Best Dispersed Camping near Stonyford, CA
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Best Dispersed Sites Near Stonyford, CA (12)
1. Lakeview Dispersed Campground
Nice, California8 Reviews•7 Photos•98 SavesDispersed Camping. No services.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- ADA Access
- Dispersed
- Firewood Available
3. BLM Sheldon Creek
Lakeport, California5 Reviews•19 Photos•296 SavesSheldon Creek is an isolated, primitive recreation site located 8 miles east of Hopland, south of Highway 175.
These 1700 acres of public land provide opportunities for camping, picnicking, hiking, hunting and equestrian use. Vehicle use is limited to the designated access road and OHVs are not permitted. The campground currently has three campsites and a vault toilet. There is no potable water at this site.
- Pets
- Fires
- Dispersed
- Picnic Table
- Toilets
- Alcohol
4. Cow Mountain Rec Area Dispersed
Lakeport, California3 Reviews•4 Photos•68 Saves- Dispersed
- Trash
- Toilets
- Alcohol
5. Olive Pit Dispersed Lot
Corning, California6 Reviews•15 Photos•61 Saves- Pets
- Phone Service
- ADA Access
- Dispersed
- Market
- Trash
6. Clear Lake View Point Dispersed
Nice, California1 Review•6 Photos•44 SavesCamping on the Mendocino is not limited to developed campgrounds. Most of the forest is open to those who prefer the quiet and solitude of a completely undeveloped setting. This type of camping is called Dispersed Camping. Maps: Anyone planning a dispersed camping trip should invest in a forest map. You not only have to locate a campsite; you will also have to find your way back. Be respectful and know where you are. Length of Stay: For dispersed recreation areas, visitors may camp in the same location outside a one-mile radius of a developed recreation site for 14 days within any 30-day period but no more than 28 cumulative days in any 12-month period. When you go home, leave the forest the way you found it, or better, for the enjoyment of the next visitor. Locating a Dispersed Campsite: Look for an area where you are not likely to damage any forest resources. Before settling on your spot, investigate the surroundings. Locations at the end of a spur road or a pullout that is clear of vegetation and has a hard, compacted surface are usually good spots. Stay on established roadways; do not drive off-road to camp. Never camp in meadows.
- Pets
- Fires
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
9. Mayacmas Campground
Ukiah, California1 Review•1 Photo•47 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Dispersed
- Picnic Table
- Toilets
10. Grizzly Flat Dispersed Campground
Covelo, California1 Review•36 SavesDispersed camping. Open May - December. Vault toilet, no other services. Has good hunting access.
- Dispersed
- Toilets
Recent Dispersed Reviews in Stonyford
30 Reviews of 12 Stonyford Campgrounds
Natalie T.
Traveler
Cowboy Camp
Camp closed
Visit was for 11/19/2024 found the gates locked, no entry. Seasonal? No signage to tell.
don L.
Scout
Lakeview Dispersed Campground
still nice..
we used to go hunting up there in the 8os, you should have seen the campground then. really nice, had picnic tables fire pits great place to camp. i was up there a few years ago still looks kind of the same but they took all that out of the campground years ago.. road going in still looks the same..there is an old tree in the campground, people who have neen there will know the tree i mean, looks old low hangin branches, thats where we used to camp..more trash atound now. in 1987 it was clean.. still nice place
Catherine L.
GuideCowboy Camp
Quiet
Quiet stop, but I wouldn't call it the most beautiful stop I've ever stayed. Camping spots are to the left and the right I'd the day use. Pit toilets. No garbage.
Jaye S.ScoutLakeview Dispersed Campground
Decent dispersed site
Drive up to the site all incline dirt road ~6 miles - we made it up without 4 wheel drive but some areas were a little sketchy. Overall pretty dusty too. Sites themselves were decently maintained, some trash from previous campers but nothing major. This area is a popular for target practice so if the sounds of gunshots throughout the day isn’t your vibe, then this spot might not be suitable. Overall beautiful sunrises and sunsets and starry night sky
- Julie M.Guide
Olive Pit Dispersed Lot
Large lot, tiny dog area
The place itself has delicious food. It is also a little grocery store. The “dog area” is something they squeezed into the side of the lot. Not fenced in but there were dog poop bags when we stopped.
Steve M.
Ranger
Clear Lake View Point Dispersed
Absolutely not! Nowhere to camp and a terrible road
As soon as I started going up an extremely steep hill and saw a sign that said not a through street, I should have turned around but it was impossible with my 30-foot car and trailer. I am Bart Upon A frightening , rutted, unmaintained road that is only suitable for off-road vehicles for sick four wheel drives . Barely made it out of there with everything working as it should on car and trailer and actually got stuck at one point and had to use logs to get myself traction. Do not try this and there is nowhere to stop and set up a ten , at all!
