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Best Dispersed Camping near Shasta, CA

51 Reviews

Several dispersed camping areas surround Shasta, California, primarily on BLM land. Cline Gulch BLM offers free primitive camping about 45-60 minutes from Redding with multiple sites along a gravel road. The road condition varies, with recent reviews noting it was "just scrapped so it was in good condition." Sites near the creek provide shade and water access, though campers should be aware of ticks in the area. No amenities are available, and cell service is non-existent until you reach the nearby school.

Castle Lake dispersed camping provides sites with views of Mount Shasta approximately 15 minutes off I-5. The road climbs steadily, but most sites are accessible with low-clearance vehicles. A review mentioned that "about 8 campers here in mid May" with "8 or more still available for higher clearance vehicles." North Trinity Lake offers lakeside dispersed camping, though coordinates may be unreliable. One camper described it as "a beautiful open field with the woods in the back and Trinity lake in the front." Perry Riffle Trailhead provides a more developed option with a gravel parking lot, pit toilets, garbage collection and picnic tables. It's located near the Sacramento River with hiking trails nearby, though tent camping is limited to areas adjacent to the parking lot.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Shasta, California (11)

    1. Cline Gulch BLM Dispersed

    8 Reviews
    French Gulch, CA
    11 miles

    "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."

    "No amenities of any kind."

    2. Wild and Senic Trinity River Grapevine River Access Dispersed Site

    2 Reviews
    French Gulch, CA
    10 miles

    "Great location off 299. 5 miles from Big Flat"

    3. Perry Riffle Trailhead

    6 Reviews
    Red Bluff, CA
    26 miles

    "Easy access via paved road. Very bucolic area. Lots of trails. Sacramento River is within walking distance. Pit toilet, no water or other services."

    "This is just a gravel parking lot, but it's quiet, peaceful, and about a 2 min walk from the river. Several horse and hiking trails start from here. There's a pit toilet, garbage, and recycling."

    4. North Trinity Lake

    4 Reviews
    Trinity Center, CA
    32 miles

    "This is disbursed lakeside camping with no facilities."

    "dispersed camping

    • no amenities
    • a beautiful open field with the woods in the back and Trinity lake in the front
    • you could camp in the open field or in the woods"

    5. Dispersed Campsite near Castle Lake and Shasta

    9 Reviews
    Mount Shasta, CA
    46 miles

    "It’s a dirt road but not bad at all. You have to keep going pasta where it takes you on google maps until you see a dirt road turnoff on the right."

    "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."

    6. Castle Lake Dispersed Camping

    8 Reviews
    Dunsmuir, CA
    45 miles

    "This spot is great, plenty of space, quiet, great views of Mount Shasta, easy to access."

    "High and dry. Great view of Shasta Mtn. 8 campers here in mid May. All 2 wheel low clearance accessible. 8 or more still available for higher clearance vehicle. T-Mobile reception good."

    7. Olive Pit Dispersed Lot

    8 Reviews
    Corning, CA
    48 miles
    Website

    "PROS: FREE overnight parking for RVs, trailers, and camper vehicles.

    + Very safe and heavily traffic location. Lots of travelers here spending the evening!"

    "I was worried at 1stvas there was a situation that was happening when arrive. Police were there surveying which made me feel safe. It was quite through the night."

    8. 31N17N - North Manzanita Dispersed Camping

    5 Reviews
    Lassen Volcanic National Park, CA
    46 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 257-2151

    "We found this spot based on advice of the rangers in LVNP. Overall a great place to camp if your looking for a free option to camp/boon dock very close to the park."

    "Arrived late Friday night on Labor Day weekend and found a spot right at the beginning of the dirt road - coming from Redding direction, turned right off of 44 onto the dirt road then took the first right"

    9. Mt. Shasta Area

    2 Reviews
    Castella, CA
    41 miles

    "Shasta is a place that’s beautiful from every angle. If you’re on the road or on the mountain all it does is takes your breath away."

    "Shasta is breathtaking pictures can’t do it justice A place to experience lakes streams hiking camping boating snow sports water sports the great outdoors !!"

    10. Fischer Dispersed Campground

    Be the first to review!
    Shingletown, CA
    40 miles
    Website
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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Shasta, CA

20 Photos of 11 Shasta Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Shasta, CA

51 Reviews of 11 Shasta Campgrounds

  • Sadie P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 24, 2025

    Perry Riffle Trailhead

    Ok for a parking lot

    The good. Managers are there daily. Dumping trash and cleaning the pit toilet.

