Best Dispersed Camping near Clearlake, CA

Dispersed camping dominates the landscape surrounding Clearlake, California, with Bureau of Land Management (BLM) sites scattered throughout the hills and ridgelines. Lakeview Dispersed Campground and BLM Sheldon Creek offer free primitive camping with varying degrees of accessibility. Most sites provide basic fire rings and minimal amenities, requiring campers to be self-sufficient. The terrain ranges from open grasslands at Cowboy Camp to wooded areas with creek access at Sheldon Creek. Cow Mountain Recreation Area, located near Lakeport, attracts off-road enthusiasts with technical driving courses alongside camping opportunities. These public lands typically allow tent and small RV camping, though many access roads limit larger vehicles.

Road conditions present significant challenges for reaching most dispersed sites near Clearlake. As one camper noted, "Drive up to the site all incline dirt road ~6 miles - we made it up without 4 wheel drive but some areas were a little sketchy." High-clearance vehicles are recommended for most locations, particularly after rain when dirt roads become muddy or rutted. Weather patterns vary seasonally, with summer bringing intense heat and occasional high winds. A visitor to Lakeview Dispersed reported, "It was so windy it was shaking us all over the place in the night." Cell service is surprisingly reliable at higher elevations, though amenities like drinking water, toilets, and trash service are largely absent. Fire restrictions may apply during dry seasons, and campers should verify site accessibility before traveling.

Views of Clear Lake represent a major draw for campers willing to navigate the challenging terrain. "Beautiful spot with some views of the lake. No services, but had cell service," reported one visitor to Lakeview Dispersed. Many sites offer stargazing opportunities and relative solitude, though some areas experience occasional noise from target shooting or nearby roads. Wildlife sightings include deer, butterflies, and hummingbirds, particularly at creek-side locations. Site conditions vary widely, with some campers reporting issues with accumulated trash. Seasonal closures affect some areas, particularly after wildfire damage, making current information essential before planning a trip. The north access roads to dispersed sites are generally reported as easier to navigate than southern approaches, though all require careful driving and preparation for self-sufficient camping.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Clearlake, California (11)

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 11 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Clearlake, CA

16 Photos of 11 Clearlake Campgrounds


Dispersed Camping Reviews near Clearlake, CA

33 Reviews of 11 Clearlake Campgrounds


  • C
    Aug. 9, 2022

    BLM Sheldon Creek

    Pleasant BLM camping, hot in the summer.

    A decent drive off the highway, but a good one. A few nice views. Google maps will not get you there, we followed the directions on this page.

    Only 2 spots up here, maybe 3. But we had it to ourselves on a weeknight. The Bathroom (vault toilet) had toilet paper. There was some water in the creek, but it wasn’t super easy to access. 

    The site itself is nothing special, just a couple of pullouts in the woods. Probably very hot during the day since you’re up on a ridge. Can’t beat free though.

  • kThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 9, 2023

    BLM Sheldon Creek

    FREE BLM campground - travel trailers not advised

    Tow behinds/trailers not recommended; rough roads and can’t turn back once on the path.

    Otherwise 10/10 for our truck camper, had the place to ourselves for the 4th of July weekend, beautiful fresh water creek running through, great toilet & even a fire pit with abundance of wood around.

    There are about 4/5 sites, only 2 with actual fire pits.

    Please keep it amazing by keeping it clean.

    FREE

  • Summer A.
    Jul. 17, 2022

    BLM Sheldon Creek

    Perfect Spot!

    Sheldon Creek is a BLM campsite up a winding dirt/gravel road. We drove a 4WD vehicle, but most cars should be able to handle the journey up. Signs will direct you in the right direction, and lead you to a campground with spots to pitch tents or park/hangout. There are even picnic tables, fire pits, and bathrooms. I didn’t get a chance to check out the bathrooms, but they looked decent. We only had one neighbor who seemed pretty friendly, which was a relief as you’re pretty far out in a remote area. Overall this is a beautiful spot where we felt safe. Would definitely recommend!

