Smelt Ridge (FR 17N03) in CA -- Free Camping & Overnight Parking in California
Smelt Ridge (FR 17N03) in CA
A 4.5-mile stretch of dirt National Forest road in Colusa County, CA.
Mendocino National Forest, Grindstone Ranger District allows dispersed camping here -- 14-day limit in any 30 days.
All 4.5 miles in are maintained only for high-clearance vehicles. Dirt the whole way in (4.5 miles). Climbs 410 ft over 4.5 miles -- sustained grades near 18%, with pitches to 26%. Stretches run along a shelf with a drop of up to ~110 ft on the downhill side. Little level ground alongside -- few of the stretches measured have a flat spot to pull onto. Dead-end road -- no mapped turnaround; expect to back out or unhitch.
Private here -- the nearest through road is 1.2 miles off. Trough Spring lies 0.7 mi off. Goat Mountain stands 2,500 ft above the site, 5.6 miles southwest. The nearest town, Nice, is 17 mi off.
September normals 60–80°F, 0.2″ rain. Monthly averages, PRISM 1991–2020.
Set by Mendocino National Forest, Grindstone Ranger District. Stage 1 and 2 orders change within days -- check the current order before you build a fire.
fs.usda.gov