    The bad. Managers are there daily being passive aggressive in reminding you they can kick you out, walking around looking in the same vehicles (even yours as you stand there) and writing down plate numbers. They like to remind you of the 14 day in 365 day limit for the region, not just here. They like to talk about their database and what will happen if you try to camp somewhere else and they love complaining about tent campers outside the parking lot. Also, no fires, ever.

    That being said. Blm law enforcement they claim to have in their pocket reminds everyone that tent camping is allowed outside the parking lot.

    It is clean though, the rivers is blah and turkey hunters might fire off next to you but walk the road. Plenty of trails, beautiful meadows, horseback riders seen regularly. Quiet at night usually to. If not tell the managers, they’ll get right on that lol.

    I won’t go again but that’s not because of the CG.

    Details: Law Enforcement does visit, they are nice Locals are a problem Be prepared for management complaints, not camper complaints Town is 20 minutes away Free stay with a weird 14 day regional rule, inquire with management

  • Chanel C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 3, 2019

    Olive Pit Dispersed Lot

    Convenient location for boondocking

    PROS:

    + FREE overnight parking for RVs, trailers, and camper vehicles.

    + Very safe and heavily traffic location. Lots of travelers here spending the evening! Signs say for Olive Pit Customers Only but we spent 2 nights here (along with a few other campers) and no one ever disturbed us.

    + Very flat, leveled, and long paved spots (great for up to 35-foot long fifth wheelers and even 50-foot rigs).

    + Huge lot with lots of available spots. Around 10 spots for larger trailers and RVs, and lots of small spots for campervans and car rooftop tent campers. We saw 4-5 other campers around us who mostly were very private and to themselves

    + Super convenient location near lots of fast food joints, a Starbucks, Rite Aid, and supermarket. The lot shares the same entrance as the Shell Station and Olive Pit Cafe & Store where you can conveniently pick up food/beer/supplies.

    + The Olive Pit has a great cafe and wine tasting room. They sell specialty items such as olives, balsamic vinegar, etc. And they have a great breakfast!

    + There is a giant dumpster for trash disposal behind the Olive Pit

    + There is also a pet area that has a small white fence around a dirted area for pets to relieve themselves.

    + Lots of palm trees in the backdrop giving the place a very California vibe.

    CONS:

    + No tent camping, unless it's a car rooftop tent or a pop-up tent trailer

    + No fires/no showers/ no toilets (Although you can walk to the Shell Station to use their toilets which were super clean and well-maintained.)

    + Loud 24 hour carwash at the Shell station. Usually quiets down around 9 pm

    + Bright security lights in the parking lot. Just don't park directly under one. There are a few darker and less lit spots

  • Al L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 13, 2025

    Perry Riffle Trailhead

    Overnight @ Perry Riffle

    Easy access via paved road. Very bucolic area. Lots of trails. Sacramento River is within walking distance. Pit toilet, no water or other services.

  • Grace A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 12, 2025

    Dispersed Campsite near Castle Lake and Shasta

    Close to the lake. Beware of bugs

    Overall good stay. I don’t think you can do fires right now and there wasn’t too many options of where to stay, but we ended up finding a spot that fit 2 SUVs. It’s a dirt road but not bad at all. You have to keep going pasta where it takes you on google maps until you see a dirt road turnoff on the right. 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. It was a like 10 minute drive to the lake which is what makes this spot so worth it!

  • Victoria B.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 30, 2025

    Dispersed Campsite near Castle Lake and Shasta

    Serene Escape

    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.

  • George B.
    Jun. 19, 2018

    Mt. Shasta Area

    A mountain that soars above

    Mt. Shasta is a place that’s beautiful from every angle. If you’re on the road or on the mountain all it does is takes your breath away.

    Stay where it’s more comfortable for you but at least go and stay and see this beauty!

    Winter time really is its best time but beware and plan ahead, a lot of the camp sites are closed in that time of year!

  • Salvatore F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 7, 2023

    31N17N - North Manzanita Dispersed Camping

    Great dispersed spot near Lassen Volcanic NP

    We found this spot based on advice of the rangers in LVNP. Overall a great place to camp if your looking for a free option to camp/boon dock very close to the park.

