Deadlun Campground - Big Bend, CA
Deadlun Campground – Pet-Friendly Forest Retreat in Big Bend, California
Nestled in the woods near Big Bend, California, Deadlun Campground welcomes campers and their canine companions to a tranquil, rustic getaway. This free campground is known for its peaceful, secluded sites shaded by mature trees, scenic reservoir views, fishing opportunities, and a beautiful nearby creek. Its pet-friendly attitude draws outdoor lovers seeking dog-friendly hiking and quiet escapes, especially those looking for a less crowded spot to enjoy nature with their pets.
The campground offers basic amenities like pit toilets, picnic tables, fire pits, and plenty of open space for pets and children to play. While the campground roads can be rough and muddy after rain or snow, the area features natural beauty and seclusion, making it a favorite for campers who prioritize serene forest settings and access to water-based activities. Be prepared for primitive conditions, and always clean up after your dog to help keep this hidden gem pristine for future visitors.
- FAQ
- Is there shade or shelter available? Yes, the campground sites are well-shaded by mature trees.
- Are restrooms available for owners? Yes, there are pit/vault toilets available on-site.
- Is the park open year-round? The campground is open year-round, but access can be extremely difficult during winter due to snow and downed trees.
- Are picnics or BBQs allowed? Yes, there are picnic tables and fire pits for barbecuing.
- Is the park muddy after it rains? Yes, expect rough and muddy conditions following rain, especially on the internal dirt roads.
- Are there walking or hiking trails connected to the park? There are hiking opportunities with scenic routes down to the reservoir and through nearby forest areas.
- Is there a swimming area or pond for dogs? There is access to a reservoir and creek for swimming, though exact dog policies for the swim area aren’t specified.
- Is there parking available? Parking is available but be cautious as the roads and parking areas can be rough or muddy, particularly after rain or snow.
Reviews
Beautiful free campground with close by lake with great fishing.
Great little campsite with pit toilets clean and quiet beautiful trees everywhere! Definitely will be back!
Fair warning to fellow winter adventurers! The website says open year round, but the campground is virtually inaccessible during snow season. We had 4WD and chains, but nothing short of proper treads could have made it past all the ice and downed trees this January. We didn’t let that stop us from having a good time, though! We brought our own Solo Stove fire pit and ended up pitching our tent just out by the side of the road at the last intersection about a mile and a half before the campground location. Despite the lack of toilets and picnic tables we still enjoyed the peaceful isolation for one night, as well as the gorgeous scenery on a leisurely hike down to the half-frozen reservoir the next morning. Not an experience for the faint of heart, but as long as you come prepared I give it a solid 4 stars. 🙂
If you want to get away from the crowds and be out in the woods, but not hours from civilization than this is a great campground ⛺️ choice for ya. This is a nice secluded campground on a reservoir that is stocked with fish. It is free to stay here but it only has pit toilets, nice picnic tables and fire pits.
The road up to the campground entrance is fine, but as soon as you get in, the roads turn to dirt. Not level dirt either, there were huge holes, and some roads were slanted sideways so the passenger side was much higher than the drivers side. We visited a couple days after it had rained, and our car ended up getting stuck in some mud. The campground seemed fine, and apparently the vault toilets were just replaced last year (2018). The area is nice, but not actually that close to the reservoir. We decided not to stay because we were worried our car would get stuck again.