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Best Dispersed Camping near Montague, CA

30 Reviews

Several dispersed camping areas surround the Mount Shasta region near Montague, California, primarily on national forest land. Castle Lake Dispersed Camping and nearby Dispersed Campsite near Castle Lake and Shasta offer primitive sites with views of Mount Shasta. The Castle Lake area provides pullouts along the access road with varying availability depending on snow conditions. A camper noted, "About 15 min off the I-5 and climbing most of the way. High and dry. Great view of Shasta Mtn."

The Red Fir dispersed area provides relatively flat camping spots scattered among trees with no facilities or running water. Bunny Flat and Sand Flat offer additional options, though reviews indicate these forest service roads can be challenging. According to one review, "We couldn't get more than a quarter mile up the very rocky forest service road. The road is completely snow covered." Most sites lack amenities including toilets and drinking water. Several locations permit campfires when seasonal restrictions aren't in place, while others prohibit fires year-round. Cell service varies by location, with better connectivity at higher elevations. Vehicles with higher clearance are recommended for accessing most sites, particularly during spring snowmelt.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Montague, California (21)

    1. Dispersed near Lake Shastina

    1 Review
    Weed, CA
    20 miles

    2. Rail Line Dispersed Site

    2 Reviews
    Macdoel, CA
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 926-4511

    "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."

    3. Dispersed Campsite near Castle Lake and Shasta

    9 Reviews
    Mount Shasta, CA
    33 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."

    4. Castle Lake Dispersed Camping

    8 Reviews
    Dunsmuir, CA
    34 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."

    5. red fir campground

    3 Reviews
    Mount Shasta, CA
    30 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."

    6. Sand Flat Wild Camping

    3 Reviews
    Mount Shasta, CA
    29 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."

    7. bunny flat dispersed

    1 Review
    Mount Shasta, CA
    30 miles

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

    8. Hyatt Reservoir BLM Dispersed

    1 Review
    Ashland, OR
    32 miles
    +1 (541) 618-2200

    "Not far from Ashland and right past the Hyatt Lake Resort are some dispersed spots on BLM land near the lake."

    9. Mt. Shasta Area

    2 Reviews
    Castella, CA
    38 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 !!"

    10. Upper Sand Flat

    1 Review
    Mount Shasta, CA
    30 miles
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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Montague, CA

20 Photos of 21 Montague Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Montague, CA

30 Reviews of 21 Montague Campgrounds

  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 11, 2021

    Hyatt Reservoir BLM Dispersed

    Loud and Poopy

    Not 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Sara R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 13, 2020

    Great Meadow Sno-Park

    Not bad for a free site

    We 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.

  • 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.

Guide to Montague

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.

Dispersed campers should check out Rail Line Dispersed Site

  • The Rail Line Dispersed Site is known for its open sky and privacy, making it a perfect spot for those seeking tranquility.
  • Access is via a rough road that smooths out, allowing for van camping, though it's best suited for smaller vehicles.
  • With no amenities available, campers should come prepared with all necessary supplies, including water and waste disposal options.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Montague, California

  • At Castle Lake Campground, you can enjoy campfires, but be aware that there are no facilities like toilets or trash disposal, so pack in and pack out.
  • The Sand Flat Wild Camping area is accessible by a drive-in route, but check road conditions before heading out, especially in winter months when snow can block access.
  • Always keep an eye on the weather and road conditions, as some areas may become impassable due to snow or rain, as noted by visitors to various sites.

Hiking and outdoor activities while free camping near Montague

  • The Dispersed Campsite near Castle Lake and Shasta offers great access to hiking trails and stunning views of Mount Shasta, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.
  • For those looking for a more secluded experience, the Hyatt Reservoir BLM Dispersed provides opportunities for fishing and birdwatching, especially with the nearby lake.
  • Explore the rugged terrain around Gumboot Campground, where you can find trails that lead to breathtaking vistas and unique wildlife encounters.

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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