Top Free Dispersed Camping near Macdoel, CA

Looking for the best dispersed camping near Macdoel? Dispersed camping is an excellent way to get away from it all and to disconnect. Whether you're looking for a quiet location in the trees or wide open spaces, The Dyrt makes it easy to find the perfect dispersed campsite.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Macdoel, CA (21)

Showing results 1-10 of 21 campgrounds

Recent Dispersed Reviews In Macdoel

12 Reviews of 21 Macdoel Campgrounds


  • Kelly V.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Castle Lake Campground
    Sep. 13, 2024

    Castle Lake Campground

    Grand view

    Road dips down but rutted and I'm low clearance so can't tell what's down there. I'm in amthe o ly pullout off the side of the road before it Dios. Awesome view. Cannot hear water the other person mentioned but also haven't walked down the road yet. 3 or 4 rigs down close by. I am in a level spot but nowhere to walk except road from here. Again, great view.

  • Julie M.
    Camper-submitted photo from Rail Line Dispersed Site
    Aug. 3, 2024

    Rail Line Dispersed Site

    Open Sky and Privacy

    The road was rough at first but smoothed out enough that we weren't worried in our van. There are only a few pullouts here, and no one else was around.

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Topsy Grade Road
    Nov. 17, 2023

    Topsy Grade Road

    Easy for a night

    Not a long drive after leaving the highway. Several spots were all empty when I got here mid-November. The actual campground is closed for the season, but the pull-offs and turnarounds are enough. There are large trucks that use this road but it was quiet enough and far enough off the road to not be a problem. I was the only one here.

  • Karin P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Castle Lake Campground
    Jun. 1, 2023

    Castle Lake Campground

    Nice area

    As of May 31st there isn’t access to some areas as there is snow blocking the way, some areas are wet from the snow that has already melted. The toilets up at Castle Lake are still covered in snow and inaccessible. Pack in pack out. Other than that nice peaceful area, you can hear the river running, and has a nice view of Mount Shasta.

  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Tickner Rd
    May. 16, 2023

    Tickner Rd

    Quiet except for passing trucks

    After checking out South Lava Beds and West Tionesta (so named on The Dyrt app) this was the winner for us. There was greenery and living trees all around and it made for such a nicer environment. On Sunday, the area was completely silent, except for birds chirping. One logging truck drove by, as well as one park ranger truck, otherwise we didn’t see anybody.  However. On Monday morning all the trucks started rolling through. We left about 9 or 10am and maybe 10 trucks had gone by.  And they're noisy.  And the dirt they kick up is fine and silty, so it just floats around long after they've passed. Definitely a buzz kill! We were debating staying two nights, but the trucks convinced us to leave.

     Good enough (not great) cell service for both Verizon and ATT. We actually didn’t need to use our levels for this spot, which is always a treat. Easy access for our 26ft class c and I believe bigger rigs would be ok here as well. No amenities here, obviously, so please pack out your trash.

  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from West Tionesta
    May. 16, 2023

    West Tionesta

    Desolate

    Another one of these Dyrt campsites with zero info other than the location- thank you to whoever is adding these. This spot is a little further down the road from South Lava Beds, and would be fine, but we decided to keep going and find something a little less surrounded by blackened and burned trees and debris. There are piles of them everywhere, so I don’t know if workers come through here periodically- we didn’t see anybody when we were here on a Sunday. The area is still recovering from a 2020 fire 

    (Caldwell Fire, I believe). 

    Good cell reception, to our surprise. Our 26ft Class C had no problems reaching this spot, just take it slow once you leave the paved road. The dirt road is ok but there were a few dips and ruts that we had to go around. This would make a fine spot to stop over at, but it was a little too barren for us to want to stay here.

  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from South Lava Beds
    May. 16, 2023

    South Lava Beds

    Area Still Recovering From Fire

    I don’t know who’s adding these dispersed camping spots on The Dyrt (as there are no reviews or any additional info other than the location) but it’s much appreciated. We stopped to check this place out and would have stayed here for the night but decided to keep going and check out one more place first. 

    The location is easily accessed from the main road, no problems for our 26ft Class C. Cell service was surprisingly good for both Verizon and ATT. There’s a messy little fire pit here, but no other markers. The spot is off the road and has some sad blackened or dead trees surrounding it. 

    This area is still recovering from a big fire in 2020 and there are piles of burned logs and debris all over the area, giving it a desolate feel. The area is nice and quiet though, and very little traffic. Would make a great stop for a few days.

  • Sara R.
    Camper-submitted photo from Great Meadow Sno-Park
    Nov. 13, 2020

    Great Meadow Sno-Park

    Not bad for a free site

    We ended up here because we couldn’t get a spot at any of the campgrounds nearby. Sounds like that’s a pretty common problem in the area, so I would recommend it in a pinch. PROS: free, plenty of space, overlooks a pretty meadow, nice trail CONS: next to the road, felt a little exposed, extremely buggy at dusk

    Know before you go: this is not a campground. In the summer, back country ski / snow sport parking lots are open for free overnight parking. There are vault toilets bout they were closed due to COVID.

