Best Dispersed Camping near Trinity Center, CA

Join the fun near Trinity Center. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that California camping has to offer. Find the best campgrounds near Trinity Center, CA. Read reviews from campers like you and find your perfect campsite.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Trinity Center, California (17)

    1. North Trinity Lake

    4 Reviews
    Trinity Center, CA
    2 miles

    "This is disbursed lakeside camping with no facilities."

    "- dispersed camping

    • no amenities
    • a beautiful open field with the woods in the back and Trinity lake in the front
    • you could camp in the open field or in the woods"

    2. Cline Gulch BLM Dispersed

    8 Reviews
    French Gulch, CA
    20 miles

    "This site is nothing special but it’s the only BLM I could find in the area. We stopped on the way up to Shasta. You don’t need ground clearance or 4wd to get there."

    "No amenities of any kind."

    3. Dispersed Campsite near Castle Lake and Shasta

    9 Reviews
    Mount Shasta, CA
    26 miles

    "Really easy trail was about a mile past the coordinates on google map but it’s a very obvious dirt road. Stayed at the 5th site in which is spacious and has a few paths for small hikes."

    "It’s a dirt road but not bad at all. You have to keep going pasta where it takes you on google maps until you see a dirt road turnoff on the right."

    4. Castle Lake Dispersed Camping

    8 Reviews
    Dunsmuir, CA
    25 miles

    "This spot is great, plenty of space, quiet, great views of Mount Shasta, easy to access."

    "High and dry. Great view of Shasta Mtn. 8 campers here in mid May. All 2 wheel low clearance accessible. 8 or more still available for higher clearance vehicle. T-Mobile reception good."

    5. Mt. Shasta Area

    2 Reviews
    Castella, CA
    20 miles

    "Winter time really is its best time but beware and plan ahead, a lot of the camp sites are closed in that time of year!"

    "Shasta is breathtaking pictures can’t do it justice A place to experience lakes streams hiking camping boating snow sports water sports the great outdoors !!"

    6. Wild and Senic Trinity River Grapevine River Access Dispersed Site

    2 Reviews
    French Gulch, CA
    22 miles

    "Great location off 299. 5 miles from Big Flat"

    8. red fir campground

    2 Reviews
    Mount Shasta, CA
    34 miles

    "Just across the street from the red fir group campground, there is a good area among the trees for dispersed camping. No facilities or running water. Pretty flat spots scattered around between trees."

    "Pull in and park / camp… flat space to park or set up a tent. No services but they have outhouses about a mile up the road. No reservations or assigned spots. Quiet and comfortable. I will be back."

    9. Sand Flat Wild Camping

    3 Reviews
    Mount Shasta, CA
    35 miles

    "We couldn’t get more than a quarter mile up the very rocky forest service road. The road is completely snow covered. Two others had the same problem."

    10. bunny flat dispersed

    1 Review
    Mount Shasta, CA
    35 miles

    "Close to mt Shasta. Lots of other people here. Road is rough, don't recommend a super low clearance vechile"

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Trinity Center, CA

34 Reviews of 17 Trinity Center Campgrounds


  • Victoria B.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 30, 2025

    Dispersed Campsite near Castle Lake and Shasta

    Serene Escape

    Really easy trail was about a mile past the coordinates on google map but it’s a very obvious dirt road. Stayed at the 5th site in which is spacious and has a few paths for small hikes.

  • Grace A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 12, 2025

    Dispersed Campsite near Castle Lake and Shasta

    Close to the lake. Beware of bugs

    Overall good stay. I don’t think you can do fires right now and there wasn’t too many options of where to stay, but we ended up finding a spot that fit 2 SUVs. It’s a dirt road but not bad at all. You have to keep going pasta where it takes you on google maps until you see a dirt road turnoff on the right. It was pretty hot at night, and a bunch of bugs so keep that in mind. There was plenty of shade at the spot we found. It was a like 10 minute drive to the lake which is what makes this spot so worth it!

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 3, 2025

    Dispersed Campsite near Castle Lake and Shasta

    Perfect campsite!

    Great campsite! Will be bumpy for a regular sedan but we did see a Prius roll by. There a 3-5 sites along the road and very spread apart. We did not hear any other campers even though there were at least 2 nearby. Google will try to get you to the coordinates but doesn’t know about the existence of the final dirt road to get you there. So it gets you to a point and then expects you to walk across a small ravine. But as the other reviewers stated, keep going on the road keeping in mind that you are trying to get to exact coordinates listed which are accurate. See one of my pics. Google has you stop at the red X, but keep going along the blue path drawn.

