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Best Dispersed Camping near Paskenta, CA

15 Reviews

Several dispersed camping areas exist near Paskenta in Northern California. Perry Riffle Trailhead provides free parking lot camping with basic amenities including picnic tables, pit toilets, and trash collection. The site offers drive-in and walk-in access for tents and RVs along the Sacramento River with numerous hiking and equestrian trails. "Quiet at night usually, the rivers is within walking distance. Several horse and hiking trails start from here," according to feedback on The Dyrt.

Olive Pit Dispersed Lot in nearby Corning serves primarily as an overnight boondocking spot for RVs and vehicle campers in a commercial area. The paved lot features good lighting, a small pet area, and convenient access to restaurants and stores. Grizzly Flat Dispersed Campground requires a hike-in approach and provides more remote backcountry camping with toilet facilities but prohibits fires and pets. Most dispersed sites in the region operate under the standard 14-day camping duration limits within a 365-day period, and fire restrictions are common during summer months.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Paskenta, California (6)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Paskenta, CA

5 Photos of 6 Paskenta Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Paskenta, CA

15 Reviews of 6 Paskenta Campgrounds

  • Chanel C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 3, 2019

    Olive Pit Dispersed Lot

    Convenient location for boondocking

    PROS:

    + FREE overnight parking for RVs, trailers, and camper vehicles.

    + Very safe and heavily traffic location. Lots of travelers here spending the evening! Signs say for Olive Pit Customers Only but we spent 2 nights here (along with a few other campers) and no one ever disturbed us.

    + Very flat, leveled, and long paved spots (great for up to 35-foot long fifth wheelers and even 50-foot rigs).

    + Huge lot with lots of available spots. Around 10 spots for larger trailers and RVs, and lots of small spots for campervans and car rooftop tent campers. We saw 4-5 other campers around us who mostly were very private and to themselves

    + Super convenient location near lots of fast food joints, a Starbucks, Rite Aid, and supermarket. The lot shares the same entrance as the Shell Station and Olive Pit Cafe & Store where you can conveniently pick up food/beer/supplies.

    + The Olive Pit has a great cafe and wine tasting room. They sell specialty items such as olives, balsamic vinegar, etc. And they have a great breakfast!

    + There is a giant dumpster for trash disposal behind the Olive Pit

    + There is also a pet area that has a small white fence around a dirted area for pets to relieve themselves.

    + Lots of palm trees in the backdrop giving the place a very California vibe.

    CONS:

    + No tent camping, unless it's a car rooftop tent or a pop-up tent trailer

    + No fires/no showers/ no toilets (Although you can walk to the Shell Station to use their toilets which were super clean and well-maintained.)

    + Loud 24 hour carwash at the Shell station. Usually quiets down around 9 pm

    + Bright security lights in the parking lot. Just don't park directly under one. There are a few darker and less lit spots

  • Sadie P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 24, 2025

    Perry Riffle Trailhead

    Ok for a parking lot

    The good. Managers are there daily. Dumping trash and cleaning the pit toilet.

    The bad. Managers are there daily being passive aggressive in reminding you they can kick you out, walking around looking in the same vehicles (even yours as you stand there) and writing down plate numbers. They like to remind you of the 14 day in 365 day limit for the region, not just here. They like to talk about their database and what will happen if you try to camp somewhere else and they love complaining about tent campers outside the parking lot. Also, no fires, ever.

    That being said. Blm law enforcement they claim to have in their pocket reminds everyone that tent camping is allowed outside the parking lot.

    It is clean though, the rivers is blah and turkey hunters might fire off next to you but walk the road. Plenty of trails, beautiful meadows, horseback riders seen regularly. Quiet at night usually to. If not tell the managers, they’ll get right on that lol.

    I won’t go again but that’s not because of the CG.

    Details: Law Enforcement does visit, they are nice Locals are a problem Be prepared for management complaints, not camper complaints Town is 20 minutes away Free stay with a weird 14 day regional rule, inquire with management

  • Al L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 13, 2025

    Perry Riffle Trailhead

    Overnight @ Perry Riffle

    Easy access via paved road. Very bucolic area. Lots of trails. Sacramento River is within walking distance. Pit toilet, no water or other services.

