Best Dispersed Camping near Tulelake, CA
Searching for a dispersed campsite near Tulelake? Dispersed camping is the perfect way to get off the grid. From secluded to easily reachable, we offer dispersed campsites near Tulelake just for you.
Best Dispersed Sites Near Tulelake, CA (15)
1. Tickner Rd
Tulelake, California1 Review•6 Photos•26 SavesFree backcountry camping is permitted so Restrictions are in place for camping near developed areas and caves Fires are prohibited and no surface water is available No groups of more than 12 individuals are permitted
Use already existing campsites when available. Do not leave evidence of fire rings, tent sites, trash, or graffiti when leaving an area. No camping within 0.25 miles (.04 km) of roads, trailheads, and parking areas.
For details on regulations, camping etiquette, horses and natural hazards see the Wilderness Camping Brochure: https://www.nps.gov/labe/planyourvisit/upload/Wilderness%20camping%20Site%20Bulletin.pdf
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- RVs
- Tents
- Group
2. South Lava Beds
Modoc National Forest, California1 Review•3 Photos•26 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- RVs
- Tents
- Group
3. West Tionesta
Modoc National Forest, California1 Review•7 Photos•9 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- RVs
- Tents
- Group
4. Lava Beds National Monument Road
Modoc National Forest, California1 Review•12 Saves- Fires
- Phone Service
- ADA Access
- RVs
- Tents
- Group
6. Duncan Reservoir South Site
Modoc National Forest, California2 Reviews•11 Photos•30 SavesThis is a primitive area without facilities. The boat ramp is gravel and dirt. There is parking for boat trailers and room for turn around. Small motor boats and car top boats can launch from Duncan South. Dogs on leash only. Please clean up after your dog. Garbage service is not provided. Please take all trash, garbage, fish guts and dog droppings with you when you leave.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Dispersed
- Toilets
- Alcohol
8. Rail Line Dispersed Site
Macdoel, California1 Review•8 Photos•24 SavesPlease check for fire restrictions before you go: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/stnf/alerts-notices/?cid=stelprdb5392380. Campfire permits are required to have a campfire or stove at a dispersed site. Campfire permits are available online at www.readyforwildfire.org/permits/campfire-permit/
Camping is not limited to developed camping. Almost all of the forest is open to those who prefer the quiet solitude of a completely undeveloped setting.
Generally, dispersed camping is allowed outside of developed sites within the forest unless otherwise posted. One exception to this is Lewiston Lake. Camping is prohibited within 1/4 mile of the high water mark with no exceptions. Other exceptions are the Mt. Shasta plantations area and McCloud River Loop.
Please call ahead to offices for current fire restriction and road information. Potable water, toilets, and other amenities are not available. Be sure to bring adequate water or be prepared to purify natural water sources before drinking. Camp at least 200 feet from springs, water, meadows, trails and roads. Camp at least a quarter-mile from designated campgrounds, picnic areas, trailheads, private property and state highways. If you brought it in with you, then remember to take it out when you leave (Pack It In/Pack It Out).
More details here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd771279.pdf
- Pets
- Phone Service
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
9. Great Meadow Sno-Park
Chiloquin, Oregon3 Reviews•7 Photos•27 Saves14-day camping is allowed from May-October. Oregon Sno-Park Permit is required between Nov. 1 and April 30.
- Pets
- Phone Service
- ADA Access
- Dispersed
- Trash
- Toilets
Recent Dispersed Reviews in Tulelake
12 Reviews of 15 Tulelake Campgrounds
- S
Sabrina V.
Guide
Great Meadow Sno-Park
Just a large empty lot with bike trail access
There’s nothing here except the highway but you can drive down the bike trail and stay there as well, just so your further away from the lot and the road.
- Julie M.Guide
Rail Line Dispersed Site
Open Sky and Privacy
The road was rough at first but smoothed out enough that we weren't worried in our van. There are only a few pullouts here, and no one else was around.
Rich R.
Scout
Duncan Reservoir South Site
Great pit stop
Graded dirt road a few miles from highway. Small camping area but not many people.
Arlon H.Scout
Dispersed Site - just a great place off the highway
Many places to stay.
Dirt road leads too many places to camp. Most vehicles should have no problem getting to a site. Some places can be difficult turning around for larger campers. My Crosstrek loved it.
Rosealine F.ScoutDispersed Site - just a great place off the highway
Easily Accessible
Needed a place stay for just two nights. This spot was not too far off the road, there were some bumps getting there but my Chevy Trax was able to get there just fine. The area was flat and no one else was there. Our T-Mobile phones had a small amount of Service in our campsite but not on the road to get there.
- NNameScout
Topsy Grade Road
Easy for a night
Not a long drive after leaving the highway. Several spots were all empty when I got here mid-November. The actual campground is closed for the season, but the pull-offs and turnarounds are enough. There are large trucks that use this road but it was quiet enough and far enough off the road to not be a problem. I was the only one here.
Laura M.
