Best Dispersed Camping near Witter Springs, CA

Several dispersed camping options exist near Witter Springs, California, primarily on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands. Free primitive sites include Cowboy Camp, BLM Sheldon Creek, Lakeview Dispersed Campground, High Valley Rd Dispersed, and Cow Mountain Recreation Area. These sites are typically located along forest roads, ridgelines with lake views, or near creeks, offering varying levels of remoteness and natural settings. Most sites have minimal or no facilities, consistent with true dispersed camping experiences on public lands.

Road conditions vary significantly across these dispersed sites, with many requiring slow navigation on unpaved, dusty, and sometimes steep terrain. Reviews indicate that while some areas like Lakeview Dispersed Campground can be reached with standard vehicles, high-clearance or AWD vehicles are recommended, especially after rain. Several campers noted that Google Maps directions may be unreliable. Most sites permit fires when no bans are in effect, though not all have established fire rings. Camping is typically free with no reservations required, and standard BLM camping limits apply.

These primitive areas attract visitors seeking solitude and natural settings, though experiences vary by location. "The drive up was full of breathtaking views, and even though the road was quite bumpy, dusty, and steep at times, our AWD Kia made it up no problem," noted one Lakeview camper. BLM Sheldon Creek features a creek and wooded setting, though recent reviews mention trash issues. A visitor to High Valley Road described it as "very nice spot with multiple places to pull over and camp" with views of Clear Lake. Weather conditions can be challenging, with some areas experiencing intense winds, particularly at higher elevations. Cell service is available at some sites but not guaranteed throughout the region.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Witter Springs, California (10)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Witter Springs, CA

16 Photos of 10 Witter Springs Campgrounds


Dispersed Camping Reviews near Witter Springs, CA

33 Reviews of 10 Witter Springs Campgrounds


  • C
    Aug. 9, 2022

    BLM Sheldon Creek

    Pleasant BLM camping, hot in the summer.

    A decent drive off the highway, but a good one. A few nice views. Google maps will not get you there, we followed the directions on this page.

    Only 2 spots up here, maybe 3. But we had it to ourselves on a weeknight. The Bathroom (vault toilet) had toilet paper. There was some water in the creek, but it wasn’t super easy to access. 

    The site itself is nothing special, just a couple of pullouts in the woods. Probably very hot during the day since you’re up on a ridge. Can’t beat free though.

  • kThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 9, 2023

    BLM Sheldon Creek

    FREE BLM campground - travel trailers not advised

    Tow behinds/trailers not recommended; rough roads and can’t turn back once on the path.

    Otherwise 10/10 for our truck camper, had the place to ourselves for the 4th of July weekend, beautiful fresh water creek running through, great toilet & even a fire pit with abundance of wood around.

    There are about 4/5 sites, only 2 with actual fire pits.

    Please keep it amazing by keeping it clean.

    FREE

  • Summer A.
    Jul. 17, 2022

    BLM Sheldon Creek

    Perfect Spot!

    Sheldon Creek is a BLM campsite up a winding dirt/gravel road. We drove a 4WD vehicle, but most cars should be able to handle the journey up. Signs will direct you in the right direction, and lead you to a campground with spots to pitch tents or park/hangout. There are even picnic tables, fire pits, and bathrooms. I didn’t get a chance to check out the bathrooms, but they looked decent. We only had one neighbor who seemed pretty friendly, which was a relief as you’re pretty far out in a remote area. Overall this is a beautiful spot where we felt safe. Would definitely recommend!

  • Jaye S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2024

    Lakeview Dispersed Campground

    Decent dispersed site

    Drive up to the site all incline dirt road ~6 miles - we made it up without 4 wheel drive but some areas were a little sketchy. Overall pretty dusty too. Sites themselves were decently maintained, some trash from previous campers but nothing major. This area is a popular for target practice so if the sounds of gunshots throughout the day isn’t your vibe, then this spot might not be suitable. Overall beautiful sunrises and sunsets and starry night sky

  • Chris C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 3, 2025

    High Valley Rd Dispersed

    Easy and chill!

    Very nice spot with multiple places to pull over and camp. There’s views of Lear Lake if you want to walk a bit. No water nearby. The road is very dusty on the way up!

  • Catherine L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 15, 2024

    Cowboy Camp

    Quiet

    Quiet stop, but I wouldn't call it the most beautiful stop I've ever stayed. Camping spots are to the left and the right I'd the day use. Pit toilets. No garbage.

  • Robert H.
    Jun. 30, 2024

    Lakeview Dispersed Campground

    High Above Clear Lake

    Beautiful spot with some views of the lake. No services, but had cell service (CC). I drove in from the south access to High Valley rd. The road was challenging. It was steep with loose dirt in spots. It was an adventure. I am going to try north access into Lucerne later. (See Google for more info)

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 2, 2025

    Lakeview Dispersed Campground

    First Time Camping - Perfect

    First time camping and going somewhat off road.

    If you’re worried about your vehicle making it up we saw a tesla and a nissan altima up there. My subaru made it up perfectly. I would however recommend AWD or a little higher clearance.

    South road is somewhat rough and the north road seems to be the smoother but longer road.

    Clean area, but dusty. Can be busy 2 other campers showed up quietly while I was asleep but kept their distance. Where I set up there were some log chairs and a previously built fire pit.

    Very beautiful and quiet, can be extremely cold at night and morning so be prepared!

    We did not got many bugs which was great.

