At 7,500 feet elevation on the grounds of a long-abandoned ski resort, Iron Mountain Dispersed sits in Eldorado National Forest with wide-open sightlines and the remnants of old ski lifts still visible across the hillside. The terrain is notably flat, and many areas are gravel-paved, which makes setup straightforward and gives the site a more open feel than typical forest dispersed camping. A handful of rock fire rings are scattered around, though campers should confirm current fire restrictions before arriving, as bans have been reported during dry conditions.
The atmosphere here is shaped by the site's unusual history. Visitors have stumbled into impromptu conversations with locals who remember the resort's original owner and its heyday in the 1960s and 70s. Sunsets draw consistent attention from reviewers, with one noting that colors in the sky can last a good two hours. Highway 88 runs nearby, and road noise is audible from camp, though Caroline U. notes it's "not too distracting." The site tends to stay quiet midweek but shows signs of heavier use on weekends, including log piles from ongoing timber work that may bring equipment traffic during the day.
Cell coverage depends on your carrier. AT&T users report one to three bars in certain spots, while Verizon and T-Mobile users have found no service at all. The Mormon Emigrant Trail can be accessed from the east side of the area, heading west toward Sly Park, and OHV trails are also within reach. Bear River Lake Resort and Silver Fork Campground are among the developed options in the surrounding corridor along Route 88 for campers wanting hookups or more structured facilities.
Seasonal access matters here. From November 1 through May 31, a Sno-Park permit is required, and snow can make the main camping area inaccessible even when the paved roundabout at the entrance remains drivable. Summer and early fall give the most reliable access to the flat interior sites with the best views. Arriving on a weekday gives the best chance of having the area to yourself.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsIron MT. Dispersed is located in California near Eldorado National Forest
Dispersed CampingCoordinates
38.63005572 N
120.21213282 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 3 usersLast on 8/15/26- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 8/15/26
- AT&TNo CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 8/15/26
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 3 usersLast on 8/15/26
- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 8/15/26
- AT&TNo CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 8/15/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Dispersed
Features
For Campers
- ADA Access
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- WiFi
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Pull-Through Sites
- Big Rig Friendly
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.
PERMIT might be REQUIRED
We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Iron MT. Dispersed needs a permit.
Drive Time
- 1 hr 7 min from Carson City, NV
- 1 hr 22 min from Sacramento, CA
- 1 hr 34 min from Reno, NV
- 1 hr 42 min from Stockton, CA
