Dispersed camping near Kenwood, California extends approximately 40 miles in various directions from the town center, with most sites located on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands to the northwest. The region features elevations ranging from 1,500 to 3,000 feet, creating significant temperature variations between day and night. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F during daytime hours while dropping below 55°F overnight.
What to do
Wildlife watching opportunities: Smittle Creek offers excellent paddleboarding and fishing options. "This sweet little spot is a paddle boarding and fishing dream. Primitive site where Smittle Creek flows into Lake Berryessa," writes Stuart S. about Smittle Creek.
Hiking access: Multiple trails connect from dispersed camping locations. "We tried to get across the stream to some of the hikes. It's a hot spot for horses which of course have no stream problems," notes Jorg F. about Cowboy Camp.
Night sky viewing: Clear nights offer excellent stargazing due to limited light pollution at most sites. "Very peaceful but some traffic sounds at night from the lake towns," reports Stacy L. who found a "secluded spot that overlooks the lake" at Lakeview Dispersed Campground.
What campers like
Natural water features: Several sites provide creek or lake access. "Nice spot with multiple places to pull over and camp. There's views of Clear Lake if you want to walk a bit," explains Chris C. about High Valley Rd Dispersed.
Solitude and privacy: Many campers value the isolation these sites provide. "There were only one other person here when I was. They got the prime spot, early bird and all. Very nice view," says Todd N. about Lakeview Dispersed Campground.
Established fire pits: Several sites feature existing fire rings. "Great toilet & even a fire pit with abundance of wood around. There are about 4/5 sites, only 2 with actual fire pits," notes Kenny T. about Sheldon Creek.
What you should know
Road conditions vary dramatically: Many access roads require high-clearance vehicles. "The road to this pin is completely impassable in any regular vehicle, this would require an ATV... The road is EXTREMELY narrow and windy on the edge of a cliff," warns Karmen V. about High Valley Rd Dispersed.
Seasonal closures occur: Sites may close without notice. "Visit was for 11/19/2024 found the gates locked, no entry. Seasonal? No signage to tell," reports Natalie T. about Cowboy Camp.
Trash management challenges: Pack out all waste as facilities are minimal or nonexistent. "So much trash left behind here! We tried to pick up what we could but there's quite the mess left behind from others who were there prior. Pack it in, pack it out!" advises Emma T. about BLM Sheldon Creek.
Tips for camping with families
Insect preparation essential: Some sites have significant insect populations. "No trees just dry open land inhabited by an unusual amount of flies. It was crazy how thick they were," warns Patricia Y. about Cowboy Camp.
Weather extremes require planning: Temperature fluctuations demand appropriate gear. "Very beautiful and quiet, can be extremely cold at night and morning so be prepared! We did not got many bugs which was great," advises Joe M. about Lakeview Dispersed Campground.
Bathroom considerations: Toilets range from acceptable to unusable. "You might want to be prepared to dig your own toilet though as the toilet set up was completely infested with spiders," cautions Iliana A. about BLM Sheldon Creek.
Tips from RVers
Vehicle length restrictions: Most sites accommodate only smaller RVs. "We always manage to level out in our 23" Winnebago View. There is lots of open space so no crowding," says Jorg F. about Cowboy Camp.
Limited turnaround space: Many roads lack adequate space for larger vehicles to turn around. "As soon as I started going up an extremely steep hill and saw a sign that said not a through street, I should have turned around but it was impossible with my 30-foot car and trailer," warns Steve M. about Clear Lake View Point Dispersed.
Scout before committing: Walking access roads before driving RVs is recommended. "You have to drive up to right as you enter and then turn toward the lake to find the really nice spots. You can't see them from the main area. May need a higher clearance vehicle for that depending on the site. Recommend walking it first," advises Todd N. about Lakeview Dispersed Campground.