  • Jamie F.
    Camper-submitted photo from Great Meadow Sno-Park
    Aug. 29, 2019

    Great Meadow Sno-Park

    Parking, bathrooms, seasonal trails

    There is no camping here, its strictly a parking lot used for bathroom use, rest area, or use of seasonal trails. If you use the trails and leave your vehicle for a long period, you must have a permit otherwise an officer will give you a ticket. There is an area to let pets out off leash and occasional pond between seasons.

  • C
    Camper-submitted photo from Mt. Shasta Area
    Aug. 12, 2018

    Mt. Shasta Area

    Beautiful

    Shasta is breathtaking pictures can’t do it justice A place to experience lakes streams hiking camping boating snow sports water sports the great outdoors !!

  • George B.
    Camper-submitted photo from Mt. Shasta Area
    Jun. 19, 2018

    Mt. Shasta Area

    A mountain that soars above

    Mt. Shasta is a place that’s beautiful from every angle. If you’re on the road or on the mountain all it does is takes your breath away.

    Stay where it’s more comfortable for you but at least go and stay and see this beauty!

    Winter time really is its best time but beware and plan ahead, a lot of the camp sites are closed in that time of year!



Guide to Macdoel

Camping near Macdoel, California, offers a unique experience with stunning landscapes and a variety of campgrounds to choose from. Whether you're looking for a quiet spot to unwind or a place to explore nature, there’s something for everyone.

What to do:

  • Explore Lava Beds National Monument: This area is famous for its unique lava formations and caves. One visitor said, “Caves were dope though! Highly recommend Skull Cave! Pictures don't do it justice.” You can hike through the lava tubes and enjoy the breathtaking views.
  • Fishing and Water Activities: The Klamath River is nearby, making it a great spot for fishing. One camper mentioned, “The campground is located in a rural area with a wonderful setting along the Klamath River,” perfect for those who enjoy fishing or floating.
  • Stargazing: With minimal light pollution, the night sky is a sight to behold. A camper noted, “The night sky was surreal,” making it an ideal location for stargazers.

What campers like:

  • Quiet Atmosphere: Many campers appreciate the peacefulness of the area. One review stated, “This is undoubtedly the quietest campground we have ever visited,” highlighting the serene environment.
  • Friendly Hosts: Campers often mention the welcoming nature of the campground staff. A visitor shared, “The staff were fantastic, checked on us during set up to make sure we had what we needed.”
  • Clean Facilities: Clean bathrooms and well-maintained sites are a big plus. A camper remarked, “The bathrooms are clean but they do charge for showers,” indicating that cleanliness is a priority.

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Tree Of Heaven Campground, have basic facilities without electric hookups or showers. A visitor mentioned, “Not RV friendly but great for tents,” so plan accordingly.
  • Wildlife Encounters: Expect to see wildlife, including deer. One camper humorously noted, “When you hear a rustle in the tumbleweeds, it's likely deer munching on ground covering,” so keep your food secured.
  • Seasonal Access: Some campgrounds may have seasonal closures. A camper at Keno Camp mentioned, “Closed for the Season,” so check ahead before you go.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with outdoor games and animals. One family enjoyed, “We absolutely LOVED the animals onsite! Chickens, turkeys, quail, and goats!” at Trailer Lane Campground.
  • Safety First: Always keep an eye on kids, especially near water. A camper advised, “The pier close by was perfect for Bass fishing,” but make sure children are supervised.
  • Pack Snacks: Having snacks on hand can keep kids happy. One camper noted, “The store is nice,” at Klamath Falls KOA, making it easy to grab essentials.

Tips from RVers:

  • Space Considerations: Some campgrounds have tight spaces. A visitor at Waiiaka RV Park mentioned, “The spaces are close together but we were only there for the night’s sleep so we didn't mind.”
  • Check Hookups: Ensure your RV can connect to the campground’s utilities. One RV traveler said, “The facilities are very clean, showers have nice hot water for a minimal fee,” which is a plus for longer stays.
  • Plan for Dump Stations: Know where the nearest dump station is located. A camper shared, “The closest dump station is in Tule Lake, but is excellent,” so plan your route accordingly.

Camping near Macdoel, California, is a fantastic way to enjoy the great outdoors, with plenty of activities and friendly campgrounds to choose from.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Macdoel, CA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Macdoel, CA is Rail Line Dispersed Site with a 4-star rating from 1 review.

  • What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Macdoel, CA?

    TheDyrt.com has all 21 dispersed camping locations near Macdoel, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.