Top Free Dispersed Camping near Crescent Mills, CA

Searching for the perfect place to dispersed camp near Crescent Mills? Dispersed camping means that no facilities or amenities are provided, so that you can truly disconnect and get back to nature. Find dispersed campsites you've visited before, or discover new spots from other campers.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Crescent Mills, CA (29)

Showing results 1-10 of 29 campgrounds

Recent Dispersed Reviews In Crescent Mills

16 Reviews of 29 Crescent Mills Campgrounds


  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Bowman Lake Dispersed
    Sep. 6, 2024

    Bowman Lake Dispersed

    Lake side Campsites

    If you are looking to be near the water and no service, this is perfect. The rough road in I believe must keep some folks out but the lake is amazing.

  • Claire D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from 31N17N - North Manzanita Dispersed Camping
    Sep. 3, 2024

    31N17N - North Manzanita Dispersed Camping

    Convenient dispersed site near Lassen

    Same experience as the other reviews. 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. The turnoff is on Google maps and was easy to find even in the dark. Nobody else around that we saw, even given the busy weekend! Agreed with others on the road noise but it was fine. Just a few minutes from Manzanita lake. Great find!

  • tom P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Rocky Point Dispersed Camping
    Jul. 23, 2024

    Rocky Point Dispersed Camping

    Suitable but barren

    There's signs acknowledging it's free camping. Large barren area with a toilet near the lake. Not great for a tent but can make it work. Good distance away from roads and houses. Lake view.

  • Chris N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Bowman Lake Dispersed
    Jul. 21, 2024

    Bowman Lake Dispersed

    Great Late Spring Escape

    This place was a slice of heaven, but only accessible by way of 4 x 4 with decent clearance. The trail will take you off road for quite some time , but it's well with the adventure. Traction boards and a winch could help you through unexpected obstacles and are recommended to have on hand, but you most likely won't need them. No running water, but there are restroom buildings, fire rings and bear boxes to use. Mosquitoes are abundant here. Don't forget your repellent. The lake is gorgeous, a great fishery, and there are plenty of inspirational views and solitude to be had.

  • E
    Camper-submitted photo from 31N17N - North Manzanita Dispersed Camping
    Jun. 20, 2024

    31N17N - North Manzanita Dispersed Camping

    Exactly what we needed

    About one mile south of the northwest entrance, so it’s convenient. Follow the instructions from other campers as they’re spot on. We camped to the right of the road, as we saw another camp site that was filled to the right. Tent campers will have no issues finding a spot. We didn’t venture too far down the road due to having a lower car, but we had plenty of options.

    Although you feel secluded, the highway isn’t too far, so you’ll have some road noise (nothing crazy). We did hear coyotes off in the distance, which is so cool and spooky at the same time. Bear activity was reported in the area before we arrived, so keep that in mind. Make sure to bring your buh spray!

    Will definitely stay here again if we visit the park again. Arrived June 19, left June 20.

  • S
    Camper-submitted photo from Bogard USFS Dispersed
    Jun. 6, 2024

    Bogard USFS Dispersed

    Be very prepared for mosquitoes !

    Mosquitoes EVERYWHERE! We pulled in to the area around 6 PM on a Tuesday evening, not a single person around. We originally pulled near the little bog. When we got out we noticed TONS of mosquitoes, so we drove about a quarter to a half mile down the road and made a left. Still tons of mosquitoes, but absolutely beautiful night sky!

  • PThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from 31N17N - North Manzanita Dispersed Camping
    Jun. 5, 2024

    31N17N - North Manzanita Dispersed Camping

    Very much a Nike camp area, "Just Do It

    Immediately prior to turning down road to Lassen turn in to dirt road. Again less than 50 yards on right is area to camp. Could also turn a big rig.

    A 4 wheel drive is not required, it's just a dusty road. About 100 yards further, you could walk up the road and grab some water from the stream.

    No Verizon phone or internet reception

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Hat Creek Dispersed
    Oct. 27, 2023

    Hat Creek Dispersed

    Great Camping

    As one reviewer wrote, just a short run of slightly rough road to get to expansive meadows of boondocking.

  • c
    Camper-submitted photo from Christie Hill Basecamp
    Aug. 7, 2023

    Christie Hill Basecamp

    Quiet camping 4 miles outside Lassen NP

    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. Great location for dispersed camping just minutes from the southern lassen entrance.

  • Nick C.
    Camper-submitted photo from 29N22 Dispersed near Lassen NP
    Jul. 13, 2023

    29N22 Dispersed near Lassen NP

    Limited Option Near Lassen NP South Entrance

    This is a small flat area near the base of Christie Hill. The turn off of the Hwy 89 is at the McGowan SnoPark area (really just a logger's staging area). There are a handful of very rough roads one could pull off the road and camp in a tent on (or 4x4 van). For a larger RV or travel trailer, we found only one spot (40.390996,-121.540748) that was large enough to accommodate our 32 foot travel trailer. It is right along the road, but there is virtually no traffic here, so we found it acceptable. 

    I do not believe there are any good spots further down the road. A word of caution as well - the lake just beyond here (McGowan Lake) - is privately owned and gated. It is not available for camping.

  • Salvatore F.
    Camper-submitted photo from 31N17N - North Manzanita Dispersed Camping
    Jul. 7, 2023

    31N17N - North Manzanita Dispersed Camping

    Great dispersed spot near Lassen Volcanic NP

    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.

    Right when you turn off 44, go up a small hill, maybe 100m, then there is a clearing on the west side of the road. There is a perpendicular dirt road at the clearing (running west/east) with several spots to park a van, trailer, or even smaller RV. We saw four distinct sites where people had made fire rings—however due to the number of pine trees the ground is covered in a thick layer of pine needles— make sure you sweep at least a 20’ fire ring down to dirt around the rock pit before you make a fire. You can also hear noticeable road noise from 44 in the front spots so not super secluded.

