Dispersed camping options around Manchester, California extend through multiple Bureau of Land Management parcels in Mendocino and Lake counties. The terrain features oak woodlands, chaparral-covered slopes, and elevations ranging from 1,200 to 3,000 feet. These primitive sites experience hot, dry summers with temperatures reaching 90-100°F and mild winters, though seasonal road conditions can change rapidly after rain.
What to do
Hiking trails access: From the Mayacmas Campground near Ukiah, visitors can reach several unmarked trails through chaparral and oak woodlands. One camper described their experience: "The ride up was rough. The views made it all worth it." The site's higher elevation provides overlooks of surrounding valleys.
Creek exploration: BLM Sheldon Creek features a year-round water source where visitors observe local wildlife. A camper noted, "It's not too bad of a road up there. Had deer, butterflies, and humming birds all around us. Babbling brook, cool and comfortable in mid-October." The creek remains accessible even during drier months.
Off-road recreation: Cow Mountain Rec Area Dispersed provides technical driving courses for appropriate vehicles. A visitor reported, "Love taking our Rock crawler up to cow. Lots of obstacles. Camping is awesome. Few sites and vault restrooms." The area has designated obstacle routes of varying difficulty levels.
What campers like
Seasonal water features: Campsites near flowing creeks offer both practical water access and natural ambiance. At BLM Sheldon Creek, a camper observed, "There was some water in the creek, but it wasn't super easy to access. The site itself is nothing special, just a couple of pullouts in the woods."
Midweek solitude: Many sites remain underutilized during weekdays. One camper at Sheldon Creek reported, "We had it to ourselves on a weeknight. The Bathroom (vault toilet) had toilet paper." Non-holiday weekdays typically see fewer visitors than weekends.
Lake viewing opportunities: High Valley Rd Dispersed sites provide distant water vistas for those willing to walk from their camping location. "Very nice spot with multiple places to pull over and camp. There's views of Clear Lake if you want to walk a bit. No water nearby," noted one visitor.
What you should know
Road condition realities: Access to most sites requires appropriate vehicles and careful driving. A visitor to High Valley Road reported, "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. It has deep ruts in the road." Most sites require high-clearance vehicles.
Limited facilities: Vault toilets represent the most developed amenity at these sites. At Clear Lake View Point Dispersed, campers found no established facilities. Sites categorized as dispersed typically lack tables, trash service, and potable water.
Site maintenance concerns: User stewardship varies across locations. At BLM Sheldon Creek, one camper reported, "So much trash left behind here! We tried to pick up what we could but there's quite the mess left behind from others who were there prior." Pack-out requirements apply to all waste.
Tips for camping with families
Site selection priorities: Families should target sites with established facilities when possible. At Sheldon Creek, a visitor found, "There are about 4/5 sites, only 2 with actual fire pits." Arriving early improves chances of securing a site with amenities.
Weather preparedness: Seasonal temperature variations affect comfort considerably. A visitor observed that Sheldon Creek was "probably very hot during the day since you're up on a ridge." Sites at higher elevations experience greater temperature fluctuations between day and night.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Mayacmas Campground and surrounding areas offer natural observation chances. Children should maintain appropriate distance from wildlife and remain supervised in creek areas at all times.
Tips from RVers
Vehicle length restrictions: Most dispersed sites accommodate only small to medium rigs. A Sheldon Creek visitor cautioned, "Tow behinds/trailers not recommended; rough roads and can't turn back once on the path. Otherwise 10/10 for our truck camper."
Levelness challenges: Finding flat parking requires advance planning. At Mayacmas, one camper found, "The camp site was not an option for me. I need something semi level to navigate." Carrying leveling blocks proves essential for most area sites.
Road assessment techniques: When uncertain about access, parking and scouting ahead on foot saves potential difficulties. A visitor to Clear Lake View Point warned, "Barely made it out of there with everything working as it should on car and trailer and actually got stuck at one point and had to use logs to get myself traction."
