Top Free Dispersed Camping near Cassel, CA

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Cassel, CA (24)

Showing results 1-10 of 24 campgrounds

Recent Dispersed Reviews In Cassel

18 Reviews of 24 Cassel Campgrounds


  • Kelly V.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Castle Lake Campground
    Sep. 13, 2024

    Castle Lake Campground

    Grand view

    Road dips down but rutted and I'm low clearance so can't tell what's down there. I'm in amthe o ly pullout off the side of the road before it Dios. Awesome view. Cannot hear water the other person mentioned but also haven't walked down the road yet. 3 or 4 rigs down close by. I am in a level spot but nowhere to walk except road from here. Again, great view.

  • Claire D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from 31N17N - North Manzanita Dispersed Camping
    Sep. 3, 2024

    31N17N - North Manzanita Dispersed Camping

    Convenient dispersed site near Lassen

    Same experience as the other reviews. Arrived late Friday night on Labor Day weekend and found a spot right at the beginning of the dirt road - coming from Redding direction, turned right off of 44 onto the dirt road then took the first right. The turnoff is on Google maps and was easy to find even in the dark. Nobody else around that we saw, even given the busy weekend! Agreed with others on the road noise but it was fine. Just a few minutes from Manzanita lake. Great find!

  • tom P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Rocky Point Dispersed Camping
    Jul. 23, 2024

    Rocky Point Dispersed Camping

    Suitable but barren

    There's signs acknowledging it's free camping. Large barren area with a toilet near the lake. Not great for a tent but can make it work. Good distance away from roads and houses. Lake view.

  • E
    Camper-submitted photo from 31N17N - North Manzanita Dispersed Camping
    Jun. 20, 2024

    31N17N - North Manzanita Dispersed Camping

    Exactly what we needed

    About one mile south of the northwest entrance, so it’s convenient. Follow the instructions from other campers as they’re spot on. We camped to the right of the road, as we saw another camp site that was filled to the right. Tent campers will have no issues finding a spot. We didn’t venture too far down the road due to having a lower car, but we had plenty of options.

    Although you feel secluded, the highway isn’t too far, so you’ll have some road noise (nothing crazy). We did hear coyotes off in the distance, which is so cool and spooky at the same time. Bear activity was reported in the area before we arrived, so keep that in mind. Make sure to bring your buh spray!

    Will definitely stay here again if we visit the park again. Arrived June 19, left June 20.

  • S
    Camper-submitted photo from Bogard USFS Dispersed
    Jun. 6, 2024

    Bogard USFS Dispersed

    Be very prepared for mosquitoes !

    Mosquitoes EVERYWHERE! We pulled in to the area around 6 PM on a Tuesday evening, not a single person around. We originally pulled near the little bog. When we got out we noticed TONS of mosquitoes, so we drove about a quarter to a half mile down the road and made a left. Still tons of mosquitoes, but absolutely beautiful night sky!

  • PThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from 31N17N - North Manzanita Dispersed Camping
    Jun. 5, 2024

    31N17N - North Manzanita Dispersed Camping

    Very much a Nike camp area, "Just Do It

    Immediately prior to turning down road to Lassen turn in to dirt road. Again less than 50 yards on right is area to camp. Could also turn a big rig.

    A 4 wheel drive is not required, it's just a dusty road. About 100 yards further, you could walk up the road and grab some water from the stream.

    No Verizon phone or internet reception

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Hat Creek Dispersed
    Oct. 27, 2023

    Hat Creek Dispersed

    Great Camping

    As one reviewer wrote, just a short run of slightly rough road to get to expansive meadows of boondocking.

  • c
    Camper-submitted photo from Christie Hill Basecamp
    Aug. 7, 2023

    Christie Hill Basecamp

    Quiet camping 4 miles outside Lassen NP

    Just off the main highway. Gravel road in. We had a Ford van that had no problem driving over the dirt and gravel road. There are sites with fire rings and relatively flat ground. Great location for dispersed camping just minutes from the southern lassen entrance.

  • Nick C.
    Camper-submitted photo from 29N22 Dispersed near Lassen NP
    Jul. 13, 2023

    29N22 Dispersed near Lassen NP

    Limited Option Near Lassen NP South Entrance

    This is a small flat area near the base of Christie Hill. The turn off of the Hwy 89 is at the McGowan SnoPark area (really just a logger's staging area). There are a handful of very rough roads one could pull off the road and camp in a tent on (or 4x4 van). For a larger RV or travel trailer, we found only one spot (40.390996,-121.540748) that was large enough to accommodate our 32 foot travel trailer. It is right along the road, but there is virtually no traffic here, so we found it acceptable. 

    I do not believe there are any good spots further down the road. A word of caution as well - the lake just beyond here (McGowan Lake) - is privately owned and gated. It is not available for camping.

  • Salvatore F.
    Camper-submitted photo from 31N17N - North Manzanita Dispersed Camping
    Jul. 7, 2023

    31N17N - North Manzanita Dispersed Camping

    Great dispersed spot near Lassen Volcanic NP

    We found this spot based on advice of the rangers in LVNP. Overall a great place to camp if your looking for a free option to camp/boon dock very close to the park.

    Right when you turn off 44, go up a small hill, maybe 100m, then there is a clearing on the west side of the road. There is a perpendicular dirt road at the clearing (running west/east) with several spots to park a van, trailer, or even smaller RV. We saw four distinct sites where people had made fire rings—however due to the number of pine trees the ground is covered in a thick layer of pine needles— make sure you sweep at least a 20’ fire ring down to dirt around the rock pit before you make a fire. You can also hear noticeable road noise from 44 in the front spots so not super secluded.