    Many of the sites we checked (near the entrance and deeper into the woods) had bumble bees coming out of holes in the ground so be careful picking your site, particularly at night so you don’t wake up to an unpleasant surprise.

    Going further south down the main road you can find many other more hidden camping spots deeper in the forest, but the road is rougher and only suited for a 4x4.

  • Aliza  N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from 29N22 Dispersed near Lassen NP
    Nov. 1, 2022

    29N22 Dispersed near Lassen NP

    Dispersed camping near Lassen NP

    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. Most camp spots are right on the edge of the road but lots of room and plenty of privacy. Leave no trace. Pack in, pack out.

  • Daisee Mae S.
    Camper-submitted photo from CA-139 Pull Off Area
    Oct. 25, 2022

    CA-139 Pull Off Area

    Somewhere to Rest

    This is literally right off the highway, it might be hard to spot unless someone else is there.

    The roads to the spots are a little rutted, no low profile vehicles, but it’s easy to access.

    There is no name to this place, and the bulletin board has zero information.

    Possibly 5-6 spaces. The most people that was here any given night were just stopping for a place to rest for the night.

    No bathrooms, trash or water. One of the locals said there is a junk yard you can walk to from here but we never found it.

    Traffic noise dies down around 10/11PM. Unless the occasional driver is honking at absolutely nothing, it’s pretty quiet.

    We heard gunshots around 9PM that lasted for about an hour. Seems the people around here hunt at night.

    Definitely just a place to rest or gather yourself for a couple of days. I’m not sure about the amount of time you can stay here. But hey, it’s free!

  • C
    Camper-submitted photo from Hat Creek Dispersed
    Aug. 19, 2022

    Hat Creek Dispersed

    Hat Creek Dispersed

    Go past Cave Campground take 1st left over bridge. Goto end of road after bridge look left. Go up hill. Road is rough only to top then levels out. Footbridge to main campground found midway in creek. Take creek trail. Bathrooms, garbage, water available at main campground. 1 bar lte AT&T.

  • k
    Camper-submitted photo from Bogard USFS Dispersed
    Jul. 18, 2021

    Bogard USFS Dispersed

    Perfect Getaway

    The campsite was very easy to find, but also very secluded. When we arrived, only 3 other sites were taken. We met a very kind older woman who had been there a while & said that not many people know this place exists, so it doesn’t get very busy. The campsite was well kept. We had a picnic table, campfire & plenty of trees for our hammocks. I left my dog’s food out one afternoon & a chipmunk got to it but other than that, we had no issues with wildlife!



Guide to Crescent Mills

Camping near Crescent Mills, California, offers a fantastic escape into nature with beautiful lakes and lush forests. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, this area has something for everyone.

What to do:

  • Hiking and biking: Explore the scenic trails around Merrill Campground. One visitor mentioned, "Great bike/hiking paved path in the pines," making it perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.
  • Fishing and swimming: Sardine Lake is a great spot for fishing and swimming. A camper shared, "Just down the road from Sardine Lakes and Sand Pond, which are great for fishing and swimming."
  • Off-roading: For those with 4x4 vehicles, Gold Lake 4x4 Campground offers thrilling trails. One review warned, "Warning - this site requires a high clearance vehicle with good off-road tires."

What campers like:

  • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and grounds. A visitor at Plumas-Eureka State Park Campground noted, "Bathrooms were clean, weather good, and bugs weren’t too bad."
  • Family-friendly atmosphere: Many campgrounds, like Little Bear RV Park, are great for families. One camper said, "Nice campground with an on-site store, laundry, dog area, and friendly campers!"
  • Beautiful views: Campers rave about the stunning scenery. A review for Rocky Point Campground - Lake Almanor mentioned, "The views are amazing!"

What you should know:

  • Limited amenities: Some campgrounds, like Gold Lake 4x4 Campground, lack basic amenities like drinking water and electric hookups. A camper advised, "Bring water or filter water from the lake."
  • First-come, first-served sites: Many campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-served basis. One visitor at Merrill Campground mentioned, "It’s nice that they have first come first serve sites available with full hookups."
  • Wildlife encounters: Be prepared for wildlife sightings. A camper at Plumas-Eureka State Park Campground shared, "We were sure to use the bear box properly as a bear had been spotted in the campground."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose family-friendly campgrounds: Look for places like Clio's Rivers Edge RV Park, which has activities for kids. One family said, "Kid-friendly with activities and play areas."
  • Plan for outdoor activities: Bring bikes and fishing gear. A camper at Sardine Lake noted, "Great place for active families."
  • Pack snacks and drinks: Keep everyone happy with plenty of food. A visitor at Grasshopper Flat mentioned, "Had a great time - terrific proximity to the lake."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check site sizes: Make sure your RV fits the campsite. A review for North Shore Campground - Lake Almanor noted, "If your rig is over 30 ft you will have a more difficult time getting into spaces."
  • Arrive early: Popular spots fill up quickly. A camper at Rocky Point Campground - Lake Almanor said, "Get there early because sites fill up fast."
  • Bring a portable toilet: Some campgrounds have limited restroom facilities. A visitor at Gold Lake 4x4 Campground advised, "Pack a portable toilet. You'll need it!"

Camping near Crescent Mills, California, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, whether you're in a tent, RV, or cabin. With stunning views and plenty of activities, you're sure to have a memorable experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Crescent Mills, CA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Crescent Mills, CA is Bogard USFS Dispersed with a 4.3-star rating from 3 reviews.

  • What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Crescent Mills, CA?

    TheDyrt.com has all 29 dispersed camping locations near Crescent Mills, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.