Dispersed camping near Whiskeytown National Recreation Area offers various options in the Trinity Mountains region, where elevations range from 2,000 to 9,000 feet creating diverse camping microclimates. Summer daytime temperatures typically reach 85-95°F while nights cool to 45-55°F. Winter access becomes limited at higher elevations due to snow accumulation, with most primitive sites above 4,000 feet inaccessible from November through May.
What to do
Swimming at Castle Lake: Castle Lake provides a cool swimming spot during summer months with Mount Shasta views. A camper at Castle Lake Dispersed Camping notes, "If you camp here check out Siskiyou Lake right down the way to swim it was THE best view of Shasta and the most mellow and perfect swimming conditions!"
Hiking trail access: The Perry Riffle Trailhead connects to multiple walking paths. According to a visitor, "Several horse and hiking trails start from here. There's a pit toilet, garbage, and recycling. We enjoyed our stay for one night, but I wouldn't want to stay here for more than a few days."
Riverside relaxation: Find secluded spots along waterways for fishing or cooling off. At Cline Gulch BLM Dispersed, campers report: "I had a perfect spot right by the river… easy to navigate with my 20' van, stunning, private, shady and green."
What campers like
Mountain views: Many dispersed sites offer scenic vistas of surrounding peaks. One camper at Dispersed Campsite near Castle Lake and Shasta shared: "Great spot! 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."
Privacy between sites: Unlike developed campgrounds, most dispersed areas provide space between campsites. A visitor to North Trinity Lake remarked, "This was a perfect spot for a quick one night stay as we were passing through. It was wide open with no other campers in site."
Free accommodations: Most primitive camping spots around Whiskeytown require no fees. A camper at Cline Gulch explained, "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."
What you should know
Seasonal accessibility: Many dispersed sites have limited access in winter and spring. A Castle Lake Dispersed camper reports: "As of May 31st there isn't access to some areas as there is snow blocking the way, some areas are wet from the snow that has already melted. The toilets up at Castle Lake are still covered in snow and inaccessible."
Wildlife encounters: Prepare for insects and wildlife throughout the region. A Cline Gulch visitor warned: "I was about to write a 5 star review… but then my dog and I both got bitten by ticks - and we woke to find 8 other dead ticks in our bed. (She's on tick prevention meds, but I'm not!)"
Camping regulations: Federal land managers enforce specific rules. At Perry Riffle Trailhead, a camper noted: "Managers are there daily being passive aggressive in reminding you they can kick you out, walking around looking in the same vehicles (even yours as you stand there) and writing down plate numbers. They like to remind you of the 14 day in 365 day limit for the region, not just here."
Tips for camping with families
Look for sites with creek access: Children enjoy water play opportunities. A camper at Wild and Senic Trinity River Grapevine River Access reported: "Great location off 299. 5 miles from Big Flat."
Arrive early for best spots: Premium dispersed sites fill quickly during peak season. A visitor to Castle Lake Dispersed Camping observed: "It was pretty full, the only spot available was at the very top by the road but it had the best view of Shasta."
Pack all essentials: Most primitive campsites offer no amenities. One camper at Cline Gulch noted: "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."
Tips from RVers
Verify road conditions: Some access routes present challenges for larger vehicles. A camper at Dispersed Campsite near Castle Lake and Shasta cautioned: "I would probably not recommend with a trailer. I made it down with my Tacoma and a 12ft travel trailer but it was a stretch. Super easy to get in, but took a long time to turn around and get back out. Anything bigger than and you're probably stuck."
Look for level parking: Finding flat spots can be difficult at undeveloped sites. At Perry Riffle, one RVer shared: "Simple but clean and nice level sites with picnic tables."
Check clearance requirements: Low-hanging branches can damage taller vehicles. A Cline Gulch visitor warned: "Would recommend larger rigs avoid this area due to the number of low hanging tree branches."
