Best Dispersed Camping near Cloverdale, CA
Dispersed camping options near Cloverdale, California include several primitive BLM sites within a 30-mile radius. BLM Sheldon Creek offers 3-5 free campsites along a creek with basic amenities including vault toilets and fire rings. Lakeview Dispersed Campground provides sites with views of Clear Lake, while Cow Mountain Recreation Area features more rugged terrain popular with off-road enthusiasts. Several campers note that BLM Sheldon Creek has "a beautiful freshwater creek running through" and "picnic tables at some sites," though recent reports indicate potential access issues.
Road conditions to these dispersed sites require careful planning. Most access roads are unpaved, steep in sections, and may become impassable during wet weather. According to reviews, "tow behinds/trailers are not recommended" for Sheldon Creek due to "rough roads and inability to turn around once on the path." High-clearance vehicles are strongly recommended for Lakeview Dispersed Campground, where the dirt road climbs approximately 6 miles on an incline. Cell service is limited at most sites.
These primitive camping areas operate under standard BLM regulations. Campfires are permitted in established fire rings when no fire restrictions are in place. Campers must pack out all trash as no collection services exist. Vault toilets are available at Sheldon Creek and Cow Mountain, but not at all dispersed sites. Visitors report varying conditions; one camper noted that Lakeview can be "extremely windy at night" while others mentioned "beautiful sunrises and sunsets and starry night skies." The best camping season runs April through October, with summer temperatures often exceeding 90°F. Water must be packed in as no potable sources exist at these sites.