  • Ibeya A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 26, 2025

    Perry Riffle Trailhead

    Great spot for a short stop over

    This is just a gravel parking lot, but it's quiet, peaceful, and about a 2 min walk from the river. Several horse and hiking trails start from here. There's a pit toilet, garbage, and recycling. We enjoyed our stay for one night, but I wouldn't want to stay here for more than a few days. It was roasting in August; the river was a nice way to cool off.

  • Jody S.
    Jan. 4, 2021

    Olive Pit Dispersed Lot

    Guy and his dog at a Pit Stop?

    Spent the evening in the RV/Truck area after stocking up on some Olive stuffed garlic and artichokes. Mmmm. Was quiet besides the obvious freeway intersection area near by but NOT complaining. Easy boon-docking. Small pet area. Well lit if you park under a light. Safeway,Burger King, Taco Bell, Auto parts store lots more in little area around The Olive Pit. Basically park and walk to get shopping done. Boom. Hope this helps a little.

  • I
    May. 23, 2025

    Perry Riffle Trailhead

    Nice place for a night or two

    Nice spot near the river. We stayed in a tent and just pitched it adjacent to the car park. The ranger came by in the morning just had a little look around and left. Didn’t bother anyone

  • Bare Soul W.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 28, 2025

    Olive Pit Dispersed Lot

    Pit Stop from Redwoods to Lassen

    I was worried at 1stvas there was a situation that was happening when arrive. Police were there surveying which made me feel safe. It was quite through the night. Lil Dude took advantage of the dog park.

  • Marilee D.
    Jul. 9, 2021

    Olive Pit Dispersed Lot

    Ahhhhh the shade.........

    I was so grateful for the mature shade trees that offered a respite from the hot sun. It's a very quiet spot, so keep it that way. Some riffraff staggle through but they're harmless.

  • Steve M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 4, 2025

    Perry Riffle Trailhead

    Simple but clean and nice level sites with picnic tables

    Just staying one night on my way to Nevada but this is an easy location with decent cell service and a clean bathroom and garbage receptacles in a hiking and equestrian area

Guide to Paskenta

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Paskenta, California, where nature meets tranquility. With a variety of options available, outdoor enthusiasts can find the perfect spot to unwind and enjoy the great outdoors.

Unique Features for Dispersed Campers

  • The Olive Pit Dispersed Lot offers a convenient location with access to delicious food and a small grocery store, making it easy to stock up on supplies during your stay.
  • For those traveling with pets, this spot is pet-friendly and provides a small dog area, ensuring your furry friends can enjoy the adventure too.
  • The area is well-lit and allows for easy drive-in access, making it a practical choice for a quick overnight stop.

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Paskenta, California

  • If you're looking for a true wilderness experience, consider the Grizzly Flat Dispersed Campground, which offers a more rugged environment, though be mindful of wildlife in the area.
  • Be prepared for a hike-in experience at the Perry Riffle Trailhead, where you can enjoy amenities like picnic tables and an outhouse while immersing yourself in nature.
  • For those who appreciate a quiet atmosphere, the Boardman Ridge Campground provides a serene setting, perfect for relaxation away from the hustle and bustle.

Must-Visit Spots for Dispersed Campers

  • The Pine Ridge Camp is ideal for those who want to enjoy campfires and the freedom of alcohol consumption, although it lacks some amenities like drinking water and toilets.
  • If you’re seeking a peaceful retreat, the Olive Pit offers a quiet environment with mature shade trees, making it a great place to escape the heat and enjoy a restful night.
  • The area surrounding the Perry Riffle Trailhead is rich in wildlife, providing opportunities for nature observation, including sightings of owls and foxes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Paskenta, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Paskenta, CA is Olive Pit Dispersed Lot with a 4.3-star rating from 8 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Paskenta, CA?

TheDyrt.com has all 6 dispersed camping locations near Paskenta, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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