Dispersed camping areas near Little Lake, California sit at elevations between 3,000-4,000 feet in the high desert transitioning zone where the Mojave meets the Sierra Nevada range. Temperatures fluctuate dramatically with summer days reaching 100°F while winter nights drop below freezing. Wind patterns intensify in afternoon hours across the open desert flats, creating challenging camping conditions that require proper equipment and preparation.
What to do
Photograph geological formations: Visit Trona Pinnacles where unique tufa spires create otherworldly landscapes. "A very out of the way place to plant yourself if you are looking for space. I never knew this was here and grew up camping in California. Filming for the remake of Planet of the Apes happened here," notes one camper about these distinctive formations.
River activities: At Chico Flat Dispersed Camping, water recreation options abound during warmer months. "You have access to the river nearby. The generator can be used until 10 p.m.," explains one camper. Another visitor adds, "We usually pick up a lot of trash and glass from this site from careless campers so wear shoes in the sand. Use caution in early spring and summer months the river is very fast and DANGEROUS!"
Wildlife observation: Desert ecosystems support surprising biodiversity. "Just be sure to wear boots, keep kids or animals close, respect the locals," advises a visitor to Wagon Wheel Staging Area who spotted "chuckwalla lizards sun on top of the rocks and we also got a visit from a sidewinder rattlesnake." At Ant Canyon, visitors report seeing "curious birds and squirrels watching you during the day. In the evening/late day that area of the river is LOADED with beavers."
What campers like
Dark night skies: Free camping near Little Lake offers exceptional stargazing opportunities. "The night sky has no light pollution, and is beautiful enough to knock you off your feet because of all the stars," reports a camper at Stine Cove Recreation Site. Another visitor notes the area provides "gorgeous sunset to sunrise. Watch eagles prey on ducks, pelicans gather, hear the frogs croak."
Solitude and spacing: Most dispersed sites provide ample distance between camping parties. At Hanning Flat Dispersed Area, campers appreciate the isolation: "My pup and I stayed for three nights and didn't see another person or vehicle the whole time. So peaceful, quiet, sunny, green." Another visitor confirms: "Literal MILES of dispersed sites so plenty of room to spread out."
Geological exploration: Unique volcanic and desert landscapes provide natural playground areas. At Fossil Falls dry lake bed, one visitor explains, "This area is pretty trippy going from volcanic rock and flows to various brush to the dry, beautifully cracked dirt. Perfect for bike or dirt scooter riding or just running around on the lake bed. Perfect for dogs and kids."
What you should know
Weather conditions: Strong wind patterns affect camping comfort. At Fossil Falls dry lake bed, a camper warns: "Make sure your stuff is tied down tight. Upwards for 40mph thought my roof rack was a goner." Another notes: "It was extremely windy with 50+mph gusts which calmed after the sun went down."
Road conditions: Accessing many dispersed sites requires navigating dirt roads of varying quality. At Trona Pinnacles, "Road to pinnacles is about 5 miles of gravely washboard road but gets smoother as you get around pinnacles." For Wagon Wheel Staging Area: "Many spots—some only accessible by 4WD due to deep sand and dry waterways. There are plenty of 2WD spots, though."
Limited facilities: Free camping near Little Lake comes with minimal amenities. As one Hanning Flat camper states: "Pack in, pack out. No toilets, showers, or water so bring in everything you need." At Wagon Wheel: "There are no services available, you are boondocking... remember what you take in you take out."
Tips for camping with families
Safety precautions: Desert environments require vigilance. "Heads up that the lake is MUCH lower than anything you see on satellite view, from Stine Cove I still had to walk 30min before getting to the shore," warns a visitor to Hanning Flat, highlighting water access challenges.
Activity options: Bring recreational equipment for open spaces. At Wagon Wheel, visitors report: "We took our RZR out on the many dirt roads in the area too. Had a blast." At Fossil Falls, a family found it "Perfect for bike or dirt scooter riding or just running around on the lake bed."
Animal encounters: Wildlife sightings can become educational opportunities. "My dog did get lots of ticks and we had a mouse find its way into the van," reports a Hanning Flat camper. At Ant Canyon, children enjoy watching local wildlife: "We made friends with a couple of skunks. This area has the traditional and familiar stripped skunk and one that is newer to me, the spotted skunk. They're so cute, more like ferrets."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Choose camping locations based on accessibility. "Short drive from 395 and once the road became dirt it was easily navigable in our Promaster. No one else there," reports an RV camper at Fossil Falls. Another notes: "This is a nice and flat area just off the 395 freeway plenty of room for large rigs."
Cell service: Connectivity varies significantly across dispersed areas. "T-mobile was very slow but Verizon had a good connection," reports a Hanning Flat camper. At Wagon Wheel Staging Area, visitors note: "We only had internet with T-Mobile across the road on the mountain."
Generator usage: Check site-specific rules about noise and equipment. At Chico Flat, "The generator can be used until 10 p.m." At Fossil Falls, visitors recommend finding spots away from others: "Verizon cell service was great and stars were bright. Saw a jackrabbit while there... thank goodness my dog didn't see him!"
