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Best Dispersed Camping near Whiskeytown National Recreation Area

38 Reviews

Dispersed camping opportunities surround Whiskeytown National Recreation Area in northern California, with several free BLM sites within driving distance. Cline Gulch BLM Dispersed camping area, about 45-60 minutes from Redding, offers primitive camping along a gravel road with sites near a creek. The road is navigable without 4WD but has some bumpy sections and low-hanging branches that larger vehicles should avoid. Campers report finding secluded spots with creek access, though some areas show evidence of previous use with trash and target shooting remnants.

North Trinity Lake provides lakeside dispersed camping with no facilities but scenic views. Perry Riffle Trailhead offers a more developed option with a gravel parking area, pit toilets, trash service, and picnic tables within walking distance of the Sacramento River. The 14-day camping limit is strictly enforced throughout the region. According to one visitor, "This is a good gravel road not far from main road. Lots of spaces along road. Not busy at all. No amenities of any kind." Near Mount Shasta, additional dispersed camping can be found around Castle Lake, though seasonal snow may restrict access until June.

Map showing campgrounds near Whiskeytown National Recreation Area, CaliforniaExplore the Map

Best Dispersed Sites Near Whiskeytown National Recreation Area (9)

    1. Cline Gulch BLM Dispersed

    8 Reviews
    French Gulch, CA
    6 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."

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

    2 Reviews
    French Gulch, CA
    4 miles

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

    3. North Trinity Lake

    4 Reviews
    Trinity Center, CA
    28 miles

    "This is disbursed lakeside camping with no facilities."

    "The coordinates were off though and it took us up to a private residence road so I would not follow that."

    4. Perry Riffle Trailhead

    6 Reviews
    Red Bluff, CA
    31 miles

    "Easy access via paved road. Very bucolic area. Lots of trails. Sacramento River is within walking distance. Pit toilet, no water or other services."

    "This is just a gravel parking lot, but it's quiet, peaceful, and about a 2 min walk from the river. Several horse and hiking trails start from here. There's a pit toilet, garbage, and recycling."

    5. Dispersed Campsite near Castle Lake and Shasta

    9 Reviews
    Mount Shasta, CA
    45 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."

    6. Castle Lake Dispersed Camping

    8 Reviews
    Dunsmuir, CA
    44 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."

    7. Mt. Shasta Area

    2 Reviews
    Castella, CA
    39 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 !!"

    8. Gumboot Campground

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    Castella, CA
    41 miles

    9. Fischer Dispersed Campground

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    Shingletown, CA
    46 miles
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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Whiskeytown National Recreation Area

20 Photos of 9 Whiskeytown National Recreation Area Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Whiskeytown National Recreation Area

38 Reviews of 9 Whiskeytown National Recreation Area Campgrounds

  • Sadie P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 24, 2025

    Perry Riffle Trailhead

    Ok for a parking lot

    The good. Managers are there daily. Dumping trash and cleaning the pit toilet.

    The bad. 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. They like to talk about their database and what will happen if you try to camp somewhere else and they love complaining about tent campers outside the parking lot. Also, no fires, ever.

    That being said. Blm law enforcement they claim to have in their pocket reminds everyone that tent camping is allowed outside the parking lot.

    It is clean though, the rivers is blah and turkey hunters might fire off next to you but walk the road. Plenty of trails, beautiful meadows, horseback riders seen regularly. Quiet at night usually to. If not tell the managers, they’ll get right on that lol.

    I won’t go again but that’s not because of the CG.

    Details: Law Enforcement does visit, they are nice Locals are a problem Be prepared for management complaints, not camper complaints Town is 20 minutes away Free stay with a weird 14 day regional rule, inquire with management

  • Al L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 13, 2025

    Perry Riffle Trailhead

    Overnight @ Perry Riffle

    Easy access via paved road. Very bucolic area. Lots of trails. Sacramento River is within walking distance. Pit toilet, no water or other services.

  • 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.

  • 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!

Guide to Whiskeytown National Recreation Area

Experience the beauty of nature with dispersed camping near Whiskeytown National Recreation Area in California. This area offers a variety of unique spots for campers looking to enjoy the great outdoors without the constraints of traditional campgrounds.

Dispersed campers should check out Cline Gulch BLM Dispersed

  • Cline Gulch provides a charming atmosphere with stone sculptures and a creek, although some areas may feel a bit sketchy due to local activity.
  • The site allows for both tent and RV camping, making it versatile for different camping styles.
  • With no permits required and the option to have fires, this spot is perfect for those looking to unwind in a natural setting.

North Trinity Lake for dispersed campers

  • This area features beautiful views and multiple dirt roads leading down to the lake, ideal for those seeking a scenic backdrop for their camping experience.
  • North Trinity Lake is well-reviewed for its open spaces, allowing for a peaceful stay without the hustle and bustle of other campers.
  • The site is accessible for big rigs, making it a great choice for those traveling with larger vehicles.

Top activities while free camping near Whiskeytown National Recreation Area

  • Enjoy the tranquility of nature at Perry Riffle Trailhead, where you can pitch tents and spot wildlife like great horned owls and foxes.
  • For a more secluded experience, the Mt. Shasta Area offers a range of amenities, including drinking water and picnic tables, perfect for a comfortable stay.
  • Castle Lake Campground provides stunning views of Mount Shasta and the surrounding area, making it a fantastic spot for photography and relaxation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does camping at Whiskeytown compare to Shasta-Trinity National Forest?

Whiskeytown offers a more managed recreational experience centered around the lake, while Shasta-Trinity National Forest provides more diverse dispersed camping options. North Trinity Lake exemplifies the Shasta-Trinity experience with lakeside dispersed camping in beautiful open fields with no amenities or facilities. In contrast, Mt. Shasta Area offers breathtaking views from multiple angles, especially stunning in winter, though requiring careful planning for seasonal conditions. Shasta-Trinity generally provides more primitive and isolated camping opportunities with fewer restrictions, while Whiskeytown has more regular ranger presence, designated areas, and typically stricter enforcement of camping regulations.

Is dispersed camping allowed at Whiskeytown National Recreation Area?

Dispersed camping at Whiskeytown National Recreation Area is limited to designated areas only. Perry Riffle Trailhead is one such designated dispersed camping location with basic facilities including a pit toilet but no water services. Management maintains a regular presence at these sites, monitoring usage and enforcing regulations. Cline Gulch BLM Dispersed offers an alternative dispersed option near the recreation area with creek access, though some campers find roadside turnouts off Highway 299 more convenient for overnight stays. Always check current regulations before your visit as dispersed camping rules at Whiskeytown are subject to change and may have restrictions on length of stay.

What amenities are available for campers at Whiskeytown Lake?

Amenities at Whiskeytown Lake are minimal for dispersed campers. Dispersed Campsite near Castle Lake and Shasta is accessible via paved and dirt roads, offering spacious sites with natural hiking paths but no dedicated facilities. The area features beautiful surroundings but lacks developed amenities like water, electricity, or shower facilities. For basic necessities, designated sites like trailheads may provide pit toilets and trash collection. The lake itself serves as the main attraction, offering recreational opportunities like swimming, fishing, and boating. Most dispersed areas require campers to be fully self-sufficient, bringing their own water, packing out trash, and following leave-no-trace principles while enjoying the natural setting of the recreation area.

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