Searching for the best camping near Montague, CA? There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your California camping adventure.
"Easy to locate. Dirt is very soft making it difficult to drive off the beaten path without an all wheel drive. All season tires were a plus with our rear wheel drive sprinter van."
"There are only a few pullouts here, and no one else was around."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"Close to mt Shasta. Lots of other people here. Road is rough, don't recommend a super low clearance vechile"
"Not far from Ashland and right past the Hyatt Lake Resort are some dispersed spots on BLM land near the lake."
"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 !!"
LegendNot far from Ashland and right past the Hyatt Lake Resort are some dispersed spots on BLM land near the lake. The lake level is very low so at this time you could drive quite close to it but it gets really muddy so watch out because it looks grassy and deceivingly dry.
There is road noise but quiets down at night.
Also there is a large flock of geese that honk all day and night and there is goose poop everywhere!
The site we stayed at had a stone fire pit and not very level but we made it work. It is a good spot for a night or 2 and we would stay here again if passing through. There are no amenities so bring water and pack in and out all trash. The resort nearby has a restaurant and small store. No service from ATT and TMobile but Verizon had 1-2 bars of LTE roaming.
TravelerReally 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.
GuideOverall 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!
ScoutGreat 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.
TravelerIt 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.
RangerWe ended up here because we couldn’t get a spot at any of the campgrounds nearby. Sounds like that’s a pretty common problem in the area, so I would recommend it in a pinch. PROS: free, plenty of space, overlooks a pretty meadow, nice trail CONS: next to the road, felt a little exposed, extremely buggy at dusk
Know before you go: this is not a campground. In the summer, back country ski / snow sport parking lots are open for free overnight parking. There are vault toilets bout they were closed due to COVID.
ScoutThe 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.
GuideMt. 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!
TravelerThis is disbursed lakeside camping with no facilities.
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Montague, California, where nature lovers can find solitude and stunning landscapes. This area offers a variety of options for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is dispersed camping available near Montague, California?
Several dispersed camping options exist near Montague. Dispersed Campsite near Castle Lake and Shasta offers spacious sites accessible via dirt roads with spots for multiple vehicles. The sites are well-spaced, providing privacy from other campers. Another option is North Trinity Lake, which provides lakeside dispersed camping with beautiful views. Look for side dirt roads leading down to the lake from the main road rather than following coordinates exactly. These areas have no facilities, so come prepared with everything you need including water and waste disposal options.
What are the regulations for dispersed camping in Montague?
Dispersed camping near Montague typically follows standard BLM and Forest Service regulations. At Red Fir Campground, dispersed camping is available in the area across from the group campground, but there are no facilities or running water. Fire restrictions are common, especially during dry seasons - check current restrictions before your trip as they change seasonally. Most dispersed sites in the region require you to pack out all trash and waste. At Hyatt Reservoir BLM Dispersed, camping is permitted on BLM land near the lake, though you should be careful about ground conditions to avoid getting stuck.
Is there free camping available year-round in Montague, CA?
Free camping is available near Montague throughout much of the year, but seasonality affects accessibility. Mt. Shasta Area offers year-round opportunities, though winter requires additional preparation as snow can make access challenging. Many consider winter the most beautiful time despite the challenges. Great Meadow Sno-Park provides free dispersed camping and serves as a backup when other campgrounds are full, though it's more exposed and roadside. Weather conditions, especially snow and mud, can limit access to higher elevation sites during winter and early spring, so checking road conditions before traveling is essential.
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