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Best Dispersed Camping near Klamath National Forest

36 Reviews

Several dispersed camping areas dot the landscape near Mt. Shasta and Trinity Lake, providing free primitive camping options with views of the mountains. Castle Lake offers multiple pull-offs along the access road with established sites featuring fire rings, though some areas remain snow-covered until June. Reviews indicate the main campground typically opens in June, with earlier access limited to roadside spots. A camper noted, "There are pull offs along the road that you could do a quick overnight."

North Trinity Lake provides lakeside dispersed camping on public land with no facilities. These sites accommodate tents and some RVs in an open field setting with forest nearby. The area requires careful navigation as coordinates can be misleading. Another dispersed area off a dirt road near Castle Lake offers more secluded camping, though higher clearance vehicles are recommended. As described in feedback on The Dyrt, "It was one way in, one way out. So we felt safe." Most sites throughout the region permit campfires when restrictions aren't in place, though none provide water, toilets or other amenities.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Klamath National Forest (21)

    1. Dispersed Campsite near Castle Lake and Shasta

    9 Reviews
    Mount Shasta, CA
    24 miles

    "Really easy trail was about a mile past the coordinates on google map but it’s a very obvious dirt road. Stayed at the 5th site in which is spacious and has a few paths for small hikes."

    "It’s a dirt road but not bad at all. You have to keep going pasta where it takes you on google maps until you see a dirt road turnoff on the right."

    2. Castle Lake Dispersed Camping

    8 Reviews
    Dunsmuir, CA
    23 miles

    "This spot is great, plenty of space, quiet, great views of Mount Shasta, easy to access."

    "High and dry. Great view of Shasta Mtn. 8 campers here in mid May. All 2 wheel low clearance accessible. 8 or more still available for higher clearance vehicle. T-Mobile reception good."

    3. North Trinity Lake

    4 Reviews
    Trinity Center, CA
    23 miles

    "This is disbursed lakeside camping with no facilities."

    "dispersed camping

    • no amenities
    • 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"

    4. Mt. Shasta Area

    2 Reviews
    Castella, CA
    23 miles

    "Winter time really is its best time but beware and plan ahead, a lot of the camp sites are closed in that time of year!"

    "Shasta is breathtaking pictures can’t do it justice A place to experience lakes streams hiking camping boating snow sports water sports the great outdoors !!"

    5. red fir campground

    3 Reviews
    Mount Shasta, CA
    29 miles

    "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."

    "Pull in and park / camp… flat space to park or set up a tent. No services but they have outhouses about a mile up the road. No reservations or assigned spots. Quiet and comfortable. I will be back."

    6. Gumboot Campground

    Be the first to review!
    Castella, CA
    18 miles

    7. Sand Flat Wild Camping

    3 Reviews
    Mount Shasta, CA
    30 miles

    "We couldn’t get more than a quarter mile up the very rocky forest service road. The road is completely snow covered. Two others had the same problem."

    8. bunny flat dispersed

    1 Review
    Mount Shasta, CA
    30 miles

    "Close to mt Shasta. Lots of other people here. Road is rough, don't recommend a super low clearance vechile"

    9. Dispersed near Lake Shastina

    1 Review
    Weed, CA
    33 miles

    10. Cline Gulch BLM Dispersed

    8 Reviews
    French Gulch, CA
    44 miles

    "This site is nothing special but it’s the only BLM I could find in the area. We stopped on the way up to Shasta. You don’t need ground clearance or 4wd to get there."

    "No amenities of any kind."

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Klamath National Forest

22 Photos of 21 Klamath National Forest Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Klamath National Forest

36 Reviews of 21 Klamath National Forest Campgrounds

  • Grace A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 12, 2025

    Dispersed Campsite near Castle Lake and Shasta

    Close to the lake. Beware of bugs

    Overall good stay. I don’t think you can do fires right now and there wasn’t too many options of where to stay, but we ended up finding a spot that fit 2 SUVs. It’s a dirt road but not bad at all. You have to keep going pasta where it takes you on google maps until you see a dirt road turnoff on the right. It was pretty hot at night, and a bunch of bugs so keep that in mind. There was plenty of shade at the spot we found. It was a like 10 minute drive to the lake which is what makes this spot so worth it!

