Top Free Dispersed Camping near McKinleyville, CA
Planning a dispersed camping trip near McKinleyville? With The Dyrt, it's easy to find peaceful dispersed camping near McKinleyville. Find the perfect dispersed campsite for your next adventure.
Best Dispersed Sites Near McKinleyville, CA (5)
1. Redwood Creek Dispersed Camp
2 Reviews•3 Photos•8 Saves- Pets
- RVs
- Tents
- Dispersed
2. Trinidad California Dispersed
1 Review•22 Saves- Pets
- RVs
- Tents
- Group
- Dispersed
3. Groves Prairie Dispersed Camp
1 Review•4 Photos•18 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Dispersed
- Picnic Table
- Toilets
- Alcohol
4. Elk Run Campground — El Vado Lake State Park
Be the first to review!- Reservable
- RVs
- Tents
- Dispersed
- Toilets
Recent Dispersed Reviews In McKinleyville
15 Reviews of 5 McKinleyville Campgrounds
- J
Jessica S.
Traveler
Redwood Creek Dispersed Camp
hiking/ tent access only
We didn’t end up going because it is NOT RV friendly. You have to hike in with your tent
Kalah H.Traveler
Lacks Creek BLM
Amazing place to stay for free with hikes close by
I loved staying at lacks creek! I had good cell service with att and it was beautiful, quiet and serene. Hikes right by the campsites. Fire pit. No water at all though. Bring your own water. And no bathroom unless you drive like 3 miles down the other way and some of the roads weren't open due to landslides. I drove my honda civic all the way up there. There was a few points I thought I wouldn't make it but sure enough my good ol honda pushed through. Lol Anyways! Highly recommend! Just bring water! Lol
Sam S.
GuideRedwood Creek Dispersed Camp
Walk among the Tall Trees
Dispersed camping along the river banks after walking through the Tall Trees hike. Easy overnighter.
Lloyd S.
ScoutTrinidad California Dispersed
Clam beach campground
The location it’s not what it says on this map. It’s about a mile heading to eureka. It’s okay it’s small camp site it’s right next 101 it’s bit noisy
- Greg B.
Ranger
Groves Prairie Dispersed Camp
Secluded & beautiful Meadow
This secluded camp is well worth the effort to find. I've been 3 times and finally decided to add it to The Dyrt. Upon this return, I tried to find it online (Six Rivers's official site) but found no info. There are two ways to this camp, the longer from Willow Creek, or the shorter from Hawkins Bar. Both ways are via forest service roads that are "fair". There are 3 sites, each with a picnic table and fire ring. There is one vault toilet that was stocked with 'the papers'. There is NO trash service or cans and NO POTABLE WATER. There is a tiny creek running nearby if needed. There is MAYBE one (1) bar of Verizon service, but it is extremely unreliable. I came here to see the Perseids Meteor Shower, on a Sunday night/Monday, and did not see a soul.
- Hannah A.Traveler
Lacks Creek BLM
Camping
Other than the long bumpy dirt road this site was great! Easy to find and great views. Had pretty good cell service with AT&T. Very quiet
Mateo G.TravelerLacks Creek BLM
Confusing
Beautiful area, cool drive in. But the map on here is misleading… Follow Pine Ridge Road all the way till you hit dispersed sites with picnic tables and fire pits on the right.
(41.0051476, -123.7848194)
- Kelly V.Traveler
Lacks Creek BLM
Embrace of forest
Clean, level, spacious campground sites, close together trees so you can hang a hammock, hilltop view, pristine feel. Deep grateful breath. Gaia happy here.
- JJoey A.Scout
Lacks Creek BLM
Great winding drive up
When you get to the area where apple maps says park and walk, just take the pine ridge or whatever trail a couple more miles up. you will pass a single designated camp site( was occupied when I came up). and a ways on past it you will find the Lacks campground! nice little campground and my only complaint is people! Please pack your trash out. the fire pits arent garbage containers. Fruit boxes to soup and beer cans were in almost every fire ring. That’s just irresponsible and is the kind of crap that leads to more and more of these places being closed?
- ttim M.Traveler
Lacks Creek BLM
Pretty easy to get to
It was great very peaceful. Only saw one person in the whole time I realize I’m probably going in the off-season thing I went in the middle of November.
matt R.ScoutLacks Creek BLM
Awesome spot.
Great spot. The site is very secluded and well maintained. Note the gps coordinates take you to the right of the sign at the top of the hill after you turn off the main road. I would recommend going straight. Just follow it to the end. There is three fire pits and a bathroom. That is okay. But it will do. Note there is no trash can on site and the closest gas station is probably an hour from the camp site. After you drive down the dirt roads. They are a little road but any vehicle could make it.
- JJulieTraveler
Lacks Creek BLM
Perfect spot
Awesome pull outs on easy terrain. Lots of hiking and mountain bike trails too. Quiet, well maintained spots. Mosquitoes are bad this time of year so prepare well!
