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Best Dispersed Camping near Red Bluff, CA

37 Reviews

Free camping options surround Red Bluff in multiple directions, with Perry Riffle Trailhead providing the most amenities among dispersed sites. Located approximately 20 minutes from town, this gravel parking area includes pit toilets, trash collection, picnic tables, and river access. One camper noted, "Easy access via paved road. Very bucolic area. Lots of trails. Sacramento River is within walking distance." Though technically a parking lot, tent camping is permitted in adjacent areas.

The Lassen National Forest region offers several primitive options with varying access conditions. Christie Hill Basecamp and 29N22 Dispersed sites sit within 10 minutes of Lassen National Park's south entrance, though road quality can be challenging. A visitor mentioned, "There are sites with fire rings and relatively flat ground," but others warned about construction activity: "Some of the spots are gone. The spots open now are just spots the bulldozer made to push material off the road." Most forest service sites permit fires (except during restriction periods), allow pets, and enforce a 14-day stay limit. No drinking water or facilities are available at these locations, so arrive prepared for self-sufficient camping.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Red Bluff, California (14)

    1. Perry Riffle Trailhead

    6 Reviews
    Red Bluff, CA
    8 miles

    "Easy access via paved road. Very bucolic area. Lots of trails. Sacramento River is within walking distance. Pit toilet, no water or other services."

    "This is just a gravel parking lot, but it's quiet, peaceful, and about a 2 min walk from the river. Several horse and hiking trails start from here. There's a pit toilet, garbage, and recycling."

    2. Olive Pit Dispersed Lot

    8 Reviews
    Corning, CA
    18 miles
    Website

    "PROS: FREE overnight parking for RVs, trailers, and camper vehicles.

    + Very safe and heavily traffic location. Lots of travelers here spending the evening!"

    "I was worried at 1stvas there was a situation that was happening when arrive. Police were there surveying which made me feel safe. It was quite through the night."

    3. Fischer Dispersed Campground

    Be the first to review!
    Shingletown, CA
    19 miles
    Website

    4. Christie Hill Basecamp

    6 Reviews
    Mineral, CA
    40 miles

    "No water or outhouse. If you have a low clearance vehicles, pick your pins carefully."

    "Just off the main highway. Gravel road in. We had a Ford van that had no problem driving over the dirt and gravel road. There are sites with fire rings and relatively flat ground."

    5. Cline Gulch BLM Dispersed

    8 Reviews
    French Gulch, CA
    42 miles

    "This site is nothing special but it’s the only BLM I could find in the area. We stopped on the way up to Shasta. You don’t need ground clearance or 4wd to get there."

    "No amenities of any kind."

    6. 31N17N - North Manzanita Dispersed Camping

    5 Reviews
    Lassen Volcanic National Park, CA
    42 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 257-2151

    "We found this spot based on advice of the rangers in LVNP. Overall a great place to camp if your looking for a free option to camp/boon dock very close to the park."

    "Arrived late Friday night on Labor Day weekend and found a spot right at the beginning of the dirt road - coming from Redding direction, turned right off of 44 onto the dirt road then took the first right"

    7. 29N22 Dispersed near Lassen NP

    2 Reviews
    Mineral, CA
    39 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 258-2141

    "Lovely quiet remote dispersed camping spot. No services. On a very nice gravel road marked for winter cross country skiing. Saw a few others in the area."

    8. Lassen National Forest

    1 Review
    Mineral, CA
    38 miles

    9. Wild and Senic Trinity River Grapevine River Access Dispersed Site

    2 Reviews
    French Gulch, CA
    40 miles

    "Great location off 299. 5 miles from Big Flat"

    10. Morgan Summit Sno-Park

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    Mineral, CA
    39 miles
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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Red Bluff, CA

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Red Bluff, CA

37 Reviews of 14 Red Bluff Campgrounds

  • Aliza N.
    Nov. 1, 2022

    29N22 Dispersed near Lassen NP

    Dispersed camping near Lassen NP

    Lovely quiet remote dispersed camping spot. No services. On a very nice gravel road marked for winter cross country skiing. Saw a few others in the area. Most camp spots are right on the edge of the road but lots of room and plenty of privacy. Leave no trace. Pack in, pack out.

  • Chanel C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 3, 2019

    Olive Pit Dispersed Lot

    Convenient location for boondocking

    PROS:

    + FREE overnight parking for RVs, trailers, and camper vehicles.

    + Very safe and heavily traffic location. Lots of travelers here spending the evening! Signs say for Olive Pit Customers Only but we spent 2 nights here (along with a few other campers) and no one ever disturbed us.

    + Very flat, leveled, and long paved spots (great for up to 35-foot long fifth wheelers and even 50-foot rigs).