Robert H.TravelerLakeview Dispersed Campground
High Above Clear Lake
Beautiful spot with some views of the lake. No services, but had cell service (CC). I drove in from the south access to High Valley rd. The road was challenging. It was steep with loose dirt in spots. It was an adventure. I am going to try north access into Lucerne later. (See Google for more info)
- EEli F.Scout
Lakeview Dispersed Campground
Beautiful
Beautiful spot, was able to get a lake view. Easy to get to and relatively clean
- Stacy L.Guide
Lakeview Dispersed Campground
Awesome dispersed spot
Super easy to find coming up from the lake. A lot of spots to choose from. There were around 4 or 5 people here already but we were able to find a secluded spot that overlooks the lake. Very peaceful but some traffic sounds at night from the lake towns.
- MMo H.Traveler
Lakeview Dispersed Campground
Nice spot
The gravel roads here are open again and easy to drive on! We drove here from the north. All wheel drive ist helpfull, but we saw some people with a prius up there.
Small individual places with self-built fireplaces. It was windy in the evening, but that died down during the night and in the morning we had breakfast in the sun in a clearing.
iliana A.Traveler
BLM Sheldon Creek
Good Free Spot!
There are 3 sites. Used the trees to help set up a tarp to keep us and our stuff from the rain. Camped in our car. A little muddy but not too bad for our 4Runner. There was a nice little creek and a fire pit. Had the area to ourselves likely due to the rain.
You might want to be prepared to dig your own toilet though as the toilet set up was completely infested with spiders.
- DDerek D.Scout
Cowboy Camp
2/9/2024 —- closed
The camp area is closed, as of 2/9/2024. No indication of that on the BLM website.
Jorg F.TravelerCowboy Camp
Cowboy Camp
Great free campground! We've stayed here many times. It's open, grassy level and quiet. Next to a stream and surrounded by hills. The only tough part is getting across the stream to some of the hikes. It's a hot spot for horses which of course have no stream problems, so the only negative is fly's sometimes. But just keep your screen door closed (& fly swatter handy). We always manage to level out in our 23" Winnebago View. There is lots of open space so no crowding. There is a rural road near by but traffic noise isn't a problem. Perhaps I should say it's awful so fewer people come and it's not discovered.
Patricia Y.GuideCowboy Camp
FLIES!
No trees just dry open land inhabited by an unusual amount of flies. It was crazy how thick they were. An almost dry creek runs alongside the open field of camping pads. To close to the road and way to exposed to feel comfortable to stay. If I needed a place to get some shut eye before heading onward, then maybe. I had a car full of flies that went to the coast with us. It was crazy.
- Patricia Y.Guide
BLM Sheldon Creek
Peaceful
It's not too bad of a road up there. Had deer, butterflies, and humming birds all around us. Babbling brook, cool and comfortable in mid-October. Looking forward to a springtime visit.
- Patricia Y.Guide
Mayacmas Campground
Very steep
The ride up was rough. The views made it all worth it. The camp site was not an option for me. I need something semi level to navigate.
- kkenny T.Guide
BLM Sheldon Creek
FREE BLM campground - travel trailers not advised
Tow behinds/trailers not recommended; rough roads and can’t turn back once on the path.
Otherwise 10/10 for our truck camper, had the place to ourselves for the 4th of July weekend, beautiful fresh water creek running through, great toilet & even a fire pit with abundance of wood around.
There are about 4/5 sites, only 2 with actual fire pits.
Please keep it amazing by keeping it clean.
FREE
Raven P.GuideLakeview Dispersed Campground
NO ACCESS! DON'T COME HERE
Absolutely no access!! Gate shut and locked, camping area inaccessible due to fire damage! Road not maintained.
- EEric G.
LegendOlive Pit Dispersed Lot
Okay
It is a parking lot behind the Olive Pit. Lots of traffic noise. Okay if you want a free spot to sleep for the night.
- CCarl L.Traveler
BLM Sheldon Creek
Pleasant BLM camping, hot in the summer.
A decent drive off the highway, but a good one. A few nice views. Google maps will not get you there, we followed the directions on this page.
Only 2 spots up here, maybe 3. But we had it to ourselves on a weeknight. The Bathroom (vault toilet) had toilet paper. There was some water in the creek, but it wasn’t super easy to access.
The site itself is nothing special, just a couple of pullouts in the woods. Probably very hot during the day since you’re up on a ridge. Can’t beat free though.
Summer A.TravelerBLM Sheldon Creek
Perfect Spot!
