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Best Dispersed Camping near Forestville, CA

33 Reviews

Bureau of Land Management areas dominate the camping landscape around Forestville, California, with dispersed sites scattered throughout the surrounding hills and valleys. BLM Sheldon Creek in nearby Hopland offers free primitive camping with basic amenities like vault toilets and fire pits. Lakeview Dispersed Campground provides views of Clear Lake for those willing to navigate the access roads. Cow Mountain Recreation Area near Lakeport attracts off-road enthusiasts with its technical driving courses and primitive camping options. Most sites within an hour's drive of Forestville are rustic, with limited facilities and a focus on self-sufficient camping experiences.

Road conditions present significant challenges for accessing many camping areas in the region. Rough, steep dirt roads with loose gravel are common, particularly at sites like Lakeview Dispersed and Clear Lake View Point. As one camper noted, "The road was challenging. It was steep with loose dirt in spots. It was an adventure." While some passenger vehicles can navigate these roads in dry conditions, all-wheel drive or high-clearance vehicles are strongly recommended. Weather significantly impacts accessibility, with many roads becoming impassable after rain. Seasonal closures occur without warning, and several campers report finding gates locked upon arrival. Cell service varies widely, with some areas offering surprisingly good coverage despite their remote locations.

Campers consistently highlight the solitude and natural beauty available at these dispersed sites. Wildlife sightings are common, with one visitor to Sheldon Creek reporting "deer, butterflies, and hummingbirds all around us." Views of Clear Lake earn praise from those who make the journey to elevated camping areas. Night skies receive special mention, with "beautiful sunrises and sunsets and starry night sky" noted in multiple reviews. Site maintenance varies considerably, with some areas suffering from accumulated trash. Wind exposure affects comfort at higher elevations, particularly around Clear Lake, where one camper reported winds "so fierce it was shaking us all over the place in the night." Despite these challenges, the region's free or low-cost camping options continue to attract visitors seeking quiet, natural settings away from developed campgrounds.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Forestville, California (10)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Forestville, CA

16 Photos of 10 Forestville Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Forestville, CA

33 Reviews of 10 Forestville Campgrounds

  • C
    Aug. 9, 2022

    BLM Sheldon Creek

    Pleasant BLM camping, hot in the summer.

    A decent drive off the highway, but a good one. A few nice views. Google maps will not get you there, we followed the directions on this page.

    Only 2 spots up here, maybe 3. But we had it to ourselves on a weeknight. The Bathroom (vault toilet) had toilet paper. There was some water in the creek, but it wasn’t super easy to access. 

    The site itself is nothing special, just a couple of pullouts in the woods. Probably very hot during the day since you’re up on a ridge. Can’t beat free though.

  • kThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 9, 2023

    BLM Sheldon Creek

    FREE BLM campground - travel trailers not advised

    Tow behinds/trailers not recommended; rough roads and can’t turn back once on the path.

    Otherwise 10/10 for our truck camper, had the place to ourselves for the 4th of July weekend, beautiful fresh water creek running through, great toilet & even a fire pit with abundance of wood around.

    There are about 4/5 sites, only 2 with actual fire pits.

    Please keep it amazing by keeping it clean.

    FREE

  • Summer A.
    Jul. 17, 2022

    BLM Sheldon Creek

    Perfect Spot!

    Sheldon Creek is a BLM campsite up a winding dirt/gravel road. We drove a 4WD vehicle, but most cars should be able to handle the journey up. Signs will direct you in the right direction, and lead you to a campground with spots to pitch tents or park/hangout. There are even picnic tables, fire pits, and bathrooms. I didn’t get a chance to check out the bathrooms, but they looked decent. We only had one neighbor who seemed pretty friendly, which was a relief as you’re pretty far out in a remote area. Overall this is a beautiful spot where we felt safe. Would definitely recommend!

  • Jaye S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2024

    Lakeview Dispersed Campground

    Decent dispersed site

    Drive up to the site all incline dirt road ~6 miles - we made it up without 4 wheel drive but some areas were a little sketchy. Overall pretty dusty too. Sites themselves were decently maintained, some trash from previous campers but nothing major. This area is a popular for target practice so if the sounds of gunshots throughout the day isn’t your vibe, then this spot might not be suitable. Overall beautiful sunrises and sunsets and starry night sky

  • Chris C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 3, 2025

    High Valley Rd Dispersed

    Easy and chill!

    Very nice spot with multiple places to pull over and camp. There’s views of Lear Lake if you want to walk a bit. No water nearby. The road is very dusty on the way up!

  • Catherine L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 15, 2024

    Cowboy Camp

    Quiet

    Quiet stop, but I wouldn't call it the most beautiful stop I've ever stayed. Camping spots are to the left and the right I'd the day use. Pit toilets. No garbage.

  • Robert H.
    Jun. 30, 2024

    Lakeview Dispersed Campground

    High Above Clear Lake

    Beautiful spot with some views of the lake. No services, but had cell service (CC). I drove in from the south access to High Valley rd. The road was challenging. It was steep with loose dirt in spots. It was an adventure. I am going to try north access into Lucerne later. (See Google for more info)

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 2, 2025

    Lakeview Dispersed Campground

    First Time Camping - Perfect

    First time camping and going somewhat off road.

    If you’re worried about your vehicle making it up we saw a tesla and a nissan altima up there. My subaru made it up perfectly. I would however recommend AWD or a little higher clearance.

    South road is somewhat rough and the north road seems to be the smoother but longer road.

    Clean area, but dusty. Can be busy 2 other campers showed up quietly while I was asleep but kept their distance. Where I set up there were some log chairs and a previously built fire pit.

