Best Dispersed Camping near Chilcoot, CA

Are you in need of a campground near Chilcoot, CA? Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Chilcoot is surrounded by family-friendly activities. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Chilcoot. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Chilcoot, California (22)

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Chilcoot, CA

48 Reviews of 22 Chilcoot Campgrounds


  • Precarious J.The Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 6, 2025

    BLM Land near Pyramid Lake - Dispersed Camping

    The closest accessible blm near Pyramid Lake.

    The pin is the starting point of blm land in that area. There is at least one drivable pathway deeper into blm land. I think more. I'll find out tomorrow. I was driving around trying to find access to blm land and found it. I used a public lands app to verify it is blm. The boundary barley crossed over 447. A perfect access point to blm land. My cell service was bad. I use boost mobile, but I've heard Verizon isn't very good in the area as well. If it works for you it's convenient.

  • ron R.
    Oct. 12, 2024

    Peavine Road Dispersed Camping

    Complete trash dump

    It's sad where we have this public land to camp on and people just dump tons and tons of trash and abandoned cars and demolished cars on the property would not recommend going. There's some more BLM land about 15 to 20 minutes north on Red Rock road.

  • Genevieve R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 28, 2023

    Peavine Road Dispersed Camping

    Lots of trash and shells

    I live 10 minutes away, so I checked it out. It's sketchy driving in with a lot of trailers and cars along the road closer to the main road. There may or may nor have been people in them. We didn't see people walking around except one guy who was walking his dog on the dirt road and another guy nearby with a table next to his car. Maybe he was flying a drone. The dirt road was very rutted in a few areas. No big deal, but I was in my Jeep Trailhawk 4x4. I didn't have my trailer with me. The view of the city is great, but that's it. The area to pull off is not that big, so I think it would be crowded with more than 2 other trailers. It wasn't windy at all when we were there, but I'm sure it could be because it can be very windy in this area. I wouldn't stay here unless I absolutely had to for the night. I did hear gunshots in the distance. We only stayed a few minutes to take a few pictures. No amenities like fire rings or tables.

  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 12, 2023

    East of Pyramid Lake

    Great boondocking

    This place is everything we look for when boondocking. It's quiet, open, easy to get to with our class c, flat(ish), cell service, and places to hike/walk around. There was nobody else around when we stayed here for 2 nights in May.

    The road is nearby but barely visible and you can hardly hear the cars. The rocks (tufas) are really neat and fun to climb.

    There's absolutely no shade so the sun makes it feel hotter than it is. And the wind comes through somewhat unpredictably so we couldn't keep our awning out.

    It's surprisingly clean, I mean there's some trash which is to be expected, but not huge amounts of it.

    There are a couple of little narrow roads you can take to find a more secluded spot, but I wouldn't attempt it unless your vehicle can handle it. There are a couple of random big dips to get past, and really there aren't very many camping opportunities past the big giant open area by the rocks. The big main area is huge and would easily fit several campers.

    Great place to boondock!

  • Genevieve R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 29, 2023

    Moon Rocks Camp

    Beautiful! Easy access.

    I live nearby, so my family and I went for the day. We left just before sunset. It's gorgeous here. The dirt road is pretty good and not difficult for my Jeep Trailhawk 4x4. There were about 3 other groups. We were there on a Thursday. We walked around the whole area where the rocks were. The campsite overlooks a valley where there is an airport. We saw a couple of paragliders. On the way in from Reno, it's very easy to find. I would love to stay here in my travel trailer. There were some huge rigs out there. All of those people had dune buggies, but nobody was driving around on the rocks when we were there. There are no amenities at all. There is just a big clearing for campers. We took our dog. She had fun.

  • Corey H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 12, 2023

    BLM - Water Tank Road Dispersed

    Decent place to sleep for the night

    Tucked off, dirt road with enough seclusion and privacy to feel comfortable at night. Be forewarned that the road is super rough and you will definitely need a car with more clearance to get up it. There is a little pull out before you get to where the directions take you that is perfectly cool to camp. I wouldn’t go all the way up that little stretch of road past the water tanks unless you have a 4x4. The pullout also has a portajohn and sink if needed.

    One thing to note! There are many joggers and bikers that go up this road pretty much as soon as the sun goes over the hill (about 6 in July) so just be aware of that when camping here. I wasn’t bothered by anyone and I had about 4 people pass by my car this morning.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2024

    Bowman Lake Dispersed

    Lake side Campsites

    If you are looking to be near the water and no service, this is perfect. The rough road in I believe must keep some folks out but the lake is amazing.

  • Azizah T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 21, 2021

    Loch Leven Lakes

    Quiet dispersed camping

    We backpacked up to the high loch levens lake where we found many available campsites. But also a lot of the nice view spots were occupied since we didn’t start our hike up early, we started at 5:30pm. The middle lake is very large and had many beautiful spots to camp. But we headed to the upper lake since a lot of day hikers go to the middle lake and don’t always pack out what they pack in. All the sites are very dispersed and you have so much privacy. We saw some people even camping on the boulders! It was very serene and quiet with very respectful campers. The trail up is a bit confusing if you don’t pay absolute attention to where you are going. You can find some orange markings or stacked rocks that help you stay on the path. Reaching our destination was amazing. We swam in the lake and napped in our hammocks. I will say that there was a lot of mosquitos. Even with bug spray I left with 7 bites. But, it’s the outdoors what do you expect? Overall very beautiful area to camp!

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 4, 2025

    Reno View Dispersed

    Road is worth the view

    There are a few sites about 4 miles back on an unmaintained road. The first turn off has the best view with somewhat flat ground for a tent. Very rocky ground and a little windy so ground tents might be tough. RTT and campervans are perfect for this spot!


Guide to Chilcoot

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Chilcoot, California, where you can immerse yourself in nature without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. With stunning landscapes and a variety of outdoor activities, these spots offer a perfect escape for adventurers and nature lovers alike.

Top Activities for Adventure Seekers While Free Camping Near Chilcoot

  • Explore the trails at Fort Sage Off Highway Vehicle Area, which is known for its excellent ATV and SXS riding opportunities, making it a favorite among off-road enthusiasts.
  • Enjoy the solitude and stunning views at Big Dog Valley, where you can hike and discover the beauty of the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest.
  • Experience the unique landscape at Moon Rocks Camp, where the otherworldly terrain offers a great backdrop for stargazing and photography.

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Chilcoot, California

  • When visiting Merrill Valley Dispersed Camp, be prepared for rough roads; a vehicle with good clearance is recommended to navigate the terrain.
  • Always pack out what you pack in, especially at Peavine Road Dispersed Camping, where litter has been a concern among visitors.
  • Bring your own water and supplies, as many areas like Snag Lake Campground do not offer amenities such as drinking water or trash disposal.

Wildlife Encounters for Dispersed Campers

  • Keep an eye out for wild horses while exploring the trails at Fort Sage Off Highway Vehicle Area, where these majestic animals can often be seen roaming freely.
  • Birdwatchers will appreciate the diverse avian life around Big Dog Valley, making it an ideal spot for nature photography and observation.
  • The serene environment at Moon Rocks Camp provides a perfect setting for spotting various wildlife, especially during early morning or late evening hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Chilcoot, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Chilcoot, CA is Fort Sage Off Highway Vehicle Area with a 4.9-star rating from 12 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 22 dispersed camping locations near Chilcoot, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.