Top Free Dispersed Camping near Old Station, CA

Looking for dispersed camping near Old Station? Dispersed camping gets you off the grid so you can disconnect from the hecticness of everyday life. Find dispersed campsites you've visited before, or discover new spots from other campers.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Old Station, CA (23)

Showing results 1-10 of 23 campgrounds

Recent Dispersed Reviews In Old Station

15 Reviews of 23 Old Station Campgrounds


  • Claire D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from 31N17N - North Manzanita Dispersed Camping
    Sep. 3, 2024

    31N17N - North Manzanita Dispersed Camping

    Convenient dispersed site near Lassen

    Same experience as the other reviews. Arrived late Friday night on Labor Day weekend and found a spot right at the beginning of the dirt road - coming from Redding direction, turned right off of 44 onto the dirt road then took the first right. The turnoff is on Google maps and was easy to find even in the dark. Nobody else around that we saw, even given the busy weekend! Agreed with others on the road noise but it was fine. Just a few minutes from Manzanita lake. Great find!

  • tom P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Rocky Point Dispersed Camping
    Jul. 23, 2024

    Rocky Point Dispersed Camping

    Suitable but barren

    There's signs acknowledging it's free camping. Large barren area with a toilet near the lake. Not great for a tent but can make it work. Good distance away from roads and houses. Lake view.

  • E
    Camper-submitted photo from 31N17N - North Manzanita Dispersed Camping
    Jun. 20, 2024

    31N17N - North Manzanita Dispersed Camping

    Exactly what we needed

    About one mile south of the northwest entrance, so it’s convenient. Follow the instructions from other campers as they’re spot on. We camped to the right of the road, as we saw another camp site that was filled to the right. Tent campers will have no issues finding a spot. We didn’t venture too far down the road due to having a lower car, but we had plenty of options.

    Although you feel secluded, the highway isn’t too far, so you’ll have some road noise (nothing crazy). We did hear coyotes off in the distance, which is so cool and spooky at the same time. Bear activity was reported in the area before we arrived, so keep that in mind. Make sure to bring your buh spray!

    Will definitely stay here again if we visit the park again. Arrived June 19, left June 20.

  • S
    Camper-submitted photo from Bogard USFS Dispersed
    Jun. 6, 2024

    Bogard USFS Dispersed

    Be very prepared for mosquitoes !

    Mosquitoes EVERYWHERE! We pulled in to the area around 6 PM on a Tuesday evening, not a single person around. We originally pulled near the little bog. When we got out we noticed TONS of mosquitoes, so we drove about a quarter to a half mile down the road and made a left. Still tons of mosquitoes, but absolutely beautiful night sky!

  • PThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from 31N17N - North Manzanita Dispersed Camping
    Jun. 5, 2024

    31N17N - North Manzanita Dispersed Camping

    Very much a Nike camp area, "Just Do It

    Immediately prior to turning down road to Lassen turn in to dirt road. Again less than 50 yards on right is area to camp. Could also turn a big rig.

    A 4 wheel drive is not required, it's just a dusty road. About 100 yards further, you could walk up the road and grab some water from the stream.

    No Verizon phone or internet reception

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Hat Creek Dispersed
    Oct. 27, 2023

    Hat Creek Dispersed

    Great Camping

    As one reviewer wrote, just a short run of slightly rough road to get to expansive meadows of boondocking.

  • c
    Camper-submitted photo from Christie Hill Basecamp
    Aug. 7, 2023

    Christie Hill Basecamp

    Quiet camping 4 miles outside Lassen NP

    Just off the main highway. Gravel road in. We had a Ford van that had no problem driving over the dirt and gravel road. There are sites with fire rings and relatively flat ground. Great location for dispersed camping just minutes from the southern lassen entrance.

