Best Dispersed Camping near Carlotta, CA

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

It was our first time dispersed camping. We fell in LOVE!! The 45 min dirt road was filled with amazing views early morning. Will definitely be coming back here more often.

I talked to the host at the Clam Beach Campground. They told me that the State had shut down all the camping north of their campground because of “rowdiness.” I drove the frontage road from Clam Beach exit to the Crannell exit on 101 north. Everywhere one could pull off to the side and camp there were multiple signs saying no camping. I think this particular dispersed camping location should be taken off the Dyrt site.

Don’t be confused when you arrive and head up the hill where you’ll find camping spots. Even has an area with picnic tables under the trees.

A great spot overall and a nice drive up. We were there when it rained all day one of our days and it didn’t affect the roads much.

We even pulled up our rear drop camper and had no issues at all.

Best camping spot of our trip. The road in is a long and windy road but the site is worth the drive. We got there at night but the windy road did not deter us. Camped on the beach with the woods to our backs. Saw some coyotes when setting up camp, but they didn't mind us. Most beautiful sunrise in the morning and saw mama and baby bear prints on the sand. The morning drive out was gorgeous.

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.

It was easy to find the access road by the mile marker on Hwy. 1.

The road itself is rough and could be very unsettling for anyone trying to do this trip in a vehicle without good off-road clearance. The ruts can be big and cause bottoming out of street cars. For the most part, the road is easy, but challenging in some spots and skinny. You may have to make way or room for oncoming vehicles.

The area has plenty of campsites and fires are allowed. You can choose to shelter in the wooded areas or setup right on the beach. Beware of the deep sand. Lots of folks get stuck here, so drive carefully.

I loved this place, but so many people know about it. Prepare for neighbors sharing the area. Still it was secluded enough to really enjoy.

What do I have to say about it further? Dude! It's Northern CA. It's the Pacific Ocean. It's a dream combo you can only experience by being there. Love this place and keep it clean!

Beautiful area, cool drive in. But the map on here is misleading… Follow Pine Ridge Road all the way till you hit dispersed sites with picnic tables and fire pits on the right.

(41.0051476, -123.7848194)

The location it’s not what it says on this map. It’s about a mile heading to eureka. It’s okay it’s small camp site it’s right next 101 it’s bit noisy

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.

When you get to the area where apple maps says park and walk, just take the pine ridge or whatever trail a couple more miles up. you will pass a single designated camp site( was occupied when I came up). and a ways on past it you will find the Lacks campground! nice little campground and my only complaint is people! Please pack your trash out. the fire pits arent garbage containers. Fruit boxes to soup and beer cans were in almost every fire ring. That’s just irresponsible and is the kind of crap that leads to more and more of these places being closed?

It was great very peaceful. Only saw one person in the whole time I realize I’m probably going in the off-season thing I went in the middle of November.

Awesome pull outs on easy terrain. Lots of hiking and mountain bike trails too. Quiet, well maintained spots. Mosquitoes are bad this time of year so prepare well!

Can easily drive a van or pick up. I saw one large trailer here, but there are only 1-2 spots, as corners are too tight as you get higher.

Clean, level, spacious campground sites, close together trees so you can hang a hammock, hilltop view, pristine feel. Deep grateful breath. Gaia happy here.

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

We didn’t end up going because it is NOT RV friendly. You have to hike in with your tent

https://www.nps.gov/places/redwoodcreekdispersedcamping.htm

Very long road but absolutely wonderful site. It’s literally your own private beach for the night.

I started coming around the end of March. The trail can be a little rough if it’s been raining. Had to pull someone out last trip, which made the adventure even better! I recommend 4x4 during the wet seasons and some recovery gear just in case.

The road was a bit rougher than expected (took us roughly 45 min from the paved road to camp). People made it down in mini vans but I personally wouldn’t try it. We stayed over a weekend and there was several groups but still plenty of areas to camp. T-Mobile had 0 service.

I’ve heard that this place can get crowded during the summer months I’m glad we waited until fall Definitely off the beaten path We were here on a Thursday night on our way to shelter cove via Usal rd