Best Dispersed Camping near Blue Lake, CA

Lacks Creek BLM manages several dispersed camping areas approximately 40 minutes from Blue Lake, providing free primitive camping options on public land. These backcountry sites include established camping zones with fire rings and some basic amenities. Most sites are located along Pine Ridge Road after traveling through winding dirt roads. Lacks Creek BLM Recreation Area offers the most developed dispersed camping experience, while more remote options exist at Redwood Creek Dispersed Camp within Redwood National Park, which requires permits for overnight stays.

Access to Lacks Creek BLM involves navigating rough gravel roads with potentially challenging conditions for low-clearance vehicles. The journey requires driving east on Highway 299, turning onto Bair Road, then following a winding gravel road for approximately 6 miles. Many visitors report that standard vehicles can complete the journey, though slowly. No drinking water is available at any of the dispersed sites, and campers must pack out all trash. Fire restrictions may apply seasonally, and campers should check current regulations before planning trips with campfires.

The dispersed camping areas provide scenic wilderness experiences with hiking and mountain biking trails accessible directly from campsites. A recent review noted, "Clean, level, spacious campground sites, close together trees so you can hang a hammock, hilltop view, pristine feel." Cell service varies significantly by carrier, with some visitors reporting no Verizon coverage while others mention good AT&T reception. Visitors should be prepared for ticks during warmer months. The sites feature picnic tables and fire rings at established locations, and vault toilets are available at some sites. While the drive in can be challenging, most reviewers consider the remote setting and natural beauty worth the effort.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Blue Lake, California (6)

    1. Lacks Creek BLM

    20 Reviews
    Hoopa, CA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 825-2300

    "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."

    "The whole BLM management area is well developed and has signs to guide you. There are spots all along pine ridge road. Campsites have picnic tables and fire rings."

    3. 44 Backcountry Camp — Redwood National Park

    1 Review
    Orick, CA
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 464-6101

    "It is located up the hill from the sign announcing it along the trail, look carefully if like me you've night hiked to get here."

    4. Redwood Creek Dispersed Camp

    4 Reviews
    Orick, CA
    26 miles
    Website

    "Dispersed camping along the river banks after walking through the Tall Trees hike. Easy overnighter."

    "but be prepared, you will be camping next to a creek on top of rocks. if you have a sleeping pad, this is no problem. if not, be aware. Next, you WILL cross a creek! the rocks are PAINFUL!"

    5. Groves Prairie Dispersed Camp

    2 Reviews
    Willow Creek, CA
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 629-2118

    "Both ways are via forest service roads that are "fair".  There are 3 sites, each with a picnic table and fire ring.  There is one vault toilet that was stocked with 'the papers'. "

    "There is a beautiful little creek right next to the campsite."

    6. Aikens Creek Recreation Area

    1 Review
    Orleans, CA
    30 miles

    "But it still has camp sites and a little further in there is dispersed very close to the river. It was secluded and great."

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Blue Lake, CA

18 Photos of 6 Blue Lake Campgrounds


Dispersed Camping Reviews near Blue Lake, CA

28 Reviews of 6 Blue Lake Campgrounds


  • matt R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 13, 2023

    Lacks Creek BLM

    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.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 29, 2025

    Lacks Creek BLM

    Great Spot

    Not much more to say that others haven’t. Clean, with a beautiful view. The whole BLM management area is well developed and has signs to guide you. There are spots all along pine ridge road. Campsites have picnic tables and fire rings.

  • rThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 13, 2025

    Lacks Creek BLM

    Lacks creek blm

    Clean great view the gps was wrong it took me past the turn off and sent me to private property with a locked gate so at the top of the hill look for a clearly marked sign on the left turn up the hill when you get to the intersection take the road to the right and go up the hill I went past the first site and got on top there are three sites in a row and a bathroom at the end

  • Greg B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 12, 2024

    Groves Prairie Dispersed Camp

    Secluded & beautiful Meadow

    This secluded camp is well worth the effort to find.  I've been 3 times and finally decided to add it to The Dyrt.  Upon this return, I tried to find it online (Six Rivers's official site) but found no info.  There are two ways to this camp, the longer from Willow Creek, or the shorter from Hawkins Bar.  Both ways are via forest service roads that are "fair".  There are 3 sites, each with a picnic table and fire ring.  There is one vault toilet that was stocked with 'the papers'.  There is NO trash service or cans and NO POTABLE WATER.  There is a tiny creek running nearby if needed.  There is MAYBE one (1) bar of Verizon service, but it is extremely unreliable.  I came here to see the Perseids Meteor Shower, on a Sunday night/Monday, and did not see a soul.

  • Kalah H.
    Sep. 18, 2024

    Lacks Creek BLM

    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

  • Toni  K.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 14, 2021

    BLM Dispersed Camping - Lacks Creek

    Free BLM land

    Pretty far drive off a dirt road. The camp spot does have fire rings. There’s a nice running/bike path right in the camp ground. However, there are a lot of ticks. Be careful if you have any animals. 

    Also saw wild horses driving up!

    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.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 26, 2025

    Redwood Creek Dispersed Camp

    Unable to access

    Access road is gated after a couple of miles, so unable to even get close.

  • Hannah A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 31, 2024

    Lacks Creek BLM

    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

  • Jon E.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 7, 2025

    BLM Dispersed Camping - Lacks Creek

    Ticks

    BLM land with good signs and maps. The Lacks Creek campground (left turn at the 3-way) is just a gravel parking area. No creek water in early June but lots of ticks. Very hot too. We left after 30 minutes and 6 ticks.


Guide to Blue Lake

Dispersed camping near Blue Lake, California provides primitive overnight options on public lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management and National Park Service. The area features elevations ranging from 2,000-4,000 feet with a mixed conifer forest ecosystem. Seasonal temperature variations create ideal camping conditions from late spring through early fall, though summer months can bring higher visitation to established sites.

What to do

Mountain biking trails: The Lacks Creek BLM area features well-developed trail systems accessible directly from campsites. "There's a nice running/bike path right in the camp ground," notes one visitor, though they caution about ticks in warmer months.

Wildlife viewing: Early mornings at dispersed camping areas offer opportunities to spot local wildlife. Near Groves Prairie Dispersed Camp, campers report encounters with deer. "We did have a few deer walking through our campsite through the middle of the night," one reviewer shared from their stay at this secluded meadow location.

Stargazing: The remote location with minimal light pollution creates excellent night sky viewing. "I came here to see the Perseids Meteor Shower, on a Sunday night/Monday, and did not see a soul," reports a visitor to Groves Prairie, highlighting the isolation that allows for exceptional astronomical viewing.

What campers like

Remote settings: The drive-in dispersed sites provide privacy and natural surroundings. A camper at Aikens Creek Recreation Area appreciated that "it was secluded and great," describing it as a former National Forest campground that "still has camp sites and a little further in there is dispersed very close to the river."

Picnic facilities: Several established sites maintain basic infrastructure. At BLM Dispersed Camping - Lacks Creek, campers find "fire rings" at designated sites, with one visitor noting it "seems nice especially since there's a bathroom and picnic tables as it's a trailhead."

Creek access: Proximity to water features adds appeal to rustic camping sites. "There is a beautiful little creek right next to the campsite," writes one visitor about Groves Prairie Camp, providing natural ambience and a potential water source for filtering.

What you should know

Road conditions: Access roads to dispersed camping areas require careful navigation. A visitor to Redwood Creek Dispersed Camp advises, "GO TO THE WEBSITE!! if you want to camp here, you MUST get a free permit on the website listed on here. If you do not, you will find yourself at a locked gate you cannot enter."

Connectivity concerns: Cell service varies significantly at rustic camping areas near Blue Lake. At BLM Dispersed Camping - Lacks Creek, a camper reports, "I was planning on staying here but had no service for miles with Verizon. Not just spotty service, literally nothing until I drove back down 15 minutes and camped on a road turnout."

