Best Dispersed Camping near Somes Bar, CA

The Klamath Mountains surrounding Somes Bar, California feature predominantly dispersed camping options on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and Forest Service lands. Lacks Creek BLM area, approximately 30 miles southwest of Somes Bar, provides several established dispersed sites with fire rings and some basic amenities. Patrick Creek Dispersed Camping offers creekside spots along Highway 199 to the northwest. Redwood Creek Dispersed Camp provides backcountry options for those seeking to camp near the Tall Trees area of Redwood National Park. Groves Prairie Dispersed Camp, managed by Six Rivers National Forest, features three designated sites with picnic tables and fire rings in a secluded meadow setting.

Forest service roads throughout the region require careful navigation, with many campers reporting challenging access conditions. As one visitor noted, "The road to get up there is a bit overgrown and there's a lot of potholes." Most dispersed sites lack potable water, requiring self-sufficiency. Cell service varies dramatically by location and carrier, with AT&T generally performing better than Verizon in many areas. Seasonal considerations include tick activity in warmer months, with one camper reporting, "We left after 30 minutes and 6 ticks." GPS coordinates for many sites can be unreliable, occasionally leading visitors to private property. Permits are required for some locations, particularly within Redwood National Park boundaries where gate codes may be provided upon reservation.

Stargazing opportunities receive consistent praise from campers at remote sites. One visitor to Sand Camp noted, "The sky was dark and clear, perfect for stargazing." Wildlife sightings include deer, bald eagles, and occasionally wild horses. Campers frequently mention the peaceful settings and scenic views, particularly at sunset. Water features enhance many camping experiences, with creeks and rivers providing both ambiance and recreational opportunities. Several reviewers caution about navigation challenges, recommending specific routes: "Follow Pine Ridge Road all the way till you hit dispersed sites with picnic tables and fire pits on the right." Most sites accommodate tents and small trailers, though larger RVs face significant limitations due to narrow, winding roads with low-hanging branches and tight turns.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Somes Bar, California (15)

    1. Aikens Creek Recreation Area

    1 Review
    Orleans, CA
    14 miles

    "But it still has camp sites and a little further in there is dispersed very close to the river. It was secluded and great."

    2. Lacks Creek BLM

    20 Reviews
    Hoopa, CA
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 825-2300

    "Note the gps coordinates take you to the right of the sign at the top of the hill after you turn off the main road. I would recommend going straight. Just follow it to the end."

    "The whole BLM management area is well developed and has signs to guide you. There are spots all along pine ridge road. Campsites have picnic tables and fire rings."

    4. Redwood Creek Dispersed Camp

    4 Reviews
    Orick, CA
    29 miles
    Website

    "Dispersed camping along the river banks after walking through the Tall Trees hike. Easy overnighter."

    "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. if not, be aware. Next, you WILL cross a creek! the rocks are PAINFUL!"

    5. Groves Prairie Dispersed Camp

    2 Reviews
    Willow Creek, CA
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 629-2118

    "Both ways are via forest service roads that are "fair".  There are 3 sites, each with a picnic table and fire ring.  There is one vault toilet that was stocked with 'the papers'. "

    "There is a beautiful little creek right next to the campsite."

    6. 44 Backcountry Camp — Redwood National Park

    1 Review
    Orick, CA
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 464-6101

    "It is located up the hill from the sign announcing it along the trail, look carefully if like me you've night hiked to get here."

    7. Sand Camp - Dispersed

    6 Reviews
    Hiouchi, CA
    36 miles
    Website

    "Sand camp is essentially a dispersed camping area. There is a large gravel parking lot and a pit toilet available."

    "Super epic and remote. River is beautiful. Bathrooms."

    9. Patrick Creek Dispersed Camping

    5 Reviews
    Gasquet, CA
    40 miles

    "Only thing is the people before us did not practice leave no trace and there were some paper towels in a bush and dog toys left behind."

    "It is a bit steep coming down but since we were the only ones we had plenty of room to back the camper where we wanted. The creek is absolutely clear, a bit chilly but stunning."

    10. middle fork smith river

    1 Review
    Gasquet, CA
    39 miles

    "There is a trail that leads straight down to the river! Plenty of room for swimming and fishing. Would definitely stay here again."

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Somes Bar, CA

46 Reviews of 15 Somes Bar Campgrounds


  • matt R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 13, 2023

    Lacks Creek BLM

    Awesome spot.

