Top Free Dispersed Camping near Westwood, CA

Looking for the best dispersed camping near Westwood? The Dyrt provides you with a diverse selection of places to camp, from dispersed backcountry camping to boondocking, and everything in-between. From secluded to easily reachable, we offer dispersed campsites near Westwood just for you.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Westwood, CA (26)

Showing results 1-10 of 26 campgrounds

Recent Dispersed Reviews In Westwood

14 Reviews of 26 Westwood Campgrounds


  • Claire D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from 31N17N - North Manzanita Dispersed Camping
    Sep. 3, 2024

    31N17N - North Manzanita Dispersed Camping

    Convenient dispersed site near Lassen

    Same experience as the other reviews. Arrived late Friday night on Labor Day weekend and found a spot right at the beginning of the dirt road - coming from Redding direction, turned right off of 44 onto the dirt road then took the first right. The turnoff is on Google maps and was easy to find even in the dark. Nobody else around that we saw, even given the busy weekend! Agreed with others on the road noise but it was fine. Just a few minutes from Manzanita lake. Great find!

  • tom P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Rocky Point Dispersed Camping
    Jul. 23, 2024

    Rocky Point Dispersed Camping

    Suitable but barren

    There's signs acknowledging it's free camping. Large barren area with a toilet near the lake. Not great for a tent but can make it work. Good distance away from roads and houses. Lake view.

  • E
    Camper-submitted photo from 31N17N - North Manzanita Dispersed Camping
    Jun. 20, 2024

    31N17N - North Manzanita Dispersed Camping

    Exactly what we needed

    About one mile south of the northwest entrance, so it’s convenient. Follow the instructions from other campers as they’re spot on. We camped to the right of the road, as we saw another camp site that was filled to the right. Tent campers will have no issues finding a spot. We didn’t venture too far down the road due to having a lower car, but we had plenty of options.

    Although you feel secluded, the highway isn’t too far, so you’ll have some road noise (nothing crazy). We did hear coyotes off in the distance, which is so cool and spooky at the same time. Bear activity was reported in the area before we arrived, so keep that in mind. Make sure to bring your buh spray!

    Will definitely stay here again if we visit the park again. Arrived June 19, left June 20.

  • S
    Camper-submitted photo from Bogard USFS Dispersed
    Jun. 6, 2024

    Bogard USFS Dispersed

    Be very prepared for mosquitoes !

    Mosquitoes EVERYWHERE! We pulled in to the area around 6 PM on a Tuesday evening, not a single person around. We originally pulled near the little bog. When we got out we noticed TONS of mosquitoes, so we drove about a quarter to a half mile down the road and made a left. Still tons of mosquitoes, but absolutely beautiful night sky!

  • PThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from 31N17N - North Manzanita Dispersed Camping
    Jun. 5, 2024

    31N17N - North Manzanita Dispersed Camping

    Very much a Nike camp area, "Just Do It

    Immediately prior to turning down road to Lassen turn in to dirt road. Again less than 50 yards on right is area to camp. Could also turn a big rig.

    A 4 wheel drive is not required, it's just a dusty road. About 100 yards further, you could walk up the road and grab some water from the stream.

    No Verizon phone or internet reception

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Hat Creek Dispersed
    Oct. 27, 2023

    Hat Creek Dispersed

    Great Camping

    As one reviewer wrote, just a short run of slightly rough road to get to expansive meadows of boondocking.

  • c
    Camper-submitted photo from Christie Hill Basecamp
    Aug. 7, 2023

    Christie Hill Basecamp

    Quiet camping 4 miles outside Lassen NP

    Just off the main highway. Gravel road in. We had a Ford van that had no problem driving over the dirt and gravel road. There are sites with fire rings and relatively flat ground. Great location for dispersed camping just minutes from the southern lassen entrance.

  • Nick C.
    Camper-submitted photo from 29N22 Dispersed near Lassen NP
    Jul. 13, 2023

    29N22 Dispersed near Lassen NP

    Limited Option Near Lassen NP South Entrance

    This is a small flat area near the base of Christie Hill. The turn off of the Hwy 89 is at the McGowan SnoPark area (really just a logger's staging area). There are a handful of very rough roads one could pull off the road and camp in a tent on (or 4x4 van). For a larger RV or travel trailer, we found only one spot (40.390996,-121.540748) that was large enough to accommodate our 32 foot travel trailer. It is right along the road, but there is virtually no traffic here, so we found it acceptable. 

    I do not believe there are any good spots further down the road. A word of caution as well - the lake just beyond here (McGowan Lake) - is privately owned and gated. It is not available for camping.

  • Salvatore F.
    Camper-submitted photo from 31N17N - North Manzanita Dispersed Camping
    Jul. 7, 2023

    31N17N - North Manzanita Dispersed Camping

    Great dispersed spot near Lassen Volcanic NP

    We found this spot based on advice of the rangers in LVNP. Overall a great place to camp if your looking for a free option to camp/boon dock very close to the park.

    Right when you turn off 44, go up a small hill, maybe 100m, then there is a clearing on the west side of the road. There is a perpendicular dirt road at the clearing (running west/east) with several spots to park a van, trailer, or even smaller RV. We saw four distinct sites where people had made fire rings—however due to the number of pine trees the ground is covered in a thick layer of pine needles— make sure you sweep at least a 20’ fire ring down to dirt around the rock pit before you make a fire. You can also hear noticeable road noise from 44 in the front spots so not super secluded.

