Best Dispersed Camping near Susanville, CA
Dispersed camping options near Susanville encompass several primitive sites on public lands, including Antelope Mountain Dispersed Camp, CA-139 Pull Off Area, and East Eagle Lake. These free camping areas spread across Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and U.S. Forest Service lands provide basic backcountry access with minimal facilities. Additional sites include Rocky Point Dispersed Camping, Willard Creek Dispersed, and Shaffer Mountain, creating a network of primitive camping opportunities throughout the region's forests and near Eagle Lake.
Many access routes consist of dirt and gravel roads with varying conditions that may become rutted or washboarded. High-clearance vehicles are recommended for reaching most sites, particularly at Antelope Mountain and Shaffer Mountain areas. Most locations permit campfires except during seasonal fire bans, though campers must bring their own water as drinking sources are not available. Sites typically lack amenities such as toilets, picnic tables, or trash service, with Rocky Point being an exception as it does provide vault toilets. Camping limits generally follow the standard 14-day rule on public lands, though specific regulations may vary by location.
The dispersed areas around Susanville provide solitude and scenic views with varying terrain. East Eagle Lake sites offer lakeside camping with mountain backdrops, while Antelope Mountain provides higher elevation options. Campers should be prepared for basic conditions and potential wildlife encounters. Reviewers note practical considerations for specific sites: "The roads to the spots are a little rutted, no low profile vehicles, but it's easy to access. Traffic noise dies down around 10/11PM." Another visitor to Antelope Mountain mentioned, "We only found one good area and it already had 2 people at it. It had level sites and nice tall trees. It also tucked in out of the wind."