    + Huge lot with lots of available spots. Around 10 spots for larger trailers and RVs, and lots of small spots for campervans and car rooftop tent campers. We saw 4-5 other campers around us who mostly were very private and to themselves

    + Super convenient location near lots of fast food joints, a Starbucks, Rite Aid, and supermarket. The lot shares the same entrance as the Shell Station and Olive Pit Cafe & Store where you can conveniently pick up food/beer/supplies.

    + The Olive Pit has a great cafe and wine tasting room. They sell specialty items such as olives, balsamic vinegar, etc. And they have a great breakfast!

    + There is a giant dumpster for trash disposal behind the Olive Pit

    + There is also a pet area that has a small white fence around a dirted area for pets to relieve themselves.

    + Lots of palm trees in the backdrop giving the place a very California vibe.

    CONS:

    + No tent camping, unless it's a car rooftop tent or a pop-up tent trailer

    + No fires/no showers/ no toilets (Although you can walk to the Shell Station to use their toilets which were super clean and well-maintained.)

    + Loud 24 hour carwash at the Shell station. Usually quiets down around 9 pm

    + Bright security lights in the parking lot. Just don't park directly under one. There are a few darker and less lit spots

  • Sadie P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 24, 2025

    Perry Riffle Trailhead

    Ok for a parking lot

    The good. Managers are there daily. Dumping trash and cleaning the pit toilet.

    The bad. Managers are there daily being passive aggressive in reminding you they can kick you out, walking around looking in the same vehicles (even yours as you stand there) and writing down plate numbers. They like to remind you of the 14 day in 365 day limit for the region, not just here. They like to talk about their database and what will happen if you try to camp somewhere else and they love complaining about tent campers outside the parking lot. Also, no fires, ever.

    That being said. Blm law enforcement they claim to have in their pocket reminds everyone that tent camping is allowed outside the parking lot.

    It is clean though, the rivers is blah and turkey hunters might fire off next to you but walk the road. Plenty of trails, beautiful meadows, horseback riders seen regularly. Quiet at night usually to. If not tell the managers, they’ll get right on that lol.

    I won’t go again but that’s not because of the CG.

    Details: Law Enforcement does visit, they are nice Locals are a problem Be prepared for management complaints, not camper complaints Town is 20 minutes away Free stay with a weird 14 day regional rule, inquire with management

  • Al L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 13, 2025

    Perry Riffle Trailhead

    Overnight @ Perry Riffle

    Easy access via paved road. Very bucolic area. Lots of trails. Sacramento River is within walking distance. Pit toilet, no water or other services.

  • Salvatore F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 7, 2023

    31N17N - North Manzanita Dispersed Camping

    Great dispersed spot near Lassen Volcanic NP

    We found this spot based on advice of the rangers in LVNP. Overall a great place to camp if your looking for a free option to camp/boon dock very close to the park.

    Right when you turn off 44, go up a small hill, maybe 100m, then there is a clearing on the west side of the road. There is a perpendicular dirt road at the clearing (running west/east) with several spots to park a van, trailer, or even smaller RV. We saw four distinct sites where people had made fire rings—however due to the number of pine trees the ground is covered in a thick layer of pine needles— make sure you sweep at least a 20’ fire ring down to dirt around the rock pit before you make a fire. You can also hear noticeable road noise from 44 in the front spots so not super secluded.

    Many of the sites we checked (near the entrance and deeper into the woods) had bumble bees coming out of holes in the ground so be careful picking your site, particularly at night so you don’t wake up to an unpleasant surprise.

    Going further south down the main road you can find many other more hidden camping spots deeper in the forest, but the road is rougher and only suited for a 4x4.

  • Nick C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 13, 2023

    29N22 Dispersed near Lassen NP

    Limited Option Near Lassen NP South Entrance

    This is a small flat area near the base of Christie Hill. The turn off of the Hwy 89 is at the McGowan SnoPark area (really just a logger's staging area). There are a handful of very rough roads one could pull off the road and camp in a tent on (or 4x4 van). For a larger RV or travel trailer, we found only one spot (40.390996,-121.540748) that was large enough to accommodate our 32 foot travel trailer. It is right along the road, but there is virtually no traffic here, so we found it acceptable. 

    I do not believe there are any good spots further down the road. A word of caution as well - the lake just beyond here (McGowan Lake) - is privately owned and gated. It is not available for camping.

  • Claire D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 3, 2024

    31N17N - North Manzanita Dispersed Camping

    Convenient dispersed site near Lassen

    Same experience as the other reviews. Arrived late Friday night on Labor Day weekend and found a spot right at the beginning of the dirt road - coming from Redding direction, turned right off of 44 onto the dirt road then took the first right. The turnoff is on Google maps and was easy to find even in the dark. Nobody else around that we saw, even given the busy weekend! Agreed with others on the road noise but it was fine. Just a few minutes from Manzanita lake. Great find!

