Dispersed camping near Ferndale, California primarily centers around forest service land and BLM areas located 30-45 minutes from town. Most sites sit at elevations between 1,500-2,500 feet, creating cooler temperatures than coastal areas during summer months. Road access varies seasonally with winter conditions often restricting travel on unpaved routes from November through March.
What to do
Hiking at Lacks Creek BLM: The area features several maintained hiking trails ranging from easy to moderate difficulty. The main trailhead connects to a network of paths through mixed forest and meadow terrain. "We even pulled up our rear drop camper and had no issues at all. There's a nice running/bike path right in the camp ground," reports Toni K. about BLM Dispersed Camping - Lacks Creek.
Wildlife viewing: Early mornings provide opportunities to spot local wildlife throughout the dispersed camping areas. "We saw a bald eagle!" notes Leah H. about her stay at Redwood Creek Dispersed Camp. Wild horses can sometimes be spotted on approach roads, as one camper mentioned, "saw wild horses driving up!"
Stargazing: The remote location offers excellent night sky viewing with minimal light pollution. Greg B. specifically chose Groves Prairie Dispersed Camp for astronomical events: "I came here to see the Perseids Meteor Shower, on a Sunday night/Monday, and did not see a soul."
What campers like
Solitude and privacy: The remote nature of these sites means minimal crowds even during peak season. "It was great very peaceful. Only saw one person in the whole time I was there," writes Tim M. about his November visit to Lacks Creek BLM.
Natural settings: Campers appreciate the undeveloped nature of these areas. "Dispersed camping along the river banks after walking through the Tall Trees hike. Easy overnighter," notes Sam S. about Redwood Creek Dispersed Camp.
Established amenities at select sites: While primitive, some locations offer basic facilities. "The Lacks Creek campground is a gravel parking area," Jon E. explains about his experience at BLM Dispersed Camping - Lacks Creek. At 44 Backcountry Camp, Sharon B. appreciates that it's "backcountry with a picnic table" and notes "there are 4 picnic tables between what seem to be 3 sites each with a fire ring. 2 bear lockers are available for the whole site."
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Tick activity peaks from April through June in many locations. "The Lacks Creek campground is just a gravel parking area. No creek water in early June but lots of ticks. Very hot too. We left after 30 minutes and 6 ticks," warns Jon E.
Cell service limitations: Most sites have minimal to no cellular connectivity. "I was planning on staying here but had no service for miles with Verizon. Not just spotty service, literally nothing until I drove back down 15 minutes and camped on a road turnout," reports Scout G. about Lacks Creek. Similarly at Groves Prairie Camp, Greg B. notes "There is MAYBE one (1) bar of Verizon service, but it is extremely unreliable."
Permit requirements: Some locations require advance permits. At Redwood Creek Dispersed Camp, Leah H. advises, "GO TO THE WEBSITE!! if you want to camp here, you MUST get a free permit on the website listed on here. if you do not, you will find yourself at a locked gate you cannot enter. if you get your permit, you will be sent a gate code."
Tips for camping with families
Prepare for creek crossings: When camping near water sources, appropriate footwear becomes essential. "Next, you WILL cross a creek! the rocks are PAINFUL! bring your sandals! we did not and that part sucked," advises Leah H. about Redwood Creek Dispersed Camp.
Plan for wildlife encounters: Several sites report regular wildlife activity that may interest children but requires proper preparation. "We did have a few deer walking through our campsite through the middle of the night, and my dog loved chasing them away," notes Madeeha A. about her stay at Groves Prairie Camp.
Consider bee activity: Some sites have resident bee populations that warrant awareness. "I will also say that there is a beehive right above the campsite that we were at so the bees did go a little crazy, but we did not get stung and my dog was OK," reports Madeeha A. from Groves Prairie Camp.
Tips from RVers
Road condition assessment: RV access varies significantly between sites with many roads presenting challenges. "Tried to camp here with a 20ft travel trailer and I turned around before I even made it to the gravel road. Road is narrow and steep with low hanging trees," warns Jules S. about Lacks Creek BLM. Another camper notes "The road to get up there is a bit overgrown and there's a lot of potholes so just keep that in mind."
Length restrictions: Most primitive camping areas near Ferndale can only accommodate smaller rigs. Jessica S. notes about Redwood Creek: "We didn't end up going because it is NOT RV friendly. You have to hike in with your tent."
Navigation challenges: GPS directions often prove unreliable in remote areas. "The gps was wrong it took me past the turn off and sent me to private property with a locked gate so at the top of the hill look for a clearly marked sign on the left," advises Richard B. about Lacks Creek BLM.
