Best Dispersed Camping near Somes Bar, CA
Dispersed camping options near Somes Bar, California include several free primitive sites on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and National Forest lands. Lacks Creek BLM offers secluded campsites with fire rings and picnic tables along Pine Ridge Road. Patrick Creek provides quiet creekside camping suitable for tents and smaller RVs. Redwood Creek Dispersed Camp requires hiking in with a free permit obtained in advance. Groves Prairie Camp features three established sites with picnic tables in a meadow setting. According to reviews, most sites are well-maintained with "beautiful views" and "wildly peaceful" surroundings.
Road conditions vary significantly between sites. Lacks Creek access requires navigating narrow, winding dirt roads that may challenge larger vehicles. Several campers noted that while "any vehicle could make it," the roads can be "bumpy" and have "low hanging trees" that make RV access difficult. Patrick Creek offers easier access but is still not recommended for large trailers. GPS coordinates can be unreliable; following established Forest Service roads and looking for official signage is advised.
Most dispersed sites provide minimal or no facilities. Bring adequate water supplies as drinking water is not available at any location. Some sites offer vault toilets, but many have no sanitation facilities. Fire rings are present at most established sites, though fire restrictions may apply seasonally. Cell service is inconsistent; AT&T users report better coverage than Verizon at some locations. Pack out all trash as no collection services exist. Ticks can be prevalent in warmer months, particularly at Lacks Creek. Weather conditions can change rapidly, especially at higher elevations.
