Join the fun near Chico. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. Chico is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.
"PROS:
+ FREE overnight parking for RVs, trailers, and camper vehicles.
+ Very safe and heavily traffic location. Lots of travelers here spending the evening!"
"I was worried at 1stvas there was a situation that was happening when arrive. Police were there surveying which made me feel safe. It was quite through the night."
"Easy access via paved road. Very bucolic area. Lots of trails. Sacramento River is within walking distance. Pit toilet, no water or other services."
"This is just a gravel parking lot, but it's quiet, peaceful, and about a 2 min walk from the river. Several horse and hiking trails start from here. There's a pit toilet, garbage, and recycling."
"No water or outhouse. If you have a low clearance vehicles, pick your pins carefully."
"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."
"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."
LegendLovely 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.
LegendPROS:
+ FREE overnight parking for RVs, trailers, and camper vehicles.
+ Very safe and heavily traffic location. Lots of travelers here spending the evening! Signs say for Olive Pit Customers Only but we spent 2 nights here (along with a few other campers) and no one ever disturbed us.
+ Very flat, leveled, and long paved spots (great for up to 35-foot long fifth wheelers and even 50-foot rigs).
+ Huge lot with lots of available spots. Around 10 spots for larger trailers and RVs, and lots of small spots for campervans and car rooftop tent campers. We saw 4-5 other campers around us who mostly were very private and to themselves
+ Super convenient location near lots of fast food joints, a Starbucks, Rite Aid, and supermarket. The lot shares the same entrance as the Shell Station and Olive Pit Cafe & Store where you can conveniently pick up food/beer/supplies.
+ The Olive Pit has a great cafe and wine tasting room. They sell specialty items such as olives, balsamic vinegar, etc. And they have a great breakfast!
+ There is a giant dumpster for trash disposal behind the Olive Pit
+ There is also a pet area that has a small white fence around a dirted area for pets to relieve themselves.
+ Lots of palm trees in the backdrop giving the place a very California vibe.
CONS:
+ No tent camping, unless it's a car rooftop tent or a pop-up tent trailer
+ No fires/no showers/ no toilets (Although you can walk to the Shell Station to use their toilets which were super clean and well-maintained.)
+ Loud 24 hour carwash at the Shell station. Usually quiets down around 9 pm
+ Bright security lights in the parking lot. Just don't park directly under one. There are a few darker and less lit spots
RangerThe good. Managers are there daily. Dumping trash and cleaning the pit toilet.
The bad. Managers are there daily being passive aggressive in reminding you they can kick you out, walking around looking in the same vehicles (even yours as you stand there) and writing down plate numbers. They like to remind you of the 14 day in 365 day limit for the region, not just here. They like to talk about their database and what will happen if you try to camp somewhere else and they love complaining about tent campers outside the parking lot. Also, no fires, ever.
That being said. Blm law enforcement they claim to have in their pocket reminds everyone that tent camping is allowed outside the parking lot.
It is clean though, the rivers is blah and turkey hunters might fire off next to you but walk the road. Plenty of trails, beautiful meadows, horseback riders seen regularly. Quiet at night usually to. If not tell the managers, they’ll get right on that lol.
I won’t go again but that’s not because of the CG.
Details: Law Enforcement does visit, they are nice Locals are a problem Be prepared for management complaints, not camper complaints Town is 20 minutes away Free stay with a weird 14 day regional rule, inquire with management
GuideEasy access via paved road. Very bucolic area. Lots of trails. Sacramento River is within walking distance. Pit toilet, no water or other services.
TravelerThis 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.
GuideNo water or outhouse. If you have a low clearance vehicles, pick your pins carefully.
ScoutJust 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.
GuideThis is just a gravel parking lot, but it's quiet, peaceful, and about a 2 min walk from the river. Several horse and hiking trails start from here. There's a pit toilet, garbage, and recycling. We enjoyed our stay for one night, but I wouldn't want to stay here for more than a few days. It was roasting in August; the river was a nice way to cool off.
GuideSpent the evening in the RV/Truck area after stocking up on some Olive stuffed garlic and artichokes. Mmmm. Was quiet besides the obvious freeway intersection area near by but NOT complaining. Easy boon-docking. Small pet area. Well lit if you park under a light. Safeway,Burger King, Taco Bell, Auto parts store lots more in little area around The Olive Pit. Basically park and walk to get shopping done. Boom. Hope this helps a little.
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Chico, California, where nature meets tranquility. With a variety of options available, outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy a unique camping experience without the constraints of traditional campgrounds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find dispersed camping near Chico, CA?
Dispersed camping options near Chico can be found primarily in the surrounding national forests. Perry Riffle Trailhead offers easy access via paved roads with a gravel parking area, pit toilet, and proximity to the Sacramento River and hiking trails. For those willing to venture further, Lassen National Forest provides numerous dispersed camping opportunities, especially along forest roads. Most sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis, so arriving early during peak seasons is recommended. Remember to follow Leave No Trace principles, pack out all trash, and check for any seasonal fire restrictions before your trip.
Is there free camping available near Chico, CA?
Yes, free camping is available near Chico. Olive Pit Dispersed Lot offers free overnight parking for RVs, trailers, and camper vehicles in a safe, well-lit area. It's conveniently located near amenities like Safeway and fast food options. For those seeking a more natural setting, 29N22 Dispersed near Lassen NP provides free camping on a nice gravel road with plenty of privacy. The area is marked for winter cross-country skiing and offers spacious sites right off the road. Remember these free sites have no water or hookups, so come prepared with all necessary supplies.
Are there secluded tent camping spots near Chico?
Yes, several secluded tent camping options exist near Chico. Christie Hill Basecamp offers private tent sites with fire rings and relatively flat ground just minutes from Lassen National Park's southern entrance. The gravel road is manageable for most vehicles. For a more rugged experience, Humbug Summit Dispersed provides isolated spots perfect for tent camping away from crowds. When seeking seclusion, arrive mid-week when possible and be prepared for primitive conditions with no facilities. Pack plenty of water, a waste disposal plan, and research current road conditions before your trip.
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