Dispersed camping near Klamath National Forest ranges from lakeside sites to mountain forest settings where temperatures vary significantly with elevation. Most free camping areas lie between 3,000-7,000 feet elevation, with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F days and 45-55°F nights. Winter access to many dispersed sites becomes limited by November due to snowfall that can persist through May at higher elevations.
What to do
Explore mountain lakes: Castle Lake offers multiple camping options along access roads where you can enjoy swimming and hiking. According to one camper, "Great spot! i got in with a lil mazda, tho i did turn back from some of the lower section. it's a pull off to the left when going TO castle lake. spots splintering off along the main road."
Watch for wildlife: North Trinity Lake provides open field camping with forest backdrop where campers regularly spot deer and various bird species. A visitor noted, "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."
Mountain biking access: Areas near Bunny Flat dispersed provide trail access for mountain bikers during summer months. "Close to mt Shasta. Lots of other people here. Road is rough, don't recommend a super low clearance vechile," reports one camper.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Campers at Dispersed near Castle Lake and Shasta appreciate the spacing between camping areas. "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," one reviewer mentioned.
Creek access: Some sites near Castle Lake feature small creeks within walking distance, providing natural water features. A reviewer shared that "You can wander around and find one to ur liking, i got one with a wonderful view, fire pit, privacy, and a good sitting rock."
Night sky viewing: The minimal light pollution makes astronomy activities popular. At Sand Flat Wild Camping, campers report exceptional stargazing. "The site itself was fantastic. Perfect view of Mount Shasta. Quiet and serene," wrote one visitor.
What you should know
Seasonal road conditions: Many access roads become difficult or impassable during spring melt. A Sand Flat Wild Camping visitor warned, "We couldn't get more than a quarter mile up the very rocky forest service road. The road is completely snow covered."
Navigation challenges: GPS coordinates can sometimes lead to incorrect locations. At North Trinity Lake, a camper reported, "The coordinates were off though and it took us up to a private residence road so I would not follow that. There's multiple side dirt roads leading down to the lake from the main road."
Insects: Summer months bring mosquitoes and ticks to many campsites. One camper at Cline Gulch noted, "I had a perfect spot right by the river... but then my dog and I both got bitten by ticks - and we woke to find 8 other dead ticks in our bed."
Tips for camping with families
Look for established fire rings: Sites with existing fire rings often indicate flatter, more developed spaces better suited for families. A camper at Red Fir Campground shared, "Just across the street from the red fir group campground, there is a good area among the trees for dispersed camping. No facilities or running water. Pretty flat spots scattered around between trees."
Swimming options: For family activities, camping near lakes provides recreational opportunities. A visitor suggested, "If you camp here check out Siskiyou Lake right down the way to swim it was THE best view of Shasta and the most mellow and perfect swimming conditions!"
Safety considerations: Single-access areas provide more control for families with children. According to a Dispersed near Castle Lake and Shasta visitor, "It was my husband and I's first time trying dispersed camping, and this was beautiful. We really enjoyed the location. It was one way in 1 way out. So we felt safe."
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger vehicles: RVers should scout locations before committing to a spot. At Cline Gulch BLM Dispersed, a camper advised, "Would recommend larger rigs avoid this area due to the number of low hanging tree branches."
Turning radius considerations: Plan your exit strategy before setting up camp. One camper at Red Fir Campground reported, "We had a 21 ft long campervan that was relatively easy to drive around looking a for good spot. It had been dry and sunny days so ground was firm."
Leveling challenges: Many dispersed sites require leveling blocks or careful positioning. A visitor at Dispersed near Lake Shastina commented, "Didn't see anyone on a Thursday night," suggesting ample space to find a suitable spot for positioning larger vehicles.
