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Best Dispersed Camping near Boonville, CA

30 Reviews

Several BLM-managed dispersed camping areas surround the Boonville region, with BLM Sheldon Creek offering the most developed free camping experience. Located near Hopland, this site provides vault toilets, fire pits, and picnic tables. The access road requires careful navigation as one reviewer noted, "We drove a 4WD vehicle, but most cars should be able to handle the journey up." The site features a seasonal creek and typically has only 3-5 primitive spots.

Cow Mountain Recreation Area near Lakeport offers more rugged dispersed camping options with basic toilet facilities and trash collection. This area is particularly popular with off-road enthusiasts. As one visitor explained, "As long as you have a capable vehicle and are prepared to provide for your own needs, you'll be ready for Cow." Several other primitive camping areas dot the region around Clear Lake, including Lakeview Dispersed Campground and High Valley Road Dispersed, though access roads to these sites are frequently challenging and may require high-clearance or AWD vehicles. Most dispersed sites in the region have limited capacity and are best suited for tent camping or small rigs.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Boonville, California (9)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Boonville, CA

10 Photos of 9 Boonville Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Boonville, CA

30 Reviews of 9 Boonville Campgrounds

  • C
    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.

  • kThe Dyrt PRO User
    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

  • Summer A.
    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!

  • Jaye S.The Dyrt PRO User
    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

  • Chris C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 3, 2025

    High Valley Rd Dispersed

    Easy and chill!

    Very nice spot with multiple places to pull over and camp. There’s views of Lear Lake if you want to walk a bit. No water nearby. The road is very dusty on the way up!

  • Robert H.
    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)

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 2, 2025

    Lakeview Dispersed Campground

    First Time Camping - Perfect

    First time camping and going somewhat off road.

    If you’re worried about your vehicle making it up we saw a tesla and a nissan altima up there. My subaru made it up perfectly. I would however recommend AWD or a little higher clearance.

    South road is somewhat rough and the north road seems to be the smoother but longer road.

    Clean area, but dusty. Can be busy 2 other campers showed up quietly while I was asleep but kept their distance. Where I set up there were some log chairs and a previously built fire pit.

    Very beautiful and quiet, can be extremely cold at night and morning so be prepared!

    We did not got many bugs which was great.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 17, 2025

    BLM Sheldon Creek

    Not a campsite

    I believe this is not campsite anymore. The coordinates took us to someone’s private driveway. We tried to get to the pinpoint from another way and ran into another closed gate. No idea..

  • Steve M.The Dyrt PRO User
    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!

Guide to Boonville

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Boonville, California, where nature meets tranquility. With a variety of options available, you can enjoy the great outdoors without the hassle of crowded campgrounds.

Top Activities While Free Camping Near Boonville

  • Enjoy a peaceful retreat at BLM Sheldon Creek, where you can set up camp by a babbling creek and take in the serene surroundings.
  • Experience the thrill of off-roading at Cow Mountain Rec Area Dispersed, which offers challenging trails perfect for adventure seekers.
  • Take in stunning views and starry nights at Lakeview Dispersed Campground, where you can find a secluded spot overlooking the lake.

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Boonville, California

  • Be prepared for rough roads when heading to Mayacmas Campground; a capable vehicle is essential for navigating the steep terrain.
  • Bring your own supplies, as many dispersed sites, like Clear Lake View Point Dispersed, do not offer amenities such as trash disposal or restrooms.
  • Keep an eye out for wildlife while camping at Pine Ridge Camp, where you might encounter deer and other animals in their natural habitat.

Scenic Attractions for Dispersed Campers

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Boonville, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Boonville, CA is BLM Sheldon Creek with a 3.7-star rating from 9 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 9 dispersed camping locations near Boonville, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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