    Many of the sites we checked (near the entrance and deeper into the woods) had bumble bees coming out of holes in the ground so be careful picking your site, particularly at night so you don’t wake up to an unpleasant surprise.

    Going further south down the main road you can find many other more hidden camping spots deeper in the forest, but the road is rougher and only suited for a 4x4.

  • Aliza  N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from 29N22 Dispersed near Lassen NP
    Nov. 1, 2022

    29N22 Dispersed near Lassen NP

    Dispersed camping near Lassen NP

    Lovely quiet remote dispersed camping spot. No services. On a very nice gravel road marked for winter cross country skiing. Saw a few others in the area. Most camp spots are right on the edge of the road but lots of room and plenty of privacy. Leave no trace. Pack in, pack out.

  • Daisee Mae S.
    Camper-submitted photo from CA-139 Pull Off Area
    Oct. 25, 2022

    CA-139 Pull Off Area

    Somewhere to Rest

    This is literally right off the highway, it might be hard to spot unless someone else is there.

    The roads to the spots are a little rutted, no low profile vehicles, but it’s easy to access.

    There is no name to this place, and the bulletin board has zero information.

    Possibly 5-6 spaces. The most people that was here any given night were just stopping for a place to rest for the night.

    No bathrooms, trash or water. One of the locals said there is a junk yard you can walk to from here but we never found it.

    Traffic noise dies down around 10/11PM. Unless the occasional driver is honking at absolutely nothing, it’s pretty quiet.

    We heard gunshots around 9PM that lasted for about an hour. Seems the people around here hunt at night.

    Definitely just a place to rest or gather yourself for a couple of days. I’m not sure about the amount of time you can stay here. But hey, it’s free!

  • C
    Camper-submitted photo from Hat Creek Dispersed
    Aug. 19, 2022

    Hat Creek Dispersed

    Hat Creek Dispersed

    Go past Cave Campground take 1st left over bridge. Goto end of road after bridge look left. Go up hill. Road is rough only to top then levels out. Footbridge to main campground found midway in creek. Take creek trail. Bathrooms, garbage, water available at main campground. 1 bar lte AT&T.

  • k
    Camper-submitted photo from Bogard USFS Dispersed
    Jul. 18, 2021

    Bogard USFS Dispersed

    Perfect Getaway

    The campsite was very easy to find, but also very secluded. When we arrived, only 3 other sites were taken. We met a very kind older woman who had been there a while & said that not many people know this place exists, so it doesn’t get very busy. The campsite was well kept. We had a picnic table, campfire & plenty of trees for our hammocks. I left my dog’s food out one afternoon & a chipmunk got to it but other than that, we had no issues with wildlife!



Guide to Westwood

Camping near Westwood, California, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, this area has something for everyone.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the numerous trails in Lassen Volcanic National Park. One camper mentioned, "The hiking is incredible and there is a trail that goes around the lake" at Manzanita Lake Campground.
  • Kayaking and Paddleboarding: Rent kayaks or paddleboards at Manzanita Lake. A visitor noted, "There are kayak, cataraft, and SUP rentals available for Manzanita Lake."
  • Fishing: Enjoy fishing at nearby lakes like Eagle Lake. One reviewer shared, "Fishing is made easy as the creek is planted two times a month" at Potato Patch Campground.

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the stunning scenery. A visitor at Butte Lake Campground said, "The lake is close to the campground, quiet and peaceful."
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Many appreciate the tranquility of the campgrounds. One camper at Merrill Campground mentioned, "Quiet starry nights. Recreational lake. Friendly peeps."
  • Clean Facilities: Clean restrooms are a big plus. A reviewer at North Eagle Lake Campground stated, "The Most Immaculate pit toilets ever!"

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Butte Lake Campground, have minimal amenities. A camper noted, "There is no cell service, no dump site, nor any grey water dump pits."
  • Crowded During Peak Season: Campgrounds can get busy, especially in summer. One visitor at Manzanita Lake Campground said, "This campground is huge and busy."
  • Gravel Roads: Accessing some campgrounds may require driving on gravel roads. A camper warned about the "5 mile gravel road into camp" at Butte Lake Campground.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for spots like Merrill Campground, which offers "great bike/hiking paved path In The pines."
  • Plan for Activities: Make sure to have activities lined up. One family enjoyed "kayak, cataraft, and SUP rentals" at Manzanita Lake Campground.
  • Pack for Comfort: Bring extra blankets for chilly nights. A camper at Summit Lake North mentioned, "Despite the blazing temps in other parts of the park we were always comfortable here, and even chilly at night!"

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Levels: Make sure to check the level of your site. A reviewer at Manzanita Lake Campground shared, "Some sites were close together with minimal separation while others had more trees separating them."
  • Be Prepared for Tight Spaces: Some campgrounds have limited space for larger RVs. A camper at Butte Lake Campground noted, "I wouldn’t want anything bigger" than their 21-foot trailer.
  • Bring Extra Supplies: Since some campgrounds lack stores, stock up on essentials before arriving. A visitor at Merrill Campground mentioned, "We did not have reservations and just showed up."

Camping near Westwood, California, is a great way to enjoy nature and create lasting memories. Whether you're tent camping or bringing your RV, there's something for everyone in this beautiful area.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Westwood, CA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Westwood, CA is Bogard USFS Dispersed with a 4.3-star rating from 3 reviews.

  • What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Westwood, CA?

    TheDyrt.com has all 26 dispersed camping locations near Westwood, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.