California dispersed camping

Dispersed camping in California

Browse HTML spot links for dispersed camping in California, then use the full map when you want to compare more public-land options, road access notes, and current restrictions.

880 published spotsCheck local rules before camping. Conditions and restrictions can change.
What this state page helps with

Use this page as a cleaner state-level crawl and browse entry than a map-only route.

  • Open real spot pages for rules, access notes, and nearby alternatives.
  • Compare California public-land camping options before moving into the full map.
  • Keep conservative expectations around fees, closures, and overnight rules.
Last updated Jun 21, 2026Check local rules before camping. Conditions and restrictions can change.

Road conditions are user-reported and may change quickly.

GoSpotCamp combines official sources and user-reported conditions. Review the methodology before relying on a route or overnight plan.

Top dispersed camping pages in California

These California spot pages already provide real public details, internal links, and current caution language.

(Lake Alpine) Lodgepole Campground

Campground · Federal agency · California

Check feesOvernight allowedNot reported

Overview Lodgepole Group Campground is located just two miles west of Lake Alpine in northern California. The campground affords breathtaking views of the surrounding Stanislaus National Forest. Campground may open earlier and close later on a first come first serve basis as weather (snow level) all

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ACKERMAN CAMPGROUND

Campground · Federal agency · California

Check feesOvernight allowedNot reported

Located on the shores of Lewiston Lake, eight miles north of Lewiston on County Road 105, and 20 miles from Weaverville. This campground is on the waters edge, offers beautiful scenery, and is a favorite of fisherman. Each site is equipped with tables and grill/fire ring.

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ACORN CAMPGROUND

Campground · Unknown manager · California

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Overview Acorn Campground is a sunny campground in the brush-covered hills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The area is generally characterized by a warm, dry climate with summer temperatures regularly soaring above 90 degrees. With sites just a short walk from the shores of the popular New H

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Aerie Crag Picnic Area and Campground

Camping spot · Federal agency · California

Check feesOvernight unknownNot reported

Lakeside picnic area along the Rush Creek on June Lake Loop. When local campgrounds are full this site may be opened as overflow camping for self-contained RV's. 10 sites total, great for emergencies or while waiting for something to come open.

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Afton Canyon

Dispersed camping area · Federal agency · California

Check feesOvernight unknownNot reported

Overview Known locally as the Grand Canyon of the East Mojave for its dramatic geological formations, the Afton Canyon Natural Area/Area of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC) is part of the Mojave Trails National Monument. The ACEC encompasses approximately 41,500 acres, of which about 23,600 acres are p

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AGNEW HORSE CAMP

Campground · Federal agency · California

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Overview Agnew Meadows Group Campground is located in the Reds Meadow Valley section of the eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains, just west of the full-service community of Mammoth Lakes, California. Popular with large families, this group camping facility provides access to some of the most spectacular wilderness

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AhDiNa Campground

Campground · Federal agency · California

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This picturesque campground in the midst of the Union Creek Historic District, in the middle of an old-growth forest. Union Creek itself flows through the campground and intersects the Rogue River. This campground offers quiet secluded campsites. Snacks and a hot meal are within walking distance at

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Aholul Group Campground

Primitive campsite · Unknown manager · California

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Sunset views from this site are dramatic. The group campground is one large site, which can accommodate 75+ people, and is by reservation only. There is a large, paved parking lot which can accommodate large trailers or motor homes. Please call ahead as the area may be reserved in advance. Campsites are accessible a

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Alabama Hills

Dispersed camping area · Federal agency · California

Check feesOvernight unknownNot reported

NOTICE: Per the Alabama Hills Approved Resource Management Plan, all drone operators are required to obtain a drone use permit before flying within the Alabama Hills Recreation Area. To obtain a permit, contact blm_ca_web_bi@blm.gov . Th

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Alder Creek Campground

Campground · Federal agency · California

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Nestled adjacent to the beautiful Deer Creek, Alder Creek is a semi-developed campground with 6 designated sites. Space is limited. A fee of $10 per night is required.