Creek crossings: Some sites require water crossings that demand preparation. For Redwood Creek Dispersed Camp, a reviewer warns, "You WILL cross a creek! The rocks are PAINFUL! Bring your sandals! We did not and that part sucked."

Tips for camping with families

Wildlife precautions: Prepare children for wildlife encounters at rustic camping spots near Blue Lake. At 44 Backcountry Camp in Redwood National Park, bear lockers are available - "There are 4 picnic tables between what seem to be 3 sites each with a fire ring. 2 bear lockers are available for the whole site."

Insect awareness: Families should pack appropriate protection against insects, particularly during warmer months. At Lacks Creek, a visitor warned that there were "lots of ticks. Very hot too. We left after 30 minutes and 6 ticks," highlighting the importance of regular tick checks for children.

Hiking considerations: When planning family hikes from camp, consider terrain and distance. For Redwood Creek Dispersed Camp, a camper notes the terrain is "downhill for the trek to the campsite (which means uphill back to your car) but it is SO worth it."

Tips from RVers

Vehicle clearance limitations: Many rustic camping sites near Blue Lake have access restrictions. One visitor to Redwood Creek Dispersed Camp clarifies, "We didn't end up going because it is NOT RV friendly. You have to hike in with your tent."

Road navigation challenges: RV drivers should research routes carefully before attempting access. A visitor to Lacks Creek BLM reports, "Tried to camp here with a 20ft travel trailer and I turned around before I even made it to the gravel road. Road is narrow and steep with low hanging trees."

Successful smaller setups: Some sites accommodate modest campers with proper planning. At Lacks Creek BLM, a camper shares, "We even pulled up our rear drop camper and had no issues at all," demonstrating that smaller, more maneuverable setups can access certain sites.

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at Blue Lake dispersed campground?

Blue Lake dispersed campground offers minimal amenities typical of dispersed camping areas. For reference, BLM Dispersed Camping - Lacks Creek provides basic amenities such as established fire rings and some sites have picnic tables. There are no water sources available, so campers must bring all their own water. Bathroom facilities are limited or non-existent at most sites. Some areas may have running/biking paths nearby. Cell service varies but AT&T users report decent coverage in certain locations. Prepare for a true primitive camping experience with no garbage service, hookups, or other conveniences.

Are there any BLM regulations for dispersed camping at Blue Lake?

BLM dispersed camping at Blue Lake follows standard regulations: camping is limited to 14 days within a 28-day period, and you must camp in established sites where available. At Redwood Creek Dispersed Camp and similar BLM areas, permits are often required. These free permits can be obtained through the official website or local ranger stations. Practice Leave No Trace principles by packing out all trash. Campfires are only permitted in established fire rings and may be prohibited during high fire danger. Keep vehicles on designated roads and camp at least 200 feet from water sources. Always check current regulations before your trip.

How do I access the Blue Lakes Road dispersed camping areas?

To access Blue Lakes Road dispersed camping areas, look for clearly marked BLM signs and follow established dirt roads to designated camping spots. For comparison, Groves Prairie Dispersed Camp requires some effort to locate but offers secluded camping worth the journey. Access is typically via dirt or gravel roads that may be bumpy and challenging in wet conditions. There are usually multiple routes to reach these areas. Some dispersed sites may be located at the end of access roads, while others might be found along the way. A high-clearance vehicle is recommended, especially after rain or during spring thaw.

Where is the Blue Lake dispersed campground located?

Blue Lake dispersed campground is located in Northern California's BLM-managed lands. For similar dispersed camping experiences in the region, Lacks Creek BLM is situated about 17.8 miles east of Highway 101 on Highway 299. The area features secluded sites with beautiful views accessible via Pine Ridge Road. GPS coordinates can sometimes be misleading, so look for clearly marked BLM signs to guide you to the designated camping areas. The region offers scenic landscapes typical of Northern California's backcountry camping areas.