Best Dispersed Camping near Carmichael, CA
Dispersed camping opportunities around Carmichael, California include two primary sites in nearby forest and hill areas. Mormon Emigrant Trail Dispersed Pull Off, located approximately 60 miles east of Carmichael, permits free tent and RV camping on undeveloped land. Independence Hill Dispersed, situated northeast of Carmichael, provides similar primitive camping experiences. Both areas fall under public land management with minimal regulations and no amenities, allowing campers to experience backcountry conditions.
Access routes to these dispersed sites vary significantly in quality and difficulty. The Mormon Emigrant Trail area features level pull-off spots accessible to most vehicles, including larger rigs. In contrast, Independence Hill has extremely challenging access roads described as "terrifying" with steep grades and rough conditions. Neither location provides drinking water, toilets, trash service, or other facilities. Fire regulations differ between sites, with Independence Hill allowing campfires while Mormon Emigrant Trail prohibits them. Campers must pack in all necessary supplies and remove all waste when departing.
The surrounding terrain offers distinct camping experiences based on recent environmental conditions. Mormon Emigrant Trail provides open areas with sunrise and sunset views, though recent wildfire damage has affected the landscape. Multiple dirt roads branch from the main pull-off, leading to additional camping spots with hiking opportunities nearby. A recent review noted "Large pull off area with amazing views of the sunset and sunrise," while another mentioned "nothing to look at but burned out trees." At Independence Hill, the proximity to a historic town provides exploration opportunities despite challenging conditions. One camper reported "so much glass and shell casings everywhere from what seems to be a local shooting area."