  • 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.

  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 21, 2021

    Cline Gulch BLM Dispersed

    At Least It’s Free

    We thought this might be a nice place to stay the night or even longer, but next time if we need a place to sleep we’ll just find one of the turnouts off of Hwy 299. I could see this being a good place for people who live locally to come and hang out in nature by the creek for a few days, but this isn’t a place I’d recommend as a destination. There is so much dead brush and cut trees all over the place here, possibly from cleanup after a fire?  Would recommend larger rigs avoid this area due to the number of low hanging tree branches.

    Also, this is a popular shooting area because we saw a ton of ammunition casings as well as broken glass and clay pigeons and other items used for target practice. Oh, and we heard a bunch of gunshots in the middle of the night.

    Once you enter the BLM land area, you will cross a narrow one lane bridge. From there you can go left, through a narrow and brush and low-hanging-tree-limbed gravel road (larger rigs beware) to a small clearing at the end which is large enough for a group, but too small for more than one party to feel comfortable there. 

    If you turn right from the bridge you have a long road for a few miles along the creek. This road is at times narrow and bumpy with low hanging limbs, and at times wide and smooth and easy to drive. Along this road are several unmarked, undeveloped, and completely unmaintained clearings where you can camp. There are no fire pits or any other indication that it’s a camp site (which is a good thing because per the info board fires aren't allowed). We did pass one trailer that appears to be residing here permanently. 

    The public road eventually dead ends about 2 miles in and turns into private property, at which point there’s a large-ish space where you can turn around. 

    Zero cell service, though the WeBoost gave the Verizon phone a couple of weak bars. The T-Mobile hotspot and the ATT cell phone were not improved by the WeBoost.

  • Regina L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 5, 2025

    Dispersed Campsite near Castle Lake and Shasta

    Beautiful Forest

    It was my husband and I's first time trying dispersed camping, and this was beautiful. We really enjoyed the location. It was one way in 1 way out. So we felt safe. The only issue we had was there were a lot of bugs, but I believe that is due to the time of year. Would definitely stay here again. Few small spots at beginning of dirt road and then a few larger further down. Surrounded by dense forest.

  • Ryan Z.
    Jul. 9, 2021

    North Trinity Lake

    Not accessible

    The coordinates and GPS lead to a random part of the highway surrounded by hills. Not real or inaccessible in vehicle, lake may be dried up.

  • George B.
    Jun. 19, 2018

    Mt. Shasta Area

    A mountain that soars above

    Mt. Shasta is a place that’s beautiful from every angle. If you’re on the road or on the mountain all it does is takes your breath away.

    Stay where it’s more comfortable for you but at least go and stay and see this beauty!

    Winter time really is its best time but beware and plan ahead, a lot of the camp sites are closed in that time of year!

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 7, 2020

    North Trinity Lake

    Gorgeous Lakeside Camping

    This is disbursed lakeside camping with no facilities.


Guide to Trinity Center

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Trinity Center, California, where nature meets tranquility. This area offers a variety of spots for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle and immerse themselves in the great outdoors.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Trinity Center, California

  • Many spots, like Cline Gulch BLM Dispersed, allow campfires, making it perfect for cozy evenings under the stars.
  • Be prepared for limited amenities; places such as North Trinity Lake offer beautiful views but no facilities, so pack accordingly.
  • Keep an eye out for tight access roads; some areas, like Castle Lake Campground, may require careful navigation, especially for larger vehicles.

Dispersed campers should check out North Trinity Lake

  • North Trinity Lake is known for its stunning lakeside views, providing a picturesque backdrop for your camping experience.
  • The multiple side dirt roads leading to the lake offer various options for setting up camp, ensuring you find a spot that suits your needs.
  • Wildlife enthusiasts will appreciate the serene environment, making it a great place for birdwatching and enjoying nature.

Enjoy hiking and exploring while free camping near Trinity Center

  • The Mt. Shasta Area is a fantastic base for hiking, with trails that showcase breathtaking views of the mountain and surrounding landscapes.
  • For those seeking solitude, the Dispersed Campsite near Castle Lake and Shasta offers a peaceful retreat with easy access to hiking trails.
  • Don't miss the chance to explore the nearby rivers and streams, which provide excellent opportunities for fishing and cooling off after a day of hiking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Trinity Center, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Trinity Center, CA is North Trinity Lake with a 4-star rating from 4 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 17 dispersed camping locations near Trinity Center, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.