    Great spot. The site is very secluded and well maintained. Note the gps coordinates take you to the right of the sign at the top of the hill after you turn off the main road. I would recommend going straight. Just follow it to the end. There is three fire pits and a bathroom. That is okay. But it will do. Note there is no trash can on site and the closest gas station is probably an hour from the camp site. After you drive down the dirt roads. They are a little road but any vehicle could make it.

  • Ashley A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 16, 2025

    Patrick Creek Dispersed Camping

    Peaceful

    Very peaceful and secluded. Would definitely stay again! Only thing is the people before us did not practice leave no trace and there were some paper towels in a bush and dog toys left behind.

  • A
    Sep. 13, 2021

    Sand Camp - Dispersed

    No calling

    These coordinates lead us to private property, a driveway to a couple of houses. Maybe there was something a little further, but it was all blocked off. We had to turn around and camp elsewhere.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 29, 2025

    Lacks Creek BLM

    Great Spot

    Not much more to say that others haven’t. Clean, with a beautiful view. The whole BLM management area is well developed and has signs to guide you. There are spots all along pine ridge road. Campsites have picnic tables and fire rings.

  • Kelly-Shane F.
    Aug. 11, 2021

    Sand Camp - Dispersed

    Nice quiet area

    Sand camp is essentially a dispersed camping area. There is a large gravel parking lot and a pit toilet available. There is a path down to the Smith River where you can set up tents and tent camp if you want. 

    The toilet was a basic pit toilet, but it was fairly clean as far as those go. 

    We parked our VW Bus in the gravel lot for the night, it was very quiet. Though its next to a road, there is very little traffic at night as this area is fairly remote. The sky was dark and clear, perfect for stargazing. The few other people camping there were quiet and friendly.

  • rThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 13, 2025

    Lacks Creek BLM

    Lacks creek blm

    Clean great view the gps was wrong it took me past the turn off and sent me to private property with a locked gate so at the top of the hill look for a clearly marked sign on the left turn up the hill when you get to the intersection take the road to the right and go up the hill I went past the first site and got on top there are three sites in a row and a bathroom at the end

  • Greg B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 12, 2024

    Groves Prairie Dispersed Camp

    Secluded & beautiful Meadow

    This secluded camp is well worth the effort to find.  I've been 3 times and finally decided to add it to The Dyrt.  Upon this return, I tried to find it online (Six Rivers's official site) but found no info.  There are two ways to this camp, the longer from Willow Creek, or the shorter from Hawkins Bar.  Both ways are via forest service roads that are "fair".  There are 3 sites, each with a picnic table and fire ring.  There is one vault toilet that was stocked with 'the papers'.  There is NO trash service or cans and NO POTABLE WATER.  There is a tiny creek running nearby if needed.  There is MAYBE one (1) bar of Verizon service, but it is extremely unreliable.  I came here to see the Perseids Meteor Shower, on a Sunday night/Monday, and did not see a soul.

  • Kalah H.
    Sep. 18, 2024

    Lacks Creek BLM

    Amazing place to stay for free with hikes close by

    I loved staying at lacks creek! I had good cell service with att and it was beautiful, quiet and serene. Hikes right by the campsites. Fire pit. No water at all though. Bring your own water. And no bathroom unless you drive like 3 miles down the other way and some of the roads weren't open due to landslides. I drove my honda civic all the way up there. There was a few points I thought I wouldn't make it but sure enough my good ol honda pushed through. Lol Anyways! Highly recommend! Just bring water! Lol

  • Toni  K.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 14, 2021

    BLM Dispersed Camping - Lacks Creek

    Free BLM land

    Pretty far drive off a dirt road. The camp spot does have fire rings. There’s a nice running/bike path right in the camp ground. However, there are a lot of ticks. Be careful if you have any animals. 

    Also saw wild horses driving up!

    Drive east on Highway 299 for 17.8 miles from Highway 101. Turn left at the Redwood Valley turn off(Bair Road) and travel 3.9 miles. Make a right turn at the sign that reads"Hoopa- 22 miles", and travel 5.9 miles up this windy gravel road. The entrance is a left turn.


