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Best Dispersed Camping near Mount Shasta, CA

34 Reviews

The Mount Shasta region features numerous dispersed camping opportunities scattered around the iconic 14,179-foot volcano in Northern California. Castle Lake Dispersed Camping and Dispersed Campsite near Castle Lake and Shasta offer primitive sites with stunning mountain views approximately 10-15 minutes from Interstate 5. Other options include Sand Flat Wild Camping, Bunny Flat dispersed sites, and areas near Lake Shastina. Most locations are undeveloped with no amenities, though they provide direct access to hiking trails, fishing spots, and scenic vistas of the mountain that dominates the landscape.

Road conditions vary significantly throughout the area, with many sites requiring travel on unpaved forest roads. As one camper noted, "The road is bumpy for a regular sedan but we did see a Prius roll by." Snow often blocks access to higher elevation sites until late spring, with reviewers reporting impassable conditions at Sand Flat as late as June. Cell service is spotty but available in some areas, with one visitor mentioning "T-Mobile reception good" at Castle Lake sites. Most dispersed camping areas allow fires when restrictions aren't in place, though visitors should verify current regulations as they change seasonally.

Campers consistently praise the solitude and views available at Mount Shasta's dispersed sites. "This spot is great, plenty of space, quiet, great views of Mount Shasta, easy to access," reported one visitor to Castle Lake. Vehicle size limitations affect accessibility at many locations, with several reviewers cautioning against bringing large trailers. One camper advised, "I would probably not recommend with a trailer. I made it down with my Tacoma and a 12ft travel trailer but it was a stretch." Winter camping is possible in some lower areas, though as one reviewer noted, "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."

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Mount Shasta, California (17)

    1. Dispersed Campsite near Castle Lake and Shasta

    9 Reviews
    Mount Shasta, CA
    5 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."

    2. Castle Lake Dispersed Camping

    8 Reviews
    Dunsmuir, CA
    6 miles

    "This spot is great, plenty of space, quiet, great views of Mount Shasta, easy to access."

    "As of May 31st there isn’t access to some areas as there is snow blocking the way, some areas are wet from the snow that has already melted."

    3. red fir campground

    3 Reviews
    Mount Shasta, CA
    4 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."

    4. Sand Flat Wild Camping

    3 Reviews
    Mount Shasta, CA
    4 miles

    "This is considered a sacred space by many with breathtaking views through the trees of mount shasta. 10/10 would recommend staying here if you don’t mind roughing it"

    "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."

    5. bunny flat dispersed

    1 Review
    Mount Shasta, CA
    5 miles

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

    6. Mt. Shasta Area

    2 Reviews
    Castella, CA
    11 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 !!"

    7. Upper Sand Flat

    1 Review
    Mount Shasta, CA
    4 miles

    8. Dispersed near Lake Shastina

    1 Review
    Weed, CA
    15 miles

    9. Mount Shasta Nordic Center

    Be the first to review!
    Mount Shasta, CA
    5 miles

    10. Mount Shasta Dispersed

    Be the first to review!
    Mount Shasta, CA
    9 miles
    Website
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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Mount Shasta, CA

18 Photos of 17 Mount Shasta Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Mount Shasta, CA

34 Reviews of 17 Mount Shasta Campgrounds

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 28, 2025

    Castle Lake Dispersed Camping

    Great for tents/ cars not so much for trailers

    This spot is great, plenty of space, quiet, great views of Mount Shasta, easy to access. Lots of spots tucked away to park next to, and even more tent spots you can walk to hidden just off the drivable areas. Saw about 5 people camping around us, mostly in cars with tents and some vans. There’s more than enough room for many people. There’s also a small creek you can bushwhack to to the east, and castle lake is a 30 min walk up the road.

    I would probably not recommend with a trailer. I made it down with my Tacoma and a 12ft travel trailer but it was a stretch. Super easy to get in, but took a long time to turn around and get back out. Anything bigger than and you’re probably stuck. Other than that it’s perfect!

  • 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.

  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 21, 2021

    Cline Gulch BLM Dispersed

    At Least It’s Free

    We thought this might be a nice place to stay the night or even longer, but next time if we need a place to sleep we’ll just find one of the turnouts off of Hwy 299. I could see this being a good place for people who live locally to come and hang out in nature by the creek for a few days, but this isn’t a place I’d recommend as a destination. There is so much dead brush and cut trees all over the place here, possibly from cleanup after a fire?  Would recommend larger rigs avoid this area due to the number of low hanging tree branches.

    Also, this is a popular shooting area because we saw a ton of ammunition casings as well as broken glass and clay pigeons and other items used for target practice. Oh, and we heard a bunch of gunshots in the middle of the night.

    Once you enter the BLM land area, you will cross a narrow one lane bridge. From there you can go left, through a narrow and brush and low-hanging-tree-limbed gravel road (larger rigs beware) to a small clearing at the end which is large enough for a group, but too small for more than one party to feel comfortable there. 