Sheldon Creek is a BLM campsite up a winding dirt/gravel road. We drove a 4WD vehicle, but most cars should be able to handle the journey up. Signs will direct you in the right direction, and lead you to a campground with spots to pitch tents or park/hangout. There are even picnic tables, fire pits, and bathrooms. I didn’t get a chance to check out the bathrooms, but they looked decent. We only had one neighbor who seemed pretty friendly, which was a relief as you’re pretty far out in a remote area. Overall this is a beautiful spot where we felt safe. Would definitely recommend!
Aliza N.LegendLakeview Dispersed Campground
Sooooo windy
Lovely views of Clear Lake from a clearing on 220 that appears to be an established site. Right at the intersections of 16 N 22 road. Nice big clear, open area. Really….views of the lake and stars are unreal here. BUT….it was so so windy. We camp in a Chevy high top van and the wind was go fierce it was shaking us all over the place in the night. Finally had to move to another spot (that isn’t really a spot) down the road around 4am bc the wind was just too much for us. Also 220 was blocked just after the 16 N 22 road cuts off (heading east) so we had to head back the way we came (on 220 in Nice). Road was dry and packed and clear other than the tree blocking the road. Old burn area so lots of downs and such.
Lori A.Traveler
Cow Mountain Rec Area Dispersed
Dispersed
As long as you have a capable vehicle and are prepared to provide for your own needs, you'll be ready for Cow.
- Marilee D.Scout
Olive Pit Dispersed Lot
Ahhhhh the shade.........
I was so grateful for the mature shade trees that offered a respite from the hot sun. It's a very quiet spot, so keep it that way. Some riffraff staggle through but they're harmless.
- JJoe V.Guide
Grizzly Flat Dispersed Campground
True Dispersed Camping
My wife and I were going to camp here but she was a little spooked by the amount of bears we saw on the trail to the campsite. This area was also decimated by wild fire recently and a large percentage of the forest is charred. We ended up passing this site up, but it looks like it is a cool spot. FYI the areas surrounding this site are not too suitable if looking for a hotel. We ended up driving a considerable distance down to Sonoma and continued on our honeymoon with wine tasting.
Jody S.GuideOlive Pit Dispersed Lot
Over nighter at the Olive Pit
Not much to say similar to rest stop. Spent evening in their parking lot that does say no parking unless your a customer. I went in and purchase couple jars of olives to take to Slab City with me as trading stock now I’m a customer (happy face). No one messed with me and it was decently quiet. Only two other rvs. Super small dog potty area too but it’s their yay.
- Jody S.Guide
Olive Pit Dispersed Lot
Guy and his dog at a Pit Stop?
Spent the evening in the RV/Truck area after stocking up on some Olive stuffed garlic and artichokes. Mmmm. Was quiet besides the obvious freeway intersection area near by but NOT complaining. Easy boon-docking. Small pet area. Well lit if you park under a light. Safeway,Burger King, Taco Bell, Auto parts store lots more in little area around The Olive Pit. Basically park and walk to get shopping done. Boom. Hope this helps a little.
Guide to Stonyford
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Stonyford, California, where nature enthusiasts can enjoy serene landscapes and a sense of adventure. With various options available, campers can find the perfect spot to unwind and connect with the great outdoors.
Scenic Views for Dispersed Campers
- The Lakeview Dispersed Campground offers stunning views of Clear Lake, making it an ideal spot for those who appreciate picturesque sunrises and sunsets.
- Campers at High Valley Ridge can enjoy breathtaking vistas while navigating challenging roads that add to the adventure of reaching this beautiful location.
- For a peaceful experience, the BLM Sheldon Creek provides a tranquil setting with a babbling brook and abundant wildlife, perfect for nature lovers.
Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Stonyford, California
- When visiting the Cow Mountain Rec Area Dispersed, ensure your vehicle is capable of handling rough terrain, as some roads can be challenging.
- At the Grizzly Flat Dispersed Campground, be prepared for a true wilderness experience, as amenities are minimal and the area is known for its wildlife.
- If you're looking for a secluded spot, the Pine Ridge Camp offers plenty of space to find your own private area away from other campers.
Dispersed Campers Should Check Out Lakeview Dispersed Campground
- The Lakeview Dispersed Campground is pet-friendly, allowing you to bring your furry friends along for the adventure.
- With no permits required, this location provides a hassle-free camping experience, making it easy to set up and enjoy your time in nature.
- Campers can enjoy campfires at this site, perfect for roasting marshmallows and sharing stories under the stars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Stonyford, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Stonyford, CA is Lakeview Dispersed Campground with a 3.8-star rating from 8 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Stonyford, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 12 dispersed camping locations near Stonyford, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.