Best Dispersed Camping near Forks of Salmon, CA

The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Forks of Salmon. Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Forks of Salmon is surrounded by family-friendly activities. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Forks of Salmon, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Forks of Salmon, California (13)

    1. Lacks Creek BLM

    20 Reviews
    Hoopa, CA
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 825-2300

    "Note the gps coordinates take you to the right of the sign at the top of the hill after you turn off the main road. I would recommend going straight. Just follow it to the end."

    "The whole BLM management area is well developed and has signs to guide you. There are spots all along pine ridge road. Campsites have picnic tables and fire rings."

    2. Aikens Creek Recreation Area

    1 Review
    Orleans, CA
    17 miles

    "But it still has camp sites and a little further in there is dispersed very close to the river. It was secluded and great."

    3. Groves Prairie Dispersed Camp

    2 Reviews
    Willow Creek, CA
    23 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."

    6. Redwood Creek Dispersed Camp

    4 Reviews
    Orick, CA
    36 miles
    Website

    "Dispersed camping along the river banks after walking through the Tall Trees hike. Easy overnighter."

    "but be prepared, you will be camping next to a creek on top of rocks. if you have a sleeping pad, this is no problem. if not, be aware. Next, you WILL cross a creek! the rocks are PAINFUL!"

    7. North Trinity Lake

    4 Reviews
    Trinity Center, CA
    37 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"

    8. Dispersed Campsite near Castle Lake and Shasta

    9 Reviews
    Mount Shasta, CA
    49 miles

    "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."

    9. 44 Backcountry Camp — Redwood National Park

    1 Review
    Orick, CA
    36 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 464-6101

    "It is located up the hill from the sign announcing it along the trail, look carefully if like me you've night hiked to get here."

    10. 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."

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Forks of Salmon, CA

56 Reviews of 13 Forks of Salmon Campgrounds


  • matt R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 13, 2023

    Lacks Creek BLM

    Awesome spot.

    Great spot. The site is very secluded and well maintained. Note the gps coordinates take you to the right of the sign at the top of the hill after you turn off the main road. I would recommend going straight. Just follow it to the end. There is three fire pits and a bathroom. That is okay. But it will do. Note there is no trash can on site and the closest gas station is probably an hour from the camp site. After you drive down the dirt roads. They are a little road but any vehicle could make it.

  • A
    Sep. 13, 2021

    Sand Camp - Dispersed

    No calling

    These coordinates lead us to private property, a driveway to a couple of houses. Maybe there was something a little further, but it was all blocked off. We had to turn around and camp elsewhere.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 29, 2025

    Lacks Creek BLM

    Great Spot

    Not much more to say that others haven’t. Clean, with a beautiful view. The whole BLM management area is well developed and has signs to guide you. There are spots all along pine ridge road. Campsites have picnic tables and fire rings.

  • Kelly-Shane F.
    Aug. 11, 2021

    Sand Camp - Dispersed

    Nice quiet area

    Sand camp is essentially a dispersed camping area. There is a large gravel parking lot and a pit toilet available. There is a path down to the Smith River where you can set up tents and tent camp if you want. 

    The toilet was a basic pit toilet, but it was fairly clean as far as those go. 

    We parked our VW Bus in the gravel lot for the night, it was very quiet. Though its next to a road, there is very little traffic at night as this area is fairly remote. The sky was dark and clear, perfect for stargazing. The few other people camping there were quiet and friendly.

  • rThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 13, 2025

    Lacks Creek BLM

    Lacks creek blm

    Clean great view 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 turn up the hill when you get to the intersection take the road to the right and go up the hill I went past the first site and got on top there are three sites in a row and a bathroom at the end

  • Victoria B.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 30, 2025

    Dispersed Campsite near Castle Lake and Shasta

    Serene Escape

    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.

  • Grace A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 12, 2025

    Dispersed Campsite near Castle Lake and Shasta

    Close to the lake. Beware of bugs

    Overall 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!

  • 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.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 3, 2025

    Dispersed Campsite near Castle Lake and Shasta

    Perfect campsite!

    Great 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.


Guide to Forks of Salmon

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Forks of Salmon, California, where nature enthusiasts can find serene spots away from the crowds. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, this area is perfect for those looking to immerse themselves in the great outdoors.

Dispersed campers should check out Groves Prairie Dispersed Camp

  • Groves Prairie Dispersed Camp is well worth the effort to find, offering a peaceful retreat surrounded by nature. You can enjoy a picnic table and fire ring at each site, making it ideal for a cozy evening under the stars.
  • Access is via forest service roads, which can be a bit rough, but the journey is part of the adventure. The camp is located near a tiny creek, providing a natural ambiance.
  • Keep in mind that there is no potable water available, so be sure to bring your own supplies for a comfortable stay.

Hiking and exploring at Lacks Creek BLM

  • Lacks Creek BLM offers a fantastic opportunity for hiking enthusiasts, with trails nearby that lead to stunning views and natural beauty. The area is known for its clean, spacious sites nestled among trees, perfect for hanging a hammock.
  • While there are no amenities like drinking water or picnic tables, the natural setting makes it a great spot for those who appreciate a more rugged camping experience.
  • The access roads can be bumpy, but many campers have successfully navigated them with various vehicle types.

Stargazing opportunities at North Trinity Lake

  • North Trinity Lake is a beautiful spot for those looking to enjoy clear night skies and stunning views of the stars. The open areas around the lake provide ample space for setting up tents and enjoying the tranquility of nature.
  • This location is also pet-friendly, making it a great choice for families traveling with furry companions.
  • While there are no facilities, the natural beauty and peaceful environment make it a highly sought-after destination for dispersed camping.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Forks of Salmon, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Forks of Salmon, CA is Lacks Creek BLM with a 4.5-star rating from 20 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Forks of Salmon, CA?

TheDyrt.com has all 13 dispersed camping locations near Forks of Salmon, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.