Primitive camping near Redwoods, California occurs primarily on U.S. Forest Service and BLM lands surrounding Lassen National Forest. The region's volcanic soil composition creates unique camping conditions, with elevation ranges from 3,000 to 5,500 feet affecting nighttime temperatures even in summer months. Campers should prepare for temperature swings of 30-40 degrees between day and night, particularly at higher elevation sites.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: The creeks around Big Pine Dispersed Camping offer excellent trout fishing. "Caught a bunch of trout in the creek and had an absolute blast," reports Christine M., who found it "perfect for kids and dogs" with "big spots" for camping right next to the water.
Hiking trails: Several dispersed camping areas provide direct access to trail systems. At Perry Riffle Trailhead, "several horse and hiking trails start from here," according to Ibeya A., who noted it was "quiet, peaceful, and about a 2 min walk from the river."
Wildlife viewing: Early mornings offer opportunities to spot local wildlife. One camper at Perry Riffle mentioned, "Saw/heard great horned owl, fox, then cows in the morning," demonstrating the diverse wildlife present in these camping areas.
What campers like
Creek-side sites: Campers consistently rate creek-side camping spots highly. At Butte Creek, Nick C. found a spot that was "beautiful - just off the main road, fairly flat, immediately adjacent to the creek, and very quiet + almost no traffic." The sound of flowing water enhances the camping experience.
Seclusion from crowds: Many dispersed sites offer privacy not found in developed campgrounds. At Cline Gulch BLM Dispersed, Kevinae B. reported, "It was super secluded and quiet. No one else drove by at all during the two days we stayed."
Proximity to national parks: Several camping areas serve as convenient basecamps for exploring nearby national parks. Whitney B. noted that Butte Creek offers a "20 minute drive to the cinder cone trail head in Lassen National Park," making it a strategic location for park visitors.
What you should know
Road conditions: Access roads vary significantly in quality. At Christie Hill Basecamp, Robert N. advises, "If you have a low clearance vehicles, pick your pins carefully," indicating the importance of vehicle clearance on forest roads.
Seasonal considerations: Fire restrictions change seasonally and must be checked before arrival. Salvatore F. warned about fire safety at North Manzanita, noting "make sure you sweep at least a 20' fire ring down to dirt around the rock pit before you make a fire" due to the "thick layer of pine needles" covering the ground.
Pest awareness: Ticks and mosquitoes can be problematic in certain areas. At Cline Gulch, Hillary S. reported that despite finding "a perfect spot right by the river," both she and her dog "got bitten by ticks - and we woke to find 8 other dead ticks in our bed," causing them to leave earlier than planned.
Tips for camping with families
Creek access for children: Sites with safe water access are ideal for families. At North Manzanita Dispersed Camping, "about 100 yards further, you could walk up the road and grab some water from the stream," making it convenient for families needing water access, according to Paul T.
Wildlife safety precautions: Inform children about potential wildlife encounters. Elaine S. noted at North Manzanita that "bear activity was reported in the area before we arrived, so keep that in mind. Make sure to bring your bug spray!"
Seasonal berry picking: Some areas offer natural foraging opportunities. At Big Pine, one camper mentioned finding "black raspberries along the creek," providing a fun activity for children when in season.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger vehicles: Many dispersed areas can accommodate larger RVs with careful site selection. Stephanie I. reported at Big Pine Dispersed Camping that "we found a could spots that our 38ft fifth wheel could fit, and many spots for smaller rigs."
Limited turnaround areas: Some forest roads have restricted turnaround space. At Cline Gulch, Laura M. warns that larger rigs should "avoid this area due to the number of low hanging tree branches" and notes that one site has "a circular 'driveway' was tight and had very little space."
Ground conditions: The volcanic soil in some areas can create challenges. At Butte Creek, Nick C. advises, "I wouldn't recommend a heavy trailer rig or RV without 4x4 do anything but back back straight into this site. We bogged down a bit while turning around and needed to use our 4wd."