  • Jaye S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2024

    Lakeview Dispersed Campground

    Decent dispersed site

    Drive up to the site all incline dirt road ~6 miles - we made it up without 4 wheel drive but some areas were a little sketchy. Overall pretty dusty too. Sites themselves were decently maintained, some trash from previous campers but nothing major. This area is a popular for target practice so if the sounds of gunshots throughout the day isn’t your vibe, then this spot might not be suitable. Overall beautiful sunrises and sunsets and starry night sky

  • Chris C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 3, 2025

    High Valley Rd Dispersed

    Easy and chill!

    Very nice spot with multiple places to pull over and camp. There’s views of Lear Lake if you want to walk a bit. No water nearby. The road is very dusty on the way up!

  • Catherine L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 15, 2024

    Cowboy Camp

    Quiet

    Quiet stop, but I wouldn't call it the most beautiful stop I've ever stayed. Camping spots are to the left and the right I'd the day use. Pit toilets. No garbage.

  • Robert H.
    Jun. 30, 2024

    Lakeview Dispersed Campground

    High Above Clear Lake

    Beautiful spot with some views of the lake. No services, but had cell service (CC). I drove in from the south access to High Valley rd. The road was challenging. It was steep with loose dirt in spots. It was an adventure. I am going to try north access into Lucerne later. (See Google for more info)

  • Aliza  N.
    Jan. 22, 2022

    Lakeview Dispersed Campground

    Sooooo windy

    Lovely views of Clear Lake from a clearing on 220 that appears to be an established site. Right at the intersections of 16 N 22 road. Nice big clear, open area. Really….views of the lake and stars are unreal here. BUT….it was so so windy. We camp in a Chevy high top van and the wind was go fierce it was shaking us all over the place in the night. Finally had to move to another spot (that isn’t really a spot) down the road around 4am bc the wind was just too much for us. Also 220 was blocked just after the 16 N 22 road cuts off (heading east) so we had to head back the way we came (on 220 in Nice). Road was dry and packed and clear other than the tree blocking the road. Old burn area so lots of downs and such.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 2, 2025

    Lakeview Dispersed Campground

    First Time Camping - Perfect

    First time camping and going somewhat off road.

    If you’re worried about your vehicle making it up we saw a tesla and a nissan altima up there. My subaru made it up perfectly. I would however recommend AWD or a little higher clearance.

    South road is somewhat rough and the north road seems to be the smoother but longer road.

    Clean area, but dusty. Can be busy 2 other campers showed up quietly while I was asleep but kept their distance. Where I set up there were some log chairs and a previously built fire pit.

    Very beautiful and quiet, can be extremely cold at night and morning so be prepared!

    We did not got many bugs which was great.


Guide to Clearlake

Dispersed camping sites near Clearlake, California require advance preparation and high-clearance vehicles for most locations. This rugged region sits at elevations between 1,500-2,500 feet, creating temperature variations that can exceed 30°F between day and night. Winter access becomes particularly challenging after rainfall, with many roads becoming impassable regardless of vehicle type.

What to do

Hiking trails: Several unmarked paths exist near Lakeview Dispersed Campground, allowing for moderate day hikes with elevation changes. "The drive up was full of breathtaking views, and even though the road was quite bumpy, dusty, and steep at times, our AWD Kia made it up no problem," notes Kirra L. about accessing the trailheads.

Creek exploration: BLM Sheldon Creek offers creek access during spring months when water levels permit. "This is a beautifully wooded area with a flowing creek, would've been a lovely place to camp," reports Emma T., though she cautions about trash conditions.

Wildlife viewing: Morning and evening hours provide opportunities to observe local fauna. "Had deer, butterflies, and humming birds all around us. Babbling brook, cool and comfortable in mid-October," describes Patricia Y. about her Sheldon Creek visit, suggesting spring and fall as optimal wildlife viewing seasons.

What campers like

Solitude: Most primitive camping areas near Clearlake offer spacing between sites. "There were only one other person here when I was. They got the prime spot, early bird and all. Very nice view," shares Todd N. about his experience at Lakeview Dispersed Campground.

Night skies: The elevated terrain provides excellent stargazing conditions when cloud cover permits. "Very beautiful and quiet, can be extremely cold at night and morning so be prepared," advises Joe M. about temperature drops that accompany clear night viewing conditions.

Seasonal wildflowers: Spring months bring blooms to certain areas, particularly in meadow sections. "Great free campground! We've stayed here many times. It's open, grassy level and quiet. Next to a stream and surrounded by hills," explains Jorg F. about Cow Mountain Rec Area Dispersed, where spring flowers appear after sufficient rainfall.

