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Best Dispersed Camping near Douglas City, CA

32 Reviews

Dispersed camping near Douglas City, California centers around several free sites on BLM-managed lands. Cline Gulch BLM dispersed area provides primitive camping along a gravel road with creek access. The Wild and Scenic Trinity River Grapevine River Access site offers riverside camping opportunities. Other dispersed options include North Trinity Lake for lakeside camping and Groves Prairie Camp, though these sites are farther from Douglas City proper. Most locations have minimal or no facilities, following true dispersed camping principles on public lands.

Road access varies significantly between sites. Cline Gulch features a gravel road that crosses a narrow one-lane bridge, with multiple pull-off sites along a creek. Reviews indicate the road was recently graded but still presents challenges for larger vehicles due to low-hanging branches and occasional rough spots. Many sites lack cellular service, and no drinking water is available. Fires are permitted at some locations but prohibited at others, with seasonal restrictions likely during dry periods. Camping is generally limited to 14 days in a 30-day period on BLM lands. Several areas are accessible with standard vehicles, while others may require higher clearance.

These dispersed sites attract campers seeking basic, primitive experiences with natural surroundings. Cline Gulch offers creekside camping with varying degrees of privacy. "About 45-60 minutes from Redding. Easy to locate. Road was just scrapped so it was in good condition. Found perfect site feet from the river," noted one camper about Cline Gulch. Another mentioned, "It was a little bumpy ride but well worth it. It was super secluded and quiet." Wildlife encounters are common, with reviews mentioning deer sightings. Campers should be prepared for complete self-sufficiency, as no amenities exist at most sites. Perry Riffle Trailhead, while technically a trailhead parking area, permits overnight stays and offers more facilities than true dispersed sites, including pit toilets and trash service.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Douglas City, California (8)

    1. Cline Gulch BLM Dispersed

    8 Reviews
    French Gulch, CA
    17 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."

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

    2 Reviews
    French Gulch, CA
    15 miles

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

    3. North Trinity Lake

    4 Reviews
    Trinity Center, CA
    28 miles

    "This is disbursed lakeside camping with no facilities."

    "- dispersed camping

    • no amenities
    • a beautiful open field with the woods in the back and Trinity lake in the front
    • you could camp in the open field or in the woods"

    4. Groves Prairie Dispersed Camp

    2 Reviews
    Willow Creek, CA
    36 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 629-2118

    "Both ways are via forest service roads that are "fair".  There are 3 sites, each with a picnic table and fire ring.  There is one vault toilet that was stocked with 'the papers'. "

    "There is a beautiful little creek right next to the campsite."

    5. Castle Lake Dispersed Camping

    8 Reviews
    Dunsmuir, CA
    49 miles

    "This spot is great, plenty of space, quiet, great views of Mount Shasta, easy to access."

    "High and dry. Great view of Shasta Mtn. 8 campers here in mid May. All 2 wheel low clearance accessible. 8 or more still available for higher clearance vehicle. T-Mobile reception good."

    6. Perry Riffle Trailhead

    6 Reviews
    Red Bluff, CA
    47 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."

    "This is just a gravel parking lot, but it's quiet, peaceful, and about a 2 min walk from the river. Several horse and hiking trails start from here. There's a pit toilet, garbage, and recycling."

    7. Mt. Shasta Area

    2 Reviews
    Castella, CA
    45 miles

    "Winter time really is its best time but beware and plan ahead, a lot of the camp sites are closed in that time of year!"

    "Shasta is breathtaking pictures can’t do it justice A place to experience lakes streams hiking camping boating snow sports water sports the great outdoors !!"

    8. Gumboot Campground

    Be the first to review!
    Castella, CA
    44 miles
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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Douglas City, CA

17 Photos of 8 Douglas City Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Douglas City, CA

32 Reviews of 8 Douglas City Campgrounds

  • Sadie P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 24, 2025

    Perry Riffle Trailhead

    Ok for a parking lot

    The good. Managers are there daily. Dumping trash and cleaning the pit toilet.

    The bad. Managers are there daily being passive aggressive in reminding you they can kick you out, walking around looking in the same vehicles (even yours as you stand there) and writing down plate numbers. They like to remind you of the 14 day in 365 day limit for the region, not just here. They like to talk about their database and what will happen if you try to camp somewhere else and they love complaining about tent campers outside the parking lot. Also, no fires, ever.

    That being said. Blm law enforcement they claim to have in their pocket reminds everyone that tent camping is allowed outside the parking lot.

    It is clean though, the rivers is blah and turkey hunters might fire off next to you but walk the road. Plenty of trails, beautiful meadows, horseback riders seen regularly. Quiet at night usually to. If not tell the managers, they’ll get right on that lol.

    I won’t go again but that’s not because of the CG.

