free camping Cali/Oregon border?
My family and I are planning a trip up to Portland to visit friends around Easter. One of the stops will be around the CA/Oregon border. We are taking the 5 northbound. Any good free camping near the 5? Thanks.
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- Be aware, though, that turning down some of the side roads in that area may not be as nice as you would hope. Some of the locals are pretty protective of their "crops".
- I recommend the small camp near the east side of the 5, near Dunsmuir. It was free, and right next to the Sacramento river. Yeah, the trains do run about 1/4 mile away, but at nite are not as often. Also, at Castella, and of course Castle Crags State park. There is a few spots near the Iron gate Dam, and the fish hatchery off of the Holbrook Hwy too.
- Take the Exit for Simms Flat CG (Google it). Just before crossing the RR tracks, there is a road to your left that leads to a very large parking area which is the overflow camping area for Simms Flat. Pretty nice place as long as you don't mind trains rumbling past all night long.
- How about Siskiyou summit? Always see trucks parked up there. ;)
I would try the different roads that follow the rivers in the area. Lots of big turnouts. - I sometimes camp in the national forest along the road that runs past Castle Crags State Park. There are a few spots just off the paved road along the river. Not sure about big rig access, I've always been on a motorcycle.
- Please, don't use Walmart, etc, for 'camping'. Use those locations for quick rest stops and overnighting. :)
- If you want free camping, best bet is just to stay in the CA/ OR rest stops.
For safety, I would park near the trucks.
You can't count on Walmarts anymore for free camping in their parking lots. However the last time I was in Medford OR, the Walmart near Costco still allowed camping.
On I5 is Rolling Hills Casino, below Red Bluff CA.
You can park with the Trucks for free. Safe place. Free Coffee/ Soft drinks in Casino.
Camping in the RV spots is $28. That about is cheap as you will find anywhere. - There are some decent RV parks near Redding. Not free. We have stayed at Walmart, rest stops and Flying J in the past. Hard to relax and sleep. RV parks have power for quiet AC operations. We are trying a new place on the next trip.
Near Shasta Dam
