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Best Dispersed Camping near Gridley, CA

14 Reviews

Dispersed camping opportunities exist in areas near Gridley, California, primarily managed by federal agencies including the Bureau of Land Management. Several free and primitive camping sites are accessible within driving distance, including the Olive Pit Dispersed Lot in Corning, Cowboy Camp, and Independence Hill Dispersed. These sites typically require visitors to bring all necessary supplies as most offer minimal or no amenities. Rogers Cow Camp, previously a primitive campground in Plumas National Forest, is currently closed due to damage from the North Complex Fire.

Many dispersed camping areas around Gridley require careful planning regarding road conditions. Independence Hill Dispersed features challenging access roads that may demand high-clearance vehicles, with numerous reports of rough, unpaved surfaces. The Olive Pit Dispersed Lot provides a more accessible option with paved surfaces suitable for RVs and trailers, though it functions more as an overnight stopping point than a traditional camping area. Most sites lack drinking water, toilets, and other basic facilities. Fire restrictions vary by location and season, with Independence Hill allowing fires while other areas maintain fire bans.

Camping experiences near Gridley range from convenient overnight stops to more isolated backcountry sites. The Olive Pit Dispersed Lot serves primarily as a free overnight parking area for travelers, located near restaurants and stores. One reviewer described it as having "very flat, leveled, and long paved spots great for up to 35-foot long fifth wheelers and even 50-foot rigs." Cowboy Camp offers a more traditional dispersed camping experience but with mixed reviews regarding conditions. A visitor to Independence Hill noted "the town nearby is a bit eerie but fun to explore... No amenities, but a bathroom and paid campsite down the rugged road so come with everything you need."

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Gridley, California (6)

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Gridley, CA

14 Reviews of 6 Gridley Campgrounds

  • Chanel C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 3, 2019

    Olive Pit Dispersed Lot

    Convenient location for boondocking

    PROS:

    + FREE overnight parking for RVs, trailers, and camper vehicles.

    + Very safe and heavily traffic location. Lots of travelers here spending the evening! Signs say for Olive Pit Customers Only but we spent 2 nights here (along with a few other campers) and no one ever disturbed us.

    + Very flat, leveled, and long paved spots (great for up to 35-foot long fifth wheelers and even 50-foot rigs).

    + Huge lot with lots of available spots. Around 10 spots for larger trailers and RVs, and lots of small spots for campervans and car rooftop tent campers. We saw 4-5 other campers around us who mostly were very private and to themselves

    + Super convenient location near lots of fast food joints, a Starbucks, Rite Aid, and supermarket. The lot shares the same entrance as the Shell Station and Olive Pit Cafe & Store where you can conveniently pick up food/beer/supplies.

    + The Olive Pit has a great cafe and wine tasting room. They sell specialty items such as olives, balsamic vinegar, etc. And they have a great breakfast!

    + There is a giant dumpster for trash disposal behind the Olive Pit

    + There is also a pet area that has a small white fence around a dirted area for pets to relieve themselves.

    + Lots of palm trees in the backdrop giving the place a very California vibe.

    CONS:

    + No tent camping, unless it's a car rooftop tent or a pop-up tent trailer

    + No fires/no showers/ no toilets (Although you can walk to the Shell Station to use their toilets which were super clean and well-maintained.)

    + Loud 24 hour carwash at the Shell station. Usually quiets down around 9 pm

    + Bright security lights in the parking lot. Just don't park directly under one. There are a few darker and less lit spots

  • Emily C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 20, 2025

    Independence Hill Dispersed

    horrible road up, cool historic town

    The road up to Iowa Hill is terrifying- especially in the dark. We camped in our 4runner as we got there when it was dark and there was so much glass and shell casings everywhere from what seems to be a local shooting area. the town nearby is a bit eerie but fun to explore. it worked for one night! No amenities, but a bathroom and paid campsite down the rugged road so come with everything you need. Hike nearby with waterfall is beautiful

  • 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.

  • Jody S.
    Jan. 4, 2021

    Olive Pit Dispersed Lot

    Guy and his dog at a Pit Stop?

    Spent the evening in the RV/Truck area after stocking up on some Olive stuffed garlic and artichokes. Mmmm. Was quiet besides the obvious freeway intersection area near by but NOT complaining. Easy boon-docking. Small pet area. Well lit if you park under a light. Safeway,Burger King, Taco Bell, Auto parts store lots more in little area around The Olive Pit. Basically park and walk to get shopping done. Boom. Hope this helps a little.

  • D
    Feb. 10, 2024

    Cowboy Camp

    2/9/2024 —- closed

    The camp area is closed, as of 2/9/2024. No indication of that on the BLM website.

  • Bare Soul W.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 28, 2025

    Olive Pit Dispersed Lot

    Pit Stop from Redwoods to Lassen

    I was worried at 1stvas there was a situation that was happening when arrive. Police were there surveying which made me feel safe. It was quite through the night. Lil Dude took advantage of the dog park.

  • Patricia Y.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 14, 2023

    Cowboy Camp

    FLIES!

    No trees just dry open land inhabited by an unusual amount of flies. It was crazy how thick they were. An almost dry creek runs alongside the open field of camping pads. To close to the road and way to exposed to feel comfortable to stay. If I needed a place to get some shut eye before heading onward, then maybe. I had a car full of flies that went to the coast with us. It was crazy.

