Carlin Canyon

An OK spot, surprisingly quiet. It was mid-May. Heard mostly crickets and frogs. You will see signs that say “PRISON AREA” just keep going. You will see signs that say “NATIONAL GUARD STATION” just keep going. You will see signs that say “DEAD END” just keep going. I definitely got nervous seeing all this, thinking I was totally in the wrong place but I got to the spot fine. No cell service (Verizon). Would feel more comfortable staying here with a companion, but I would stay again in a pinch.

It would be 5 stars if there's wasn't quite as much litter and if it was easier to get to the water (I camped in the spot 1/2 way around the bend). Happened to be very strong wind gusts, so happy to overnight. Nice paved road going in with gravel spots to camp in.
A note on navigation: I was going west on I-80. Google Maps wanted me to get off early, at the California Trail Interpretive Center. Pretty sure that wouldn't work - just go to exit 221 for East Carlin. Also, Tesla nav thought I could get right back on the freeway from the BLM area but that ramp is closed and you have to go all the way back to exit 221.

We are traveling from Iowa to California and back our goal is to stay only at dispersed camping and although this is only our 3rd spot this is our favorite if we didn’t have to get back on the road we would have stayed another night !! It was easy to find with google maps. The directions took us right to it. I believe this road is actually the bypass when the tunnel is closed and that is why the end is blocked. We went to the second pull over and there was plenty of space to set up right in the parking. We had the place to ourself untill about 9pm another car pulled in and spent the night and left early. There was some huge grasshopper type bugs everywhere but they were very scared of people and didn’t really come near us lol. Beautiful view, very quiet and relaxing !!! No cell service

We drove along the weird rode that goes under the highway all the way to the dead end and didn't see a single spot that would be ideal for tent camping.

However, it's a perfect place to stop for an hour or so. The river and scenery are absolutely gorgeous. There are cows swimming closer to the highway, that you could get quite close to (but please leave them alone). The water is a perfect temperature for walking in and talking your dog for a swim as we did. I would recommend wearing some kind of water shoes for this because the entire river bed is made up of mossy rocks. We saw remnants of crayfish and other creatures, but didn't come across anything living.

Would be a good place to spend the night if you have a smaller rv or camper trailer.

This was a beautiful site. Fun little switchback paved road took us into a canyon with “California Pioneer Trail” markers. Beautiful, accessible stream surrounded by tall sandstone canyon. Cows across the creek added to the overall scene.
Not sure why other camper had trouble getting in. Highway entrances are for emergency vehicles. You need to follow gps coordinates.