Best Dispersed Camping near Kenwood, CA
Dispersed camping near Kenwood, California primarily centers around several primitive sites in the surrounding region. BLM-managed areas like Sheldon Creek offer free camping opportunities approximately 40 miles northwest of Kenwood. Other options include Lakeview Dispersed Campground, Smittle Creek, High Valley Rd Dispersed, Cowboy Camp, and Clear Lake View Point Dispersed. These areas provide basic primitive camping experiences with minimal or no facilities on public lands.
Access roads to dispersed camping sites vary significantly in quality and difficulty. The road to Sheldon Creek requires careful navigation on dirt/gravel surfaces, while High Valley Road is described as extremely narrow, windy, and potentially impassable for standard vehicles. Most dispersed sites permit campfires where established fire rings exist, though seasonal fire restrictions may apply. No drinking water is available at any of these locations, and most lack toilets except for Sheldon Creek and Cowboy Camp, which have vault toilets. Cell service is spotty throughout the region.
The dispersed camping experience in this area features diverse landscapes and conditions. Sheldon Creek provides a wooded setting with a creek running through it. "Peaceful with deer, butterflies, and hummingbirds all around us. Babbling brook, cool and comfortable in mid-October," noted one visitor to Sheldon Creek. Lakeview Dispersed Campground offers views of Clear Lake from higher elevations, though campers report it can be extremely windy at times. Several locations have faced closures or access issues in recent years, with some campers reporting that Cowboy Camp has been closed at various times, and others finding Sheldon Creek coordinates leading to private property. Many sites show evidence of target shooting activity, which creates noise issues for some campers seeking quiet natural experiences.