  • Jorg F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 17, 2023

    Cowboy Camp

    Cowboy Camp

    Great free campground! We've stayed here many times. It's open, grassy level and quiet. Next to a stream and surrounded by hills. The only tough part is getting across the stream to some of the hikes. It's a hot spot for horses which of course have no stream problems, so the only negative is fly's sometimes. But just keep your screen door closed (& fly swatter handy). We always manage to level out in our 23" Winnebago View. There is lots of open space so no crowding. There is a rural road near by but traffic noise isn't a problem. Perhaps I should say it's awful so fewer people come and it's not discovered.

  • Marilee D.
    Jul. 9, 2021

    Olive Pit Dispersed Lot

    Ahhhhh the shade.........

    I was so grateful for the mature shade trees that offered a respite from the hot sun. It's a very quiet spot, so keep it that way. Some riffraff staggle through but they're harmless.

Guide to Gridley

Dispersed camping near Gridley, California requires substantial planning due to varied seasonal access conditions. Located in Butte County at approximately 95 feet elevation, this agricultural region experiences hot summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 100°F between June and September. Winter camping can be impacted by seasonal closures, with several sites becoming inaccessible due to road conditions from November through March.

What to do

Explore historic sites: Near Independence Hill Dispersed, visitors can investigate abandoned mining structures and ghost towns. "The town nearby is a bit eerie but fun to explore," notes camper Emily C., who also recommends the "hike nearby with waterfall" that offers scenic views after navigating the challenging access road.

Water recreation: The reservoir areas provide seasonal boating and fishing opportunities depending on water levels. At Cowboy Camp, campers can access streams during spring months. One visitor described it as being "next to a stream and surrounded by hills," though they noted "the only tough part is getting across the stream to some of the hikes."

Off-roading trails: Several routes near dispersed camping areas accommodate high-clearance vehicles and OHVs. Many roads require experienced driving skills, particularly at Cowboy Camp, where the terrain consists of "dry open land" alongside a "almost dry creek" according to reviewer Patricia Y.

What campers like

Convenience of overnight stops: Olive Pit Dispersed Lot receives appreciation for its practicality. Kevin C. describes it as "just a small parking lot with 8 or 9 pull through sites in the middle of a small downtown commercial area," while Jody S. notes it's "easy boon-docking" with "Safeway, Burger King, Taco Bell, Auto parts store lots more in little area around The Olive Pit."

Natural surroundings: Some campers value the rural setting at certain sites. Marilee D. appreciated the "mature shade trees that offered a respite from the hot sun" at Olive Pit, while Jorg F. described Cowboy Camp as "open, grassy level and quiet" despite being somewhat exposed.

Low cost options: The free camping appeals to budget-conscious travelers. Most sites require no reservations or permits, though availability varies seasonally. According to Jorg F., Cowboy Camp is a "great free campground" where "there is lots of open space so no crowding."

What you should know

Road conditions: Access roads to many dispersed camping areas require high-clearance vehicles. The Independence Hill access road was described as "terrifying- especially in the dark" by Emily C., while Derek D. reported Cowboy Camp was closed in February 2024 with "no indication of that on the BLM website."

Limited facilities: Most dispersed sites offer minimal or no amenities. Bring all supplies including water, waste disposal bags, and toilet paper. Catherine L. noted that Cowboy Camp has "pit toilets" but "no garbage" facilities.

Seasonal closures: Several camping areas experience temporary or permanent closures. Rogers Cow Camp was permanently closed after fire damage, with Patricia N. reporting in September 2024 that "it is burnt to the earth after the North Complex Fire and it will never reopen."

Safety considerations: Some areas show evidence of shooting activities. Emily C. reported "so much glass and shell casings everywhere from what seems to be a local shooting area" at Independence Hill.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the regulations and permits required for Gridley dispersed camping?

For Gridley dispersed camping, like most dispersed camping areas, you'll typically need to follow standard Forest Service or BLM regulations. Based on similar sites like Rogers Cow Camp and Stag Point, expect a 14-day stay limit within a 30-day period. Campfire permits are usually required from the Forest Service, especially during fire season when restrictions may be in place. Practice Leave No Trace principles by packing out all trash. There may be seasonal closures due to weather or other factors, so check with the local ranger district before your trip for current regulations, road conditions, and any special permits required.

Where is Gridley dispersed camping located and how do I access it?

While specific information about Gridley dispersed camping is limited in the reviews, nearby dispersed camping options include Independence Hill Dispersed which can be accessed via Iowa Hill Road. Note that campers describe this road as challenging, especially in the dark, so a vehicle with good clearance is recommended. The area appears to be situated in a more remote setting, typical of dispersed camping in national forests. For specific Gridley dispersed camping access information, check with the local Forest Service office before your trip as road conditions and accessibility may change seasonally.

What amenities and facilities are available at Gridley dispersed camping sites?

Gridley dispersed camping, like most dispersed sites, offers minimal amenities. For comparison, Cowboy Camp provides basic facilities with pit toilets but no garbage service. The area is described as open and grassy with a stream nearby. Similarly, Olive Pit Dispersed Lot offers level parking spots with shade trees but few other amenities. Expect to be fully self-sufficient with your own water, waste disposal, and camping supplies. Pack out all trash and prepare for a true primitive camping experience with no hookups, running water, or developed facilities.

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