Guide to Somes Bar

Dispersed camping near Somes Bar, California provides backcountry options in the Klamath Mountains where elevations range from 450 to 8,900 feet. The area sits at the confluence of the Salmon and Klamath Rivers, creating numerous waterfront camping opportunities. Summer temperatures typically reach 85-95°F during daytime with cooler 50-60°F evenings.

What to do

River swimming spots: At Patrick Creek Dispersed Camping, campers can access clear water for swimming. One visitor notes, "The creek is absolutely clear, a bit chilly but stunning." The spot includes a creek-side swing where "Water is crystal clear."

Mountain biking trails: The BLM land at Lacks Creek features well-marked trails for cyclists. A camper observed, "There's a nice running/bike path right in the camp ground." Trail maps are posted at the main entrance.

Stargazing opportunities: Clear mountain skies provide excellent night viewing conditions. At Sand Camp, "The sky was dark and clear, perfect for stargazing." Best viewing occurs between 10pm-2am when light pollution is minimal.

Wildlife viewing: Multiple dispersed sites offer wildlife encounters. One visitor to Lacks Creek mentioned, "Saw wild horses driving up!" Bring binoculars for spotting bald eagles along waterways.

What campers like

River sounds for sleep: Riverside camping spots provide natural sound therapy. At Patrick Creek Dispersed Camping, campers appreciate that "The creek behind us was beautiful and the sounds just put you right to sleep."

Remote seclusion: The distance from town creates true wilderness camping experiences. At Lacks Creek BLM, one visitor described it as "Wildly peaceful" while another noted, "We were the only people here when we stayed."

Bear boxes at backcountry sites: Some remote hiking-access sites provide secure storage. At 44 Backcountry Camp, "This campsite has picnic tables and bear lockers... 2 bear lockers are available for the whole site."

River access: Many sites feature direct water access. At Middle Fork Smith River, "There is a trail that leads straight down to the river! Plenty of room for swimming and fishing."

What you should know

Permits required for some areas: Certain locations, particularly near national parks, need advance planning. For Redwood Creek Dispersed Camp, "GO TO THE WEBSITE!! 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."

Tick activity: Ticks pose a serious concern during warmer months. At BLM Dispersed Camping - Lacks Creek, one camper warned, "The Lacks Creek campground is just a gravel parking area. No creek water in early June but lots of ticks. Very hot too."

Coordinates can be unreliable: GPS issues commonly lead to navigation problems. A Sand Camp visitor reported, "These coordinates lead us to private property, a driveway to a couple of houses. Maybe there was something a little further, but it was all blocked off."

Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies dramatically by location and carrier. One camper at BLM Dispersed Camping - Lacks Creek shared, "I was planning on staying here but had no service for miles with Verizon. Not just spotty service, literally nothing until I drove back down 15 minutes."

Tips for camping with families

Accessible creek play: Some sites offer safe water features for kids. At Patrick Creek, "This little spot is such a gem" with multiple creek access points for splashing.

Bring tick prevention: Parents should pack appropriate clothing and repellents. Free camping near Somes Bar, California often comes with tick concerns, especially in grassy areas during spring and summer.

Pack extra water: Most dispersed sites lack potable water sources. At Groves Prairie Dispersed Camp, visitors note "There is NO POTABLE WATER. There is a tiny creek running nearby if needed."

Plan for bathroom options: Toilet facilities vary widely between sites. At Sand Camp, "The toilet was a basic pit toilet, but it was fairly clean as far as those go," while many other dispersed camping locations near Somes Bar have no facilities.

Tips from RVers

Size limitations: Many forest roads restrict larger vehicles. At Lacks Creek BLM, a camper warned, "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."

Backup locations needed: Have alternative sites planned if access proves difficult. When visiting free camping areas near Somes Bar, one RVer suggested, "If you miss this spot or it's too full there are plenty of other dispersed campsites farther up."

Smaller trailers welcome: Some sites can accommodate modest towing setups. A Lacks Creek BLM visitor confirmed, "We even pulled up our rear drop camper and had no issues at all."

Parking lot restrictions: Be aware of official rules regarding overnight vehicle stays. At Sand Camp, "There are signs saying no camping in the parking lot, violators will be fined. We didn't want to chance sleeping in our van because it seemed like a place that would be patrolled."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Somes Bar, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Somes Bar, CA is Aikens Creek Recreation Area with a 4-star rating from 1 review.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Somes Bar, CA?

TheDyrt.com has all 15 dispersed camping locations near Somes Bar, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.