Best Dispersed Camping near Mount Shasta, CA
Around Mount Shasta, dispersed camping spots can be found in several remote locations where you'll need to be completely self-sufficient. The land near Mount Shasta City Park has primitive sites without any facilities, while the Mount Shasta Recreation Area contains additional wild camping areas. Campers in these areas must follow Leave No Trace practices and know the public land rules, including camping at least 200 feet from water sources and roads. The standard stay limit throughout this region is 14 days. Many of these backcountry spots require high-clearance vehicles since the access roads are rough and often unmarked. Since these are true primitive sites, you'll need to bring everything with you and pack out all trash. Fire bans are common in summer and fall, so bring a camp stove instead. The Mount Shasta Area State Park has some remote camping spots too, though they're similarly basic. Bears and other wildlife roam the area, making proper food storage mandatory. Weather around Mount Shasta changes quickly - summer days can be hot while nights get cold, and winter brings deep snow that blocks access to many sites. The closest supplies are in Mount Shasta City, about 10-15 miles from most dispersed sites. The isolation of these camping areas makes them good for people who want to avoid crowds and don't mind going without modern conveniences.
