Best Dispersed Camping near Philo, CA
Several dispersed camping options exist within driving distance of Philo, California, primarily on Bureau of Land Management lands. BLM Sheldon Creek, located near Hopland, offers free primitive camping with basic amenities including picnic tables, fire pits, and vault toilets. The access road requires careful navigation, as one camper noted, "We drove a 4WD vehicle, but most cars should be able to handle the journey up." The site features a creek and typically has only 3-5 established spots.
Cow Mountain Recreation Area near Lakeport provides another dispersed option with toilets and trash collection, though fires are not permitted. According to a visitor, "As long as you have a capable vehicle and are prepared to provide for your own needs, you'll be ready for Cow." East of Clear Lake, Lakeview Dispersed Campground offers primitive camping with lake views but requires navigating challenging roads. A camper commented, "The gravel roads here are open again and easy to drive on! We drove here from the north. All wheel drive is helpful, but we saw some people with a Prius up there." Most dispersed sites in the region lack drinking water, hookups, and other amenities, so campers must pack all necessary supplies.