    Right when you turn off 44, go up a small hill, maybe 100m, then there is a clearing on the west side of the road. There is a perpendicular dirt road at the clearing (running west/east) with several spots to park a van, trailer, or even smaller RV. We saw four distinct sites where people had made fire rings—however due to the number of pine trees the ground is covered in a thick layer of pine needles— make sure you sweep at least a 20’ fire ring down to dirt around the rock pit before you make a fire. You can also hear noticeable road noise from 44 in the front spots so not super secluded.

    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, particularly at night so you don’t wake up to an unpleasant surprise.

    Going further south down the main road you can find many other more hidden camping spots deeper in the forest, but the road is rougher and only suited for a 4x4.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 3, 2025

    Dispersed Campsite near Castle Lake and Shasta

    Perfect campsite!

    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. We did not hear any other campers even though there were at least 2 nearby. Google will try to get you to the coordinates but doesn’t know about the existence of the final dirt road to get you there. So it gets you to a point and then expects you to walk across a small ravine. But as the other reviewers stated, keep going on the road keeping in mind that you are trying to get to exact coordinates listed which are accurate. See one of my pics. Google has you stop at the red X, but keep going along the blue path drawn.

  • Claire D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 3, 2024

    31N17N - North Manzanita Dispersed Camping

    Convenient dispersed site near Lassen

    Same experience as the other reviews. Arrived late Friday night on Labor Day weekend and found a spot right at the beginning of the dirt road - coming from Redding direction, turned right off of 44 onto the dirt road then took the first right. The turnoff is on Google maps and was easy to find even in the dark. Nobody else around that we saw, even given the busy weekend! Agreed with others on the road noise but it was fine. Just a few minutes from Manzanita lake. Great find!

Guide to Shasta

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Shasta, California, where nature's tranquility meets adventure. With a variety of spots to choose from, you can enjoy the great outdoors while soaking in stunning views and peaceful surroundings.

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Shasta, California

Scenic Views and Natural Attractions for Dispersed Campers

  • The breathtaking views at North Trinity Lake provide a perfect backdrop for a peaceful camping experience, especially at sunrise and sunset.
  • For those looking to explore, Perry Riffle Trailhead offers nearby trails where you can hike and enjoy the local wildlife.
  • If you’re seeking a picturesque spot, Dispersed Campsite near Castle Lake and Shasta is known for its stunning views of Mount Shasta and the surrounding landscape.

Activities While Free Camping Near Shasta

  • Fishing enthusiasts will appreciate the opportunities at Gumboot Campground, where you can cast a line in nearby waters.
  • For a unique experience, visit Olive Pit Dispersed Lot to enjoy delicious local food while having a convenient place to park for the night.
  • Wildlife watching is a must at Mt. Shasta Area, where you can spot various animals and enjoy the serene environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities should I expect when dispersed camping around Mt. Shasta?

Dispersed camping around Mt. Shasta typically means minimal to no amenities. At Perry Riffle Trailhead, you'll find basic facilities including a pit toilet that's regularly maintained, but no water or other services. The Sacramento River is within walking distance. For those needing more conveniences, Olive Pit Dispersed Lot offers free overnight parking for RVs and campers in a safe, high-traffic area. Most other dispersed sites have no facilities at all - plan to bring everything you need including water, food, and waste disposal bags. Pack out all trash and follow Leave No Trace principles by preparing for completely self-sufficient camping.

Where can I find dispersed camping near Mount Shasta?

Several excellent dispersed camping options surround Mount Shasta. Dispersed Campsite near Castle Lake and Shasta offers spacious sites along a dirt road that's accessible for most vehicles, though it's about a mile past what Google Maps shows. For those visiting Lassen Volcanic National Park, 31N17N - North Manzanita Dispersed Camping provides free camping just off Highway 44 with clearings on the west side of the road. Both locations feature multiple sites that are nicely spread apart for privacy. The turnoffs can be easy to miss, so watch carefully for dirt roads leading to these camping areas.

When is the best season for dispersed camping in the Mt. Shasta area?

The optimal season for dispersed camping around Mt. Shasta is late spring through early fall (May to September) when access roads are clear and temperatures are mild. Mt. Shasta Area is stunning year-round, with winter offering breathtaking views, but requires significant preparation as snow can make access difficult. Summer brings warm days and cool nights, though July camping at Cline Gulch BLM Dispersed and similar areas may have bugs, particularly near water sources. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as summer and fall often bring campfire bans. Road conditions can vary significantly by season, with many dispersed areas becoming inaccessible during winter months.

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