Best Dispersed Camping near Cottonwood, CA

Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Cottonwood, CA has a lot to offer. Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near Cottonwood, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Cottonwood camping trip.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Cottonwood, California (15)

    1. Perry Riffle Trailhead

    4 Reviews
    Red Bluff, CA
    9 miles

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

    "Nice spot near the river. We stayed in a tent and just pitched it adjacent to the car park. The ranger came by in the morning just had a little look around and left. Didn’t bother anyone"

    2. Cline Gulch BLM Dispersed

    8 Reviews
    French Gulch, CA
    28 miles

    "This site is nothing special but it’s the only BLM I could find in the area. We stopped on the way up to Shasta. You don’t need ground clearance or 4wd to get there."

    "No amenities of any kind."

    3. Olive Pit Dispersed Lot

    8 Reviews
    Corning, CA
    32 miles
    Website

    "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."

    4. Wild and Senic Trinity River Grapevine River Access Dispersed Site

    1 Review
    French Gulch, CA
    27 miles

    "Great location off 299. 5 miles from Big Flat"

    5. 31N17N - North Manzanita Dispersed Camping

    4 Reviews
    Lassen Volcanic National Park, CA
    38 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 257-2151

    "We found this spot based on advice of the rangers in LVNP. Overall a great place to camp if your looking for a free option to camp/boon dock very close to the park."

    "Arrived late Friday night on Labor Day weekend and found a spot right at the beginning of the dirt road - coming from Redding direction, turned right off of 44 onto the dirt road then took the first right"

    7. Christie Hill Basecamp

    2 Reviews
    Mineral, CA
    40 miles

    "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."

    8. 29N22 Dispersed near Lassen NP

    2 Reviews
    Mineral, CA
    39 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 258-2141

    "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."

    9. North Trinity Lake

    4 Reviews
    Trinity Center, CA
    48 miles

    "This is disbursed lakeside camping with no facilities."

    "The coordinates were off though and it took us up to a private residence road so I would not follow that."

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Showing results 1-10 of 15 campgrounds

Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Cottonwood, CA

10 Photos of 15 Cottonwood Campgrounds


Dispersed Camping Reviews near Cottonwood, CA

36 Reviews of 15 Cottonwood Campgrounds



Guide to Cottonwood

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Cottonwood, California, where nature meets tranquility. This area offers a variety of spots for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle and immerse themselves in the great outdoors.

Unique Wildlife Encounters for Dispersed Campers

  • At Perry Riffle Trailhead, campers have reported sightings of great horned owls and foxes, making it a perfect spot for wildlife enthusiasts.
  • The serene environment at Cline Gulch BLM Dispersed allows for peaceful evenings filled with the sounds of nature, including the occasional distant coyote call.
  • Campers at 31N17N - North Manzanita Dispersed Camping have enjoyed the thrill of spotting various birds and other wildlife while relaxing by the creek.

Scenic Views and Outdoor Activities While Free Camping Near Cottonwood

  • The picturesque setting at North Trinity Lake offers stunning views and opportunities for fishing and kayaking, making it a great choice for water lovers.
  • Hikers will appreciate the access to trails near Christie Hill Basecamp, which is just a short drive from Lassen Volcanic National Park, perfect for day trips.
  • The expansive meadows at Hat Creek Dispersed provide ample space for outdoor games and relaxation, ideal for families and groups.

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Cottonwood, California

  • When visiting Olive Pit Dispersed Lot, be sure to stock up on supplies at the nearby market, which offers delicious food and essentials.
  • Campers should prepare for limited amenities at 29N22 Dispersed near Lassen NP, so bringing your own water and sanitation supplies is essential.
  • For those seeking a quieter experience, Big Pine Dispersed Camping offers secluded spots along the creek, perfect for a peaceful retreat away from the crowds.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Cottonwood, CA is Perry Riffle Trailhead with a 3.8-star rating from 4 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 15 dispersed camping locations near Cottonwood, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.