Best Dispersed Camping near Redding, CA

The landscape surrounding Redding, California features numerous dispersed camping opportunities on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and Forest Service lands. Cline Gulch BLM Dispersed, located about 45-60 minutes from Redding, provides primitive riverside camping with gravel road access. North of the city, areas near Trinity Lake offer lakeside camping without facilities but with scenic views. For those seeking proximity to Lassen Volcanic National Park, Christie Hill Basecamp and the 31N17N North Manzanita Dispersed sites provide free camping options just minutes from park entrances. The Perry Riffle Trailhead area, situated along the Sacramento River, includes basic amenities such as pit toilets and trash service while maintaining a natural setting with trail access.

Road conditions vary significantly across these dispersed sites, with some requiring high-clearance vehicles while others remain accessible to standard passenger cars. As one camper noted about Cline Gulch, "Road was just scrapped so it was in good condition. Found perfect site feet from the river." Many sites lack GPS accuracy, with several reviewers mentioning coordinates being off by a mile or more. Cell service is limited or nonexistent at most locations, particularly in forested areas. BLM lands typically enforce a 14-day stay limit within a 365-day period for any given area. Fire regulations change seasonally, with complete bans common during summer and fall months due to wildfire danger.

Mountain views dominate the camping experience near Mount Shasta, where campers report excellent visibility and scenic vistas. "Great view of Shasta Mountain. All 2-wheel low clearance accessible," noted one visitor to Castle Lake Dispersed Camping. Privacy levels vary by location, with sites near Lassen described as having "lots of room and plenty of privacy" despite being close to forest roads. Noise concerns exist primarily at locations near highways, though most campers find the road sounds acceptable. Wildlife encounters are common, with some campers warning about bumblebee nests in the ground at certain sites. The region's water features—including Trinity Lake, Castle Lake, and various rivers—provide natural focal points for many camping areas, though water access can be limited by seasonal fluctuations and private property boundaries.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Redding, California (17)

    1. Cline Gulch BLM Dispersed

    8 Reviews
    French Gulch, CA
    16 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."

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

    2 Reviews
    French Gulch, CA
    16 miles

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

    3. Perry Riffle Trailhead

    4 Reviews
    Red Bluff, CA
    22 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."

    "Nice spot near the river. We stayed in a tent and just pitched it adjacent to the car park. The ranger came by in the morning just had a little look around and left. Didn’t bother anyone"

    4. North Trinity Lake

    4 Reviews
    Trinity Center, CA
    35 miles

    "This is disbursed lakeside camping with no facilities."

    "The coordinates were off though and it took us up to a private residence road so I would not follow that."

    5. 31N17N - North Manzanita Dispersed Camping

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

    "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"

    "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."

    6. Olive Pit Dispersed Lot

    8 Reviews
    Corning, CA
    45 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."

    7. Dispersed Campsite near Castle Lake and Shasta

    8 Reviews
    Mount Shasta, CA
    47 miles

    "We did not hear any other campers even though there were at least 2 nearby. Google will try to get you to the coordinates but doesn’t know about the existence of the final dirt road to get you there."

    "Really easy trail was about a mile past the coordinates on google map but it’s a very obvious dirt road. Stayed at the 5th site in which is spacious and has a few paths for small hikes."

    8. Castle Lake Dispersed Camping

    6 Reviews
    Dunsmuir, CA
    46 miles

    "High and dry. Great view of Shasta Mtn. 8 campers here in mid May. All 2 wheel low clearance accessible. 8 or more still available for higher clearance vehicle. T-Mobile reception good."

    "Road dips down but rutted and I'm low clearance so can't tell what's down there. I'm in amthe o ly pullout off the side of the road before it Dios. Awesome view."

    9. Big Pine Dispersed Camping

    4 Reviews
    Old Station, CA
    47 miles

    "Right next to the creek and big spots! Our motorhome drove down here just fine. Caught a bunch of trout in the creek and had an absolute blast. Quiet and safe and lots of shade."

    "Our parking spot is big enough for our travel trailer, right next to the creek. Clean, quiet, safe. No traffic. But No cell service."

    10. Mt. Shasta Area

    2 Reviews
    Castella, CA
    43 miles

    "Winter time really is its best time but beware and plan ahead, a lot of the camp sites are closed in that time of year!"

    "Shasta is breathtaking pictures can’t do it justice A place to experience lakes streams hiking camping boating snow sports water sports the great outdoors !!"

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Showing results 1-10 of 17 campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Redding, CA

58 Reviews of 17 Redding Campgrounds



Guide to Redding

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Redding, California, where nature meets tranquility. With a variety of options available, you can enjoy the great outdoors without the hassle of traditional campgrounds.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Redding, California

  • When heading to Cline Gulch BLM Dispersed, be prepared for a rustic experience, as some areas may have limited shade and could feel a bit sketchy.
  • If you're looking for a quieter spot, Perry Riffle Trailhead offers simple amenities like picnic tables and an outhouse, making it a convenient choice for families.
  • For those seeking a more secluded experience, 31N17N - North Manzanita Dispersed Camping is a great option, located just minutes from Lassen National Park and away from the crowds.

Enjoy stunning views while free camping near Redding

  • The North Trinity Lake area provides breathtaking views and multiple side dirt roads leading down to the lake, perfect for a picturesque camping experience.
  • Campers at Castle Lake Campground can enjoy stunning vistas of Mount Shasta while being close to the water, making it an ideal spot for nature lovers.
  • For those who appreciate open fields and wooded backdrops, the dispersed camping near Dispersed Campsite near Castle Lake and Shasta offers a beautiful setting for a peaceful getaway.

Dispersed campers should check out Big Pine Dispersed Camping

  • Big Pine Dispersed Camping features plenty of spots along the creek, making it a fantastic choice for those who enjoy fishing or relaxing by the water.
  • If you're traveling with a larger vehicle, Olive Pit Dispersed Lot is big rig friendly and conveniently located near a market for easy access to supplies.
  • For a more adventurous experience, Christie Hill Basecamp is just a short drive from Lassen National Park, offering a rugged terrain perfect for those looking to explore the outdoors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Redding, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Redding, CA is Cline Gulch BLM Dispersed with a 3.4-star rating from 8 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Redding, CA?

TheDyrt.com has all 17 dispersed camping locations near Redding, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.