Best Dispersed Camping near Mineral, CA
Dispersed camping near Mineral, California centers around several primitive sites in Lassen National Forest, with options including Christie Hill Basecamp, 31N17N North Manzanita, and 29N22 near Lassen National Park. Most sites require minimal preparation as they lack facilities, with campers needing to pack in water and pack out waste. Several locations, like Big Pine Dispersed Camping and Butte Creek, provide creek-side sites that offer natural scenery while maintaining primitive conditions.
Access to these dispersed camping areas varies depending on location, with some sites requiring high-clearance vehicles or 4WD capability. The 31N17N North Manzanita site is accessible via a dirt road immediately off Highway 44, while other areas like Christie Hill involve rougher gravel roads. Fire restrictions apply seasonally, and fire permits may be required for certain locations including Christie Hill Basecamp and 29N22. Most sites operate on a 14-day camping limit within a 365-day period for the region, according to visitor reports.
These primitive sites provide proximity to Lassen Volcanic National Park, with some locations just minutes from park entrances. Visitors particularly praise the creek-side locations for their natural beauty and relative seclusion. A review of Big Pine Dispersed Camping noted it has "amazing creek side sites, fire pits, and plenty of space between," while another visitor described 31N17N North Manzanita as having "a small flat area near the base of Christie Hill" with "a handful of very rough roads one could pull off and camp in a tent on." Cell service is limited or non-existent in most areas, with one camper reporting "No Verizon phone or internet reception" at North Manzanita.
