Dispersed camping near Camp Connell, California offers several options across Stanislaus and El Dorado National Forests at elevations between 5,000-8,300 feet. Summer temperatures typically range from 45-85°F, with forest roads closing seasonally during winter months. The surrounding area features mixed conifer forests with ponderosa pine, sugar pine, and incense cedar trees.
What to do
Fishing access: Multiple dispersed camping spots provide river access, particularly along Silver Fork. "There are a total of 3 established sites. All the sites are on the river and have paths down to the water with a little beach. When we were there in early June the water was still very cold. It's a popular fishing spot with the locals," reports a camper at Silver Fork River Camping.
Stargazing: Open areas away from light pollution create excellent viewing conditions. At Bear Valley Dispersed Camping, one visitor noted, "We arrived when it was dark and had no problem finding a spot! It was open with plenty of spots & we were the only ones! Perfect spot for star gazing!!"
Mountain biking: The region offers numerous trails for various skill levels. "There are plenty of sites to choose from, catering to different preferences," says one camper, while another at Dispersed USFS mentions "near-by trails for dirt bikes, Jeeping, horses, mountain biking or hiking."
What campers like
Panoramic views: Elevated camping spots provide exceptional scenery. A visitor at Iron MT. Dispersed shared, "The ground is very flat and many areas are paved with gravel. At 7500 feet above sea level, the view is wide and the scenery is beautiful, especially the sunset view." Another camper noted, "Great spot with an amazing view. There are also many OHV trails close by."
Solitude: Many dispersed sites offer privacy despite proximity to more popular areas. A camper at Mormon Emigrant Trail Dispersed Pull Off reported, "Large pull off area I found and stayed at for 4 days with amazing views of the sunset and sunrise! I was there on weekdays so was pretty much alone the whole time but even if the main spot is occupied there's a couple of dirt roads that lead to more areas to camp."
Accessible water features: Streams and lakes enhance the camping experience. A visitor to Silver Fork River Camping described sites that "are on the river and have paths down to the water with a little beach," while another camper mentioned "Rivers for fishing and endless hiking and biking."
What you should know
Cell service variability: Connectivity differs significantly between locations. At Top of Arnold - FR 5N56 Dispersed, a camper reported, "It's suitable enough of a campground, Verizon works. There is sun for solar panels and enough shade to be fine mostly." At Iron MT. Dispersed, visitors had mixed experiences: "We had 3 bars of AT&T connection there," while another noted, "I had no service with Verizon or t-mobile."
Road conditions: Access routes vary in difficulty and may change seasonally. A visitor to Dispersed USFS warned, "There are prolonged climbs to get here (up to about 8% grade) but my bus did fine. Slow and steady and you'll be fine. Also WATCH THE WEATHER! Rain can cause spots of the road in to get washed out a bit and deep puddles can appear."
Camping permits: Some areas require permits for overnight stays. A camper at Silver Fork Dispersed noted, "You are required to have a permit for any day/overnight use in Eldorado, including this area. They can be easily acquired at recreation.gov."
Tips for camping with families
Look for established sites: Pre-used areas often have basic improvements. At Scotts Lake Rd Dispersed Camping, a visitor with a family mentioned, "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."
Consider campsite proximity: Some areas are close to recreational facilities. A camper noted that their spot was "near enough to Rush Creek Lodge that you could hear kid noise from the pool during the day but it got quiet after 9pm."
Pack insect protection: Bug activity varies by location and season. One visitor warned, "Lots of ticks! be prepared," while another mentioned avoiding creek-side camping because "the spots along the creek were very buggy. We found one away from the water and not at all buggy."
Tips from RVers
Arrive early for level spots: Finding suitable parking for larger vehicles requires planning. A camper at Scotts Lake Rd Dispersed Camping advised, "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."
Check elevation and grade: Higher sites may require more powerful vehicles. A visitor to Dispersed USFS mentioned, "Elevation is 8300ft so definitely a bit high. The trees help with the air however. Not nearly as tough as the high desert of Utah (Zion or Brice) but just take it easy if you're not used to high altitude."
Scout before committing: Pre-check sites for suitability before attempting to park. "We recommend taking some time to survey the land before setting up camp, as some spots are slightly sloped," advised an overnight camper.
