Best Dispersed Camping near Cottonwood, CA
Several dispersed camping options exist near Cottonwood, California, primarily on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands. Free camping sites include Perry Riffle Trailhead, Cline Gulch BLM Dispersed, and the Olive Pit Dispersed Lot. These areas range from riverside locations to parking areas with minimal facilities. Most sites accommodate both tent and RV camping, with varying levels of accessibility and amenities. Additional primitive camping can be found farther from town near Trinity Lake and approaching Lassen National Park.
Access to most dispersed sites requires travel on gravel or dirt roads, with conditions varying seasonally. Perry Riffle Trailhead features a gravel parking area with pit toilets and trash receptacles but no drinking water. Cline Gulch requires navigation on unpaved roads that may be challenging for larger vehicles or during wet weather. Many areas have fire restrictions, particularly during summer and fall fire seasons. Camping is typically limited to 14 days in a 30-day period on BLM lands, with no reservations required or accepted. Cell service is spotty or nonexistent at more remote locations.
The dispersed camping experience varies significantly between sites. Perry Riffle provides access to the Sacramento River and hiking trails. "Easy access via paved road. Very bucolic area. Lots of trails. Sacramento River is within walking distance," noted one camper. Cline Gulch offers more seclusion along with creek access, though several visitors mention encountering trash from previous campers. One reviewer described it as "super secluded and quiet. No one else drove by at all during the two days we stayed." The Olive Pit Dispersed Lot functions more as an overnight parking area in a commercial setting, convenient to services but with significant road noise. Wildlife sightings, including owls and foxes, have been reported at several locations. Campers should be prepared for limited amenities and self-sufficient camping.