    Details: Law Enforcement does visit, they are nice Locals are a problem Be prepared for management complaints, not camper complaints Town is 20 minutes away Free stay with a weird 14 day regional rule, inquire with management

  • Al L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 13, 2025

    Perry Riffle Trailhead

    Overnight @ Perry Riffle

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

  • Greg B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 12, 2024

    Groves Prairie Dispersed Camp

    Secluded & beautiful Meadow

    This secluded camp is well worth the effort to find.  I've been 3 times and finally decided to add it to The Dyrt.  Upon this return, I tried to find it online (Six Rivers's official site) but found no info.  There are two ways to this camp, the longer from Willow Creek, or the shorter from Hawkins Bar.  Both ways are via forest service roads that are "fair".  There are 3 sites, each with a picnic table and fire ring.  There is one vault toilet that was stocked with 'the papers'.  There is NO trash service or cans and NO POTABLE WATER.  There is a tiny creek running nearby if needed.  There is MAYBE one (1) bar of Verizon service, but it is extremely unreliable.  I came here to see the Perseids Meteor Shower, on a Sunday night/Monday, and did not see a soul.

  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 21, 2021

    Cline Gulch BLM Dispersed

    At Least It’s Free

    We thought this might be a nice place to stay the night or even longer, but next time if we need a place to sleep we’ll just find one of the turnouts off of Hwy 299. I could see this being a good place for people who live locally to come and hang out in nature by the creek for a few days, but this isn’t a place I’d recommend as a destination. There is so much dead brush and cut trees all over the place here, possibly from cleanup after a fire?  Would recommend larger rigs avoid this area due to the number of low hanging tree branches.

    Also, this is a popular shooting area because we saw a ton of ammunition casings as well as broken glass and clay pigeons and other items used for target practice. Oh, and we heard a bunch of gunshots in the middle of the night.

    Once you enter the BLM land area, you will cross a narrow one lane bridge. From there you can go left, through a narrow and brush and low-hanging-tree-limbed gravel road (larger rigs beware) to a small clearing at the end which is large enough for a group, but too small for more than one party to feel comfortable there. 

    If you turn right from the bridge you have a long road for a few miles along the creek. This road is at times narrow and bumpy with low hanging limbs, and at times wide and smooth and easy to drive. Along this road are several unmarked, undeveloped, and completely unmaintained clearings where you can camp. There are no fire pits or any other indication that it’s a camp site (which is a good thing because per the info board fires aren't allowed). We did pass one trailer that appears to be residing here permanently. 

    The public road eventually dead ends about 2 miles in and turns into private property, at which point there’s a large-ish space where you can turn around. 

    Zero cell service, though the WeBoost gave the Verizon phone a couple of weak bars. The T-Mobile hotspot and the ATT cell phone were not improved by the WeBoost.

  • Ryan Z.
    Jul. 9, 2021

    North Trinity Lake

    Not accessible

    The coordinates and GPS lead to a random part of the highway surrounded by hills. Not real or inaccessible in vehicle, lake may be dried up.

  • George B.
    Jun. 19, 2018

    Mt. Shasta Area

    A mountain that soars above

    Mt. Shasta is a place that’s beautiful from every angle. If you’re on the road or on the mountain all it does is takes your breath away.

    Stay where it’s more comfortable for you but at least go and stay and see this beauty!

    Winter time really is its best time but beware and plan ahead, a lot of the camp sites are closed in that time of year!

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 7, 2020

    North Trinity Lake

    Gorgeous Lakeside Camping

    This is disbursed lakeside camping with no facilities.

  • Karen T.
    May. 24, 2021

    North Trinity Lake

    a lovely area

    • dispersed camping
    • no amenities
    • a beautiful open field with the woods in the back and Trinity lake in the front
    • you could camp in the open field or in the woods
  • Mckenna S.
    Jun. 9, 2023

    North Trinity Lake

    Beautiful spot!

    This was a perfect spot for a quick one night stay as we were passing through. The coordinates were off though and it took us up to a private residence road so I would not follow that. There’s multiple side dirt roads leading down to the lake from the main road so I would just look for those. Beautiful views at night and in the morning! It was wide open with no other campers in site.

Guide to Douglas City

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Douglas City, California, where nature lovers can find secluded spots away from the crowds. This area offers a variety of options for those looking to immerse themselves in the great outdoors.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Douglas City, California

  • Many dispersed camping spots, like Cline Gulch BLM Dispersed, allow for campfires and pets, making it a great choice for families and friends looking to enjoy a rustic experience.
  • Be prepared for limited amenities; for instance, Groves Prairie Dispersed Camp has no trash service or potable water, so pack out what you pack in.
  • Accessibility can vary, so check road conditions before heading out. Some areas, like North Trinity Lake, may have multiple dirt roads leading to beautiful views, but GPS can sometimes lead you astray.

Secluded spots for nature enthusiasts

  • If you're seeking solitude, Mt. Shasta Area offers spacious spots with breathtaking views, perfect for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle.
  • For a truly quiet experience, consider Perry Riffle Trailhead, where you can enjoy the sounds of nature and spot wildlife like owls and foxes.
  • The Castle Lake Campground provides stunning views of Mount Shasta, making it an ideal location for photography and peaceful reflection.

Unique features of dispersed camping in the area

  • Many spots, such as Gumboot Campground, are accessible by drive-in, allowing for easy access to your camping gear without the need for extensive hiking.
  • Campers at North Trinity Lake can enjoy picnic tables and the option to reserve spots, adding a layer of convenience to the dispersed camping experience.
  • The Cline Gulch BLM Dispersed area features charming stone sculptures and a creek, providing a unique backdrop for your camping adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Douglas City, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Douglas City, CA is Cline Gulch BLM Dispersed with a 3.4-star rating from 8 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 8 dispersed camping locations near Douglas City, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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