Dispersed camping near Burnt Ranch, California offers access to remote sites along the Trinity River and within Redwood National Park. The area sits at approximately 1,200 feet elevation with surrounding mountains reaching up to 4,000 feet, creating varied terrain for campers. Summer temperatures typically reach the 90s while winter lows drop to the 30s with occasional snow at higher elevations.
What to do
Hiking trails: At Redwood Creek Dispersed Camp, visitors can access backcountry trails through impressive forests. "Dispersed camping along the river banks after walking through the Tall Trees hike. Easy overnighter," notes Sam S. This area requires a free permit obtained online with a gate code for access.
Water activities: The Trinity River provides swimming and fishing spots during warmer months. North Trinity Lake offers "a beautiful open field with the woods in the back and Trinity lake in the front," according to Karen T., making it suitable for water recreation. Lake levels fluctuate seasonally.
Mountain biking: Several sites connect to mountain biking paths. At Lacks Creek BLM, Derrick H. reports "the whole BLM management area is well developed and has signs to guide you" with biking paths directly from campsites.
What campers like
Secluded settings: Groves Prairie Dispersed Camp offers quiet meadow camping away from crowds. Greg B. describes it as "secluded camp well worth the effort to find" with "3 sites, each with a picnic table and fire ring" and notes extremely unreliable cell service.
Scenic locations: Many dispersed camping areas near Burnt Ranch feature river views. At Cline Gulch BLM Dispersed, Kevinae B. found "an awesome creek right next to us" and noted "it was super secluded and quiet. No one else drove by at all during the two days we stayed."
Unexpected wildlife: Campers report diverse wildlife sightings across the region. "We even saw wild horses driving up!" mentions Toni K. about the road to Lacks Creek. Other visitors report deer sightings and bald eagles near waterways.
What you should know
Road conditions: Access to many sites involves navigating challenging roads. Jules S. warns about Lacks Creek BLM: "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."
Wildlife concerns: Ticks are common throughout the region, especially in warmer months. "My dog and I both got bitten by ticks - and we woke to find 8 other dead ticks in our bed," cautions Hillary S. about her stay at Cline Gulch.
Cell service: Connectivity is limited or nonexistent at most sites. Scout G. reports about Lacks Creek: "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."
Facilities: Most dispersed camping areas have minimal infrastructure. Aikens Creek Recreation Area "seems to have been a legit National Forrest campground that is no longer maintained. But it still has camp sites and a little further in there is dispersed very close to the river," according to Jordan H.
Tips for camping with families
Water safety: Bring proper flotation devices if camping near Trinity River or creek areas. At Redwood Creek, Leah H. advises: "You WILL cross a creek! The rocks are PAINFUL! Bring your sandals! We did not and that part sucked."
Preparation for remoteness: Pack all necessary supplies as stores are distant from most sites. Greg B. notes about Groves Prairie Camp: "There is NO trash service or cans and NO POTABLE WATER. There is a tiny creek running nearby if needed."
Navigation help: Download offline maps before arrival as many roads aren't well-marked. Daniel F. had difficulty accessing Redwood Creek Dispersed Camp: "Access road is gated after a couple of miles, so unable to even get close." Without the required permit containing the gate code, access is impossible.
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: Larger rigs should avoid most dispersed sites near Burnt Ranch. At Cline Gulch, Laura M. cautions: "Would recommend larger rigs avoid this area due to the number of low hanging tree branches."
Site selection: Arrive early to secure level parking at undeveloped areas. Nate T. mentions about Lacks Creek BLM: "Takes about 35 minutes to get to the top but it's worth it. Tables, bathroom, and fire pits are in the main area."
Alternative options: Consider improved campgrounds if weather conditions are uncertain. Casey B. found at Cline Gulch that "the rest of the spots weren't near water and were just open fields directly in the sun," making shade a premium commodity.
