Best Dispersed Camping near Whiskeytown, CA

Dispersed camping options near Whiskeytown, California include several primitive sites on public lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). Cline Gulch BLM offers free camping along a creek approximately 45-60 minutes from Redding. North Trinity Lake provides lakeside dispersed camping with no facilities but excellent views. Castle Lake Dispersed Camping features sites with views of Mount Shasta, though seasonal closures affect availability. Perry Riffle Trailhead serves as a simple overnight option with basic amenities including pit toilets and picnic tables.

Road conditions vary significantly between sites. Cline Gulch requires navigating a gravel road with sections that become narrow and bumpy. According to reviews, "The road is at times narrow and bumpy with low hanging limbs, and at times wide and smooth." Larger RVs and trailers should exercise caution due to low-hanging branches and limited turning space. Castle Lake sites require climbing roads that may be snow-covered in winter and spring. Several campers noted that GPS coordinates can be unreliable; it's advisable to download offline maps before traveling.

Most dispersed sites enforce strict regulations regarding stays and fires. Perry Riffle enforces a 14-day limit within a 365-day period for the entire region, not just individual sites. BLM rangers regularly patrol these areas. Campers report that "Managers are there daily dumping trash and cleaning the pit toilet" at Perry Riffle. Fire restrictions vary seasonally; always check current fire regulations before your trip. Cell service is extremely limited or nonexistent at most sites, particularly at Cline Gulch where "zero cell service" is reported. Wildlife encounters are common; ticks are prevalent in warmer months, especially near water sources.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Whiskeytown, California (10)

    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
    5 miles

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

    3. North Trinity Lake

    4 Reviews
    Trinity Center, CA
    27 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

    4 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."

    "Nice spot near the river. We stayed in a tent and just pitched it adjacent to the car park. The ranger came by in the morning just had a little look around and left. Didn’t bother anyone"

    5. Dispersed Campsite near Castle Lake and Shasta

    8 Reviews
    Mount Shasta, CA
    44 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."

    "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."

    6. Castle Lake Dispersed Camping

    6 Reviews
    Dunsmuir, CA
    43 miles

    "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."

    "Road dips down but rutted and I'm low clearance so can't tell what's down there. I'm in amthe o ly pullout off the side of the road before it Dios. Awesome view."

    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 !!"

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Whiskeytown, CA

33 Reviews of 10 Whiskeytown Campgrounds



Guide to Whiskeytown

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Whiskeytown, California, where nature lovers can find serene spots away from the crowds. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, this area is perfect for those seeking adventure and tranquility.

Scenic Lakeside Views for Dispersed Campers

  • Enjoy breathtaking views at North Trinity Lake, where you can camp by the water and soak in the stunning scenery.
  • The area features multiple side dirt roads leading down to the lake, providing easy access to beautiful spots for a peaceful night under the stars.
  • Campers have reported enjoying wide-open spaces with no other visitors in sight, making it an ideal location for solitude and relaxation.

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Whiskeytown, California

  • When heading to Cline Gulch BLM Dispersed, be prepared for a bumpy ride, but the secluded atmosphere makes it worthwhile.
  • It's important to note that some areas may have limited phone reception, so plan accordingly, especially if you're heading to remote spots like Perry Riffle Trailhead.
  • Always practice Leave No Trace principles, as many sites, including Castle Lake Campground, lack amenities and require you to pack out what you pack in.

Hiking and Outdoor Activities While Free Camping Near Whiskeytown

  • The Mt. Shasta Area offers a variety of trails for hiking enthusiasts, with stunning views of the mountain and surrounding landscapes.
  • Campers at Gumboot Campground can explore nearby trails and enjoy the natural beauty of the area, perfect for a day of adventure.
  • For those looking for a hidden gem, the dispersed site near Castle Lake and Shasta provides access to hiking trails and breathtaking views, making it a great spot for outdoor activities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Whiskeytown, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Whiskeytown, CA is Cline Gulch BLM Dispersed with a 3.4-star rating from 8 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 10 dispersed camping locations near Whiskeytown, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.