Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Tulelake, CA has a lot to offer. Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Tulelake is surrounded by family-friendly activities. Find the best campgrounds near Tulelake, CA. Read reviews from campers like you and find your perfect campsite.
"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."
"Coming in you drive a paved rd for 9 miles and then a well groomed dirt rd for 1/2 a mile. There’s 2 spots that would fit our 32’ 5th wheel. Not sure about further up this rd as we stopped here."
"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."
"Another one of these Dyrt campsites with zero info other than the location- thank you to whoever is adding these."
"Even though it is a National Park the rangers allowed us to collect dead and down wood for the fire. They do not sell firewood in the park. Views were spectacular and so much to do and see."
"And we have T-Mobile and were able to make calls and text and access the internet."
"Free camping on national land off of Lava Beds National Monument Rd."
"One pit toilet/out house. Little bit of shade from the trees and great views."
"Easy to locate. Dirt is very soft making it difficult to drive off the beaten path without an all wheel drive. All season tires were a plus with our rear wheel drive sprinter van."
"There are only a few pullouts here, and no one else was around."
"No hookups as it is a dry camping spot. The casino is smoke-free and pleasant with machines only. No live games. Gas, propane, and diesel are available as is a c-store ."
"Found this unmapped camping spot by following a USFS access road to an old boat launch area."
"Graded dirt road a few miles from highway. Small camping area but not many people."
RangerFound 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.
RangerWe 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.
TravelerApproximately 40x40 circular camping spot cattle guard access to Klamath River. On a dirt road only a little traffic nice picnic spot down below at the river
LegendAfter 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.
ScoutGraded dirt road a few miles from highway. Small camping area but not many people.
ScoutDirt 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.
LegendAnother 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.
GuideSeems like it would’ve been a cool spot to stay out there, but there were some serious red flags.
First off, there was a rusted out old truck on one of the dirt roads by the spots. Next to that was a makeshift beat up tin shed and a pickup truck leaning on it. I went close to it, but didn’t feel great about truly investigating without a gun.
Second, there was trash everywhere. And not like camping trash. In addition to the beer cans and bottles were bags of who knows what in them. The few wrappers I saw were for frozen burritos.
Lastly was the furniture around one of the campsites as well as some rope tied around the tree and on the ground. Almost looked like someone got tied to a tree and freed themselves.
I didn’t take pics of everything but there was enough there to trust my gut and leave.
I’m an athletic man and confident I could defend myself, but something felt wrong about everything back there.
Maybe someone else is braver than I and will go investigate the trash and the trucks, but I’d advise you just to go closer to the park and even suck it up and pay a fee to avoid whatever is going on back there.
LegendI 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.
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.
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 2 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Tulelake, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 18 dispersed camping locations near Tulelake, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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