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Best Dispersed Camping near McCloud, CA

38 Reviews

Dispersed camping around McCloud, California is primarily concentrated near Mount Shasta and Castle Lake, with several primitive sites available on public lands. The Castle Lake area features multiple free camping zones accessed via forest roads, while other options include Sand Flat, Bunny Flat, and Red Fir areas. These primitive sites typically lack amenities and operate on a first-come basis with no reservation system. Several locations offer views of Mount Shasta and provide access to nearby lakes and trails for hiking and recreation.

Access to many dispersed sites requires navigating dirt roads of varying quality. The road to Castle Lake dispersed camping involves climbing terrain that most passenger vehicles can handle, though some areas farther in may require higher clearance. Red Fir campground area features relatively flat ground suitable for various camping setups, while other locations like Sand Flat can become impassable during winter and spring months due to snow coverage. Most dispersed sites have no drinking water, toilets, or trash service, requiring campers to pack in all supplies and pack out all waste. Campfires are permitted at some locations but prohibited at others, with regulations changing seasonally based on fire danger.

These primitive camping areas provide proximity to natural attractions while maintaining a sense of seclusion. The dispersed site near Castle Lake offers forest surroundings with some sites providing views of Mount Shasta. According to campers, "There are multiple side dirt roads leading down to the lake from the main road" at some locations, making water access possible. Red Fir camping area provides "well maintained dispersed camping" with "pretty flat spots scattered around between trees" and enough space that "the nearest neighbor was at least 25 yards away." Visitors note that Castle Lake dispersed camping has "great views of Mount Shasta" and is "quiet, great views... easy to access" despite some roads having rough sections.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near McCloud, California (20)

    1. Dispersed Campsite near Castle Lake and Shasta

    9 Reviews
    Mount Shasta, CA
    12 miles

    "Really easy trail was about a mile past the coordinates on google map but it’s a very obvious dirt road. Stayed at the 5th site in which is spacious and has a few paths for small hikes."

    "It’s a dirt road but not bad at all. You have to keep going pasta where it takes you on google maps until you see a dirt road turnoff on the right."

    2. Castle Lake Dispersed Camping

    8 Reviews
    Dunsmuir, CA
    13 miles

    "This spot is great, plenty of space, quiet, great views of Mount Shasta, easy to access."

    "High and dry. Great view of Shasta Mtn. 8 campers here in mid May. All 2 wheel low clearance accessible. 8 or more still available for higher clearance vehicle. T-Mobile reception good."

    3. red fir campground

    3 Reviews
    Mount Shasta, CA
    9 miles

    "Just across the street from the red fir group campground, there is a good area among the trees for dispersed camping. No facilities or running water. Pretty flat spots scattered around between trees."

    "Pull in and park / camp… flat space to park or set up a tent. No services but they have outhouses about a mile up the road. No reservations or assigned spots. Quiet and comfortable. I will be back."

    4. Sand Flat Wild Camping

    3 Reviews
    Mount Shasta, CA
    9 miles

    "We couldn’t get more than a quarter mile up the very rocky forest service road. The road is completely snow covered. Two others had the same problem."

    5. bunny flat dispersed

    1 Review
    Mount Shasta, CA
    9 miles

    "Close to mt Shasta. Lots of other people here. Road is rough, don't recommend a super low clearance vechile"

    6. Mt. Shasta Area

    2 Reviews
    Castella, CA
    16 miles

    "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!"

    "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 !!"

    7. Upper Sand Flat

    1 Review
    Mount Shasta, CA
    9 miles

    8. Mount Shasta Nordic Center

    Be the first to review!
    Mount Shasta, CA
    6 miles

    9. Dispersed near Lake Shastina

    1 Review
    Weed, CA
    20 miles

    10. Mt Shasta Clear Creek Route Dispersed Camping

    Be the first to review!
    Mount Shasta, CA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 226-2500
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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near McCloud, CA

25 Photos of 20 McCloud Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near McCloud, CA

38 Reviews of 20 McCloud Campgrounds

  • Victoria B.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 30, 2025

    Dispersed Campsite near Castle Lake and Shasta

    Serene Escape

    Really easy trail was about a mile past the coordinates on google map but it’s a very obvious dirt road. Stayed at the 5th site in which is spacious and has a few paths for small hikes.

