Dispersed camping near Shasta, California provides free overnight options on public lands, primarily in Shasta-Trinity National Forest. Elevations range from 2,000 to 6,000 feet across camping areas, with summer temperatures typically 10-15°F cooler than surrounding valleys. Most dispersed sites require campers to be self-sufficient with no amenities or services.
What to do
Swim at nearby lakes: Castle Lake Dispersed Camping provides easy access to swimming. "If you camp here check out Siskiyou Lake right down the way to swim it was THE best view of Shasta and the most mellow and perfect swimming conditions!"
Explore hiking trails: Trails are accessible from various campsites. At Perry Riffle Trailhead, "Several horse and hiking trails start from here. There's a pit toilet, garbage, and recycling."
Wildlife observation: Forest areas support diverse wildlife. One camper at 31N17N - North Manzanita Dispersed Camping reported, "We did hear coyotes off in the distance, which is so cool and spooky at the same time. Bear activity was reported in the area before we arrived, so keep that in mind."
What campers like
Mountain views: Many sites offer views of Mount Shasta. At Dispersed Campsite near Castle Lake and Shasta, campers enjoy "Great campsite! Will be bumpy for a regular sedan but we did see a Prius roll by. There a 3-5 sites along the road and very spread apart."
Creek access: Water features enhance camping experiences. One camper at North Manzanita noted, "We've been on the road for about a month now and this might take the cake for our favorite dispersed spot... It's next to the creek and we fell asleep to the sounds of the flowing water."
Solitude: Many dispersed sites provide privacy. At Castle Lake Dispersed Camping, a visitor found "Really easy trail was about a mile past the coordinates on google map but it's a very obvious dirt road. Stayed at the 5th site in which is spacious and has a few paths for small hikes."
What you should know
Limited facilities: Most dispersed sites lack amenities. A camper at Cline Gulch BLM Dispersed advised, "This site is nothing special but it's the only BLM I could find in the area. We stopped on the way up to Shasta. You don't need ground clearance or 4wd to get there."
Insect awareness: Bugs can be problematic in certain seasons. One camper warned, "It was pretty hot at night, and a bunch of bugs so keep that in mind. There was plenty of shade at the spot we found."
Navigation challenges: GPS coordinates may be inaccurate for some sites. A reviewer at Wild and Scenic Trinity River cautioned, "DO NOT bank on this coordinate for location. This is actually an hour away from where author put it. I found out after arriving here."
Tips for camping with families
Safety considerations: Keep children away from potential hazards. A visitor to North Manzanita reported, "Many of the sites we checked (near the entrance and deeper into the woods) had bumble bees coming out of holes in the ground so be careful picking your site."
Pet-friendly options: Many sites welcome dogs but require preparation. A camper at Cline Gulch shared, "I had a perfect spot right by the river... easy to navigate with my 20' van, stunning, private, shady and green... I was about to write a 5 star review... but then my dog and I both got bitten by ticks."
Day trip planning: Use dispersed sites as bases for exploring. "It was a like 10 minute drive to the lake which is what makes this spot so worth it!"
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger vehicles: Choose appropriate spots based on rig size. A camper at Olive Pit Dispersed Lot found "Very flat, leveled, and long paved spots (great for up to 35-foot long fifth wheelers and even 50-foot rigs)."
Road condition awareness: Access varies significantly between sites. One RVer cautioned, "I would probably not recommend with a trailer. I made it down with my Tacoma and a 12ft travel trailer but it was a stretch. Super easy to get in, but took a long time to turn around and get back out."
Leveling requirements: Look for naturally flat areas. At North Manzanita, a camper noted, "It's quite level for our 23' rig. Nice smooth road to access."
