Best Dispersed Camping near Trinidad, CA

Several dispersed camping areas can be found near Trinidad, California, with Lacks Creek BLM being the most established option. This Bureau of Land Management area provides primitive camping opportunities approximately 20 miles east of Trinidad. Redwood Creek Dispersed Camp offers another option within Redwood National Park, though a free permit is required. Several sites feature established fire rings and primitive facilities, while others are completely undeveloped. Most dispersed areas have no drinking water, hookups, or sanitary facilities, requiring campers to be self-sufficient.

Access to Lacks Creek BLM involves navigating unpaved roads that may be challenging for larger vehicles or during wet conditions. Reviewers note the drive takes approximately 35-40 minutes from Highway 299, with some sections requiring careful navigation. High-clearance vehicles are recommended for many areas, though standard cars can reach some sites with caution. Fire restrictions vary seasonally, with established fire rings available at some locations. Most areas have no cell service, and camping is typically limited to 14 days. According to one visitor, "Lacks Creek campground is just a gravel parking area," while another noted, "The site is very secluded and well maintained."

The remote nature of these dispersed sites provides significant solitude and natural experiences. At Lacks Creek BLM, campers report excellent hiking and mountain biking opportunities directly from the campsites. Wildlife sightings are common, with some visitors reporting seeing wild horses in the area. Some sites offer scenic vistas, particularly at higher elevations. A recent review mentioned, "Beautiful campground sites, close together trees so you can hang a hammock, hilltop view, pristine feel." Weather conditions vary significantly by season, with summer bringing heat and ticks in some areas. Redwood Creek Dispersed Camp requires a hike-in approach and features camping along a creek on rocky terrain. Visitors seeking established amenities should consider alternatives, as these areas are intended for self-sufficient backcountry camping.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Trinidad, California (8)

    1. Lacks Creek BLM

    20 Reviews
    Hoopa, CA
    19 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."

    2. Redwood Creek Dispersed Camp

    4 Reviews
    Orick, CA
    15 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!"

    3. 44 Backcountry Camp — Redwood National Park

    1 Review
    Orick, CA
    13 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."

    5. Aikens Creek Recreation Area

    1 Review
    Orleans, CA
    28 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."

    6. Groves Prairie Dispersed Camp

    2 Reviews
    Willow Creek, CA
    35 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."

    7. Sand Camp - Dispersed

    6 Reviews
    Hiouchi, CA
    48 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."

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Trinidad, CA

34 Reviews of 8 Trinidad 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.

  • 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.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 26, 2025

    Redwood Creek Dispersed Camp

    Unable to access

    Access road is gated after a couple of miles, so unable to even get close.


Guide to Trinidad

Dispersed camping near Trinidad, California offers natural settings amid public lands managed by both the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the National Park Service. Most primitive camping locations lie between 15-40 minutes from major highways on unpaved forest roads. Summer temperatures typically range from 50-75°F with coastal fog, while winter brings significant rainfall making some access routes impassable for standard vehicles.

What to do

Mountain biking at Groves Prairie Camp: Located in Six Rivers National Forest, this remote area features trails suitable for beginner to intermediate riders. According to Greg B., "This secluded camp is well worth the effort to find. I've been 3 times and finally decided to add it to The Dyrt." Riders should bring their own water as there is "NO POTABLE WATER" available.

River exploration at Sand Camp: Walk about 100 yards from the parking area to set up camp along the Smith River. One visitor noted, "The river is super clear and beautiful." The location offers excellent swimming and wading opportunities during summer months when water levels are lower.

Stargazing opportunities: Remote sites provide excellent night sky viewing due to minimal light pollution. As Kelly-Shane F. describes Sand Camp: "The sky was dark and clear, perfect for stargazing. The few other people camping there were quiet and friendly."

Hiking from 44 Backcountry Camp: This remote site in Redwood National Park connects to an extensive trail system. Sharon B. mentions, "This is a very remote camp, peaceful and quiet. I imagine it is much less so during summer months when the bridges across Redwood Creek are open."

What campers like

Natural isolation: Most primitive sites near Trinidad provide significant privacy. At Groves Prairie Camp, Greg B. reports, "I came here to see the Perseids Meteor Shower, on a Sunday night/Monday, and did not see a soul."

