toilet) had toilet paper. There was some water in the creek, but it wasn’t super easy to access. 

      The site itself is nothing special, just a couple of pullouts in the woods. Probably very hot during the day since you’re up on a ridge. Can’t beat free though.

    • allison W.
      Camper-submitted photo from Pt Arena Lighthouse BLM
      Aug. 6, 2022

      Pt Arena Lighthouse BLM

      Special place in California

      I love Pt Arena. The lighthouse is historic and has an incredible past; if you are anywhere near here I absolutely recommend stopping by and taking a tour (get ready for stairs). It’s only $5 a person, dogs are welcome on the premises if not inside the actual lighthouse, and there’s a great gift shop. You can also rent the lighthouse keepers quarters, which I’ve never done but seems like it would be a unique experience. I wish I had factored this into my trip, but of course you need to book them way in advance.

      In Pt Arena, you are far from major towns but you have conveniences close at hand and a choice of directions to go, whether it’s down toward Sonoma Valley and the wine country, Point Reyes, or into Anderson Valley (underrated!).

      Camping in this area gives you a special place to kick off into areas that most tourists don’t even know about, or don’t get to see through your eyes because they’re tucked away into posh $500/night B&B accommodations. I woke up early because I had to get back to San Francisco and I had Highway 1 almost all to myself. It was one of the most gorgeous, amazing parts of my entire drive.

    • Summer A.
      Camper-submitted photo from BLM Sheldon Creek
      Jul. 17, 2022

      BLM Sheldon Creek

      Perfect Spot!

      Sheldon Creek is a BLM campsite up a winding dirt/gravel road. We drove a 4WD vehicle, but most cars should be able to handle the journey up. Signs will direct you in the right direction, and lead you to a campground with spots to pitch tents or park/hangout. There are even picnic tables, fire pits, and bathrooms. I didn’t get a chance to check out the bathrooms, but they looked decent. We only had one neighbor who seemed pretty friendly, which was a relief as you’re pretty far out in a remote area. Overall this is a beautiful spot where we felt safe. Would definitely recommend!

    • Aliza  N.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Lakeview Dispersed Campground
      Jan. 22, 2022

      Lakeview Dispersed Campground

      Sooooo windy

      Lovely views of Clear Lake from a clearing on 220 that appears to be an established site. Right at the intersections of 16 N 22 road. Nice big clear, open area. Really….views of the lake and stars are unreal here. BUT….it was so so windy. We camp in a Chevy high top van and the wind was go fierce it was shaking us all over the place in the night. Finally had to move to another spot (that isn’t really a spot) down the road around 4am bc the wind was just too much for us. Also 220 was blocked just after the 16 N 22 road cuts off (heading east) so we had to head back the way we came (on 220 in Nice). Road was dry and packed and clear other than the tree blocking the road. Old burn area so lots of downs and such.



    Guide to Annapolis

    Camping near Annapolis, California, offers a fantastic escape into nature with beautiful landscapes and a variety of campgrounds to choose from. Whether you're looking for a quiet retreat or a family-friendly spot, there's something for everyone.

    What to do:

    • Hiking: Explore the scenic trails around the area. At Hendy Woods State Park Campground, one reviewer mentioned, "The sites are situated among towering redwoods... It was great!" This park is perfect for those who enjoy nature walks and stunning views.
    • Beach Access: Visit the nearby beaches for some sun and surf. A camper at Wright's Beach Campground said, "The location of this campground can’t be beat," highlighting the easy access to the beach.
    • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. A visitor at Gualala Point Regional Park noted, "There is plenty of wildlife to see," making it a great spot for nature enthusiasts.

    What campers like:

    • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. One reviewer at Doran Regional Park mentioned, "The bathrooms were nice and had hot water," which is a big plus for many.
    • Privacy: Many campgrounds offer spacious sites that provide a sense of privacy. A camper at Bodega Dunes Campground shared, "The sites were distant enough to give each camper privacy," making it a peaceful retreat.
    • Friendly Atmosphere: Campers often enjoy the welcoming vibe. A visitor at Hendy Woods State Park Campground said, "The campground host was friendly and respectful," which adds to the overall experience.

    What you should know:

    • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may lack certain amenities. A reviewer at Woodside Campground pointed out, "Unfortunately no showers, no RV dump station," so plan accordingly.
    • Fog and Weather: Be prepared for coastal fog, especially at night. A camper at Ocean Cove Store and Campground noted, "Coastal fog rolled in at night and cleared by mid-morning," which can affect visibility.
    • Reservations Recommended: Many popular spots fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons. A visitor at Doran Regional Park mentioned, "It sucks that so many people go here now," emphasizing the need to book in advance.

    Tips for camping with families:

    • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with activities for kids. A parent at Manchester Beach / Mendocino Coast KOA said, "The site has 2 parks, trails, pool/hot tub," making it a great choice for families.
    • Spacious Campsites: Choose campgrounds with larger sites for family gatherings. A camper at Casini Ranch Family Campground noted, "Campsites are decently spaced for the type of campground," which is ideal for families needing extra room.
    • Plan for Meals: Bring easy-to-cook meals or snacks. A visitor at Kelsey Creek Campground mentioned, "The bathrooms were clean, but I showered at the back of my van," suggesting that some families might prefer cooking at their sites.

    Tips from RVers:

    • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Hendy Woods State Park Campground said, "The road through the campground is tight," which can be tricky for larger rigs.
    • Bring Extra Supplies: Stock up on essentials before arriving. A camper at Gualala Point Regional Park mentioned, "The camp host sells firewood," but it's good to have your own just in case.
    • Know Your Connections: Be aware that some campgrounds may not have electric hookups. A visitor at Woodside Campground noted, "No hookups but water is available nearby," so plan your power needs accordingly.

    Camping near Annapolis, California, offers a mix of adventure and relaxation, making it a great destination for all types of campers.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Annapolis, CA?

      According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Annapolis, CA is Mayacmas Campground with a 2-star rating from 1 review.

    • What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Annapolis, CA?

      TheDyrt.com has all 3 dispersed camping locations near Annapolis, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.