Rustic camping near Redwood Valley, California typically features dry, hilly terrain with elevations ranging from 1,000-2,500 feet. Summer temperatures often exceed 90°F during daylight hours but drop significantly at night. Most dispersed camping areas require navigating narrow, steep dirt roads with challenging conditions ranging from loose gravel to unexpected ruts.
What to do
Off-road exploration: Cow Mountain Rec Area Dispersed offers extensive trail networks for off-road vehicles. A camper mentioned, "Love taking our Rock crawler up to cow. Lots of obstacles. Camping is awesome. Few sites and vault restrooms."
Hiking on recovery trails: Many areas show signs of wildfire recovery with new vegetation emerging. At Mayacmas Campground, one visitor noted, "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."
Wildlife watching: Early mornings offer opportunities to spot deer, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Local creeks attract various birds and small mammals. A camper at BLM Sheldon Creek reported, "It'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."
What campers like
Natural separation between sites: Most dispersed areas provide ample space between camping spots. At High Valley Ridge, a camper observed, "There are numerous pull-outs and campsites along this High Ridge Road with absolutely breathtakingly stunning views of the valley to the east and the lake to the west."
Creek access at certain sites: Some campgrounds feature seasonal water access. A visitor to BLM Sheldon Creek shared, "We 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."
Cell service availability: Surprisingly good connectivity exists at many sites despite remote locations. At High Valley Ridge, one camper reported, "Verizon is two bars. The road coming in from the north is easy though it can be rutted and bumpy in spots as well as narrow."
What you should know
Road conditions change seasonally: Many access routes deteriorate significantly after rain. A camper at Lakeview Dispersed Campground advised, "The drive up was full of breathtaking views, and even though the road was quite bumpy, dusty, and steep at times, our AWD Kia made it up no problem."
Site conditions vary widely: Finding level spots requires scouting. One visitor noted, "You have to drive up to right as you enter and then turn toward the lake to find the really nice spots. You can't see them from the main area. May need a higher clearance vehicle for that depending on the site."
Toilet facilities often problematic: Vault toilets exist at some sites but may not be maintained. As one camper at BLM Sheldon Creek warned, "You might want to be prepared to dig your own toilet though as the toilet set up was completely infested with spiders."
Tips for camping with families
Scout locations before committing: Some sites have hidden hazards not visible from the main road. A camper at Lakeview Dispersed recommended, "Walking it first" to check sites before driving in.
Prepare for temperature swings: Pack extra layers as evenings can be significantly colder than days. A first-time camper noted, "Very beautiful and quiet, can be extremely cold at night and morning so be prepared!"
Consider wildlife encounters: While generally safe, bears have been spotted in some areas. At Grizzly Flat Dispersed Campground, one visitor reported, "My wife and I were going to camp here but she was a little spooked by the amount of bears we saw on the trail to the campsite."
Tips from RVers
Length restrictions matter: Most primitive camping areas near Redwood Valley have tight access roads unsuitable for larger rigs. A visitor to Cowboy Camp shared, "We always manage to level out in our 23" Winnebago View. There is lots of open space so no crowding."
RV leveling challenges: Bring additional leveling blocks as most sites feature uneven terrain. At BLM Sheldon Creek, a camper advised, "Tow behinds/trailers not recommended; rough roads and can't turn back once on the path. Otherwise 10/10 for our truck camper."
Non-standard RV access: Some locations advertised as RV-accessible may require specialized equipment. A camper at Clear Lake View Point warned, "As soon as I started going up an extremely steep hill and saw a sign that said not a through street, I should have turned around but it was impossible with my 30-foot car and trailer."