  • Victoria B.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 30, 2025

    Dispersed Campsite near Castle Lake and Shasta

    Serene Escape

    Really easy trail was about a mile past the coordinates on google map but it’s a very obvious dirt road. Stayed at the 5th site in which is spacious and has a few paths for small hikes.

  • Greg B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 12, 2024

    Groves Prairie Dispersed Camp

    Secluded & beautiful Meadow

    This secluded camp is well worth the effort to find.  I've been 3 times and finally decided to add it to The Dyrt.  Upon this return, I tried to find it online (Six Rivers's official site) but found no info.  There are two ways to this camp, the longer from Willow Creek, or the shorter from Hawkins Bar.  Both ways are via forest service roads that are "fair".  There are 3 sites, each with a picnic table and fire ring.  There is one vault toilet that was stocked with 'the papers'.  There is NO trash service or cans and NO POTABLE WATER.  There is a tiny creek running nearby if needed.  There is MAYBE one (1) bar of Verizon service, but it is extremely unreliable.  I came here to see the Perseids Meteor Shower, on a Sunday night/Monday, and did not see a soul.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 3, 2025

    Dispersed Campsite near Castle Lake and Shasta

    Perfect campsite!

    Great campsite! Will be bumpy for a regular sedan but we did see a Prius roll by. 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. Google will try to get you to the coordinates but doesn’t know about the existence of the final dirt road to get you there. So it gets you to a point and then expects you to walk across a small ravine. But as the other reviewers stated, keep going on the road keeping in mind that you are trying to get to exact coordinates listed which are accurate. See one of my pics. Google has you stop at the red X, but keep going along the blue path drawn.

  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 21, 2021

    Cline Gulch BLM Dispersed

    At Least It’s Free

    We thought this might be a nice place to stay the night or even longer, but next time if we need a place to sleep we’ll just find one of the turnouts off of Hwy 299. I could see this being a good place for people who live locally to come and hang out in nature by the creek for a few days, but this isn’t a place I’d recommend as a destination. There is so much dead brush and cut trees all over the place here, possibly from cleanup after a fire?  Would recommend larger rigs avoid this area due to the number of low hanging tree branches.

    Also, this 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. Oh, and we heard a bunch of gunshots in the middle of the night.

    Once you enter the BLM land area, you will cross 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) to a small clearing at the end which is large enough for a group, but too small for more than one party to feel comfortable there. 

    If you turn right from the bridge you have a long road for a few miles along the creek. This road is at times narrow and bumpy with low hanging limbs, and at times wide and smooth and easy to drive. Along this road are several unmarked, undeveloped, and completely unmaintained clearings where you can camp. There are no fire pits or any other indication that it’s a camp site (which is a good thing because per the info board fires aren't allowed). We did pass one trailer that appears to be residing here permanently. 

    The public road eventually dead ends about 2 miles in and turns into private property, at which point there’s a large-ish space where you can turn around. 

    Zero cell service, though the WeBoost gave the Verizon phone a couple of weak bars. The T-Mobile hotspot and the ATT cell phone were not improved by the WeBoost.

  • Regina L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 5, 2025

    Dispersed Campsite near Castle Lake and Shasta

    Beautiful Forest

    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. The only issue we had was there were a lot of bugs, but I believe that is due to the time of year. Would definitely stay here again. Few small spots at beginning of dirt road and then a few larger further down. Surrounded by dense forest.

  • George B.
    Jun. 19, 2018

    Mt. Shasta Area

    A mountain that soars above

    Mt. Shasta is a place that’s beautiful from every angle. If you’re on the road or on the mountain all it does is takes your breath away.

    Stay where it’s more comfortable for you but at least go and stay and see this beauty!

    Winter time really is its best time but beware and plan ahead, a lot of the camp sites are closed in that time of year!

