Looking for the best dispersed camping near Point Arena? The Dyrt can help you find the best dispersed campsites for your next trip. Each dispersed site offers quick access to one or more of Point Arena's most popular destinations.
Sheldon Creek is an isolated, primitive recreation site located 8 miles east of Hopland, south of Highway 175.
These 1700 acres of public land provide opportunities for camping, picnicking, hiking, hunting and equestrian use. Vehicle use is limited to the designated access road and OHVs are not permitted. The campground currently has three campsites and a vault toilet. There is no potable water at this site.
Traveler
There are 3 sites. Used the trees to help set up a tarp to keep us and our stuff from the rain. Camped in our car. A little muddy but not too bad for our 4Runner. There was a nice little creek and a fire pit. Had the area to ourselves likely due to the rain.
You might want to be prepared to dig your own toilet though as the toilet set up was completely infested with spiders.
GuideIt's not too bad of a road up there. Had deer, butterflies, and humming birds all around us. Babbling brook, cool and comfortable in mid-October. Looking forward to a springtime visit.
Guide
The ride up was rough. The views made it all worth it. The camp site was not an option for me. I need something semi level to navigate.
GuideTow behinds/trailers not recommended; rough roads and can’t turn back once on the path.
Otherwise 10/10 for our truck camper, had the place to ourselves for the 4th of July weekend, beautiful fresh water creek running through, great toilet & even a fire pit with abundance of wood around.
There are about 4/5 sites, only 2 with actual fire pits.
Please keep it amazing by keeping it clean.
FREE
Scout
We drove 5 hours to get to this what we thought would be a beautiful ocean view site only to find NO CAMPING signs all over the place. Do not come here and expect to camp
TravelerA decent drive off the highway, but a good one. A few nice views. Google maps will not get you there, we followed the directions on this page.
Only 2 spots up here, maybe 3. But we had it to ourselves on a weeknight. The Bathroom (vault toilet) had toilet paper. There was some water in the creek, but it wasn’t super easy to access.
The site itself is nothing special, just a couple of pullouts in the woods. Probably very hot during the day since you’re up on a ridge. Can’t beat free though.
LegendI love Pt Arena. The lighthouse is historic and has an incredible past; if you are anywhere near here I absolutely recommend stopping by and taking a tour (get ready for stairs). It’s only $5 a person, dogs are welcome on the premises if not inside the actual lighthouse, and there’s a great gift shop. You can also rent the lighthouse keepers quarters, which I’ve never done but seems like it would be a unique experience. I wish I had factored this into my trip, but of course you need to book them way in advance.
In Pt Arena, you are far from major towns but you have conveniences close at hand and a choice of directions to go, whether it’s down toward Sonoma Valley and the wine country, Point Reyes, or into Anderson Valley (underrated!).
Camping in this area gives you a special place to kick off into areas that most tourists don’t even know about, or don’t get to see through your eyes because they’re tucked away into posh $500/night B&B accommodations. I woke up early because I had to get back to San Francisco and I had Highway 1 almost all to myself. It was one of the most gorgeous, amazing parts of my entire drive.
TravelerSheldon Creek is a BLM campsite up a winding dirt/gravel road. We drove a 4WD vehicle, but most cars should be able to handle the journey up. Signs will direct you in the right direction, and lead you to a campground with spots to pitch tents or park/hangout. There are even picnic tables, fire pits, and bathrooms. I didn’t get a chance to check out the bathrooms, but they looked decent. We only had one neighbor who seemed pretty friendly, which was a relief as you’re pretty far out in a remote area. Overall this is a beautiful spot where we felt safe. Would definitely recommend!
Traveler
As long as you have a capable vehicle and are prepared to provide for your own needs, you'll be ready for Cow.
GuideAlways fun. Love going to the tech course with our off road buggy. Crawled all over that hill.
GuideLove taking our Rock crawler up to cow. Lots of obstacles. Camping is awesome. Few sites and vault restrooms. Still a good time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Point Arena, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Point Arena, CA is BLM Sheldon Creek with a 4.6-star rating from 5 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Point Arena, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 3 dispersed camping locations near Point Arena, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
