Primitive camping near Igo, California offers free dispersed sites on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands within Shasta-Trinity National Forest at elevations ranging from 700 to 2,500 feet. The region experiences hot, dry summers with temperatures often exceeding 90°F from June through September, while winter nights frequently drop below freezing. Most dispersed camping areas remain accessible year-round, though seasonal fire restrictions typically begin in May and extend through late October.
What to do
Fishing access points: Cline Gulch provides creek-side camping with fishing opportunities. "We found perfect site to feet from the river. No slot of other sites," notes Al L. who stayed at Cline Gulch BLM Dispersed.
Wildlife viewing: Listen for coyotes at night around Perry Riffle. "Saw/heard great horned owl, fox, then cows in the morning," reports a camper at Perry Riffle Trailhead.
Target shooting: Some BLM areas permit target shooting with proper backstops. Exercise caution as Cline Gulch 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," according to Laura M.
Hiking trails: Multiple trails start from Perry Riffle. "Very bucolic area. Lots of trails. Sacramento River is within walking distance," writes Al L.
What campers like
Creek sounds: Riverside sites offer natural sound barriers from other campers. At 31N17N North Manzanita, "It's next to the creek and we fell asleep to the sounds of the flowing water," reports Brock S.
Shade coverage: Most dispersed areas offer tree cover. The North Manzanita sites feature "a thick layer of pine needles" according to Salvatore F., though he cautions to "sweep at least a 20' fire ring down to dirt around the rock pit before you make a fire."
Privacy levels: Seclusion varies by site. "This site is nothing special but it's the only BLM I could find in the area. Lots of space, there will certainly be a place for you when you pull in. Only one or two other campers were there when we stayed," writes Jack W. about Cline Gulch.
Lake access: Trinity Lake offers water recreation. "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," describes Karen T. at North Trinity Lake.
What you should know
Road conditions: Access varies widely. "You don't need ground clearance or 4wd to get there," Jack W. notes about Cline Gulch, while North Manzanita access is more challenging: "Going further south down the main road you can find many other more hidden camping spots deeper in the forest, but the road is rougher and only suited for a 4x4," cautions Salvatore F.
Cell service gaps: Connectivity is limited. At Wild and Scenic Trinity River Grapevine River Access, campers should "DO NOT bank on this coordinate for location. This is actually an hour away from where author put it," warns Jules S.
Fire restrictions: Regulations change seasonally. North Manzanita campers need to exercise caution with the "thick layer of pine needles" ground cover.
Site security: Camp security varies. Cline Gulch has reports of "trash and evidence of party sites," while Perry Riffle has "Managers there daily. Dumping trash and cleaning the pit toilet," according to Sadie P.
Tips for camping with families
Insect awareness: Check for ticks at Cline Gulch. "I had a perfect spot right by the river... I was about to write a 5 star review... but then my dog and I both got bitten by ticks - and we woke to find 8 other dead ticks in our bed," cautions Hillary S.
Wildlife preparation: Bear activity occurs near North Manzanita. "Bear activity was reported in the area before we arrived, so keep that in mind. Make sure to bring your buh spray!" advises Elaine S.
Noise levels: Highway sounds affect some sites. Near Olive Pit Dispersed Lot, "It is a parking lot behind the Olive Pit. Lots of traffic noise. Okay if you want a free spot to sleep for the night," notes Eric G.
Bathroom planning: Most sites lack facilities. Perry Riffle provides "Pit toilet, no water or other services," mentions Al L.
Tips for RVers
Length restrictions: Site access limits larger vehicles. Cline Gulch presents challenges as "There is 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)," warns Laura M.
Turning clearance: Plan your approach carefully. North Manzanita has "a perpendicular dirt road at the clearing (running west/east) with several spots to park a van, trailer, or even smaller RV," describes Salvatore F.
Leveling options: Terrain varies by location. North Manzanita offers "a gem of a level secluded spot with babbling brook. It's quite level for our 23' rig," shares Brock S.
Heat considerations: Shade availability affects comfort. Perry Riffle "is just a gravel parking lot, but it's quiet, peaceful, and about a 2 min walk from the river. It was roasting in August; the river was a nice way to cool off," notes Ibeya A.
