Best Dispersed Camping near Bodega Bay, CA
Dispersed camping near Bodega Bay, California includes several free options on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land. BLM Sheldon Creek provides primitive camping opportunities about an hour inland from the coast. Additional dispersed camping can be found at Cow Mountain Recreation Area near Lakeport and Smittle Creek near Lake Berryessa. These areas offer varying levels of remoteness and natural settings for campers seeking alternatives to developed campgrounds.
Access to these dispersed camping areas requires careful navigation. The road to Sheldon Creek consists of winding dirt and gravel paths suitable for most vehicles, though high-clearance is recommended. Travel trailers and tow-behinds are not advised due to the rough roads and limited turnaround space. Cow Mountain Recreation Area demands capable vehicles prepared for rugged terrain. Smittle Creek is accessible primarily by boat or hiking trail. Most sites feature vault toilets but lack drinking water, electricity, and other amenities typical of developed campgrounds. Fire regulations vary seasonally, with some areas permitting campfires in established fire rings.
These primitive camping areas provide solitude amid natural surroundings, with wildlife viewing opportunities and water features enhancing the experience. Sheldon Creek features a babbling brook that flows through a wooded setting where visitors report seeing deer, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Campers should come prepared with supplies as amenities are minimal. Reviews indicate sites can accommodate small groups with limited parking. "As long as you have a capable vehicle and are prepared to provide for your own needs, you'll be ready for Cow," notes one review of Cow Mountain. Campers should practice Leave No Trace principles, as recent reviews mention trash problems at some locations. "This sweet little spot is a paddle boarding and fishing dream," describes a review of the primitive site where Smittle Creek flows into Lake Berryessa.