  • Steve M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 27, 2024

    Clear Lake View Point Dispersed

    Absolutely not! Nowhere to camp and a terrible road

    As soon as I started going up an extremely steep hill and saw a sign that said not a through street, I should have turned around but it was impossible with my 30-foot car and trailer. I am Bart Upon A frightening , rutted, unmaintained road that is only suitable for off-road vehicles for sick four wheel drives . Barely made it out of there with everything working as it should on car and trailer and actually got stuck at one point and had to use logs to get myself traction. Do not try this and there is nowhere to stop and set up a ten , at all!


Guide to Witter Springs

Dispersed camping near Witter Springs, California offers free to low-cost options within Bureau of Land Management lands across Lake County. Located at elevations ranging from 1,300 to 3,000 feet, this region experiences hot, dry summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F and mild, wet winters. Cell service varies significantly by location, with higher elevations generally providing better connectivity.

What to do

Fishing opportunities: At Smittle Creek, visitors can enjoy prime fishing spots where the creek meets Lake Berryessa. "This sweet little spot is a paddle boarding and fishing dream. Primitive site where Smittle Creek flows into Lake Berryessa," notes Stuart S.

Hiking trails: The region offers several hiking options, particularly around Cow Mountain Recreation Area which features both challenging and moderate trails. "Love taking our Rock crawler up to cow. Lots of obstacles. Camping is awesome. Few sites and vault restrooms," shares Jeanette C.

Stargazing: Clear nights at higher elevation sites provide excellent stargazing conditions, especially during summer months when skies remain clear. The lack of light pollution makes sites like High Valley Ridge ideal for night sky viewing.

Wildlife viewing: Early mornings offer the best opportunities to spot local wildlife. "We had deer, butterflies, and humming birds all around us," describes Patricia Y. about her stay at BLM Sheldon Creek.

What campers like

Solitude and space: Many campers appreciate the distance between sites at Lakeview Dispersed Campground. "Only two other groups were set up so not crowded, plenty of spots," mentions Kirra L. Another camper, Stacy L., noted, "Super easy to find coming up from the lake. A lot of spots to choose from."

Natural features: The creek access at BLM Sheldon Creek draws positive reviews. "Babbling brook, cool and comfortable in mid-October. Looking forward to a springtime visit," shares Patricia Y. Another camper, Summer A., described it as "a beautiful spot where we felt safe."

Fire pits: Several sites have established fire rings, which campers find convenient when fire restrictions allow. "There were about 4/5 sites, only 2 with actual fire pits," notes Kenny T. about BLM Sheldon Creek. At Lakeview Dispersed Campground, Joe M. mentioned, "Where I set up there were some log chairs and a previously built fire pit."

Cost-free camping: The free price point appeals to many visitors. "FREE BLM campground," emphasized Kenny T. At Cowboy Camp, Jorg F. called it a "Great free campground! We've stayed here many times."

What you should know

Road conditions: Access roads can be extremely challenging, especially after rain. "The road to this pin is completely impassable in any regular vehicle, this would require an ATV," warns Karmen V. about High Valley Rd Dispersed. "The road was challenging. It was steep with loose dirt in spots," adds Robert H. about Lakeview Dispersed Campground.

Seasonal closures: Some sites close unexpectedly. At Cowboy Camp, Natalie T. reported, "Visit was for 11/19/2024 found the gates locked, no entry. Seasonal? No signage to tell." Another visitor, Derek D., confirmed, "The camp area is closed, as of 2/9/2024. No indication of that on the BLM website."

Weather exposure: Many sites lack tree cover for shade or wind protection. "It was windy in the evening, but that died down during the night," reports Mo H. about Lakeview Dispersed Campground. Carl L. noted BLM Sheldon Creek is "probably very hot during the day since you're up on a ridge."

Trash issues: Unfortunately, some visitors report trash problems. "So much trash left behind here! We tried to pick up what we could but there's quite the mess left behind from others," reports Emma T. about BLM Sheldon Creek.

Tips for camping with families

Best family-friendly site: High Valley Rd Dispersed offers more level terrain suitable for multiple tents. "Very nice spot with multiple places to pull over and camp. There's views of Clear Lake if you want to walk a bit," notes Chris C.

Bug preparation: Insects can be problematic at certain sites, particularly during warm months. At Cowboy Camp, Jorg F. warned, "The only negative is fly's sometimes. But just keep your screen door closed and fly swatter handy."

Temperature planning: Prepare for significant temperature swings between day and night, especially at higher elevations. "Very beautiful and quiet, can be extremely cold at night and morning so be prepared!" advises Joe M. about Lakeview Dispersed Campground.

Toilet access: Vault toilets are available at limited sites, but condition varies widely. At BLM Sheldon Creek, Iliana A. cautions, "You might want to be prepared to dig your own toilet though as the toilet set up was completely infested with spiders."

Tips from RVers

Size limitations: Most dispersed sites near Witter Springs cannot accommodate larger RVs. At BLM Sheldon Creek, Kenny T. warns, "Tow behinds/trailers not recommended; rough roads and can't turn back once on the path."

Leveling challenges: Bringing leveling blocks is essential as most sites feature uneven terrain. Jorg F. mentions at Cowboy Camp, "We always manage to level out in our 23" Winnebago View."

Vehicle clearance: High-clearance vehicles fare best on these roads. "If you're worried about your vehicle making it up we saw a tesla and a nissan altima up there. My subaru made it up perfectly. I would however recommend AWD or a little higher clearance," advises Joe M. about Lakeview Dispersed.

Camp location scouting: Walking the area before committing to a spot prevents getting stuck. Todd N. suggests, "You have to drive up to right as you enter and then turn toward the lake to find the really nice spots. You can't see them from the main area. May need a higher clearance vehicle for that depending on the site. Recommend walking it first."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Witter Springs, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Witter Springs, CA is smittle creek with a 5-star rating from 1 review.

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

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