Can easily drive a van or pick up. I saw one large trailer here, but there are only 1-2 spots, as corners are too tight as you get higher.
Scout G.Traveler
BLM Dispersed Camping - Lacks Creek
Long drive, no service
I was planning on staying here but had no service for miles with Verizon. Not just spotty service, literally nothing until I drove back down 15 minutes and camped on a road turnout. It seems nice especially since there's a bathroom and picnic tables as it's a trailhead. I drove out after dark and the road was a little rough but nothing we couldn't handle. It's 40 minutes from 299. If you don't mind being without service or have a different carrier it would be a nice secluded spot.
Toni K.RangerBLM Dispersed Camping - Lacks Creek
Free BLM land
Pretty far drive off a dirt road. The camp spot does have fire rings. There’s a nice running/bike path right in the camp ground. However, there are a lot of ticks. Be careful if you have any animals.
Also saw wild horses driving up!
Drive east on Highway 299 for 17.8 miles from Highway 101. Turn left at the Redwood Valley turn off(Bair Road) and travel 3.9 miles. Make a right turn at the sign that reads"Hoopa- 22 miles", and travel 5.9 miles up this windy gravel road. The entrance is a left turn.
Deleting App D.
LegendLacks Creek BLM
This review is for Lack Creek, California.
Paradise!! Dispersed Camping at it's finest. Nothing but a Firepit. The Vacation finally started.. Dead battery on car, snowed in, running low on water. Haven't seen someone in along time. This is Paradise! Finally I can relax and start my vacation. Dogs and I are staying warm in a tent. I keep the fire going and I stay warm and dry. If you want an amazing place to camp, bike, hike have some great privacy with a breathtaking view. This is the place for you. The gravel road was intense and make sure you have Chains or 4x4. Or just don't visit the day before an epic snow storm. I give this place five Stars cause of what it is, Paradise!!!
Guide to McKinleyville
Camping near McKinleyville, California, offers a mix of stunning natural beauty and unique experiences. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are plenty of options to explore.
What to do:
- Hiking: There are amazing trails nearby, especially in the redwood forests. One camper mentioned, "There are INCREDIBLE day trips into California’s interior, Indian history, little known parks and trails everywhere" at Elk Prairie Campground.
- Beach Access: Enjoy the beautiful coastline. A reviewer at Gold Bluffs Beach Campground said, "Right on the beach, beautiful campground, very simple."
- Wildlife Watching: Spot elk and other wildlife. One visitor at Elk Country RV Resort & Campground shared, "Elk wander around the campground and in the meadow."
What campers like:
- Scenic Views: Campers rave about the stunning landscapes. A review for Agate Campground states, "Absolutely gorgeous. Boat was kinda sassy but views were insane."
- Clean Facilities: Many campgrounds maintain clean restrooms and showers. A visitor at Emerald Forest Cabins & RV noted, "Bathrooms were clean and showers had nice warm water."
- Proximity to Attractions: Campgrounds like Big Lagoon County Park are close to both the beach and redwoods, making it easy to explore. One camper said, "Great location, great scenery, great price."
What you should know:
- Tight Spaces: Some campgrounds can be cramped, especially for larger RVs. A review for Gold Bluffs Beach Campground mentioned, "Each site is blocked by huge wooden pylons- there is barely room to even park off the 'road' at your site."
- Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds offer full amenities. A camper at Clam Beach County Park pointed out, "Pit toilets, no hookups."
- Busy Seasons: Campgrounds can fill up quickly, especially during peak times. A visitor at Abalone Campground noted, "It was busy! It was foggy and cold near the bay, but when we pulled in, the trees were protecting us."
Tips for camping with families:
- Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with amenities like playgrounds. A reviewer at Redwood Coast Cabins & RV Resort mentioned, "Children’s play area was nice."
- Plan for Weather: Be prepared for cool and damp conditions. One camper at Emerald Forest Cabins & RV said, "It was a little muddy when we visited but California was smack dab in the middle of a very wet season."
- Bring Entertainment: If the weather keeps you indoors, have games or movies ready. A camper at Samoa Boat Ramp County Park suggested, "You better have unlimited data on your phone plan because you’re going to be using all your data out here."
Tips from RVers:
- Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A review for Big Lagoon County Park warned, "If you have a rig over 20ft, think twice before coming down this road."
- Be Prepared for Limited Hookups: Many campgrounds don’t have full hookups. A visitor at Clam Beach County Park noted, "No electric hookups."
- Arrive Early: To secure a good spot, especially during busy times. A camper at Elk Country RV Resort & Campground mentioned, "We didn’t have any issues getting a site in the winter."
Camping near McKinleyville, California, offers a unique blend of nature and adventure. With the right preparation, you can enjoy a memorable outdoor experience!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near McKinleyville, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near McKinleyville, CA is Redwood Creek Dispersed Camp with a 4.5-star rating from 2 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near McKinleyville, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 5 dispersed camping locations near McKinleyville, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.