Rustic camping near Lower Lake, California centers primarily around Bureau of Land Management (BLM) properties at elevations between 1,500-2,500 feet. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F, while winter nights can drop below freezing at higher elevations. Many sites sit on exposed ridgelines where strong winds often develop in late afternoon, particularly during seasonal weather transitions in spring and fall.
What to do
Fishing access: Cowboy Camp provides streamside camping with access to seasonal creek fishing. "There is a rural road near by but traffic noise isn't a problem. It's open, grassy level and quiet. Next to a stream and surrounded by hills," notes camper Jorg F.
Wildlife viewing: Dawn and dusk offer prime deer watching opportunities at multiple sites. At BLM Sheldon Creek, one camper reported: "Had deer, butterflies, and humming birds all around us. Babbling brook, cool and comfortable in mid-October."
Paddleboarding: Smittle Creek provides water access where Smittle Creek flows into Lake Berryessa. According to Stuart S., "This sweet little spot is a paddle boarding and fishing dream. Primitive site where Smittle Creek flows into Lake Berryessa."
What campers like
Off-season solitude: Winter and spring camping offers significant advantages in this region. "Looking forward to a springtime visit," mentioned a BLM Sheldon Creek visitor who enjoyed cooler temperatures and fewer insects during fall.
Multiple site options: Lakeview Dispersed Campground offers numerous camping spots with varying degrees of privacy. "There were about 3-4 families around the main campsites, seemingly set up to have a whole bbq! Was able to find a bit of solitude a bit deeper into the campsite," reports Alexander Mark C.
Morning weather: Despite nighttime winds, mornings often provide calm, pleasant conditions. According to Mo H., "It was windy in the evening, but that died down during the night and in the morning we had breakfast in the sun in a clearing."
What you should know
Vehicle considerations: Most primitive camping sites near Lower Lake require carefully assessing road conditions before attempting access. In High Valley Rd Dispersed, visitors encountered extreme challenges: "The road is EXTREMELY narrow and windy on the edge of a cliff. There is no way to turn around once you start up it."
Wind exposure: Ridgetop camping locations experience strong wind patterns that can disrupt camping equipment and create challenging sleeping conditions, especially for tent campers on exposed sites.
Seasonal closures: Some BLM sites close during winter months without clear online notification. A Cowboy Camp visitor noted, "Visit was for 11/19/2024 found the gates locked, no entry. Seasonal? No signage to tell."
Cell service variability: Coverage differs significantly between sites. At Lakeview Dispersed Campground, one camper mentioned "Good cell service too!" while other nearby locations have no reception.
Tips for camping with families
Scout ahead: Walking potential campsites before committing helps identify hidden hazards. At Lakeview Dispersed Campground, Todd N. advises: "You have to drive up to right as you enter and then turn toward the lake to find the really nice spots. You can't see them from the main area. May need a higher clearance vehicle for that depending on the site. Recommend walking it first."
Bug preparation: Insect activity varies dramatically by location and season. "The only tough part is getting across the stream to some of the hikes. It's a hot spot for horses which of course have no stream problems, so the only negative is fly's sometimes," notes a Cowboy Camp review.
Temperature swings: Pack for significant day-to-night temperature variations. A Lakeview camper warned: "Very beautiful and quiet, can be extremely cold at night and morning so be prepared!"
Tips from RVers
Site selection for levelness: Cow Mountain Rec Area Dispersed offers primitive camping suited for self-contained vehicles. "As long as you have a capable vehicle and are prepared to provide for your own needs, you'll be ready for Cow," notes Lori A.
Length limitations: Keep rigs under 25 feet for most dispersed sites in the area. "Tow behinds/trailers not recommended; rough roads and can't turn back once on the path," warns Kenny T. about BLM Sheldon Creek.
Toilet facilities: Only a few sites offer vault toilets, and even these require backup plans. One camper at BLM Sheldon Creek cautioned: "You might want to be prepared to dig your own toilet though as the toilet set up was completely infested with spiders."
