High Valley Road leads to several dispersed camping areas near Middletown, with views overlooking Clear Lake. The dirt access road is challenging, with steep sections and loose gravel that may require high-clearance or AWD vehicles. According to one camper, "The road to this pin is completely impassable in any regular vehicle, this would require an ATV." Other visitors note a standard AWD SUV can manage the journey with careful driving.
BLM Sheldon Creek offers primitive camping with basic amenities including vault toilets, picnic tables, and fire pits at some sites. Located up a winding dirt road, this area features approximately 4-5 campsites near a small creek. "There are about 4/5 sites, only 2 with actual fire pits," one visitor reported. Cowboy Camp, another BLM area, provides open camping in a grassy field with vault toilets, though recent reviews indicate seasonal closures. Most dispersed sites in this region enforce a 14-day camping limit, with fire restrictions common during dry months. Pack out all trash, as many sites lack waste facilities.
"Beautiful spot with some views of the lake. No services, but had cell service (CC). I drove in from the south access to High Valley rd. The road was challenging."
"First time camping and going somewhat off road. If you’re worried about your vehicle making it up we saw a tesla and a nissan altima up there. My subaru made it up perfectly."
"Pit toilets. No garbage."
"Easy access & semi-secluded. The spot was half shaded and half sunny by 3 PM. Perfect for our truck to park in & stay cool. Vaulted toilets were in decent shape & even had TP."
"Tow behinds/trailers not recommended; rough roads and can’t turn back once on the path."
"Sheldon Creek is a BLM campsite up a winding dirt/gravel road. We drove a 4WD vehicle, but most cars should be able to handle the journey up."
"Northern end is a bit narrower but still all graded, better up higher on BLM property than lower national forest road."
"There’s views of Lear Lake if you want to walk a bit. No water nearby. The road is very dusty on the way up!"
"There are numerous pull-outs and campsites along this High Ridge Road with absolutely breathtakingly stunning views of the valley to the east and the lake to the west."
"The drive up was windy and a bit steep at points but well groomed and manageable in an SUV. I’m sure most cars can do the drive with a responsible person behind the wheel."
"Primitive site where Smittle Creek flows into Lake Berryessa."
"Love going to the tech course with our off road buggy. Crawled all over that hill."
TravelerGreat camp with amazing views. But, you should not camp alone. I've been here often this month and have seen a herd sheep eating the grass on the hillside, heard a pack of coyotes several nights in a row, until I heard a Mt Lion doing it's bird like sounds at night, as it circled my rv. This is last night, 10/07/2026 - mt lion presence detected, not seen. Be careful.
TravelerCowboy Camp had everything I had heard it offered & more! There was plenty of space when I visited and I got to pick a spot down by the water. Easy access & semi-secluded. The spot was half shaded and half sunny by 3 PM. Perfect for our truck to park in & stay cool. Vaulted toilets were in decent shape & even had TP. Lots of awesome spots to pull off at on the way there from Winters area. Beautiful views of flowing green water & colorful trees.
ScoutThe good: Drive in was awesome. Beautiful view of the lake and sunset. Many spots to pull out into and choose from. Very quiet, minimal road noise.
The bad: pair of coyotes spotted stalking our campsite, did not respond to hazing and had to pack up dinner preparations quickly to ensure no bad encounters
*also note that cell service is okay for t mobile and barely existent for Verizon
TravelerThe coordinates for this location are located on property owned by Kevin S. Burdick and Mary Ann Jones. It is not National Forest or BLM land.
The parcel just to the South is also privately owned, by Marie Helen Pejcha.
All other adjacent properties are also privately owned. This location should be deleted from The Dyrt.
The nearest public lands where dispersed camping is actually allowed is a mile to the East along High Valley Road, in the Mendocino National Forest.
TravelerThe drive up was windy and a bit steep at points but well groomed and manageable in an SUV. I’m sure most cars can do the drive with a responsible person behind the wheel. We drove right up to the pin where there’s 2 sites, an upper (larger site) and a lower with a fire ring. It did look like there were more pull offs before we pulled up to the pin. The view is insane and it feels super safe and secluded!!
GuideRecent regrading of the southern road up made it a cake walk, it's like a runway. Got to the big circle at the top and stayed there but there are more roads branching off and then pullouts down the north side.
GuideThe road up from the south is like a runway now, wide, smooth not a single rut. A bit dusty but other than that it's the easiest fire road I've ever driven (Mazda CX-5). Northern end is a bit narrower but still all graded, better up higher on BLM property than lower national forest road.
