Planning a dispersed camping trip near Dorris? The Dyrt can help you find the best dispersed campsites for your next trip. You're sure to find the perfect dispersed campsite for your California camping adventure.
Please check for fire restrictions before you go: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/stnf/alerts-notices/?cid=stelprdb5392380. Campfire permits are required to have a campfire or stove at a dispersed site. Campfire permits are available online at www.readyforwildfire.org/permits/campfire-permit/
Camping is not limited to developed camping. Almost all of the forest is open to those who prefer the quiet solitude of a completely undeveloped setting.
Generally, dispersed camping is allowed outside of developed sites within the forest unless otherwise posted. One exception to this is Lewiston Lake. Camping is prohibited within 1/4 mile of the high water mark with no exceptions. Other exceptions are the Mt. Shasta plantations area and McCloud River Loop.
Please call ahead to offices for current fire restriction and road information. Potable water, toilets, and other amenities are not available. Be sure to bring adequate water or be prepared to purify natural water sources before drinking. Camp at least 200 feet from springs, water, meadows, trails and roads. Camp at least a quarter-mile from designated campgrounds, picnic areas, trailheads, private property and state highways. If you brought it in with you, then remember to take it out when you leave (Pack It In/Pack It Out).
More details here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd771279.pdf
14-day camping is allowed from May-October. Oregon Sno-Park Permit is required between Nov. 1 and April 30.
Free backcountry camping is permitted so Restrictions are in place for camping near developed areas and caves Fires are prohibited and no surface water is available No groups of more than 12 individuals are permitted
Use already existing campsites when available. Do not leave evidence of fire rings, tent sites, trash, or graffiti when leaving an area. No camping within 0.25 miles (.04 km) of roads, trailheads, and parking areas.
For details on regulations, camping etiquette, horses and natural hazards see the Wilderness Camping Brochure: https://www.nps.gov/labe/planyourvisit/upload/Wilderness%20camping%20Site%20Bulletin.pdf
Guide
There’s nothing here except the highway but you can drive down the bike trail and stay there as well, just so your further away from the lot and the road.
Guide
The road was rough at first but smoothed out enough that we weren't worried in our van. There are only a few pullouts here, and no one else was around.
Scout
Dirt road leads too many places to camp. Most vehicles should have no problem getting to a site. Some places can be difficult turning around for larger campers. My Crosstrek loved it.
ScoutNeeded a place stay for just two nights. This spot was not too far off the road, there were some bumps getting there but my Chevy Trax was able to get there just fine. The area was flat and no one else was there. Our T-Mobile phones had a small amount of Service in our campsite but not on the road to get there.
ScoutNot a long drive after leaving the highway. Several spots were all empty when I got here mid-November. The actual campground is closed for the season, but the pull-offs and turnarounds are enough. There are large trucks that use this road but it was quiet enough and far enough off the road to not be a problem. I was the only one here.
Legend
After checking out South Lava Beds and West Tionesta (so named on The Dyrt app) this was the winner for us. There was greenery and living trees all around and it made for such a nicer environment. On Sunday, the area was completely silent, except for birds chirping. One logging truck drove by, as well as one park ranger truck, otherwise we didn’t see anybody. However. On Monday morning all the trucks started rolling through. We left about 9 or 10am and maybe 10 trucks had gone by. And they're noisy. And the dirt they kick up is fine and silty, so it just floats around long after they've passed. Definitely a buzz kill! We were debating staying two nights, but the trucks convinced us to leave.
Good enough (not great) cell service for both Verizon and ATT. We actually didn’t need to use our levels for this spot, which is always a treat. Easy access for our 26ft class c and I believe bigger rigs would be ok here as well. No amenities here, obviously, so please pack out your trash.
Legend
Another one of these Dyrt campsites with zero info other than the location- thank you to whoever is adding these. This spot is a little further down the road from South Lava Beds, and would be fine, but we decided to keep going and find something a little less surrounded by blackened and burned trees and debris. There are piles of them everywhere, so I don’t know if workers come through here periodically- we didn’t see anybody when we were here on a Sunday. The area is still recovering from a 2020 fire
(Caldwell Fire, I believe).
Good cell reception, to our surprise. Our 26ft Class C had no problems reaching this spot, just take it slow once you leave the paved road. The dirt road is ok but there were a few dips and ruts that we had to go around. This would make a fine spot to stop over at, but it was a little too barren for us to want to stay here.
Legend
I don’t know who’s adding these dispersed camping spots on The Dyrt (as there are no reviews or any additional info other than the location) but it’s much appreciated. We stopped to check this place out and would have stayed here for the night but decided to keep going and check out one more place first.
The location is easily accessed from the main road, no problems for our 26ft Class C. Cell service was surprisingly good for both Verizon and ATT. There’s a messy little fire pit here, but no other markers. The spot is off the road and has some sad blackened or dead trees surrounding it.
This area is still recovering from a big fire in 2020 and there are piles of burned logs and debris all over the area, giving it a desolate feel. The area is nice and quiet though, and very little traffic. Would make a great stop for a few days.
Legend
Not far from Ashland and right past the Hyatt Lake Resort are some dispersed spots on BLM land near the lake. The lake level is very low so at this time you could drive quite close to it but it gets really muddy so watch out because it looks grassy and deceivingly dry.
There is road noise but quiets down at night.
Also there is a large flock of geese that honk all day and night and there is goose poop everywhere!
The site we stayed at had a stone fire pit and not very level but we made it work. It is a good spot for a night or 2 and we would stay here again if passing through. There are no amenities so bring water and pack in and out all trash. The resort nearby has a restaurant and small store. No service from ATT and TMobile but Verizon had 1-2 bars of LTE roaming.
RangerWe ended up here because we couldn’t get a spot at any of the campgrounds nearby. Sounds like that’s a pretty common problem in the area, so I would recommend it in a pinch. PROS: free, plenty of space, overlooks a pretty meadow, nice trail CONS: next to the road, felt a little exposed, extremely buggy at dusk
Know before you go: this is not a campground. In the summer, back country ski / snow sport parking lots are open for free overnight parking. There are vault toilets bout they were closed due to COVID.
GuideThere is no camping here, its strictly a parking lot used for bathroom use, rest area, or use of seasonal trails. If you use the trails and leave your vehicle for a long period, you must have a permit otherwise an officer will give you a ticket. There is an area to let pets out off leash and occasional pond between seasons.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Dorris, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Dorris, CA is Topsy Grade Road with a 3-star rating from 1 review.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Dorris, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 18 dispersed camping locations near Dorris, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
