Best Dispersed Camping near Lake Sonoma
Dispersed camping options near Lake Sonoma, California include several primitive sites on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land. BLM Sheldon Creek offers 3-5 free campsites with basic amenities including vault toilets, fire pits, and picnic tables at some sites. Lakeview Dispersed Campground provides views of Clear Lake from elevated positions, while Cow Mountain Recreation Area features more rugged terrain popular with off-road enthusiasts. These areas generally permit camping year-round but may have seasonal closures due to fire danger or weather conditions.
Access to most dispersed sites requires travel on unpaved roads. According to reviews, BLM Sheldon Creek is accessible via "a winding dirt/gravel road" where "most cars should be able to handle the journey," though trailers and tow-behinds are not recommended. Lakeview Dispersed Campground requires navigation of steep, dusty roads that become problematic when wet. Several campers noted that "all-wheel drive is helpful" and large RVs should avoid these areas entirely. Visitors should carry all necessary water as no potable sources exist at these sites.
Fire regulations vary seasonally and require strict adherence. Most sites permit campfires in established rings when fire danger is low, but seasonal bans are common during summer and fall. Pack-in, pack-out principles apply at all locations; no trash service is provided. Recent visitors to Sheldon Creek reported concerning amounts of trash left by previous campers. Wildlife sightings include deer, butterflies, and hummingbirds, particularly at creek-side locations. Cell service is generally available at Lakeview Dispersed Campground but may be limited or nonexistent at other sites. Vault toilets, when available, may not be regularly maintained.