Lots of little pullouts when you reach the top and then as you head down the north side more with beautiful views of the lake. Some private property on that end but nothing unusual.
ScoutAgree with the other poster. Road is in bad condition and cars won't make it through.
RangerThere are numerous pull-outs and campsites along this High Ridge Road with absolutely breathtakingly stunning views of the valley to the east and the lake to the west. It is primitive camping to be sure but you will find nothing more beautiful and peaceful than this. While there are a few campsites with foliage canopies, most are in the Sun and where I stayed it is entirely sunny all day with equally beautiful sunsets and sunrises. Verizon is two bars. The road coming in from the north is easy though it can be rutted and bumpy in spots as well as narrow. Overall it's an easy Road for van lifers and vehicles with reasonable clearance. Pulling a small trailer up here would also be straightforward. This is not an area for large rvs. It is about a 45 minute drive into town with full services. It's not far but a very slow drive.
Dispersed camping opportunities near Middletown, California provide a no-cost alternative to developed campgrounds in the region. These primitive sites sit at elevations between 1,800-3,000 feet, creating temperature variations that can be 10-15°F cooler than town. Most free camping areas in this region have rugged access roads that become impassable during winter months or after heavy rainfall.
Fishing access: Indian Valley Reservoir North Boat Ramp offers a remote fishing spot for anglers seeking bass and crappie. Though primitive with no facilities, the location provides direct water access.
Hiking trails: Cow Mountain Recreation Area has multiple trail options ranging from beginner to advanced. One visitor notes, "Always fun. Love going to the tech course with our off road buggy. Crawled all over that hill."
Wildlife viewing: Clear Lake area campsites offer opportunities to spot deer, birds, and butterflies. At BLM Sheldon Creek, a camper shared their experience: "Had deer, butterflies, and humming birds all around us. Babbling brook, cool and comfortable in mid-October. Looking forward to a springtime visit."
Seasonal water features: Several dispersed camping areas feature small streams that vary by season. "Babbling brook, cool and comfortable in mid-October," reports one BLM Sheldon Creek visitor about the creek that runs alongside the campground.
Privacy between sites: Lakeview Dispersed Campground offers well-separated camping spots. One camper noted, "Only two other groups were set up so not crowded, plenty of spots."
Night sky viewing: Free camping areas around Middletown provide minimal light pollution. A visitor at Lakeview mentioned, "Very beautiful and quiet, can be extremely cold at night and morning so be prepared!"
Road conditions vary dramatically: Many dispersed sites require careful navigation. At High Valley Ridge, a visitor reported, "The road coming in from the north is easy though it can be rutted and bumpy in spots as well as narrow. Overall it's an easy Road for van lifers and vehicles with reasonable clearance."
Cell service availability: Connectivity varies by location. At High Valley Ridge, "Verizon is two bars," according to one camper, while other areas have limited or no service.
Amenities are minimal: Most free camping near Middletown requires self-sufficiency. As one camper at Cow Mountain Recreation Area stated, "As long as you have a capable vehicle and are prepared to provide for your own needs, you'll be ready for Cow."
Bathroom considerations: Some sites offer vault toilets while others have none. At BLM Sheldon Creek, one camper warned, "You might want to be prepared to dig your own toilet though as the toilet set up was completely infested with spiders."
Safety awareness: Many dispersed sites have drop-offs or uneven terrain. One camper at Mayacmas Campground noted, "The camp site was not an option for me. I need something semi level to navigate."
Weather preparation: Temperature fluctuations can be extreme, especially for tent campers. A Lakeview Dispersed Campground visitor advised, "Very cold at night and morning so be prepared!"
Size restrictions: Large rigs cannot access most dispersed sites. At Smittle Creek, the primitive nature limits access to smaller vehicles, making it "a paddle boarding and fishing dream."
Trailer limitations: Most free camping areas near Middletown aren't suitable for trailers. One BLM Sheldon Creek visitor cautioned, "Tow behinds/trailers not recommended; rough roads and can't turn back once on the path."
Level site scarcity: Finding level spots for RVs can be challenging. A camper at Mayacmas noted the steep terrain makes it difficult to find level areas suitable for RVs or trailers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Middletown, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Middletown, CA is Lakeview Dispersed Campground with a 3.8-star rating from 15 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Middletown, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 11 dispersed camping locations near Middletown, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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