  • Nick C.
    Camper-submitted photo from 29N22 Dispersed near Lassen NP
    Jul. 13, 2023

    29N22 Dispersed near Lassen NP

    Limited Option Near Lassen NP South Entrance

    This is a small flat area near the base of Christie Hill. The turn off of the Hwy 89 is at the McGowan SnoPark area (really just a logger's staging area). There are a handful of very rough roads one could pull off the road and camp in a tent on (or 4x4 van). For a larger RV or travel trailer, we found only one spot (40.390996,-121.540748) that was large enough to accommodate our 32 foot travel trailer. It is right along the road, but there is virtually no traffic here, so we found it acceptable. 

    I do not believe there are any good spots further down the road. A word of caution as well - the lake just beyond here (McGowan Lake) - is privately owned and gated. It is not available for camping.

  • Salvatore F.
    Camper-submitted photo from 31N17N - North Manzanita Dispersed Camping
    Jul. 7, 2023

    31N17N - North Manzanita Dispersed Camping

    Great dispersed spot near Lassen Volcanic NP

    We found this spot based on advice of the rangers in LVNP. Overall a great place to camp if your looking for a free option to camp/boon dock very close to the park.

    Right when you turn off 44, go up a small hill, maybe 100m, then there is a clearing on the west side of the road. There is a perpendicular dirt road at the clearing (running west/east) with several spots to park a van, trailer, or even smaller RV. We saw four distinct sites where people had made fire rings—however due to the number of pine trees the ground is covered in a thick layer of pine needles— make sure you sweep at least a 20’ fire ring down to dirt around the rock pit before you make a fire. You can also hear noticeable road noise from 44 in the front spots so not super secluded.

    Many of the sites we checked (near the entrance and deeper into the woods) had bumble bees coming out of holes in the ground so be careful picking your site, particularly at night so you don’t wake up to an unpleasant surprise.

    Going further south down the main road you can find many other more hidden camping spots deeper in the forest, but the road is rougher and only suited for a 4x4.

  • c
    Camper-submitted photo from Perry Riffle Trailhead
    Jun. 18, 2023

    Perry Riffle Trailhead

    Safe, simple amenities

    Pitched 2 tents on asphalt. 3 other cars here. Picnic tables and an outhouse. Saw/heard great horned owl, fox, then cows in the morning.

  • Aliza  N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from 29N22 Dispersed near Lassen NP
    Nov. 1, 2022

    29N22 Dispersed near Lassen NP

    Dispersed camping near Lassen NP

    Lovely quiet remote dispersed camping spot. No services. On a very nice gravel road marked for winter cross country skiing. Saw a few others in the area. Most camp spots are right on the edge of the road but lots of room and plenty of privacy. Leave no trace. Pack in, pack out.

  • Daisee Mae S.
    Camper-submitted photo from CA-139 Pull Off Area
    Oct. 25, 2022

    CA-139 Pull Off Area

    Somewhere to Rest

    This is literally right off the highway, it might be hard to spot unless someone else is there.

    The roads to the spots are a little rutted, no low profile vehicles, but it’s easy to access.

    There is no name to this place, and the bulletin board has zero information.

    Possibly 5-6 spaces. The most people that was here any given night were just stopping for a place to rest for the night.

    No bathrooms, trash or water. One of the locals said there is a junk yard you can walk to from here but we never found it.

    Traffic noise dies down around 10/11PM. Unless the occasional driver is honking at absolutely nothing, it’s pretty quiet.

    We heard gunshots around 9PM that lasted for about an hour. Seems the people around here hunt at night.

    Definitely just a place to rest or gather yourself for a couple of days. I’m not sure about the amount of time you can stay here. But hey, it’s free!

  • C
    Camper-submitted photo from Hat Creek Dispersed
    Aug. 19, 2022

    Hat Creek Dispersed

    Hat Creek Dispersed

    Go past Cave Campground take 1st left over bridge. Goto end of road after bridge look left. Go up hill. Road is rough only to top then levels out. Footbridge to main campground found midway in creek. Take creek trail. Bathrooms, garbage, water available at main campground. 1 bar lte AT&T.

