Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Coloma, CA has a lot to offer. Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Coloma. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your California camping adventure.
"Pulled off Union valley road and set up camp with our Rooftop tent. Little cold up here in November but made for some great pre-snowfall camping!"
"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"
"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."
"The coordinates listed on the app are simply for the entrance to the dispersed camping. There are infinite amounts of primitive roads to drive down and find camp."
"The area is spacious and conveniently located not too far off the main road, making it easy to access without feeling too isolated."
"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."
"The Mormon Emigrant Trail can be accessed from there (East side, going West to Sly Park.) You can hear the Highway a little, but nonetheless very peaceful area."
"We backpacked up to the high loch levens lake where we found many available campsites."
"We took Salmon lake trailhead which is shorter trail."
"We were at another location up the road that was listed on Dyrt and the Forest Service Fire Team came up and started talking and they suggested this site and its awesome."
"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 or open dispersed camping areas."
"Standard dispersed camping on national forest land. Paved main road with dirt roads and areas for camping branching off. Plenty of room. Some areas have beautiful views of strawberry valley!"
"Great location. Not sure it would be a good location if it's been raining. May hear the occasional road noise"
TravelerThe coordinates listed on the app are simply for the entrance to the dispersed camping. There are infinite amounts of primitive roads to drive down and find camp. I stayed at N38.768811• W 120.238630° — on top of a peak that offered 360° views with sunrise and sunset right from my tent. At this specific sight, there are no overhead trees. Despite being primitive, the roads are well kept, even if you have a small SUV. It could get slightly tricky with a car. I stayed here for 7 days (10/31-11/6) and only saw one other person on the primivite roads. The above coordinates are about a 6 mile drive in from US50. You will see a campground on your right about 5 miles down when driving in, about a mile further down the road you will come up on the dirt road leading you up the mountain.
A couple of notes:
GuideThis spot is national forest, and overnight camping is not allowed. We had a knock from someone with the forest service the next morning who was very kind and let us know that overnight is not allowed.
Look up lakes and forest in this area on google — not many places allow dispersed camping
GuideStandard dispersed camping on national forest land. Paved main road with dirt roads and areas for camping branching off. Plenty of room. Some areas have beautiful views of strawberry valley!
TravelerWe 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.
There are plenty of sites to choose from, catering to different preferences. However, we recommend taking some time to survey the land before setting up camp, as some spots are slightly sloped.
A huge plus is the gas station just about 5 minutes down the road. It’s well-stocked with all the convenient store items you might have forgotten at home, making it easy to grab any last-minute necessities.
Overall, it was a delightful stay. Just remember, always practice Leave No Trace principles—pack out what you pack in!
TravelerIf you are looking to be near the water and no service, this is perfect. The rough road in I believe must keep some folks out but the lake is amazing.
RangerWe 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. The middle lake is very large and had many beautiful spots to camp. But we headed to the upper lake since a lot of day hikers go to the middle lake and don’t always pack out what they pack in. All the sites are very dispersed and you have so much privacy. We saw some people even camping on the boulders! It was very serene and quiet with very respectful campers. The trail up is a bit confusing if you don’t pay absolute attention to where you are going. You can find some orange markings or stacked rocks that help you stay on the path. Reaching our destination was amazing. We swam in the lake and napped in our hammocks. I will say that there was a lot of mosquitos. Even with bug spray I left with 7 bites. But, it’s the outdoors what do you expect? Overall very beautiful area to camp!
GuideGreat spot for a tent or small trailer. The dirt road up is full of ruts and potholes, but my Toyota Yaris made it up. Some noise from chainsaws in the distance one day, and some target practice, but neither lasted long. 2 bars LTE of Verizon.
TravelerSuper fun spot went in September. Dirt road to get to spot is pretty rough but my Taurus wagon did just fine. There are a few people on dirt bikes ripping around trails so not fully secluded but still a good spot.
GuideThe road up to Iowa Hill is terrifying- especially in the dark. We camped in our 4runner as we got there when it was dark and there was so much glass and shell casings everywhere from what seems to be a local shooting area. 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
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Coloma, California, where nature lovers can find serene spots away from the crowds. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, this area is perfect for those seeking adventure and tranquility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Coloma, CA?
Free dispersed camping can be found in the El Dorado National Forest near Coloma. Packsaddle Pass - El Dorado National Forest Dispersed offers standard dispersed camping on national forest land with paved main roads and dirt roads branching off to camping areas. Some spots provide beautiful views of Strawberry Valley. Another option is Mormon Emigrant Trail Dispersed Pull Off, which features large pull-off areas with amazing sunset and sunrise views. The site has a few level spots and can accommodate multiple vehicles. Remember that dispersed camping follows Forest Service regulations including a typical 14-day stay limit.
Are there any free tent camping options in Coloma?
Yes, there are several free tent camping options near Coloma. USFS Silver Fork Dispersed offers spacious areas with numerous primitive roads to explore and find camp. Some spots provide 360° views with stunning sunrises and sunsets. For a more adventurous option, Top of Arnold - FR 5N56 Dispersed provides great spots for tent camping, though the dirt road has ruts and potholes. Despite the rough access, it's manageable even in smaller vehicles. Be prepared for occasional noise from nearby activities like dirt bikes or target practice, but these typically don't last long.
What amenities are available at dispersed camping sites in Coloma?
Dispersed camping sites around Coloma are primitive with minimal to no amenities. At Silver Fork River Camping, you'll find established sites with river access but no facilities. Similarly, Bowman Lake Dispersed offers beautiful lakeside camping but requires traveling a rough road and has no services or cell coverage. Most dispersed sites in the area follow true primitive camping principles - no toilets, running water, trash service, or hookups. Pack in all supplies and pack out all waste. Some areas have enough cell service for basic communication (Verizon reported 2 bars LTE at some locations), but connectivity varies greatly by location and carrier.
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