Want to go dispersed camping near Yreka? Dispersed camping gets you off the grid so you can disconnect from the hecticness of everyday life. Find dispersed campsites you've visited before, or discover new spots from other campers.
Please check for fire restrictions before you go: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/stnf/alerts-notices/?cid=stelprdb5392380. Campfire permits are required to have a campfire or stove at a dispersed site. Campfire permits are available online at www.readyforwildfire.org/permits/campfire-permit/
Camping is not limited to developed camping. Almost all of the forest is open to those who prefer the quiet solitude of a completely undeveloped setting.
Generally, dispersed camping is allowed outside of developed sites within the forest unless otherwise posted. One exception to this is Lewiston Lake. Camping is prohibited within 1/4 mile of the high water mark with no exceptions. Other exceptions are the Mt. Shasta plantations area and McCloud River Loop.
Please call ahead to offices for current fire restriction and road information. Potable water, toilets, and other amenities are not available. Be sure to bring adequate water or be prepared to purify natural water sources before drinking. Camp at least 200 feet from springs, water, meadows, trails and roads. Camp at least a quarter-mile from designated campgrounds, picnic areas, trailheads, private property and state highways. If you brought it in with you, then remember to take it out when you leave (Pack It In/Pack It Out).
More details here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd771279.pdf
Recreation on the unit centers on the two designated wilderness areas of Mount Shastaand Castle Crags. Dominating the landscape for several hundred miles in all directions, Mount Shasta looms 14,162 feet, a beautiful snow-cloaked massif, second only to Mount Rainier in height among the famous Cascade Range volcanoes. No trails lead up Mount Shasta, but trails provide access to the Wilderness and the foot of the mountain. The Wilderness shares its southern border with Castle Crags State Park. You'll find 27.8 miles of maintained trails starting from nine trailheads. The Pacific Crest Trail rambles for 19 miles through the area. Most of the National Forest lands on the Mt. Shasta district are open for dispersed camping. Remember, most dispersed sites will be affected by campfire restrictions starting sometime in July. When restrictions are in effect, you may still operate a gas stove and/or a gas-only barbeque with a valid campfire permit. Wood fires and charcoal barbeques are strictly prohibited. Please use proper sanitation methods for human waste, pack out all of your garbage, and leave no trace of your stay. Current list of Road Closures, Campground & Trail information.
Most of the National Forest lands on the Mt. Shasta district are open for dispersed camping. Remember, most dispersed sites will be affected by campfire restrictions starting sometime in summer. When restrictions are in effect, you may still operate a gas stove and/or a gas-only barbeque with a valid campfire permit. Wood fires and charcoal barbeques are strictly prohibited. Please use proper sanitation methods for human waste, pack out all of your garbage, and leave no trace of your stay.
Guide
You’ll have to enter a dirt road to get down to this spot. There will be several sites, but small ones all along that dirt road. This site specifically is good for when camping with a Van or small trailer.
Traveler
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. Cannot hear water the other person mentioned but also haven't walked down the road yet. 3 or 4 rigs down close by. I am in a level spot but nowhere to walk except road from here. Again, great view.
Guide
The road was rough at first but smoothed out enough that we weren't worried in our van. There are only a few pullouts here, and no one else was around.
ScoutNot a long drive after leaving the highway. Several spots were all empty when I got here mid-November. The actual campground is closed for the season, but the pull-offs and turnarounds are enough. There are large trucks that use this road but it was quiet enough and far enough off the road to not be a problem. I was the only one here.
Traveler
This was a perfect spot for a quick one night stay as we were passing through. The coordinates were off though and it took us up to a private residence road so I would not follow that. There’s multiple side dirt roads leading down to the lake from the main road so I would just look for those. Beautiful views at night and in the morning! It was wide open with no other campers in site.
GuideAs 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. Pack in pack out. Other than that nice peaceful area, you can hear the river running, and has a nice view of Mount Shasta.
ScoutThe 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.
Legend
Not far from Ashland and right past the Hyatt Lake Resort are some dispersed spots on BLM land near the lake. The lake level is very low so at this time you could drive quite close to it but it gets really muddy so watch out because it looks grassy and deceivingly dry.
There is road noise but quiets down at night.
Also there is a large flock of geese that honk all day and night and there is goose poop everywhere!
The site we stayed at had a stone fire pit and not very level but we made it work. It is a good spot for a night or 2 and we would stay here again if passing through. There are no amenities so bring water and pack in and out all trash. The resort nearby has a restaurant and small store. No service from ATT and TMobile but Verizon had 1-2 bars of LTE roaming.
TravelerTravelerThis is disbursed lakeside camping with no facilities.
Guide
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 !!
GuideMt. 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!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Yreka, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Yreka, CA is Rail Line Dispersed Site with a 4-star rating from 1 review.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Yreka, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 16 dispersed camping locations near Yreka, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