What you should know

Road conditions: Northern access routes generally provide easier passage. "South road is somewhat rough and the north road seems to be the smoother but longer road," explains Joe M. about accessing dispersed sites, though all require appropriate vehicles.

Seasonal closures: Some areas close without notice during winter months. "Visit was for 11/19/2024 found the gates locked, no entry. Seasonal? No signage to tell," reports Natalie T. about Cowboy Camp, highlighting the importance of checking current status.

Self-sufficiency required: Most sites lack basic amenities. "No water nearby. The road is very dusty on the way up," notes Chris C. about High Valley Rd Dispersed, emphasizing the need to bring all supplies, including drinking water.

Cell service: Coverage varies significantly by location and carrier. "Beautiful spot with some views of the lake. No services, but had cell service (CC)," reports Robert H., indicating that higher elevations often provide better connectivity.

Tips for camping with families

Site selection: Arrive early to secure flatter spaces. "You have to drive up to right as you enter and then turn toward the lake to find the really nice spots. You can't see them from the main area," advises Todd N., noting that advance scouting helps identify suitable family camping locations.

Temperature preparation: Pack for significant temperature fluctuations. "Very beautiful and quiet, can be extremely cold at night and morning so be prepared," emphasizes Joe M. about the need for warm clothing even during summer months.

Insect management: Some locations experience seasonal insect activity. "The only negative is flies sometimes. But just keep your screen door closed and fly swatter handy," recommends Jorg F. about Cowboy Camp, particularly during warmer months.

Water play options: Creek-side locations offer seasonal water features. "A decent drive off the highway, but a good one. A few nice views. There was some water in the creek, but it wasn't super easy to access," notes Carl L. about BLM Mayacmas water features.

Tips from RVers

Length restrictions: Most dispersed camping areas limit RV size due to access roads. "Tow behinds/trailers not recommended; rough roads and can't turn back once on the path. Otherwise 10/10 for our truck camper," advises Kenny T. about BLM Sheldon Creek, suggesting truck campers or vans rather than conventional trailers.

Leveling challenges: Prepare leveling equipment for uneven terrain. "We always manage to level out in our 23" Winnebago View. There is lots of open space so no crowding," shares Jorg F., highlighting that smaller rigs have more site options.

Turn-around limitations: Many access roads lack adequate space for larger vehicles to turn around. "The road to this pin is completely impassable in any regular vehicle. The road is EXTREMELY narrow and windy on the edge of a cliff. There is no way to turn around once you start up it," warns Karmen V. about High Valley Rd.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best spots for dispersed camping at Clear Lake?

Lakeview Dispersed Campground offers excellent dispersed camping with stunning views of Clear Lake. Located along High Valley Road, this area features multiple pull-off sites with lake vistas. Access requires navigating a 6-mile dirt road that can be challenging but is manageable for most vehicles. For a less rugged option, High Valley Rd Dispersed provides multiple spots to pull over and camp with partial lake views within walking distance. The road is dusty but generally accessible, making it a good alternative for those seeking easier vehicle access while still enjoying the dispersed camping experience.

Is dispersed camping at Clear Lake free, and are there any fees?

Dispersed camping at Clear Lake is generally free, particularly at BLM-managed lands. Clear Lake View Point Dispersed and similar undeveloped areas have no fee collection systems in place. For those seeking a backcountry experience, Cow Mountain Rec Area Dispersed also offers free camping options. While these areas don't charge fees, campers should follow BLM dispersed camping regulations, including 14-day stay limits, proper waste disposal, and fire safety protocols. Always check current regulations before your trip, as management policies can change seasonally, especially during high fire danger periods.

What amenities or facilities are available at Clear Lake dispersed camping areas?

Dispersed camping areas at Clear Lake typically offer minimal amenities. BLM Sheldon Creek provides vault toilets with toilet paper, established fire pits, picnic tables, and access to a freshwater creek. This makes it one of the better-equipped dispersed options in the area. At Cowboy Camp, you'll find basic pit toilets but no garbage service, and camping spots are available on both sides of the day-use area. Most other dispersed sites around Clear Lake have no formal facilities, so campers should be prepared to pack in all supplies and pack out all waste.