  • Grace A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 12, 2025

    Dispersed Campsite near Castle Lake and Shasta

    Close to the lake. Beware of bugs

    Overall good stay. I don’t think you can do fires right now and there wasn’t too many options of where to stay, but we ended up finding a spot that fit 2 SUVs. It’s a dirt road but not bad at all. You have to keep going pasta where it takes you on google maps until you see a dirt road turnoff on the right. It was pretty hot at night, and a bunch of bugs so keep that in mind. There was plenty of shade at the spot we found. It was a like 10 minute drive to the lake which is what makes this spot so worth it!

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 3, 2025

    Dispersed Campsite near Castle Lake and Shasta

    Perfect campsite!

    Great campsite! Will be bumpy for a regular sedan but we did see a Prius roll by. There a 3-5 sites along the road and very spread apart. We did not hear any other campers even though there were at least 2 nearby. Google will try to get you to the coordinates but doesn’t know about the existence of the final dirt road to get you there. So it gets you to a point and then expects you to walk across a small ravine. But as the other reviewers stated, keep going on the road keeping in mind that you are trying to get to exact coordinates listed which are accurate. See one of my pics. Google has you stop at the red X, but keep going along the blue path drawn.

  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 21, 2021

    Cline Gulch BLM Dispersed

    At Least It’s Free

    We thought this might be a nice place to stay the night or even longer, but next time if we need a place to sleep we’ll just find one of the turnouts off of Hwy 299. I could see this being a good place for people who live locally to come and hang out in nature by the creek for a few days, but this isn’t a place I’d recommend as a destination. There is so much dead brush and cut trees all over the place here, possibly from cleanup after a fire?  Would recommend larger rigs avoid this area due to the number of low hanging tree branches.

    Also, this is a popular shooting area because we saw a ton of ammunition casings as well as broken glass and clay pigeons and other items used for target practice. Oh, and we heard a bunch of gunshots in the middle of the night.

    Once you enter the BLM land area, you will cross a narrow one lane bridge. From there you can go left, through a narrow and brush and low-hanging-tree-limbed gravel road (larger rigs beware) to a small clearing at the end which is large enough for a group, but too small for more than one party to feel comfortable there. 

    If you turn right from the bridge you have a long road for a few miles along the creek. This road is at times narrow and bumpy with low hanging limbs, and at times wide and smooth and easy to drive. Along this road are several unmarked, undeveloped, and completely unmaintained clearings where you can camp. There are no fire pits or any other indication that it’s a camp site (which is a good thing because per the info board fires aren't allowed). We did pass one trailer that appears to be residing here permanently. 

    The public road eventually dead ends about 2 miles in and turns into private property, at which point there’s a large-ish space where you can turn around. 

    Zero cell service, though the WeBoost gave the Verizon phone a couple of weak bars. The T-Mobile hotspot and the ATT cell phone were not improved by the WeBoost.

  • Regina L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 5, 2025

    Dispersed Campsite near Castle Lake and Shasta

    Beautiful Forest

    It was my husband and I's first time trying dispersed camping, and this was beautiful. We really enjoyed the location. It was one way in 1 way out. So we felt safe. The only issue we had was there were a lot of bugs, but I believe that is due to the time of year. Would definitely stay here again. Few small spots at beginning of dirt road and then a few larger further down. Surrounded by dense forest.

  • George B.
    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!

