This free dispersed camping area on BLM land requires navigating a steep, narrow paved road described by campers as challenging, particularly after dark. Sites sit roughly two miles from the small village of Iowa Hill, with basic amenities including allowed campfires and pets. Cell service reaches one bar on Verizon networks.
Reviewers note debris including glass and shell casings scattered around some camping spots, suggesting local shooting activity. The access road may have downed trees blocking further exploration into the area. Black bears frequent the vicinity, and ticks are reported in surrounding vegetation. A small creek runs nearby for those continuing up the road, and Giant Gap provides developed camping options for visitors preferring established facilities.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Dispersed CampingIndependence Hill Dispersed is located in California
Coordinates
39.1152660274438 N
120.84862493569894 W
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent Coverage
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 4/27/26
- AT&T5GGood Coverage
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent Coverage
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 4/27/26
- AT&T5GGood Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Dispersed
Features
For Campers
- Phone Service
- Pets
- Fires
DISPERSED CAMPING
Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.
Drive Time
- 1 hr 8 min from Sacramento, CA
- 1 hr 25 min from Yuba City, CA
- 1 hr 39 min from Reno, NV
- 2 hrs 10 min from Carson City, NV