  • k
    Camper-submitted photo from Bogard USFS Dispersed
    Jul. 18, 2021

    Bogard USFS Dispersed

    Perfect Getaway

    The campsite was very easy to find, but also very secluded. When we arrived, only 3 other sites were taken. We met a very kind older woman who had been there a while & said that not many people know this place exists, so it doesn’t get very busy. The campsite was well kept. We had a picnic table, campfire & plenty of trees for our hammocks. I left my dog’s food out one afternoon & a chipmunk got to it but other than that, we had no issues with wildlife!



Guide to Old Station

Camping near Old Station, California, offers a mix of stunning natural beauty and a variety of campgrounds to explore. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a family-friendly spot, there’s something for everyone in this area.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the scenic trails around Lassen Volcanic National Park. One camper mentioned, “The campground is nicely shaded. The water in the lake is low this year, but lots of campers brought canoes and boats” at Butte Lake Campground.
  • Fishing: Many lakes in the area are great for fishing. A visitor at Merrill Campground said, “Quiet starry nights. Recreational lake. Friendly peeps,” highlighting the peaceful atmosphere perfect for fishing.
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. One reviewer at McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park Campground shared, “The sound of the waterfalls is mesmerizing to me,” indicating a vibrant ecosystem around the falls.

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms. A visitor at Manzanita Lake Campground noted, “The bathrooms were standard with flush toilets,” which adds comfort to the camping experience.
  • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy spots. One camper at Summit Lake North mentioned, “Camp sites aren’t huge, but enough room not to be completely on top of each other.”
  • Natural Beauty: The stunning landscapes are a big draw. A reviewer at Lassen RV Resort said, “The campground is incredibly beautiful with views of Mount Shasta,” showcasing the area's breathtaking scenery.

What you should know:

  • Limited Cell Service: Many campgrounds have poor or no cell reception. A camper at Manzanita Lake Campground mentioned, “Verizon - no coverage. I had to go to their public wifi at their visitor center.”
  • Reservations Recommended: Some campgrounds fill up quickly, especially during peak season. A visitor at Merrill Campground advised, “We did not have reservations and just showed up,” indicating the importance of planning ahead.
  • No Showers at Some Sites: Not all campgrounds have shower facilities. A reviewer at Butte Lake Campground noted, “There are toilets but I didn't see any showers,” so be prepared for that.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for sites with amenities for kids. One camper at Mt. Lassen-Shingletown KOA said, “It’s a great family spot and there were lots of dogs and kids running around.”
  • Plan Activities: Bring games or outdoor activities to keep kids entertained. A visitor at McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park Campground shared, “The beauty of the Falls is indescribable,” suggesting that nature can be a great playground.
  • Pack Snacks: Having snacks on hand can make a big difference. A camper at Lassen RV Resort mentioned, “The owners were very friendly and made us feel welcome,” which can help create a positive atmosphere for families.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Levels: Ensure your RV can fit comfortably. A reviewer at Manzanita Lake Campground noted, “Some pull-throughs and some back-in. The back-in sites were, for the most part, better suited for tent camping.”
  • Look for Full Hookups: If you need amenities, choose campgrounds that offer full hookups. A camper at Merrill Campground said, “Water and electric available on the two upper levels.”
  • Be Prepared for Dusty Roads: Some campgrounds are accessed via gravel roads. A visitor at Butte Lake Campground warned, “Just beware of the 5-mile gravel road into camp,” so be ready for a bumpy ride.

Camping near Old Station, California, is a fantastic way to enjoy the great outdoors. With a variety of campgrounds and activities, you’re sure to find the perfect spot for your next adventure!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Old Station, CA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Old Station, CA is 31N17N - North Manzanita Dispersed Camping with a 4.5-star rating from 4 reviews.

  • What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Old Station, CA?

    TheDyrt.com has all 23 dispersed camping locations near Old Station, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.