Dispersed camping near Likely, California offers opportunities throughout Modoc National Forest at elevations between 4,500 and 7,500 feet. The area features high desert landscapes with sagebrush valleys and pine-covered mountains. Summer temperatures typically reach 85°F during day and drop to 45°F at night, with afternoon thunderstorms common from July through August.
What to do
Fishing access points: Rocky Point Dispersed Camping provides direct lake access for fishing enthusiasts. According to one camper, "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."
Mountain hiking: From Cal Pines, campers can explore nearby trails with moderate elevation gain. One visitor notes, "Rainbow pond was a great place to walk to from the campground. I really enjoyed my time setting up a hammock and enjoying the scenery."
Panoramic viewpoints: The Osprey Overlook trail near Eagle Lake provides sweeping vistas of the surrounding landscape. A camper recommends, "I highly recommend hiking up to Osprey Overlook, not far from the campground. It has great panoramic views of the lake."
What campers like
Exclusive tent environments: Aspen Grove Campground restricts RV access, creating a quieter atmosphere. A reviewer explains, "The unique aspect of Aspen is it is set aside for Tent camping only. No RVs or cabovers are allowed here. It is set in shady pines just like the other campgrounds at the lake."
Helpful gear transport: Walk-in campsites at Eagle Lake provide equipment to move camping gear. A visitor appreciated that "There are wheelbarrows available to help campers move things to and from their sites. We didn't encounter any issues with critters overnight which was a huge win!"
Afternoon weather patterns: Mountain sites experience predictable weather cycles that campers find refreshing. A Cal Pines camper noted, "There was plenty of shade and a nice breeze in the afternoon that I looked forward to."
What you should know
Road condition challenges: Rocky Point West requires careful navigation even with smaller vehicles. A camper warns, "NOT big rig friendly. It is a sharp, steep curve to come into gate and road is narrow gravel/sand. I would not have been able to get into area and turn around if my rv had been any longer that it is (19ft) and I had to use 4WD and Maxtraxs."
Insect preparation: Mosquitoes can be particularly problematic at certain locations during evening hours. One visitor cautions, "Only other downside of this spot is the mosquitos are horrible. Sitting outside during sunset isn't even possible with bug repellent. They were covering my dogs."
Service limitations: Cellular coverage is inconsistent throughout the region, with many sites offering no connectivity. A camper at Rocky Point West noted, "Will do for an overnight stop. Also no cell service."
Tips for camping with families
City proximity: Families seeking a balance between wilderness and amenities have options within driving distance of supplies. An Aspen Grove camper mentions, "Susanville is only a 30 min drive, and the town has several grocery stores and many restaurants and other stores."
Swimming opportunities: Biscar Reservoir and surrounding lakes offer swimming spots during summer months, though water levels vary seasonally. Some locations require advance planning as "Roads gravel until last half mile is walk or 4 wheel drive vehicle only."
Day trip planning: Remote locations may require substantial travel time for supplies or additional activities. A camper noted, "We did the 7 miles off 395. Roads gravel until last half mile is walk or 4 wheel drive vehicle only."
Tips from RVers
Site limitations: Most tent camping areas near Likely have restrictions or physical limitations for RVs. At Rocky Point West, "Road just ends so you have to turn around in grass/rock terrain if you go too far because there is no warning."
Alternative camping options: RV campers seeking more developed facilities should consider locations outside the immediate Likely area. Nearby Eagle Lake offers "All the usual amenities are here too. Picnic tables fire pits and nice bathrooms. A camp host is present."
Terrain considerations: The dispersed camping areas around Likely often feature uneven terrain better suited to tents than RVs. One visitor to Rocky Point described it as a "Large barren area with a toilet near the lake. Not great for a tent but can make it work."