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Algoma Campground

Campground · Federal agency · California

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Algoma Campground OPEN. Description : Located on the Upper McCloud River at an elevation of 3800 feet, this is a small undeveloped camping area with 8 user-created sites and a vault toilet. No drinking water. No fee. 15 day stay limit. Features : A

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Aliso Park Campground

Dispersed camping area · Federal agency · California

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Oak shaded campground, Recreational Vehicles up to 28 feet.

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ALMANOR

Campground · Federal agency · California

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Overview Almanor Campground is a large family-friendly facility for individuals and large groups alike. It provides direct access to beautiful Lake Almanor and a variety of recreational opportunities in the area. Recreation The 28,000-acre lake provides ample boating, swimming, water skiing and sail

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Amboy Crater National Natural Landmark

Dispersed camping area · Federal agency · California

Check feesOvernight unknownNot reported

Overview Amboy Crater, formed of ash and cinders, is 250 feet high and 1,500 feet in diameter. It is situated in one of the youngest volcanic fields in the United States. The site offers picnic tables, restroom facilities, hiking trail to the rim with rest stations along the way, and an ADA ramada overlook for

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American Canyon Seasonal Campground

Campground · Federal agency · California

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Update: August 10, 2023 There is currently no access to American Canyon Campground via the Avenales Ranch. A reservation system is being developed and will be in place for next year’s hunting season.

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ANACAPA ISLAND

Primitive campsite · Federal agency · California

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Overview Once visitors have scaled the rugged cliffs using the stairwell from the Landing Cove, they will be rewarded with a campground perched on the bluffs with magnificent coastal views. Anacapa Island, the closest Channel Island to the mainland of California, is comprised of three islets (appropr

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Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest

Camping spot · Federal agency · California

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Visiting the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest is an enjoyable way to spend a day learning about the oldest trees in the world. Living trees exceed 4000 years of age with weathered, twisted, and beautifully colored wood. Ancient Bris

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Angel Creek Campground

Campground · Federal agency · California

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Angel Lake Campground

Campground · Federal agency · California

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The campground is next to Angel Lake, and flanked by glacial cirques. Non motorized boating (canoeing) in Angel Lake, and fishing for rainbow, brook, and tiger trout. The Smith Lake Trailhead accesses the northern part of the East Humboldt Wilderness from campground, and another trailhead from just southeast of the

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Antlers (Shasta Lake, CA)

Campground · Federal agency · California

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Overview Antlers Campground is situated on a bluff above the Sacramento arm of Shasta Lake. The campground has beautiful views of the lake. There is no access to the water from this campground. The Public Boat Launch is right next to the campground for great outdoor activitites. The grounds are heavily fore

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Applewhite Campground

Campground · Federal agency · California

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Located three miles north of the Lytle Creek Ranger Station, the campground provides an easy get-away. Trees surround the campsites and Lytle Creek flows across the street at Applewhite Picnic Area. Please use caution crossing the road.

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Aquatic Park Cove, Black Point Overnight Anchoring, Sailing Vessels only (auxiliary engine OK)

Campground · Federal agency · California

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Overview Aquatic Park Cove is a vibrantly urban harbor that mimics a natural anchorage and is located on the Pacific shores of one of America's great West Coast cities. San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park's Aquatic Park Cove is the small craft gateway to San Francisco. Vessels entering Aquatic Park

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Arbuckle Flat Boat-In Campground

Dispersed camping area · Federal agency · California

Free campsiteOvernight allowedNot reported

Arbuckle Flat is one of four boat-access only campgrounds on Shasta lake. Located far up the Pit Arm of the lake, this facility is very popular with those visitors who want to get away from the crowds. Whether or not the access is difficult varies depends on the current lake level. There are vault toilet

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Argus Range Wilderness

Dispersed camping area · Federal agency · California

Check feesOvernight unknownNot reported

Nestling in the Argus Range, a thin and narrow north-south mount

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