Dispersed-camping regions in California
Hand-curated zones inside California that concentrate the highest-quality dispersed and free camping. Each region page lists the federal and state managers, named pull-outs, the practical camping season, and the elevation band that controls almost everything else.
Eastern Sierra
Managers: Inyo National Forest; BLM Bishop Field Office
Areas: Buttermilk Country, Bishop Creek dispersed, Rock Creek Lake area…
Read region brief →Lost Coast & Six Rivers
Managers: Six Rivers National Forest; BLM Arcata Field Office
Areas: King Range National Conservation Area, Mattole Road dispersed, Smith River corridor…
Read region brief →Mojave & Death Valley Edge
Managers: BLM Needles, Barstow, & Ridgecrest Field Offices
Areas: Trona Pinnacles, Afton Canyon, Mojave National Preserve roadside (NPS, with rules)…
Read region brief →Modoc Plateau
Managers: Modoc National Forest; BLM Alturas Field Office
Areas: South Warner Wilderness gateways, Mill Creek Falls area, Devils Garden Plateau…
Read region brief →