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Best Dispersed Camping near Chico, CA

22 Reviews

Several dispersed camping options exist near Chico in northern California, with sites ranging from parking lots to forest clearings. Olive Pit Dispersed Lot in Corning offers free overnight parking primarily for RVs and vehicles with self-contained camping setups. While technically a parking lot with no traditional camping amenities, it provides a convenient stopover with nearby restaurants and a small designated pet area. Based on reviews from The Dyrt, "It is a parking lot behind the Olive Pit. Lots of traffic noise. Okay if you want a free spot to sleep for the night."

More remote dispersed camping can be found in Lassen National Forest, particularly near the southern entrance of Lassen National Park. Christie Hill Basecamp and the 29N22 Dispersed areas provide primitive sites with gravel road access. These forest sites typically allow fires (permit required) and accommodate tents and some RVs but offer no facilities. One camper shared, "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." The Perry Riffle Trailhead area provides basic amenities including pit toilets, trash disposal, picnic tables, and access to hiking trails and the Sacramento River, making it a step up from completely undeveloped sites.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Chico, California (11)

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5 Photos of 11 Chico Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Chico, CA

22 Reviews of 11 Chico Campgrounds

  • Aliza N.
    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.

  • Chanel C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 3, 2019

    Olive Pit Dispersed Lot

    Convenient location for boondocking

    PROS:

    + 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

  • Sadie P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 24, 2025

    Perry Riffle Trailhead

    Ok for a parking lot

    The 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

  • Al L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 13, 2025

    Perry Riffle Trailhead

    Overnight @ Perry Riffle

    Easy access via paved road. Very bucolic area. Lots of trails. Sacramento River is within walking distance. Pit toilet, no water or other services.

  • Nick C.The Dyrt PRO User
    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.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 13, 2024

    Christie Hill Basecamp

    Dispersed camping

    No water or outhouse. If you have a low clearance vehicles, pick your pins carefully.

  • cThe Dyrt PRO User
    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.

  • Ibeya A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 26, 2025

    Perry Riffle Trailhead

    Great spot for a short stop over

    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. 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.

  • Jody S.
    Jan. 4, 2021

    Olive Pit Dispersed Lot

    Guy and his dog at a Pit Stop?

    Spent 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.

Guide to Chico

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.

Top Activities While Free Camping Near Chico

  • Enjoy the delicious offerings at Olive Pit Dispersed Lot, where you can stock up on local treats while taking a break from your outdoor adventures.
  • Experience the serene environment at Christie Hill Basecamp, perfect for hiking and exploring the nearby Lassen National Park.
  • Take advantage of the quiet surroundings at Perry Riffle Trailhead, where you can pitch your tent and enjoy the sounds of nature.

Scenic Attractions for Dispersed Campers

  • Visit the picturesque 29N22 Dispersed near Lassen NP, where you can enjoy stunning views and a peaceful atmosphere, ideal for photography and relaxation.
  • Explore the remote beauty of Humbug Summit Dispersed, which offers a chance to disconnect and immerse yourself in the wilderness.
  • Discover the charm of Stag Point, where you can enjoy campfires and the great outdoors under the stars.

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Chico, California

  • When visiting Rogers Cow Camp, be aware that it is currently closed due to fire damage, so plan your trip accordingly.
  • For a more secluded experience, consider Brooks Creek, but check road conditions beforehand as access may be limited.
  • Always practice Leave No Trace principles at Morgan Summit Sno-Park to preserve the natural beauty of the area for future visitors.

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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