  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 21, 2021

    Cline Gulch BLM Dispersed

    At Least It’s Free

    We thought this might be a nice place to stay the night or even longer, but next time if we need a place to sleep we’ll just find one of the turnouts off of Hwy 299. I could see this being a good place for people who live locally to come and hang out in nature by the creek for a few days, but this isn’t a place I’d recommend as a destination. There is so much dead brush and cut trees all over the place here, possibly from cleanup after a fire?  Would recommend larger rigs avoid this area due to the number of low hanging tree branches.

    Also, this is a popular shooting area because we saw a ton of ammunition casings as well as broken glass and clay pigeons and other items used for target practice. Oh, and we heard a bunch of gunshots in the middle of the night.

    Once you enter the BLM land area, you will cross a narrow one lane bridge. From there you can go left, through a narrow and brush and low-hanging-tree-limbed gravel road (larger rigs beware) to a small clearing at the end which is large enough for a group, but too small for more than one party to feel comfortable there. 

    If you turn right from the bridge you have a long road for a few miles along the creek. This road is at times narrow and bumpy with low hanging limbs, and at times wide and smooth and easy to drive. Along this road are several unmarked, undeveloped, and completely unmaintained clearings where you can camp. There are no fire pits or any other indication that it’s a camp site (which is a good thing because per the info board fires aren't allowed). We did pass one trailer that appears to be residing here permanently. 

    The public road eventually dead ends about 2 miles in and turns into private property, at which point there’s a large-ish space where you can turn around. 

    Zero cell service, though the WeBoost gave the Verizon phone a couple of weak bars. The T-Mobile hotspot and the ATT cell phone were not improved by the WeBoost.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 13, 2024

    Christie Hill Basecamp

    Dispersed camping

    No water or outhouse. If you have a low clearance vehicles, pick your pins carefully.

Guide to Red Bluff

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Red Bluff, California, where nature meets tranquility. With a variety of options available, campers can enjoy the great outdoors without the constraints of traditional campgrounds.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Red Bluff, California

  • When visiting the Olive Pit Dispersed Lot, be prepared for some traffic noise, as it's located near a busy intersection. However, it offers a convenient stop with access to food and supplies.
  • The Cline Gulch BLM Dispersed area allows campfires and pets, making it a great choice for those looking to enjoy a cozy evening under the stars.
  • If you're seeking a quiet retreat, the 31N17N - North Manzanita Dispersed Camping site is well-reviewed for its seclusion and proximity to Lassen Volcanic National Park.

Exploring wildlife while free camping near Red Bluff

  • At the Perry Riffle Trailhead, campers have reported sightings of great horned owls and foxes, making it a fantastic spot for wildlife enthusiasts.
  • The Christie Hill Basecamp is located just minutes from Lassen National Park, providing opportunities to see diverse wildlife in their natural habitat.
  • Campers at the 29N22 Dispersed near Lassen NP have enjoyed peaceful nights accompanied by the sounds of nature, including distant coyote calls.

Activities to enjoy while free camping near Red Bluff

  • The North Wilson Lake area is perfect for fishing and swimming, offering a refreshing escape during the warmer months.
  • For those interested in hiking, the Morgan Summit Sno-Park provides access to trails that are ideal for exploring the stunning landscapes of the region.
  • Campers at the Cline Gulch BLM Dispersed site can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking and birdwatching, thanks to its scenic surroundings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find free camping near Red Bluff?

Several free dispersed camping options exist near Red Bluff. Olive Pit Dispersed Lot offers free overnight parking for RVs, trailers, and camper vehicles in a safe location with plenty of other travelers. Cline Gulch BLM Dispersed provides multiple camping spaces along a good gravel road not far from Highway 299, making it accessible without 4WD or high clearance vehicles. Other free options include dispersed sites in Lassen National Forest and along the Sacramento River. These areas typically have no services, so come prepared with everything you need, and always follow Leave No Trace principles by packing out what you pack in.

What amenities are available at Red Bluff dispersed camping sites?

Dispersed camping sites near Red Bluff generally offer very few amenities. Perry Riffle Trailhead provides basic facilities with a pit toilet but no water or other services, though it offers easy access via paved road and is within walking distance to the Sacramento River with numerous trails. Christie Hill Basecamp has no water or outhouse facilities and requires careful navigation for low-clearance vehicles. Most dispersed sites are primitive with no garbage service, potable water, picnic tables, or fire rings. You'll need to pack in all supplies including water and pack out all trash. Cell service is typically limited or non-existent. These sites emphasize self-sufficiency and minimal impact camping.

Do I need a permit for dispersed camping in Red Bluff?

Most dispersed camping areas near Red Bluff don't require permits, but regulations vary by location. At 31N17N - North Manzanita Dispersed Camping near Lassen National Park, camping is allowed without permits, though rangers may provide guidance on appropriate locations. Similarly, 29N22 Dispersed near Lassen NP offers permit-free camping in designated areas. While permits aren't typically required, always check current regulations with land management agencies (BLM, Forest Service) before your trip, especially during fire season when restrictions may be in place. Remember that most dispersed sites have stay limits (typically 14 days) and require self-contained waste management.

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