Dispersed camping near Six Rivers National Forest offers primitive overnight options on public lands throughout Northern California's rugged mountain terrain. Sites range from 1,000 to 5,000 feet elevation across varied ecosystems including oak woodlands, mixed conifer forests, and riparian zones. Summer temperatures typically reach 85-95°F, while winter brings significant rainfall and occasional snow at higher elevations. Most dispersed sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis with limited facilities.
What to do
Mountain biking trails: Lacks Creek BLM features dedicated bike paths where campers can explore without venturing far from their sites. "There's a nice running/bike path right in the camp ground," notes reviewer Toni K., though they caution about tick presence, especially for those with pets.
Wildlife viewing: North Trinity Lake provides exceptional wildlife spotting opportunities from an open field setting. "A beautiful open field with the woods in the back and Trinity Lake in the front," describes Karen T., adding "you could camp in the open field or in the woods."
Backcountry hiking: 44 Backcountry Camp within Redwood National Park offers access to remote trails. "This is a very remote camp, peaceful and quiet. I imagine it is much less so during summer months when the bridges across Redwood Creek are open," notes Sharon B. Water sources require planning as "the nearest source is 3/4 mile downhill from the camp site."
What campers like
River access: Redwood Creek Dispersed Camp provides streamside camping after a moderate hike. "This campsite is beautiful!! but be prepared, you will be camping next to a creek on top of rocks. If you have a sleeping pad, this is no problem," explains Leah H., who emphasizes proper preparation: "you WILL cross a creek! the rocks are PAINFUL! bring your sandals!"
Privacy and seclusion: Groves Prairie Dispersed Camp offers three secluded sites in a forest meadow setting. "This secluded camp is well worth the effort to find," states Greg B., who notes practical amenities: "There are 3 sites, each with a picnic table and fire ring. There is one vault toilet that was stocked with 'the papers'."
Night sky viewing: Unobstructed views make stargazing exceptional at many sites. "I came here to see the Perseids Meteor Shower, on a Sunday night/Monday, and did not see a soul," reports a Groves Prairie camper who specifically visited for astronomical observation.
What you should know
Road conditions vary significantly: Access roads to Aikens Creek Recreation Area and similar locations often feature potholes, narrow sections, and seasonal washouts. "Seems to have been a legit National Forrest campground that is no longer maintained. But it still has camp sites and a little further in there is dispersed very close to the river," explains Jordan H.
Permit requirements differ: Redwood Creek Dispersed Camp requires free permits with gate codes. "If you want to camp here, you MUST get a free permit on the website listed on here. If you do not, you will find yourself at a locked gate you cannot enter," warns Leah H.
Cell service limitations: Communication options remain minimal throughout the region. At Groves Prairie, expect "MAYBE one (1) bar of Verizon service, but it is extremely unreliable," according to Greg B. Another camper noted completely absent coverage at one location, stating: "I was planning on staying here but had no service for miles with Verizon. Not just spotty service, literally nothing."
Tips for camping with families
Bear awareness: BLM Dispersed Camping - Lacks Creek and similar locations require proper food storage. Some backcountry sites provide bear lockers as Sharon B. notes at 44 Camp: "2 bear lockers are available for the whole site."
Tick prevention: Multiple reviewers report tick encounters, particularly in warmer months. "BLM land with good signs and maps... No creek water in early June but lots of ticks. Very hot too. We left after 30 minutes and 6 ticks," warns Jon E. about Lacks Creek.
Navigation challenges: Coordinate locations often prove unreliable. "The coordinates were off though and it took us up to a private residence road so I would not follow that," advises Mckenna S. about North Trinity Lake, suggesting instead: "There's multiple side dirt roads leading down to the lake from the main road so I would just look for those."
Tips from RVers
Length restrictions: Large trailers face significant challenges on forest roads. "Tried to camp here with a 20ft travel trailer and I turned around before I even made it to the gravel road. Road is narrow and steep with low hanging trees," cautions Jules S. about Lacks Creek BLM, concluding: "Tow and rv here at your own risk."
Seasonal accessibility: RV sites that appear accessible on maps may be seasonally unavailable. "We didn't end up going because it is NOT RV friendly. You have to hike in with your tent," reports Jessica S. about one location, highlighting the importance of verifying RV accessibility before traveling forest roads.
Camp placement: When RV camping is possible, strategic positioning offers better experiences. "We even pulled up our rear drop camper and had no issues at all," notes Luke D. about successfully camping at Lacks Creek, where they found "an area with picnic tables under the trees."
