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Best Dispersed Camping near Rio Nido, CA

34 Reviews

BLM Sheldon Creek offers free dispersed camping approximately 30 miles north of Rio Nido near Hopland. The site includes several primitive campsites with picnic tables, fire pits, and vault toilets. Access requires navigating a winding dirt road that becomes challenging after rain. Most vehicles can handle the journey during dry conditions, though trailers and larger RVs are not recommended. A review noted, "There are about 4-5 sites, only 2 with actual fire pits."

Cow Mountain Recreation Area and Lakeview Dispersed Campground provide additional boondocking options in the region. Lakeview sits on a ridge above Clear Lake with multiple pull-off camping areas. The access road is steep and dusty, requiring all-wheel drive during dry weather. A visitor commented, "The gravel roads here are open again and easy to drive on! All wheel drive is helpful, but we saw some people with a Prius up there." Most dispersed sites across the region include established fire rings, though seasonal fire restrictions are common during summer months. Pack out all trash, as recent reviews mention accumulating litter at several locations.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Rio Nido, California (10)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Rio Nido, CA

16 Photos of 10 Rio Nido Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Rio Nido, CA

34 Reviews of 10 Rio Nido Campgrounds

  • C
    Aug. 9, 2022

    BLM Sheldon Creek

    Pleasant BLM camping, hot in the summer.

    A decent drive off the highway, but a good one. A few nice views. Google maps will not get you there, we followed the directions on this page.

    Only 2 spots up here, maybe 3. But we had it to ourselves on a weeknight. The Bathroom (vault toilet) had toilet paper. There was some water in the creek, but it wasn’t super easy to access. 

    The site itself is nothing special, just a couple of pullouts in the woods. Probably very hot during the day since you’re up on a ridge. Can’t beat free though.

  • kThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 9, 2023

    BLM Sheldon Creek

    FREE BLM campground - travel trailers not advised

    Tow behinds/trailers not recommended; rough roads and can’t turn back once on the path.

    Otherwise 10/10 for our truck camper, had the place to ourselves for the 4th of July weekend, beautiful fresh water creek running through, great toilet & even a fire pit with abundance of wood around.

    There are about 4/5 sites, only 2 with actual fire pits.

    Please keep it amazing by keeping it clean.

    FREE

  • Summer A.
    Jul. 17, 2022

    BLM Sheldon Creek

    Perfect Spot!

    Sheldon Creek is a BLM campsite up a winding dirt/gravel road. We drove a 4WD vehicle, but most cars should be able to handle the journey up. Signs will direct you in the right direction, and lead you to a campground with spots to pitch tents or park/hangout. There are even picnic tables, fire pits, and bathrooms. I didn’t get a chance to check out the bathrooms, but they looked decent. We only had one neighbor who seemed pretty friendly, which was a relief as you’re pretty far out in a remote area. Overall this is a beautiful spot where we felt safe. Would definitely recommend!

  • Jaye S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2024

    Lakeview Dispersed Campground

    Decent dispersed site

    Drive up to the site all incline dirt road ~6 miles - we made it up without 4 wheel drive but some areas were a little sketchy. Overall pretty dusty too. Sites themselves were decently maintained, some trash from previous campers but nothing major. This area is a popular for target practice so if the sounds of gunshots throughout the day isn’t your vibe, then this spot might not be suitable. Overall beautiful sunrises and sunsets and starry night sky

  • Chris C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 3, 2025

    High Valley Rd Dispersed

    Easy and chill!

    Very nice spot with multiple places to pull over and camp. There’s views of Lear Lake if you want to walk a bit. No water nearby. The road is very dusty on the way up!

  • Catherine L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 15, 2024

    Cowboy Camp

    Quiet

    Quiet stop, but I wouldn't call it the most beautiful stop I've ever stayed. Camping spots are to the left and the right I'd the day use. Pit toilets. No garbage.

  • Robert H.
    Jun. 30, 2024

    Lakeview Dispersed Campground

    High Above Clear Lake

    Beautiful spot with some views of the lake. No services, but had cell service (CC). I drove in from the south access to High Valley rd. The road was challenging. It was steep with loose dirt in spots. It was an adventure. I am going to try north access into Lucerne later. (See Google for more info)

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 2, 2025

    Lakeview Dispersed Campground

    First Time Camping - Perfect

    First time camping and going somewhat off road.

    If you’re worried about your vehicle making it up we saw a tesla and a nissan altima up there. My subaru made it up perfectly. I would however recommend AWD or a little higher clearance.

    South road is somewhat rough and the north road seems to be the smoother but longer road.

    Clean area, but dusty. Can be busy 2 other campers showed up quietly while I was asleep but kept their distance. Where I set up there were some log chairs and a previously built fire pit.

    Very beautiful and quiet, can be extremely cold at night and morning so be prepared!

    We did not got many bugs which was great.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 17, 2025

    BLM Sheldon Creek

    Not a campsite

    I believe this is not campsite anymore. The coordinates took us to someone’s private driveway. We tried to get to the pinpoint from another way and ran into another closed gate. No idea..

Guide to Rio Nido

Dispersed camping near Rio Nido, California, offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in nature without the crowds. With various options available, campers can enjoy the tranquility of the outdoors while taking advantage of the beautiful landscapes.

Dispersed campers should check out BLM Sheldon Creek

  • Nestled in Hopland, BLM Sheldon Creek features a serene environment with a lovely creek and fire pits, perfect for a peaceful getaway.
  • This spot allows pets and is free of charge, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious campers looking for a natural retreat.
  • Be prepared for a rustic experience, as amenities are limited, including no drinking water or trash services, which encourages campers to leave no trace.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Rio Nido, California

  • When visiting Cow Mountain Rec Area Dispersed, ensure your vehicle is capable of handling rough terrain, as the access roads can be challenging.
  • Bring all necessary supplies, as this area does not require permits and has limited facilities, including vault toilets but no trash disposal.
  • Keep an eye out for wildlife, as the area is known for its diverse fauna, including deer and various bird species.

Enjoying nature while free camping near Rio Nido

  • For stunning views and a peaceful atmosphere, Lakeview Dispersed Campground offers beautiful sunrises and sunsets, making it a great spot for photography enthusiasts.
  • This location is popular for its starry night skies, providing an excellent backdrop for stargazing away from city lights.
  • Be mindful of the local environment, as some areas may have remnants of previous campers, so it's essential to practice Leave No Trace principles.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Rio Nido, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Rio Nido, CA is BLM Sheldon Creek with a 3.7-star rating from 9 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 10 dispersed camping locations near Rio Nido, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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