    Many of the sites we checked (near the entrance and deeper into the woods) had bumble bees coming out of holes in the ground so be careful picking your site, particularly at night so you don’t wake up to an unpleasant surprise.

    Going further south down the main road you can find many other more hidden camping spots deeper in the forest, but the road is rougher and only suited for a 4x4.

  • Karin P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Castle Lake Campground
    Jun. 1, 2023

    Castle Lake Campground

    Nice area

    As of May 31st there isn’t access to some areas as there is snow blocking the way, some areas are wet from the snow that has already melted. The toilets up at Castle Lake are still covered in snow and inaccessible. Pack in pack out. Other than that nice peaceful area, you can hear the river running, and has a nice view of Mount Shasta.

  • Aliza  N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from 29N22 Dispersed near Lassen NP
    Nov. 1, 2022

    29N22 Dispersed near Lassen NP

    Dispersed camping near Lassen NP

    Lovely quiet remote dispersed camping spot. No services. On a very nice gravel road marked for winter cross country skiing. Saw a few others in the area. Most camp spots are right on the edge of the road but lots of room and plenty of privacy. Leave no trace. Pack in, pack out.

  • C
    Camper-submitted photo from Hat Creek Dispersed
    Aug. 19, 2022

    Hat Creek Dispersed

    Hat Creek Dispersed

    Go past Cave Campground take 1st left over bridge. Goto end of road after bridge look left. Go up hill. Road is rough only to top then levels out. Footbridge to main campground found midway in creek. Take creek trail. Bathrooms, garbage, water available at main campground. 1 bar lte AT&T.

  • k
    Camper-submitted photo from Bogard USFS Dispersed
    Jul. 18, 2021

    Bogard USFS Dispersed

    Perfect Getaway

    The campsite was very easy to find, but also very secluded. When we arrived, only 3 other sites were taken. We met a very kind older woman who had been there a while & said that not many people know this place exists, so it doesn’t get very busy. The campsite was well kept. We had a picnic table, campfire & plenty of trees for our hammocks. I left my dog’s food out one afternoon & a chipmunk got to it but other than that, we had no issues with wildlife!

  • C
    Camper-submitted photo from Mt. Shasta Area
    Aug. 12, 2018

    Mt. Shasta Area

    Beautiful

    Shasta is breathtaking pictures can’t do it justice A place to experience lakes streams hiking camping boating snow sports water sports the great outdoors !!

  • George B.
    Camper-submitted photo from Mt. Shasta Area
    Jun. 19, 2018

    Mt. Shasta Area

    A mountain that soars above

    Mt. Shasta is a place that’s beautiful from every angle. If you’re on the road or on the mountain all it does is takes your breath away.

    Stay where it’s more comfortable for you but at least go and stay and see this beauty!

    Winter time really is its best time but beware and plan ahead, a lot of the camp sites are closed in that time of year!



Guide to Cassel

Camping near Cassel, California, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are several campgrounds that cater to different needs and preferences.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails around McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park Campground. One camper mentioned, "The trail to the falls was closed for repairs, which we knew when we booked," but still enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere.
  • Fishing: Head to Butte Lake Campground for some fishing. A visitor noted, "The lake was great for swimming," making it a perfect spot for a relaxing day by the water.
  • Wildlife Watching: At Cattle Camp Campground, you can enjoy the local wildlife. One reviewer shared, "Chipmunks are cute and respectful," adding to the charm of the area.

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness at Manzanita Lake Campground. A visitor said, "The staff is friendly, the amenities are clean," which makes for a pleasant stay.
  • Spacious Sites: Many enjoy the roomy campsites at Butte Lake Campground. One camper remarked, "Large campsite with fire pit and large trees," highlighting the spaciousness.
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Campers often mention the peacefulness of Fowlers Campground. A review stated, "The campground was empty compared to Fowler’s just down the road," making it a great escape from the hustle and bustle.

What you should know:

  • Limited Cell Service: Be prepared for spotty cell reception at Manzanita Lake Campground. One camper noted, "Verizon - no coverage," so download maps and information before you arrive.
  • No Showers: If you prefer campgrounds with showers, keep in mind that Butte Lake Campground does not offer this amenity. A visitor mentioned, "There are toilets but I didn't see any showers."
  • Gravel Roads: Accessing some campgrounds, like Butte Lake Campground, requires navigating gravel roads. One camper warned, "Just beware of the 5-mile gravel road into camp."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: At McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park Campground, families can enjoy hiking and exploring the falls. A reviewer shared, "The beauty of the Falls is indescribable," making it a great spot for family adventures.
  • Spacious Campsites: Choose campgrounds like Cattle Camp Campground for more room. One camper noted, "Sites are spread out, very clean in a nice forest," which is perfect for kids to play.
  • Safety Precautions: Always keep an eye on kids near water. A visitor at Butte Lake Campground mentioned, "You must wear a life preserver if you put your boat in the water," emphasizing safety.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Levels: If you're camping at Manzanita Lake Campground, be mindful of site levels. One RVer shared, "Some pull-throughs and some back-in... many were not level."
  • Amenities Matter: Look for campgrounds with good amenities like Lassen RV Resort. A visitor said, "The owners were very friendly and made us feel welcome," which can enhance your stay.
  • Plan for Limited Hookups: Many campgrounds, including Butte Lake Campground, do not offer electric hookups. One camper noted, "No electric hookups," so plan accordingly.

Camping near Cassel, California, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just remember to check the amenities and prepare for a great outdoor experience!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Cassel, CA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Cassel, CA is Hat Creek Dispersed with a 4.5-star rating from 2 reviews.

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

    TheDyrt.com has all 24 dispersed camping locations near Cassel, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.