Best Dispersed Camping near Lassen National Forest

Join the fun near Lassen National Forest. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that California camping has to offer. Find the best campgrounds near Lassen National Forest, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Lassen National Forest (26)

    1. Bogard USFS Dispersed

    3 Reviews
    Lassen National Forest, CA
    10 miles

    "The main road to Bogard Campground had too much snow for us to be able to pass through, so we found this small clearing tucked away off of Forest Route 32N09 in Lassen Nat’l Forest to stay overnight instead"

    "We met a very kind older woman who had been there a while & said that not many people know this place exists, so it doesn’t get very busy. The campsite was well kept."

    2. Butte Creek

    2 Reviews
    Old Station, CA
    15 miles

    "There are several very good campsites along Butte Lake Road as you approach the national park boundary. Many of these are just off the road and experience a fair bit of dust from cars passing by."

    "We arrived late, and pulled into the first spot we found just to be safe. Woke up this morning and it's beautiful, quiet and no one else near by."

    3. Big Pine Dispersed Camping

    7 Reviews
    Old Station, CA
    22 miles

    "Best dispersed camping near Lassen. Area is clean w/ amazing creek side sites, fire pits, and plenty of space between."

    "Right next to the creek and big spots! Our motorhome drove down here just fine. Caught a bunch of trout in the creek and had an absolute blast. Quiet and safe and lots of shade."

    4. Christie Hill Basecamp

    5 Reviews
    Mineral, CA
    21 miles

    "No water or outhouse. If you have a low clearance vehicles, pick your pins carefully."

    "Just off the main highway. Gravel road in. We had a Ford van that had no problem driving over the dirt and gravel road. There are sites with fire rings and relatively flat ground."

    5. Cone Lake Road

    Be the first to review!
    Lassen National Forest, CA
    9 miles

    6. Hat Creek Dispersed

    3 Reviews
    Old Station, CA
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 335-7517

    "As one reviewer wrote, just a short run of slightly rough road to get to expansive meadows of boondocking."

    "Take creek trail. Bathrooms, garbage, water available at main campground. 1 bar lte AT&T."

    7. 31N17N - North Manzanita Dispersed Camping

    5 Reviews
    Lassen Volcanic National Park, CA
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 257-2151

    "We found this spot based on advice of the rangers in LVNP. Overall a great place to camp if your looking for a free option to camp/boon dock very close to the park."

    "Arrived late Friday night on Labor Day weekend and found a spot right at the beginning of the dirt road - coming from Redding direction, turned right off of 44 onto the dirt road then took the first right"

    9. 29N22 Dispersed near Lassen NP

    2 Reviews
    Mineral, CA
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 258-2141

    "Lovely quiet remote dispersed camping spot. No services. On a very nice gravel road marked for winter cross country skiing. Saw a few others in the area."

    10. Willow Creek

    Be the first to review!
    Lassen Volcanic National Park, CA
    12 miles
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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Lassen National Forest

5 Photos of 26 Lassen National Forest Campgrounds


Dispersed Camping Reviews near Lassen National Forest

29 Reviews of 26 Lassen National Forest Campgrounds


  • Aliza  N.
    Nov. 1, 2022

    29N22 Dispersed near Lassen NP

    Dispersed camping near Lassen NP

    Lovely quiet remote dispersed camping spot. No services. On a very nice gravel road marked for winter cross country skiing. Saw a few others in the area. Most camp spots are right on the edge of the road but lots of room and plenty of privacy. Leave no trace. Pack in, pack out.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 27, 2023

    Hat Creek Dispersed

    Great Camping

    As one reviewer wrote, just a short run of slightly rough road to get to expansive meadows of boondocking.

  • Salvatore F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 7, 2023

    31N17N - North Manzanita Dispersed Camping

    Great dispersed spot near Lassen Volcanic NP

    We found this spot based on advice of the rangers in LVNP. Overall a great place to camp if your looking for a free option to camp/boon dock very close to the park.

    Right when you turn off 44, go up a small hill, maybe 100m, then there is a clearing on the west side of the road. There is a perpendicular dirt road at the clearing (running west/east) with several spots to park a van, trailer, or even smaller RV. We saw four distinct sites where people had made fire rings—however due to the number of pine trees the ground is covered in a thick layer of pine needles— make sure you sweep at least a 20’ fire ring down to dirt around the rock pit before you make a fire. You can also hear noticeable road noise from 44 in the front spots so not super secluded.

    Many of the sites we checked (near the entrance and deeper into the woods) had bumble bees coming out of holes in the ground so be careful picking your site, particularly at night so you don’t wake up to an unpleasant surprise.

    Going further south down the main road you can find many other more hidden camping spots deeper in the forest, but the road is rougher and only suited for a 4x4.

  • Nick C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 13, 2023

    29N22 Dispersed near Lassen NP

    Limited Option Near Lassen NP South Entrance

    This is a small flat area near the base of Christie Hill. The turn off of the Hwy 89 is at the McGowan SnoPark area (really just a logger's staging area). There are a handful of very rough roads one could pull off the road and camp in a tent on (or 4x4 van). For a larger RV or travel trailer, we found only one spot (40.390996,-121.540748) that was large enough to accommodate our 32 foot travel trailer. It is right along the road, but there is virtually no traffic here, so we found it acceptable. 

    I do not believe there are any good spots further down the road. A word of caution as well - the lake just beyond here (McGowan Lake) - is privately owned and gated. It is not available for camping.

