Dispersed camping sites near Nicolaus, California provide primitive boondocking opportunities within the region's oak woodlands and grassland terrain. Most locations sit at elevations between 300-1,500 feet with hot, dry summers where temperatures regularly exceed 90°F. Winter camping sees mild daytime temperatures but occasional heavy rainfall can impact road conditions to many rustic sites in the area.
What to do
Hiking trails access: At Cowboy Camp, campers can access several hiking paths surrounded by scenic hills. One visitor noted, "The only tough part is getting across the stream to some of the hikes. It's a hot spot for horses which of course have no stream problems."
Fishing spots: Lake Berryessa provides excellent fishing opportunities at smittle creek. According to a recent visitor, the area is a "fishing dream" where anglers can cast directly from primitive shoreline sites.
Wildlife viewing: The remote terrain at Independence Hill Dispersed offers encounters with local wildlife. One camper shared, "I scared two black bears as I was walking... don't I wish I had that on film."
What campers like
Level terrain: Flat camping areas make setup easier at Cowboy Camp. According to campers, "It's open, grassy level and quiet. Next to a stream and surrounded by hills."
Remote seclusion: The isolation at Independence Hill appeals to those seeking true wilderness. A visitor highlighted, "If getting away is on your list, then Independence Hill is one place to go. 1 bar Verizon and a small creek if you continue on up the road."
Water recreation: Smittle Creek's location provides direct lake access. One camper described it as "a paddle boarding and fishing dream. Primitive site where Smittle Creek flows into Lake Berryessa."
What you should know
Seasonal closures: Cowboy Camp experiences periodic closures without advance notice. Recent visitors reported, "Visit was for 11/19/2024 found the gates locked, no entry. Seasonal? No signage to tell" and another noted, "The camp area is closed, as of 2/9/2024. No indication of that on the BLM website."
Difficult access roads: The drive to some rustic camping near Nicolaus, California requires careful navigation. A camper at Independence Hill warned, "The road up to Iowa Hill is terrifying- especially in the dark."
Limited facilities: Most dispersed sites offer minimal amenities. At Cowboy Camp, one visitor mentioned, "Pit toilets. No garbage," while another added, "This site served its purpose; spot to sleep after a long day of driving."
Tips for camping with families
Insect preparation: Bring insect repellent and screens for camping at Cowboy Camp. A camper warned about "an unusual amount of flies. It was crazy how thick they were," recommending to "just keep your screen door closed and fly swatter handy."
Safety concerns: Some areas show evidence of recreational shooting. At Independence Hill, a visitor cautioned, "there was so much glass and shell casings everywhere from what seems to be a local shooting area."
Day use alternatives: Cowboy Camp offers day use areas separate from overnight camping. One visitor explained, "The disbursed camping area was down a gravel road to the left next to the day use vault toilet through a cattle gate."
Tips from RVers
Level parking: RV campers can find suitable spaces at Cowboy Camp. A camper with a 23-foot Winnebago noted, "We always manage to level out in our 23" Winnebago View. There is lots of open space so no crowding."
Large rig sites: Independence Hill can accommodate larger vehicles despite its remote location. A visitor highlighted, "there are at least 6 good sites, including a large flat area that can take any size RV."
Self-contained necessities: No hookups or services exist at these primitive sites, requiring complete self-sufficiency. At Cowboy Camp, a camper advised coming prepared since the area provides just "a spot to sleep after a long day of driving."
