Dispersed camping near Point Arena, California ranges from coastal bluff sites to forested backcountry locations at elevations of 1,000-2,000 feet. The region's Mediterranean climate creates mild year-round camping conditions, with fog common along the coast and drier conditions inland. Summer temperatures typically range from 50-80°F while winter brings increased rainfall and occasional road closures.
What to do
Wildlife observation and photography: BLM Sheldon Creek offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities where campers report seeing "deer, butterflies, and hummingbirds all around us" with a "babbling brook" creating a peaceful soundtrack.
Off-road adventures: Cow Mountain Rec Area Dispersed appeals to off-road enthusiasts with technical trails. Visitors note it's "always fun going to the tech course with our off road buggy" and recommend bringing "a capable vehicle" prepared for challenging terrain.
Creekside exploration: Several sites feature seasonal water access. One camper at BLM Sheldon Creek mentioned they "used the trees to help set up a tarp to keep us and our stuff from the rain" and appreciated the "nice little creek and a fire pit."
What campers like
Remote solitude: Many dispersed sites offer isolation from crowds. At BLM Sheldon Creek, campers appreciate that "we only had one neighbor who seemed pretty friendly, which was a relief as you're pretty far out in a remote area."
Free accommodations: Budget-conscious campers value the cost-free camping options. One visitor noted BLM Sheldon Creek had "great toilet & even a fire pit with abundance of wood around" along with the advantage of being "FREE."
Natural surroundings: The wooded settings provide natural camping conditions. A visitor described BLM Sheldon Creek as "a beautifully wooded area with a flowing creek" that would have been "a lovely place to camp" if not for previous visitors' trash.
What you should know
Road access challenges: Many sites require navigation on unpaved routes. At Mayacmas Campground, one visitor warned "the ride up was rough" though they felt "the views made it all worth it."
Limited facilities: Prepare for minimal amenities. At BLM Sheldon Creek, one camper warned to "be prepared to dig your own toilet though as the toilet set up was completely infested with spiders."
Site availability: Most locations have very limited camping spots. BLM Sheldon Creek has "about 4/5 sites, only 2 with actual fire pits" according to a recent visitor.
Navigation issues: Standard GPS may be unreliable. One visitor to BLM Sheldon Creek noted "Google maps will not get you there" and recommended following specific directions from camping websites.
Tips for camping with families
Safety considerations: Choose established sites with basic amenities when camping with children. One family at BLM Sheldon Creek appreciated that "Sheldon Creek is a BLM campsite up a winding dirt/gravel road" where they "felt safe" despite being in a remote area.
Weather preparation: Summer heat can be intense at higher elevations. A camper noted BLM Sheldon Creek is "probably very hot during the day since you're up on a ridge" so bring adequate sun protection and cooling options.
Pack extra supplies: No services are available at most sites. When visiting BLM Sheldon Creek, a camper observed "there was some water in the creek, but it wasn't super easy to access" so bring plenty of drinking water.
Tips from RVers
Vehicle restrictions: Most dispersed camping areas near Point Arena have significant limitations for larger vehicles. At BLM Sheldon Creek, RVers warn "tow behinds/trailers not recommended; rough roads and can't turn back once on the path" making it unsuitable for most recreational vehicles.
Alternative options: Truck campers work better than trailers in these areas. One visitor with a truck camper rated BLM Sheldon Creek "10/10 for our truck camper" and mentioned they "had the place to ourselves for the 4th of July weekend."