Legend
Tickner Rd
Quiet except for passing trucks
After checking out South Lava Beds and West Tionesta (so named on The Dyrt app) this was the winner for us. There was greenery and living trees all around and it made for such a nicer environment. On Sunday, the area was completely silent, except for birds chirping. One logging truck drove by, as well as one park ranger truck, otherwise we didn’t see anybody. However. On Monday morning all the trucks started rolling through. We left about 9 or 10am and maybe 10 trucks had gone by. And they're noisy. And the dirt they kick up is fine and silty, so it just floats around long after they've passed. Definitely a buzz kill! We were debating staying two nights, but the trucks convinced us to leave.
Good enough (not great) cell service for both Verizon and ATT. We actually didn’t need to use our levels for this spot, which is always a treat. Easy access for our 26ft class c and I believe bigger rigs would be ok here as well. No amenities here, obviously, so please pack out your trash.
- Laura M.Legend
West Tionesta
Desolate
Another one of these Dyrt campsites with zero info other than the location- thank you to whoever is adding these. This spot is a little further down the road from South Lava Beds, and would be fine, but we decided to keep going and find something a little less surrounded by blackened and burned trees and debris. There are piles of them everywhere, so I don’t know if workers come through here periodically- we didn’t see anybody when we were here on a Sunday. The area is still recovering from a 2020 fire
(Caldwell Fire, I believe).
Good cell reception, to our surprise. Our 26ft Class C had no problems reaching this spot, just take it slow once you leave the paved road. The dirt road is ok but there were a few dips and ruts that we had to go around. This would make a fine spot to stop over at, but it was a little too barren for us to want to stay here.
- Laura M.Legend
South Lava Beds
Area Still Recovering From Fire
I don’t know who’s adding these dispersed camping spots on The Dyrt (as there are no reviews or any additional info other than the location) but it’s much appreciated. We stopped to check this place out and would have stayed here for the night but decided to keep going and check out one more place first.
The location is easily accessed from the main road, no problems for our 26ft Class C. Cell service was surprisingly good for both Verizon and ATT. There’s a messy little fire pit here, but no other markers. The spot is off the road and has some sad blackened or dead trees surrounding it.
This area is still recovering from a big fire in 2020 and there are piles of burned logs and debris all over the area, giving it a desolate feel. The area is nice and quiet though, and very little traffic. Would make a great stop for a few days.
- Cheryl M.
RangerDuncan Reservoir South Site
Duncan Reservoir off season
Found this unmapped camping spot by following a USFS access road to an old boat launch area. Water is too low now to launch, but several fire rings, an older seasonally maintained pit toilet and minimal noise and light pollution made for a great stay. I am fully self contained.
Sara R.RangerGreat Meadow Sno-Park
Not bad for a free site
We ended up here because we couldn’t get a spot at any of the campgrounds nearby. Sounds like that’s a pretty common problem in the area, so I would recommend it in a pinch. PROS: free, plenty of space, overlooks a pretty meadow, nice trail CONS: next to the road, felt a little exposed, extremely buggy at dusk
Know before you go: this is not a campground. In the summer, back country ski / snow sport parking lots are open for free overnight parking. There are vault toilets bout they were closed due to COVID.
Jamie F.GuideGreat Meadow Sno-Park
Parking, bathrooms, seasonal trails
There is no camping here, its strictly a parking lot used for bathroom use, rest area, or use of seasonal trails. If you use the trails and leave your vehicle for a long period, you must have a permit otherwise an officer will give you a ticket. There is an area to let pets out off leash and occasional pond between seasons.
Guide to Tulelake
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Tulelake, California, where nature's tranquility meets the freedom of the great outdoors. This area offers a variety of spots for campers looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Dispersed campers should check out South Lava Beds
- Located conveniently off the main road, South Lava Beds provides easy access for both tent and RV camping, making it a great choice for all types of campers.
- The area is currently recovering from a fire, giving it a unique, desolate beauty with quiet surroundings and minimal traffic, perfect for those seeking solitude.
- With no amenities available, campers can enjoy a truly rustic experience, but should be prepared to pack out their trash and bring their own supplies.
Scenic views while free camping near Tulelake
- Lava Beds National Monument Road offers stunning views and the chance to explore a national park while enjoying the comforts of heated bathrooms during your stay.
- Campers can collect dead and down wood for fires, enhancing the camping experience without the need to purchase firewood.
- The area is rich in activities, with plenty of opportunities for hiking and exploring the unique geological features of the park.
Quiet retreats for dispersed campers at Tickner Rd
- Tickner Rd stands out for its lush greenery and living trees, creating a more inviting atmosphere compared to other nearby spots.
- While the area is generally peaceful, be aware that logging trucks may pass through, especially in the mornings, which can disrupt the tranquility.
- This location is accessible for larger rigs, making it a versatile option for various camping setups, though it lacks amenities, so campers should come prepared.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Tulelake, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Tulelake, CA is Tickner Rd with a 5-star rating from 1 review.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Tulelake, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 15 dispersed camping locations near Tulelake, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.