Dispersed camping near Cottonwood, California occurs primarily on public lands at elevations between 400-1,200 feet, with summer temperatures regularly exceeding 100°F. The area sits at the northern end of the Sacramento Valley where foothills transition into mountains, creating varied terrain for free camping. Winter brings mild temperatures and occasional rain, making it accessible year-round for campers seeking alternatives to developed campgrounds.
What to do
Fishing access: The Sacramento River near Perry Riffle Trailhead provides opportunities for anglers throughout the year. "The river was a nice way to cool off," reports one camper who visited during August heat. Several spots along the river offer shallow entry points for wading.
Trail exploration: Multiple hiking paths connect from dispersed camping areas. "Lots of trails. Sacramento River is within walking distance," notes a visitor to Perry Riffle. Near Lassen, Big Pine Dispersed Camping offers creek-side recreation. One camper shared: "Caught a bunch of trout in the creek and had an absolute blast."
Stargazing opportunities: The rural setting of many dispersed sites creates excellent night sky viewing conditions. At Perry Riffle, campers have observed "great horned owl, fox, then cows in the morning." Areas farther from town offer even darker skies with minimal light pollution.
What campers like
Creek sounds: Water features rank highly with reviewers at several sites. At Big Pine, one camper appreciated "the beautiful sounds of the babbling creek & birds." Another visitor called the experience "chefs kiss" while camping directly beside the water.
Seclusion levels: Cline Gulch BLM Dispersed receives praise for its privacy. "My husband and I loved this place. It was a little bumpy ride but well worth it. It was super secluded and quiet. No one else drove by at all during the two days we stayed," wrote one reviewer.
Proximity to services: For those needing quick access to stores, Olive Pit Dispersed Lot offers convenience. "Super convenient location near lots of fast food joints, a Starbucks, Rite Aid, and supermarket," notes a reviewer. Another mentioned it's "just a small parking lot with 8 or 9 pull through sites in the middle of a small downtown commercial area."
What you should know
Access challenges: Roads to some sites deteriorate during wet weather. "This is a good gravel road not far from main road. Lots of spaces along road," noted a Cline Gulch visitor, though others mention rough conditions. Seasonal road closures may affect winter access.
Wildlife awareness: Ticks appear in multiple reviews. One camper at Cline Gulch reported: "I had a perfect spot right by the river... I was about to write a 5 star review... but then my dog and I both got bitten by ticks - and we woke to find 8 other dead ticks in our bed."
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies significantly by location. At 31N17N - North Manzanita Dispersed Camping near Lassen, visitors report "1 bar AT&T, no service for Verizon." Big Pine campers noted "no service" throughout their stay.
Tips for camping with families
Water play options: Families appreciate creek and river access during hot months. "Right next to the creek and big spots! Our motorhome drove down here just fine," wrote a parent camping at Big Pine, adding it was "perfect for kids and dogs!"
Site selection strategy: Arrive early to secure spots with natural boundaries. At Christie Hill Basecamp, one camper advised: "If you have low clearance vehicles, pick your pins carefully." Look for established fire rings indicating previous use.
Safety preparation: Given remoteness of most sites, families should carry extra water and first aid supplies. "No water or outhouse," notes a Christie Hill reviewer. Pack garbage bags as most dispersed camping areas have no trash service.
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: Large rigs face significant restrictions. At Cline Gulch, one RVer cautioned: "Would recommend larger rigs avoid this area due to the number of low hanging tree branches." At North Manzanita, reviewers noted only smaller RVs could access certain areas.
Leveling requirements: Bring leveling blocks as most sites have uneven terrain. One Olive Pit camper noted "very flat, leveled, and long paved spots" making it suitable for "up to 35-foot long fifth wheelers and even 50-foot rigs" unlike more remote options.
Overnight alternatives: When traveling between destinations, consider commercial parking areas. "Several very confused customers looked at us like we were hillbillies," joked one RVer who arrived at the Olive Pit at 3 AM and made coffee in the parking lot the next morning.
