Scotts Lake Rd Dispersed Camping, near Hope Valley, California, offers a rugged outdoor experience for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle. This location is perfect for tent campers and RVs alike, with plenty of spots along a dirt road that leads to stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

Visitors often mention the peaceful atmosphere, especially at night when the sounds of nature take over. While there are no amenities like drinking water or restrooms, campers appreciate the freedom to set up wherever they find a suitable spot. One reviewer noted, “It is very quiet here, not hearing any road noise,” which adds to the charm of the area.

For those who enjoy a bit of adventure, the nearby Burnside Lake is a must-visit. The road to the lake can be bumpy, so a 4x4 is recommended, but the breathtaking scenery makes it worth the trip. Campers have shared that there are numerous options for camping along the way, making it easy to find a perfect place to settle down.

Keep in mind that this area can get busy, especially on weekends, so arriving early is a good idea. Just be prepared for some bugs during the summer months, as they can be quite persistent. Whether you're looking to unwind or explore, Scotts Lake Rd Dispersed Camping has a lot to offer for your next outdoor adventure.

Scotts Lake Rd Dispersed Camping

Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Echo Lake, CA is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. Echo Lake is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. Find the best campgrounds near Echo Lake, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.

Echo Lake

The Best Camping Near Echo Lake, California

Dispersed camping not far from Lake Tahoe. Easy to drive into just be careful of potholes and large puddles from rain, even in summer. No amenities, but it’s a very beautiful area. There are herds of cows that will make their way through the area, please be respectful of them! Scott’s lake is just up through this area if you have 4x4 capability. 

Dispersed and pleasant 

Beautiful spot to camp

Arriving around 9pm after a long drive to find the gate locked was very disheartening, especially since reception in the area around Kirwood is missing.

Gate locked

Easy to see right off the road with plenty of campsites down either side of a nice dirt road. Rocky and steep road access to Scott’s lake, but easy camping on the edge of the valley. 

Sweet Spot

Camped here for a night in early October. Easy access and reasonably good road quality make it very RV friendly - I would say that it was at least 75% RVs/Trailers. Beautiful views of the valley and hills to the east. Most sites are obvious, with a driveway and stone fire ring. We like a more "dispersed" feel, but felt comfortable. 

  

There are no services - bring all the water you will need and practice "leave no trace." This goes for your waste (human and animal) as well. I wish I could say that we didn't see any dog waste or "TP Flowers" but we did. Not a significant amount, but any is too much.

  

The place was pretty much full, but still good vibes and quiet neighbors. Very close to Hwy. 88, so road noise and campers coming in looking for a spot after dark. Gets quiet later in the evening.

  

Overall, a nice spot.

Dispersed camping with campground layout/feel

Not sure if this closes for winter or if it's just closed because of the snow but there is no access at this time! Everything is shut, with wire across access point. 

GATE CLOSED!

Closo

Rode my motorcycle to the location. Good compact dirt road to get to camp. It could be muddy during rainy season. During the summer time, lots of bugs and mosquitoes. 

Easy access for all type of vehicles. 

You follow a dirt road and have camping spots along the road. When I was here it was jammed packed RV, vans and tents all set up along the road. To me it was good for a an overnight stay. No At&amp;t service what so ever. Little highway noise. 

Easy access and lots of spots 

We are new to dispersed camping and have a 40 ft 5th wheel as well as a GMC Denali 350 dually. We need a large space to fit into. We arrived on a Monday at noon and found that the large area about 1/4 mile in was not at all crowded. We had our choice of several places to set up. It is very quiet here, not hearing any road noise. A forest ranger told us there were more spaces up near the lake, but we didn’t venture up there. 

What a beautiful place for our 40 ft 5th wheel

We went just up the road into the wildlife reserve and drove all the way up to burnside lake. Beautiful. Definitely need 4x4 and the road is super bumpy. We had a great spot that looked over the mountains. Would definitely come back. Lots of places to choose from along the way to the lake. 

Burnside lake 

Lots of people ! come early for a spot. nice views around. lots and lots of bugs. i sleep in my car and crack the windows a little bit and i woke up to a shit ton of bugs that got in my car. even more surrounding the cars. very quiet at night, maybe i just got lucky lol. 


Great

I’m motorcycle camping and the ground level was about half full, mostly RVs, so I attempted to head up Scott Lake Road.

The dirt was manageable but there are sections of large rocks difficult to pass on two wheels. I crossed several but I dropped my bike before the second circle. Defeated and exhausted from a long day’s ride, I headed back down to set up my camp among the RV set. 

No shade to the lifestyle but this is an awfully long drive to watch TV at top volume. 

Beautiful, popular, treacherous

Came on a Saturday around 4pm, there were 2 other campers other than me so it wasn’t busy at all. No service for at&amp;t. Overall had a good stay here with my 2 dogs 

Photos of Scotts Lake Rd Dispersed Camping

Real photos from real campers