  • Ryan Z.
    Jul. 9, 2021

    North Trinity Lake

    Not accessible

    The coordinates and GPS lead to a random part of the highway surrounded by hills. Not real or inaccessible in vehicle, lake may be dried up.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 7, 2020

    North Trinity Lake

    Gorgeous Lakeside Camping

    This is disbursed lakeside camping with no facilities.

  • Mckenna S.
    Jun. 9, 2023

    North Trinity Lake

    Beautiful spot!

    This was a perfect spot for a quick one night stay as we were passing through. The coordinates were off though and it took us up to a private residence road so I would not follow that. There’s multiple side dirt roads leading down to the lake from the main road so I would just look for those. Beautiful views at night and in the morning! It was wide open with no other campers in site.

Guide to McCloud

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near McCloud, California, where nature's tranquility meets breathtaking landscapes. This area offers a variety of spots for campers looking to immerse themselves in the great outdoors.

Dispersed campers should check out Mt. Shasta Area

  • The Mt. Shasta Area is known for its convenient location and spacious spots, making it an ideal choice for those seeking comfort while enjoying nature.
  • With features like drinking water, electric hookups, and pet-friendly policies, this area caters to a wide range of camping needs.
  • Visitors rave about the stunning views of Mt. Shasta, which provide a picturesque backdrop for hiking, boating, and other outdoor activities.

Top activities while free camping near McCloud

  • Hiking enthusiasts will appreciate the trails around Castle Lake Campground, where you can explore the scenic beauty of the area and enjoy the sound of the nearby river.
  • For those who love a more rugged experience, the dispersed site near Castle Lake offers a variety of small spots along a dirt road, perfect for van or small trailer camping.
  • The peaceful atmosphere at Sand Flat Wild Camping allows for a relaxing getaway, although access may be challenging during certain seasons due to snow.

Scenic attractions for dispersed campers

  • The breathtaking views from Dispersed Campsite near Castle Lake and Shasta make it a must-visit for anyone wanting to soak in the natural beauty of the region.
  • Campers can enjoy the serenity of the area while being close to various outdoor activities, including fishing and kayaking in nearby lakes.
  • The Rail Line Dispersed Site offers a unique experience with open skies and privacy, perfect for stargazing after a day of adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find dispersed camping near McCloud, CA?

Several excellent dispersed camping options exist near McCloud. Red Fir Campground offers dispersed camping across from the group campground with flat spots scattered among the trees, suitable for vehicles up to 21 ft. Another popular option is Dispersed Campsite near Castle Lake and Shasta, accessed via a dirt road about a mile past where Google Maps coordinates typically lead. The area features 3-5 well-spaced sites that provide privacy from other campers. Additional dispersed camping can be found throughout the Mt. Shasta area, with spots available at various elevations depending on the season.

What are the regulations for dispersed camping in the McCloud area?

Dispersed camping in the McCloud area typically follows standard forest service regulations. At Cline Gulch BLM Dispersed and similar areas, campers must follow leave-no-trace principles and pack out all trash. Seasonal fire restrictions are common, especially during summer and fall months when fire danger is high. During these periods, campfires may be prohibited entirely. Most dispersed sites have no formal fee structure but typically limit stays to 14 days within a 30-day period. Camping is generally restricted to established sites to minimize environmental impact. Always check current regulations with the Shasta-Trinity National Forest office before your trip, as rules can change based on conditions.

What amenities are available at dispersed camping sites near McCloud?

Dispersed camping sites near McCloud are primitive with minimal to no amenities. North Trinity Lake offers lakeside camping with beautiful views but no facilities - just open fields and wooded areas for setting up camp. Similarly, at most dispersed sites in the region, you'll need to be self-sufficient with your own water, waste disposal system, and power. Some areas like Mt. Shasta Area dispersed sites may have outhouses located nearby (approximately a mile away from some camping spots), but this is not guaranteed. Plan to bring everything you need, including water, food, waste bags, and toilet paper, and be prepared to pack out all trash and waste.

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