  • Ryan Z.
    Jul. 9, 2021

    North Trinity Lake

    Not accessible

    The coordinates and GPS lead to a random part of the highway surrounded by hills. Not real or inaccessible in vehicle, lake may be dried up.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 7, 2020

    North Trinity Lake

    Gorgeous Lakeside Camping

    This is disbursed lakeside camping with no facilities.

Guide to Klamath National Forest

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Klamath National Forest in California, where nature enthusiasts can enjoy stunning landscapes and a sense of freedom away from crowded campgrounds.

Scenic Lakeside Views for Dispersed Campers

  • North Trinity Lake offers breathtaking views, especially at night and in the morning, making it a perfect spot for those seeking tranquility and natural beauty.
  • Castle Lake Campground provides a picturesque setting with an open field and woods, allowing campers to choose between a more secluded experience or a spacious area to set up camp. Explore this beautiful spot here.
  • The dispersed campsite near Castle Lake and Shasta is ideal for those camping with a van or small trailer, offering easy access to multiple sites along a dirt road. Check it out here.

Outdoor Activities While Free Camping Near Klamath National Forest

  • The Mt. Shasta Area is a hub for outdoor activities, including hiking, boating, and snow sports, making it a well-reviewed destination for adventure seekers. Discover the options available here.
  • Sand Flat Wild Camping is perfect for those looking to explore rugged terrain and enjoy the thrill of off-road adventures, although access may be challenging during certain seasons. More details can be found here.
  • For a more secluded experience, the dispersed camping at Mount Shasta Nordic Center offers a peaceful retreat surrounded by nature, ideal for those who appreciate solitude and scenic views. Learn about this spot here.

Unique Experiences for Dispersed Campers

  • Gumboot Campground is a hidden gem that allows for a truly immersive experience in nature, with no permits required and a chance to enjoy the great outdoors without the usual amenities. Find out more here.
  • Upper Sand Flat offers a unique opportunity for those who enjoy exploring less-traveled paths, providing a sense of adventure and discovery in a beautiful setting. Check this location here.
  • The Mount Shasta Dispersed area is perfect for tent campers looking for a free and open space to enjoy the stunning views of the mountain and surrounding wilderness. Discover this area here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best areas for dispersed camping in Klamath National Forest?

Klamath National Forest offers several excellent dispersed camping areas. The area near Dispersed Campsite near Castle Lake and Shasta is highly recommended with multiple spacious sites along a dirt road that can accommodate various vehicle sizes. Another top option is Groves Prairie Dispersed Camp, a secluded area worth finding despite being somewhat challenging to locate. The forest has two access routes - a longer one from Willow Creek and a shorter one from Hawkins Bar. When searching for dispersed sites, look for established pullouts and cleared areas that show signs of previous use while following Leave No Trace principles.

What amenities or facilities are available for dispersed camping in Klamath National Forest?

Dispersed camping in Klamath National Forest means embracing a true backcountry experience with minimal to no amenities. At Cline Gulch BLM Dispersed, you'll find primitive conditions with access to a creek but no developed facilities. Similarly, the Mt. Shasta Area offers stunning natural surroundings but no services. Most dispersed sites throughout the forest lack running water, restrooms, trash services, or designated fire rings. You'll need to pack in all water and supplies, and pack out all waste. Cell service is typically limited or non-existent. Come prepared with maps, as many dispersed areas have limited signage and can be challenging to locate.

What are the regulations and permits needed for dispersed camping in Klamath National Forest?

Dispersed camping in Klamath National Forest requires following specific regulations. Camping is generally allowed for up to 14 days within a 30-day period. A free California Campfire Permit is required for any open flame, including campfires, stoves, and BBQs. Fire restrictions vary seasonally, with complete bans common during summer and fall. At Red Fir Campground dispersed area, campers must follow standard dispersed camping rules like camping at least 100 feet from water sources. When staying at North Trinity Lake, remember that motorized vehicles must remain on established Forest Service roads. Always check current regulations with the local ranger district before your trip.

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