Dispersed camping near Rumsey, California features several isolated sites across undeveloped BLM lands. The Rumsey region, situated at the northern end of Capay Valley, experiences extremely hot summer temperatures often exceeding 100°F from June through September. Winter camping offers milder conditions with overnight temperatures occasionally dropping below freezing. Flash flood risk exists during winter and spring rains.
What to do
**Wildlife observation: Wildlife viewing opportunities exist throughout spring at Cowboy Camp, where campers may spot deer, butterflies and various bird species. As one visitor notes: "It's open, grassy level and quiet. Next to a stream and surrounded by hills. The only tough part is getting across the stream to some of the hikes."
Off-road adventures: The Cow Mountain Rec Area Dispersed offers technical terrain for experienced off-roaders approximately 35 miles northwest of Rumsey. A reviewer explains: "Love taking our Rock crawler up to cow. Lots of obstacles. Camping is awesome. Few sites and vault restrooms."
Swimming access: Creek access at several primitive sites allows cooling off during hot months. According to a visitor at BLM Sheldon Creek: "We 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."
What campers like
Solitude during weekdays: Finding isolation improves significantly during non-peak times. A visitor at Lakeview Dispersed Campground reported: "There was only one other person here when I was. They got the prime spot, early bird and all. Very nice view."
Natural sounds: Many primitive camping areas near Rumsey provide quiet environments away from urban noise. One camper at BLM Sheldon Creek described: "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."
Established amenities: Some dispersed sites include basic infrastructure. As one visitor noted about Sheldon Creek: "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."
What you should know
Variable site availability: Primitive camping areas near Rumsey face occasional closures without notice. A recent visitor to Cowboy Camp reported: "Visit was for 11/19/2024 found the gates locked, no entry. Seasonal? No signage to tell."
Road conditions change seasonally: Access deteriorates significantly after rain events. A camper at High Valley Rd Dispersed warned: "The road to this pin is completely impassable in any regular vehicle, this would require an ATV... The road is EXTREMELY narrow and windy on the edge of a cliff."
Insect populations: Flies become problematic during warmer months at some locations. One camper described Cowboy Camp: "No trees just dry open land inhabited by an unusual amount of flies. It was crazy how thick they were. An almost dry creek runs alongside the open field of camping pads."
Tips for camping with families
Creek exploration: Water features provide natural entertainment for children when available. At smittle creek, a visitor observed: "This sweet little spot is a paddle boarding and fishing dream. Primitive site where Smittle Creek flows into Lake Berryessa."
Weather preparation: Temperature fluctuations require appropriate clothing and gear. A camper at Lakeview Dispersed Campground advised: "Very beautiful and quiet, can be extremely cold at night and morning so be prepared!"
Pack extra trash bags: Some locations suffer from litter problems. One visitor to BLM Sheldon Creek noted: "So much trash left behind here! We tried to pick up what we could but there's quite the mess left behind from others who were there prior. Pack it in, pack it out!"
Tips from RVers
Vehicle length limits: Longer vehicles face serious access challenges to most primitive camping near Rumsey. A visitor to BLM Sheldon Creek warned: "Tow behinds/trailers not recommended; rough roads and can't turn around once on the path."
Advance scouting: Walking roads before attempting them with larger vehicles prevents dangerous situations. One camper suggested at Lakeview Dispersed: "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. Recommend walking it first."
Clearance considerations: Vehicle capability determines site access. A visitor to Lakeview Dispersed Campground shared: "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."
