Best Dispersed Camping near Stonyford, CA

Dispersed camping areas surround Stonyford, California, primarily on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands. Several free primitive sites can be found in the region, including Lakeview Dispersed Campground, High Valley Rd Dispersed, and Clear Lake View Point Dispersed. These public land camping zones typically feature minimal to no facilities and allow campers to set up in undeveloped areas. BLM Sheldon Creek and Cow Mountain Recreation Area provide additional dispersed options within driving distance of Stonyford, with most sites situated along forest roads or ridgelines offering views of Clear Lake.

Access to many dispersed sites requires careful navigation on unpaved roads. High Valley Road and routes to Lakeview Dispersed Campground involve steep, dusty terrain that may challenge vehicles without adequate clearance. A recent review noted, "The road getting to it was definitely a bit sketchy for my Rav4 AWD, probably wouldn't be able to do it if it wasn't dry." Most areas lack drinking water, toilets, and trash service. Fire restrictions vary seasonally, with some sites permitting campfires while others prohibit them entirely. Camping is generally limited to 14 days in a 30-day period on BLM lands, though specific regulations may vary by location.

These primitive camping areas provide varying experiences based on elevation and proximity to Clear Lake. Lakeview Dispersed Campground sits at higher elevation with potential lake views and stargazing opportunities. One camper shared, "Very beautiful and quiet, can be extremely cold at night and morning so be prepared!" Sites closer to Clear Lake may experience more traffic noise from nearby towns. BLM Sheldon Creek features a flowing creek and wooded setting but has limited space with only 2-5 sites available. Target shooting is common in some areas, particularly around Lakeview Dispersed Campground, creating periodic noise during daylight hours. Cell service is generally available at higher elevations but may be limited in canyon areas.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Stonyford, California (13)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Stonyford, CA

10 Photos of 13 Stonyford Campgrounds


Dispersed Camping Reviews near Stonyford, CA

42 Reviews of 13 Stonyford Campgrounds


  • 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

  • C
    Aug. 9, 2022

    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.

  • kThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 9, 2023

    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

  • Summer A.
    Jul. 17, 2022

    BLM 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!

  • Jaye S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2024

    Lakeview 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

  • Chris C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 3, 2025

    High Valley Rd Dispersed

    Easy and chill!

    Very nice spot with multiple places to pull over and camp. There’s views of Lear Lake if you want to walk a bit. No water nearby. The road is very dusty on the way up!

  • Catherine L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 15, 2024

    Cowboy 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.

  • Robert H.
    Jun. 30, 2024

    Lakeview 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)

  • Jody S.
    Jan. 4, 2021

    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

Dispersed camping near Stonyford, California offers primitive sites primarily on federal lands at elevations ranging from 1,500 to 3,000 feet. The terrain consists mostly of oak woodland and chaparral, with summer temperatures frequently exceeding 90°F. Winter camping is possible at lower elevations, though access roads may become impassable after heavy rain.

What to do

Hiking trails access: Lakeview Dispersed Campground serves as a jumping-off point for several unmarked trails. "The drive up was full of breathtaking views, and even though the road was quite bumpy, dusty, and steep at times, our AWD Kia made it up no problem," notes one camper at Lakeview Dispersed Campground.

Wildlife viewing: Early mornings at High Valley Rd Dispersed provide opportunities to spot deer and various bird species. "Very nice spot with multiple places to pull over and camp. There's views of Clear Lake if you want to walk a bit," reports a camper at High Valley Rd Dispersed.

Off-road recreation: For those with capable vehicles, the area offers technical driving challenges. "Always fun. Love going to the tech course with our off road buggy. Crawled all over that hill," shares a visitor to Cow Mountain Rec Area Dispersed.

What campers like

Isolation and quiet: Many free camping areas near Stonyford provide separation from other campers. "There were only one other person here when I was. They got the prime spot, early bird and all. Very nice view," explains a camper at Lakeview Dispersed Campground.

Creek access: Some sites feature seasonal water features. "It's a beautifully wooded area with a flowing creek, would've been a lovely place to camp!" notes a visitor to BLM Sheldon Creek, though they also mentioned trash issues.

Star visibility: Higher elevation sites away from town lights offer excellent night sky viewing. "Not sure how much of a lake view there really is here, but that could have just been my campsite. The weather was nice around this time of year. Good cell service too!" explains a camper who visited Lakeview Dispersed Campground in September.

What you should know

Road conditions: Many access roads require high-clearance vehicles or careful driving. "The road is EXTREMELY narrow and windy on the edge of a cliff. There is no way to turn around once you start up it. It has deep ruts in the road," warns a visitor to High Valley Rd Dispersed.

Limited facilities: Free camping near Stonyford means self-sufficiency. "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," reports a camper at BLM Sheldon Creek.

Site availability: First-come, first-served applies at all dispersed sites. "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," notes a visitor to BLM Sheldon Creek who stayed during rainy conditions.

Tips for camping with families

Weather preparation: Temperature swings can be significant. "First time camping and going somewhat off road. Very beautiful and quiet, can be extremely cold at night and morning so be prepared!" advises a camper at Lakeview Dispersed Campground.

Safety considerations: Some areas have mixed recreational use. "Only complaint is that one group that was set up near us went hunting in the middle of the night, so the gunshots scared us at first because there are signs that say hunting is illegal in this area," shares a visitor to Lakeview Dispersed Campground.

Alternative options: For families wanting more amenities, consider overnight stops at designated facilities. "Just a small parking lot with 8 or 9 pull through sites in the middle of a small downtown commercial area. The parking lot is next to two restaurants and a bar," describes a visitor to Olive Pit Dispersed Lot which provides a convenient stopover option.

Tips from RVers

Size limitations: Most dispersed sites near Stonyford accommodate smaller rigs only. "Love taking our Rock crawler up to cow. Lots of obstacles. Camping is awesome. Few sites and vault restrooms. Still a good time," mentions a visitor to Cow Mountain Rec Area Dispersed.

Road reconnaissance: Scout access roads before attempting with larger vehicles. "You might want to walk it first. You have to drive up to right as you enter and then turn toward the lake to find the really nice spots. You can't see them from the main area," advises a Lakeview Dispersed Campground visitor.

Overnight alternatives: When traveling between destinations, designated overnight parking areas can substitute for dispersed camping. "Spent the evening in the RV/Truck area after stocking up on some Olive stuffed garlic and artichokes. Was quiet besides the obvious freeway intersection area near by but NOT complaining. Easy boon-docking," notes a visitor to Olive Pit Dispersed Lot.

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 3.9-star rating from 14 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 13 dispersed camping locations near Stonyford, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.