Best Dispersed Camping near Potter Valley, CA
Several dispersed camping options exist near Potter Valley, California, primarily on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands. The most accessible sites include Mayacmas Campground, BLM Sheldon Creek, and Lakeview Dispersed Campground. Cow Mountain Recreation Area also permits dispersed camping. These primitive areas typically feature minimal development and provide alternatives to established campgrounds. Most sites are located along ridgelines or forest roads with varying degrees of accessibility.
Access to these dispersed camping areas generally requires travel on unpaved roads that can be challenging for standard vehicles. Many campers report that high-clearance or 4WD vehicles are strongly recommended, particularly for reaching Lakeview Dispersed and Sheldon Creek areas. Road conditions vary significantly by season, with some routes becoming impassable after rain. Most sites lack drinking water, restrooms, and trash services. Campfires are permitted at certain locations but not all, with seasonal restrictions common during fire season. The standard 14-day camping limit applies to BLM lands in this region.
The dispersed sites near Potter Valley provide varying experiences based on elevation and location. Higher elevation sites like Lakeview Dispersed Campground feature views of Clear Lake and starry night skies, though some campers note significant wind exposure. Lower elevation areas near creeks provide more shelter but may have seasonal water access issues. "The road getting to it was definitely a bit sketchy for my Rav4 AWD, probably wouldn't be able to do it if it wasn't dry. Large vehicles likely won't be able to make it up there," noted one visitor to Lakeview Dispersed. Another camper at Sheldon Creek reported: "Only 2 spots up here, maybe 3. But we had it to ourselves on a weeknight. The Bathroom (vault toilet) had toilet paper."