    If you turn right from the bridge you have a long road for a few miles along the creek. This road is at times narrow and bumpy with low hanging limbs, and at times wide and smooth and easy to drive. Along this road are several unmarked, undeveloped, and completely unmaintained clearings where you can camp. There are no fire pits or any other indication that it’s a camp site (which is a good thing because per the info board fires aren't allowed). We did pass one trailer that appears to be residing here permanently. 

    The public road eventually dead ends about 2 miles in and turns into private property, at which point there’s a large-ish space where you can turn around. 

    Zero cell service, though the WeBoost gave the Verizon phone a couple of weak bars. The T-Mobile hotspot and the ATT cell phone were not improved by the WeBoost.

  • Karin P.
    Jun. 1, 2023

    Castle Lake Dispersed Camping

    Nice area

    As of May 31st there isn’t access to some areas as there is snow blocking the way, some areas are wet from the snow that has already melted. The toilets up at Castle Lake are still covered in snow and inaccessible. Pack in pack out. Other than that nice peaceful area, you can hear the river running, and has a nice view of Mount Shasta.

  • 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.

  • 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.

Guide to Mount Shasta

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Mount Shasta, California, where nature's tranquility meets breathtaking landscapes. This area offers a variety of spots for those looking to escape into the wild without the constraints of traditional campgrounds.

Dispersed campers should check out Castle Lake Campground

  • Nestled in a stunning location, Castle Lake Campground provides incredible views, making it a perfect spot for photography enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
  • The area is known for its peaceful atmosphere, allowing campers to enjoy the sounds of nature, including the nearby river, which adds to the serene experience.
  • While amenities are limited, the lack of crowds means you can truly immerse yourself in the wilderness and enjoy a more private camping experience.

Top activities while free camping near Mount Shasta

  • Hiking is a must-do activity, with trails leading to scenic vistas and the majestic Mount Shasta itself, offering a rewarding challenge for outdoor adventurers.
  • Fishing enthusiasts will find opportunities nearby, especially at locations like North Trinity Lake, where the serene waters provide a perfect backdrop for a relaxing day by the lake.
  • For those who enjoy winter sports, the area around Mount Shasta Nordic Center is ideal for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing during the colder months.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Mount Shasta, California

  • Always practice Leave No Trace principles to keep the natural beauty of places like Gumboot Campground intact for future visitors.
  • Be prepared for varying weather conditions, especially in spring when snow can block access to certain areas, as noted by visitors to Sand Flat Wild Camping.
  • Ensure you have all necessary supplies, as many dispersed sites, including Dispersed Campsite near Castle Lake and Shasta, do not offer amenities like drinking water or restrooms.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is free camping available near Mount Shasta?

Yes, free camping is widely available near Mount Shasta through dispersed camping options on public lands. Mount Shasta Dispersed offers free camping opportunities with beautiful surroundings. Additionally, Cline Gulch BLM Dispersed provides free camping near a creek, though it's somewhat remote. These free sites generally have no amenities like running water, trash service, or restrooms, so come prepared to be self-sufficient. While these locations are free, they require respectful use—follow leave-no-trace principles, stay on established sites, and adhere to current fire restrictions. Free camping spots typically allow 14-day stays before requiring relocation.

Where can I find dispersed camping around Mount Shasta?

Several excellent dispersed camping options exist around Mount Shasta. Castle Lake Dispersed Camping offers plenty of quiet spots with great views of Mount Shasta. Look for tucked-away parking areas and hidden tent spots just off the drivable areas. Another popular option is Dispersed Campsite near Castle Lake and Shasta, located about a mile past where Google Maps coordinates indicate. The area features several well-spaced sites along a dirt road that can accommodate multiple vehicles. When searching for sites, continue past the mapped coordinates until you see an obvious dirt road turnoff, where you'll find 3-5 spacious, well-separated campsites.

What is the best time of year for dispersed camping at Mount Shasta?

Summer (late June through September) is ideal for dispersed camping around Mount Shasta, offering the most reliable access and comfortable temperatures. At Mt. Shasta Area, summer provides spectacular views and accessible camping spots. However, be prepared for insects during early summer, as noted by campers at various sites. Spring camping at Upper Sand Flat can be challenging due to melting snow creating wet conditions, with some areas and facilities remaining inaccessible through May. While winter offers breathtaking scenery, it requires significant preparation for harsh conditions. Fall provides a good balance of pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds, though nights get cold. Always check road conditions before traveling, as seasonal access varies significantly.

What are the regulations for dispersed camping on Mount Shasta?

Dispersed camping around Mount Shasta requires following 'pack in, pack out' principles—all trash must leave with you. At Sand Flat Wild Camping, which many consider a sacred space, respecting the environment is especially important. Fire restrictions are common, particularly during dry seasons, so check current regulations before your trip. At Red Fir Campground, dispersed camping is available across from the group campground, but there are no facilities or running water. Most dispersed areas have no services, so campers should be self-sufficient with water, waste disposal, and supplies. Standard dispersed camping rules apply: stay on existing sites, camp at least 100 feet from water sources, and limit stays to 14 days in a 30-day period.

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