Looking for the best campgrounds near Dunsmuir, CA? Dunsmuir is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. Discover great camping spots near Dunsmuir, reviewed by campers like you.
"Really easy trail was about a mile past the coordinates on google map but it’s a very obvious dirt road. Stayed at the 5th site in which is spacious and has a few paths for small hikes."
"It’s a dirt road but not bad at all. You have to keep going pasta where it takes you on google maps until you see a dirt road turnoff on the right."
"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."
"Just across the street from the red fir group campground, there is a good area among the trees for dispersed camping. No facilities or running water. Pretty flat spots scattered around between trees."
"Pull in and park / camp… flat space to park or set up a tent. No services but they have outhouses about a mile up the road. No reservations or assigned spots. Quiet and comfortable. I will be back."
"We couldn’t get more than a quarter mile up the very rocky forest service road. The road is completely snow covered. Two others had the same problem."
"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 !!"
"Close to mt Shasta. Lots of other people here. Road is rough, don't recommend a super low clearance vechile"
TravelerReally easy trail was about a mile past the coordinates on google map but it’s a very obvious dirt road. Stayed at the 5th site in which is spacious and has a few paths for small hikes.
GuideOverall good stay. I don’t think you can do fires right now and there wasn’t too many options of where to stay, but we ended up finding a spot that fit 2 SUVs. It’s a dirt road but not bad at all. You have to keep going pasta where it takes you on google maps until you see a dirt road turnoff on the right. It was pretty hot at night, and a bunch of bugs so keep that in mind. There was plenty of shade at the spot we found. It was a like 10 minute drive to the lake which is what makes this spot so worth it!
ScoutGreat campsite! Will be bumpy for a regular sedan but we did see a Prius roll by. There a 3-5 sites along the road and very spread apart. We did not hear any other campers even though there were at least 2 nearby. Google will try to get you to the coordinates but doesn’t know about the existence of the final dirt road to get you there. So it gets you to a point and then expects you to walk across a small ravine. But as the other reviewers stated, keep going on the road keeping in mind that you are trying to get to exact coordinates listed which are accurate. See one of my pics. Google has you stop at the red X, but keep going along the blue path drawn.
LegendWe 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.
TravelerIt was my husband and I's first time trying dispersed camping, and this was beautiful. We really enjoyed the location. It was one way in 1 way out. So we felt safe. The only issue we had was there were a lot of bugs, but I believe that is due to the time of year. Would definitely stay here again. Few small spots at beginning of dirt road and then a few larger further down. Surrounded by dense forest.
GuideMt. 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!
ScoutThe 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.
TravelerThis is disbursed lakeside camping with no facilities.
TravelerThis 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.
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Dunsmuir, California, where nature's tranquility awaits. With stunning landscapes and a variety of outdoor activities, this area is perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find dispersed camping sites near Dunsmuir, CA?
Several dispersed camping options exist near Dunsmuir. Dispersed Campsite near Castle Lake and Shasta is a popular choice, accessed via a dirt road about a mile past where Google Maps coordinates indicate. This area offers 3-5 well-spaced sites that can accommodate multiple vehicles. Another option is Red Fir Campground, which has dispersed camping across from the group campground with flat spots scattered among trees, suitable for vehicles up to 21-foot campervans. Look for obvious dirt road turnoffs when searching for these sites, as GPS coordinates may not always be accurate. Most sites are accessible by regular vehicles, though high-clearance is preferable for some areas.
What are the regulations for dispersed camping around Dunsmuir, CA?
Dispersed camping around Dunsmuir follows standard Forest Service regulations. At Cline Gulch BLM Dispersed, camping is permitted on public land, but seasonal fire restrictions apply—especially during summer and fall when campfires may be prohibited entirely. The Mt. Shasta Area follows a typical 14-day stay limit within a 30-day period. Most dispersed sites require campers to pack out all trash and human waste. No permits are generally required for dispersed camping, but staying within established sites is strongly encouraged to minimize environmental impact. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as these change throughout the season based on conditions.
What amenities can I expect at dispersed camping areas near Dunsmuir?
Dispersed camping areas near Dunsmuir are truly primitive with minimal to no amenities. At North Trinity Lake, you'll find lakeside camping with no facilities—just beautiful open fields backed by woods with the lake in front. Similarly, the dispersed area at Castle Lake Dispersed Camping offers no running water or facilities. These sites are characteristic of true dispersed camping: no toilets, no trash service, no picnic tables, no fire rings (although some may have informal fire spots), and absolutely no water sources. You must bring everything you need, including water, and pack out all waste. The trade-off is privacy, natural settings, and typically no fees. Cell service is often limited or non-existent.
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