Best Dispersed Camping near St. Helena, CA
Dispersed camping options near St. Helena, California include several free primitive sites on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land. BLM Sheldon Creek offers a wooded setting with 3-5 campsites, basic vault toilets, and a seasonal creek. Lakeview Dispersed Campground provides views of Clear Lake from higher elevations, while Cowboy Camp features open, grassy terrain suitable for both tent and RV camping. Cow Mountain Recreation Area offers additional dispersed camping opportunities for those with appropriate vehicles.
Road conditions to these sites vary significantly and require careful planning. According to reviews, BLM Sheldon Creek is accessible via "a winding dirt/gravel road" where "most cars should be able to handle the journey," though trailers are not recommended. Lakeview Dispersed Campground requires navigating steep, dusty roads with loose dirt in spots. Several campers noted that while all-wheel drive is helpful, standard vehicles can make it during dry conditions. Clear Lake View Point Dispersed should be avoided with larger vehicles, as the road is described as "frightening, rutted, unmaintained."
These primitive sites have minimal facilities. No drinking water is available at any location, so campers must bring all water needed. Most sites permit fires in established fire rings when no fire restrictions are in place. Vault toilets exist at some locations but may be poorly maintained. Cell service is generally available at Lakeview Dispersed Campground. Weather conditions vary seasonally; summer temperatures can be extremely hot, especially at ridge-top sites like BLM Sheldon Creek. Campers report that Lakeview Dispersed can experience strong winds, particularly in the evenings. The "pack it in, pack it out" principle applies to all sites, as trash service is limited or nonexistent.