Wildlife encounters: Several areas offer opportunities to observe local fauna. At BLM Dispersed Camping - Lacks Creek, Toni K. reported, "Also saw wild horses driving up!"

Creek-side camping at Redwood Creek Dispersed Camp: This permit-required site offers direct water access. Leah H. explains, "This campsite is beautiful!! 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."

Basic amenities at select sites: Some dispersed areas include minimal facilities. At Lacks Creek BLM, Derrick H. notes, "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."

What you should know

Permit requirements: Redwood Creek Dispersed Camp requires advance planning. Leah H. cautions, "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."

Seasonal hazards: Summer brings increased insect activity. Jon E. warns about Lacks Creek: "No creek water in early June but lots of ticks. Very hot too. We left after 30 minutes and 6 ticks."

Limited connectivity: Cell service is virtually nonexistent at most sites. At Groves Prairie Camp, Greg B. states, "There is MAYBE one (1) bar of Verizon service, but it is extremely unreliable."

Road conditions vary: Access can be challenging, particularly after rain. For Lacks Creek BLM, Richard B. advises, "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."

Tips for camping with families

Bring water crossing footwear: Creek access often requires fording. At Redwood Creek, Leah H. warns, "You WILL cross a creek! The rocks are PAINFUL! Bring your sandals! We did not and that part sucked."

Pack insect protection: Ticks and other insects are common, especially in warmer months. Jon E. reports abandoning a site after finding "6 ticks" in just 30 minutes.

Consider Aikens Creek Recreation Area: While no longer officially maintained, this former National Forest campground offers family-friendly features. Jordan H. notes, "It still has camp sites and a little further in there is dispersed very close to the river. It was secluded and great."

Bear awareness: Wildlife encounters require proper food storage. At 44 Backcountry Camp, Sharon B. mentions, "2 bear lockers are available for the whole site."

Tips from RVers

Size limitations are significant: Most dispersed sites accommodate only smaller rigs. At Redwood Creek, Jessica S. cautions, "We didn't end up going because it is NOT RV friendly. You have to hike in with your tent."

Consider roof clearance: Forest roads often have overhanging branches. Jules S. shares about Lacks Creek BLM: "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."

Limited parking at Sand Camp: RVs may use the parking area but overnight vehicle camping is restricted. Hannah notes, "There are signs saying no camping in the parking lot, violators will be fined. We didnt want to chance sleeping in our van because it seemed like a place that would be patrolled."

Higher clearance recommended: Access roads typically require appropriate vehicles. Alexis S. explains, "I have a 2014 Subaru crosstrek and it did just fine getting up. There were narrow moments in the road but plenty of larger two lane spaces."

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find dispersed camping near Trinidad, Colorado?

Several dispersed camping areas are available near Trinidad, Colorado. Lacks Creek BLM offers secluded sites with fire rings and beautiful views. The area is well-marked with signs to guide you, and you'll find multiple established spots along Pine Ridge Road with picnic tables and fire rings. Just be aware that GPS coordinates can sometimes be inaccurate—at the top of the hill, look for clearly marked signs. For the best experience, follow the BLM management area signs rather than relying solely on GPS. The drive involves some bumpy dirt roads, but most vehicles can access the area with careful driving.

What are the rules and regulations for dispersed camping around Trinidad?

Dispersed camping around Trinidad typically follows standard BLM regulations. At Sand Camp - Dispersed, camping is only permitted in designated areas, not in the parking lot—violators may be fined. Many dispersed sites have basic amenities like pit toilets, but you must pack out all trash and follow fire safety protocols when using established fire rings. Be aware that some areas may be on or near private property, so respect all posted signs and gates. Groves Prairie Dispersed Camp and similar secluded areas require proper land stewardship—leave no trace, keep noise minimal, and observe any seasonal closures or fire restrictions.

Is there free camping available near Trinidad State Park?

Yes, free camping options exist near Trinidad State Park. BLM Dispersed Camping - Lacks Creek provides no-fee camping with basic amenities like fire rings. The area features some nice trails, though be prepared for ticks in warmer months. Another option is Redwood Creek Dispersed Camp, though accessibility may vary seasonally with some access roads being gated during certain times of year. These free alternatives offer more primitive experiences compared to developed campgrounds. Always bring your own water, as most dispersed sites don't have water sources, and prepare for limited or no facilities beyond occasional pit toilets.