Primitive camping near Coloma, California offers access to elevations ranging from 1,200 to 7,500 feet throughout the Sierra Nevada foothills and higher mountain terrain. The area sits within El Dorado National Forest, which spans 596,724 acres and contains over 611 miles of streams and rivers. Seasonal temperature variations can be extreme, with summer highs reaching 90°F at lower elevations while higher sites like Iron Mountain remain 20-30 degrees cooler.
What to do
Creek exploration: At USFS Silver Fork Dispersed, campers can find multiple stream-adjacent sites. One camper noted, "We recently spent a night at this campsite and found it to be perfect for a quick overnight getaway. The area is spacious and conveniently located not too far off the main road, making it easy to access without feeling too isolated."
Hiking nearby waterfalls: Independence Hill provides access to waterfall trails within walking distance of camp. "The town nearby is a bit eerie but fun to explore. It worked for one night! No amenities, but a bathroom and paid campsite down the rugged road so come with everything you need. Hike nearby with waterfall is beautiful," reports one visitor.
Lake swimming: Union Valley Reservoir Dispersed Camping offers warm-water swimming during summer months. A camper shared, "First come first serve sites although plenty, fill up fast. Luckily there is a lot of Dispersed camping all the way around the lake! So beautiful, and the lake is really warm in the summer."
Backpacking to alpine lakes: Several backcountry camping opportunities exist beyond day-hiking range. A Loch Leven Lakes visitor explained, "We backpacked up to the high loch levens lake where we found many available campsites. But also a lot of the nice view spots were occupied since we didn't start our hike up early, we started at 5:30pm."
What campers like
Sunset views: Iron MT. Dispersed camping at 7,500 feet elevation provides exceptional sunset viewing. A recent visitor reported, "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."
Riverside campsites: Silver Fork River Camping features established sites along water. A camper detailed, "You cross the bridge over the river and the trail is to the right. There are a total of 3 established sites. The 3rd site requires a vehicle with a little more clearance... All the sites are on the river and have paths down to the water with a little beach."
Secluded locations: Mormon Emigrant Trail Dispersed Pull Off provides isolation for extended stays. One visitor shared, "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."
Off-grid experience: Primitive camping near Packsaddle Pass offers digital disconnection. A camper noted, "Great location. Not sure it would be a good location if it's been raining. May hear the occasional road noise."
What you should know
Fire restrictions: Most dispersed camping areas have seasonal fire bans. At Mormon Emigrant Trail, a camper mentioned, "Easy to get to and easy to park at although not a great spot for tents. Unfortunately there was a massive fire here and there is nothing to look at but burned out trees."
Road conditions: Access to some sites requires high-clearance vehicles. At Grouse Ridge Campground, a visitor cautioned, "The road was much more technical than a standard forest service road, but doable in most stock crossover vehicles or better. We had a borrowed AWD Transit van and did it with some patience and strategic line choice."
Snow impacts: Higher elevation sites can remain snow-covered into late spring. One visitor to Lake Valley Road Pullout noted, "We were looking for an overnight spot in this area and checked out this listing but there's just still too much snow at this time. The weather isn't cold, but the snow plows have pushed all the snow off the road so that it's impossible to get to any pullouts."
Cell service: Limited connectivity exists throughout the region. A camper at Grouse Ridge observed, "This is as isolated as it gets. Don't expect water or cell reception or toilets. In this area, you're on your own."
Tips for camping with families
Bring entertainment: Lake proximity offers natural play areas for children. A Silver Fork River camper mentioned, "When we were there in early June the water was still very cold. It's a popular fishing spot with the locals. Not much traffic at all as it's on a side street. Each site is large enough for 3 campers to fit."
Choose accessible sites: Silver Fork Dispersed areas include options with minimal hiking required. One visitor shared, "My 9 yr old son wanted to try camping in or near the snow, and the weather was favorable on this December weekend (high 56, low 39). We are pretty new to camping and not hardcore, but this was very easy and comfortable."
Pack sanitation supplies: No toilet facilities exist at most sites. A parent advised, "We brought a privacy shelter and portable camp toilet, and our own water. Those are really the only things you need that would normally be provided by a paid campsite."
Consider timing: Summer weekends attract larger crowds at popular areas. A Union Valley Reservoir visitor noted, "I always have a great experience camping here. Not too many people in between seasons. Summer time is not bad."
Tips from RVers
Scout suitable parking: Many Forest Service roads offer adequate clearance for smaller RVs and camper vans. At Packsaddle Pass, a visitor observed, "Standard dispersed camping on national forest land. Paved main road with dirt roads and areas for camping branching off. Plenty of room."
Level site selection: Iron Mountain provides multiple flat parking options. A camper noted, "Good flat location easy to find. Had to check out a few spots to get WiFi AT&T one bar the sun set are awesome can see colors in the sky for a good two hour."
Plan for self-sufficiency: No hookups or services exist throughout these areas. A camper at Independence Hill warned, "Super quiet, super remote. If getting away is on your list, then Independence Hill is one place to go. 1 bar Verizon and a small creek (if you continue on up the road). It's really about 2 miles from the village of Iowa Hill, but it is remote."
Be prepared for wildlife: Bears frequent some camping areas. An Independence Hill visitor shared, "I scared two black bears as I was walking (don't I wish I had that on film...). And yes, that's his footprint on my van door - he was checking out the bag of garbage I had stored on my roof."