    Very beautiful and quiet, can be extremely cold at night and morning so be prepared!

    We did not got many bugs which was great.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 17, 2025

    BLM Sheldon Creek

    Not a campsite

    I believe this is not campsite anymore. The coordinates took us to someone’s private driveway. We tried to get to the pinpoint from another way and ran into another closed gate. No idea..

Guide to Forestville

Primitive camping near Forestville, California centers on Bureau of Land Management sites requiring significant self-sufficiency. Located between coastal redwoods and inland lakes, this region has dramatic elevation changes from 100 to 2,500 feet creating diverse microclimates. Summer temperatures can reach 90°F while winter brings frequent fog and occasional freezing temperatures at higher elevations.

What to do

Fishing access: Cowboy Camp offers proximity to a small stream with seasonal fishing. "It's open, grassy level and quiet. Next to a stream and surrounded by hills," notes one camper, though water levels fluctuate seasonally.

Technical driving courses: Cow Mountain Rec Area Dispersed attracts off-road enthusiasts with challenging terrain. "Love taking our Rock crawler up to cow. Lots of obstacles," reports one visitor. The technical course provides routes for various skill levels.

Creek exploration: BLM Sheldon Creek features a year-round water source in an otherwise dry region. A visitor described it as "a beautifully wooded area with a flowing creek," making it suitable for nature observation and wildlife photography.

What campers like

Solitude at high elevations: Many campers appreciate the remoteness of Lakeview Dispersed Campground, with one noting: "There were only one other person here when I was. They got the prime spot, early bird and all." The limited number of sites creates a sense of privacy despite occasional busy weekends.

Wildlife viewing: Morning and evening hours bring animal activity. "Had deer, butterflies, and humming birds all around us," shares a visitor to Sheldon Creek. Early risers have the best chance of spotting wildlife.

Cell service availability: Despite remote locations, connectivity remains surprisingly good. One Lakeview camper confirmed: "Good cell service too!" This makes these sites workable for those needing to stay connected while camping.

What you should know

Road condition realities: Most access roads require careful navigation. At High Valley Rd Dispersed, a camper warns: "The road is very dusty on the way up!" Vehicle preparation is essential.

Seasonal closures: Gates may be locked without notice. A Cowboy Camp visitor reported: "Visit was for 11/19/2024 found the gates locked, no entry. Seasonal? No signage to tell." Always have backup plans when visiting these areas.

Weather preparedness: Temperature swings can be extreme. "Very cold at night and morning so be prepared!" advises a Lakeview camper. Pack appropriate clothing for both hot days and cold nights.

Tips for camping with families

Campsite selection timing: Arrive early to secure the most level sites. "We had the place to ourselves for the 4th of July weekend," notes a Sheldon Creek camper, though this requires weekday arrival for summer holidays.

Wildlife education opportunities: Natural areas provide learning experiences for children. One camper at Smittle Creek described it as "a paddle boarding and fishing dream," making it suitable for introducing older children to water activities.

Safety considerations: Some areas have significant hazards. A High Valley Rd visitor warned: "The road is EXTREMELY narrow and windy on the edge of a cliff." Evaluate routes carefully when traveling with children.

Tips from RVers

Length restrictions: Most primitive sites have limited turning space. A Sheldon Creek visitor cautions: "Tow behinds/trailers not recommended; rough roads and can't turn back once on the path."

Leveling challenges: Expect uneven terrain at most sites. "I need something semi level to navigate," explained a visitor to Mayacmas Campground, highlighting the importance of carrying leveling blocks.

Alternative parking strategies: For larger vehicles, consider parking strategies. "We always manage to level out in our 23" Winnebago View. There is lots of open space so no crowding," shares a Cowboy Camp visitor, demonstrating that smaller RVs can access some areas with careful positioning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find dispersed camping areas near Russian River in Forestville?

BLM Sheldon Creek is a popular dispersed camping option accessible via a winding dirt/gravel road. While Google Maps directions may be unreliable, following signs will lead you to designated camping spots. The area offers only 2-3 campsites, making it a quiet option, especially on weeknights. For those seeking alternatives, Cow Mountain Rec Area Dispersed provides additional dispersed camping opportunities in the broader region. Both areas require some navigation on unpaved roads, so plan accordingly and consider vehicle clearance requirements before setting out.

What are the rules and regulations for dispersed camping in Forestville?

Dispersed camping in the Forestville area follows standard BLM regulations. At Lakeview Dispersed Campground, campers should practice Leave No Trace principles, as some sites show evidence of trash from previous visitors. Fire regulations may vary seasonally - some areas have designated fire pits but check current fire restrictions before your trip. The area is sometimes used for target practice, so be aware of potential noise and safety concerns. At Clear Lake View Point Dispersed, vehicle access is restricted to appropriate off-road vehicles. Always pack out all trash, respect quiet hours, and limit your stay to the posted maximum duration (typically 14 days).

What amenities or facilities are available for dispersed camping near Russian River?

Dispersed camping sites offer minimal amenities by design. High Valley Rd Dispersed provides multiple pull-over spots with potential views of Clear Lake but no water sources. The area is very dusty, especially during dry seasons. For basic facilities, Cowboy Camp offers pit toilets but no garbage service, so plan to pack out all trash. Some dispersed sites have rustic amenities like picnic tables and established fire pits when fire restrictions allow. Cell service is variable but reported at some locations. Remember that dispersed camping means self-sufficiency—bring your own water, waste disposal bags, and all necessary supplies for your stay.

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