Dispersed camping near Platina, California offers rugged terrain at elevations ranging from 2,500-3,500 feet where the Mendocino National Forest meets the Trinity Mountains. The area experiences hot, dry summers with temperatures often exceeding 90°F, while winter brings occasional snow at higher elevations. Cell service throughout the region remains limited or nonexistent, with several visitors reporting complete loss of signal once leaving main highways.
What to do
River activities: Access to the Trinity River provides swimming and fishing opportunities during summer months. At Cline Gulch BLM Dispersed, one visitor noted, "I had a perfect spot right by the river... stunning, private, shady and green" though they warned about tick exposure during their stay.
Hiking trails: Perry Riffle Trailhead serves as a starting point for several hiking paths. A camper observed, "Lots of trails. Sacramento River is within walking distance," making it convenient for day hikes without relocating camp.
Wildlife viewing: Early morning and evening hours offer prime opportunities for animal spotting. At Perry Riffle, one camper reported, "Saw/heard great horned owl, fox, then cows in the morning," highlighting the diverse wildlife in the area.
What campers like
Seclusion factor: Campers appreciate the remoteness at certain sites. At Cline Gulch BLM Dispersed, a visitor reported, "My husband and I loved this place... It was super secluded and quiet. No one else drove by at all during the two days we stayed."
Easy river access: Many sites offer proximity to water. At Wild and Senic Trinity River Grapevine River Access, a camper noted, "Great location off 299. 5 miles from Big Flat," providing both highway access and river proximity.
Basic amenities at select locations: Some sites offer minimal but appreciated facilities. A camper at Perry Riffle Trailhead observed it has "Pit toilet, no water or other services" but appreciated the clean conditions maintained by daily management checks.
What you should know
Road conditions vary significantly: Many access roads require careful navigation. At North Trinity Lake, a visitor warned, "The coordinates were off though and it took us up to a private residence road so I would not follow that," suggesting self-navigation is often necessary.
Management presence: Some areas have regular monitoring. At Perry Riffle, a camper noted, "Managers are there daily. Dumping trash and cleaning the pit toilet" but also mentioned they're "passive aggressive in reminding you they can kick you out" and strictly enforce the 14-day limit.
Garbage issues: Pack out all trash as facilities are minimal. A camper at Cline Gulch observed "trash pile, bags of potato chips...and potatoes" at one site, indicating improper waste disposal remains an issue at some locations.
Tips for camping with families
Tick prevention: Pack appropriate repellent and check regularly for ticks. At Cline Gulch BLM Dispersed, one camper reported, "My dog and I both got bitten by ticks - and we woke to find 8 other dead ticks in our bed," suggesting thorough tick checks are essential.
Location verification: Double-check coordinates before departing as GPS directions can be unreliable. A visitor to Wild and Scenic Trinity River noted, "DO NOT bank on this coordinate for location. This is actually an hour away from where author put it."
Heat preparation: Summer temperatures can be extreme with limited shade. At Perry Riffle Trailhead, a camper mentioned, "It was roasting in August; the river was a nice way to cool off," highlighting the importance of heat management strategies.
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: Many roads have narrow passages or low-hanging branches. At Cline Gulch, a camper advised, "Would recommend larger rigs avoid this area due to the number of low hanging tree branches," though they noted some spots could accommodate vehicles up to 20 feet.
Overnight parking alternatives: For those seeking a simple overnight stop without rustic camping, Olive Pit Dispersed Lot in Corning offers convenience. A visitor noted, "Just a small parking lot with 8 or 9 pull through sites in the middle of a small downtown commercial area" with nearby restaurants and amenities.
Road grading updates: Check recent reviews for current road conditions. A visitor to Cline Gulch reported, "Road was just scrapped so it was in good condition. Found perfect site to feet from the river," indicating maintenance conditions can improve accessibility.