  • Claire D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 3, 2024

    31N17N - North Manzanita Dispersed Camping

    Convenient dispersed site near Lassen

    Same experience as the other reviews. Arrived late Friday night on Labor Day weekend and found a spot right at the beginning of the dirt road - coming from Redding direction, turned right off of 44 onto the dirt road then took the first right. The turnoff is on Google maps and was easy to find even in the dark. Nobody else around that we saw, even given the busy weekend! Agreed with others on the road noise but it was fine. Just a few minutes from Manzanita lake. Great find!

  • Bruce E.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 4, 2025

    Big Pine Dispersed Camping

    Absolutely amazing camping area!!

    Best dispersed camping near Lassen. Area is clean w/ amazing creek side sites, fire pits, and plenty of space between. Nice and quite, other than the beautiful sounds of the babbling creek & birds. Definitely coming back!!

  • aThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 14, 2024

    Antelope Mountain Dispersed Camp

    One good area

    We only found one good area and it already had 2 people at it. It had level sites and nice tall trees. It also tucked in out of the wind. We some for other sites but they were windy, rough road to reach them, and not level so we moved on

  • tom P.
    Jul. 23, 2024

    Rocky Point Dispersed Camping

    Suitable but barren

    There's signs acknowledging it's free camping. Large barren area with a toilet near the lake. Not great for a tent but can make it work. Good distance away from roads and houses. Lake view.

  • Daisee Mae S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 25, 2022

    CA-139 Pull Off Area

    Somewhere to Rest

    This is literally right off the highway, it might be hard to spot unless someone else is there.

    The roads to the spots are a little rutted, no low profile vehicles, but it’s easy to access.

    There is no name to this place, and the bulletin board has zero information.

    Possibly 5-6 spaces. The most people that was here any given night were just stopping for a place to rest for the night.

    No bathrooms, trash or water. One of the locals said there is a junk yard you can walk to from here but we never found it.

    Traffic noise dies down around 10/11PM. Unless the occasional driver is honking at absolutely nothing, it’s pretty quiet.

    We heard gunshots around 9PM that lasted for about an hour. Seems the people around here hunt at night.

    Definitely just a place to rest or gather yourself for a couple of days. I’m not sure about the amount of time you can stay here. But hey, it’s free!


Guide to Lassen National Forest

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Lassen National Forest in California, where nature lovers can find serene spots away from the crowds. This area offers a variety of unique camping experiences, perfect for those looking to immerse themselves in the great outdoors.

Enjoy Stargazing While Free Camping Near Lassen National Forest

  • The clear night skies at Bogard USFS Dispersed provide an excellent backdrop for stargazing, making it a favorite among campers seeking a peaceful retreat.
  • Campers at Christie Hill Basecamp can enjoy the tranquility of the area, with minimal light pollution enhancing the visibility of constellations.
  • The remote location of Hat Creek Dispersed allows for breathtaking views of the Milky Way, especially on clear nights.

Fishing Opportunities for Dispersed Campers

  • Anglers will appreciate the proximity of Big Pine Dispersed Camping to local creeks, offering a chance to catch trout in a serene setting.
  • The nearby waters at Butte Creek are known for their fishing potential, making it a great spot for those looking to cast a line.
  • Campers at 29N22 Dispersed near Lassen NP can enjoy fishing in the nearby lakes, providing a perfect way to unwind after a day of exploring.

Wildlife Watching for Nature Enthusiasts

  • The diverse ecosystem around Willow Creek Dispersed attracts various wildlife, making it an ideal spot for birdwatching and observing local fauna.
  • Campers at Morgan Summit Sno-Park often report sightings of deer and other wildlife, enhancing the camping experience.
  • The lush surroundings of Greenville Creek provide ample opportunities for spotting wildlife, especially during early morning or late evening hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best dispersed camping spots in Lassen National Forest?

Lassen National Forest offers several excellent dispersed camping areas. Big Pine Dispersed Camping is considered one of the best spots, featuring clean creekside sites with fire pits and plenty of space between campers. For those wanting to be close to Lassen National Park, 31N17N - North Manzanita Dispersed Camping is an excellent free option just off Highway 44. Other great options include Hat Creek Dispersed, Butte Creek (with sites along the creek itself), and 29N22 Dispersed. Most sites are accessible via gravel or dirt roads, offering varying degrees of privacy and natural features like meadows, creeks, or forest settings.

Is dispersed camping allowed near Eagle Lake in Lassen National Forest?

Yes, dispersed camping is allowed near Eagle Lake in Lassen National Forest. East Eagle Lake provides dispersed camping opportunities with easy lake access. Another option is Rocky Point Dispersed Camping, which offers free camping with basic facilities including a toilet near the lake. While the area is somewhat barren and not ideal for tents, it provides good distance from roads and houses with lake views. Always practice Leave No Trace principles when camping in these areas, and be prepared for potentially windy conditions around the lake.

What are the rules and regulations for dispersed camping in Lassen National Forest?

Dispersed camping in Lassen National Forest follows standard Forest Service regulations. Campers at sites like 29N22 Dispersed near Lassen NP and Christie Hill Basecamp must strictly follow Leave No Trace principles—pack in, pack out all trash. Camping is limited to 14 days within a 30-day period. Campsites must be at least 100 feet from water sources, and existing fire rings should be used when available. Campfire permits are required for any open flame. Most dispersed areas have no facilities (no water, toilets, or trash service), so come prepared. Always check for seasonal fire restrictions, which can change rapidly during dry months, and never leave fires unattended.