Dispersed camping near Diamond Springs, California centers primarily in El Dorado National Forest at elevations between 3,000-7,500 feet. The terrain varies from pine forests to granite outcroppings with temperatures ranging from summer highs of 85°F to winter lows below freezing. Many sites can be accessed via Forest Service roads that vary in condition depending on recent weather and maintenance schedules.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Several dispersed camping areas offer access to fishing spots, particularly along Silver Fork River Camping. As one camper notes, "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."
Hiking trails: Near Top of Arnold - FR 5N56 Dispersed, visitors can access multiple trails. A reviewer mentioned, "Super 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."
Stargazing: The clear mountain air creates ideal conditions for night sky viewing. At Bear Valley Dispersed Camping, one camper shared, "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!!"
Wildlife viewing: Free camping near Diamond Springs provides opportunities to spot local wildlife. At Independence Hill Dispersed, a camper reported, "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."
What campers like
Secluded locations: Many dispersed sites offer privacy not found at developed campgrounds. At Packsaddle Pass - El Dorado National Forest Dispersed, campers appreciate the solitude: "A paved road leads you up into a recently deforested area that seems to have had a fire recently. Found a nice spot near the top with a wide open clearing, perfect for watching the sun set next to a fire. Very quiet."
Mountain views: The elevation provides scenic vistas throughout the region. As one camper at Mormon Emigrant Trail Dispersed Pull Off described, "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."
Access to water: Several sites offer proximity to streams and lakes. A visitor to Silver Fork River Camping shared, "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."
Cell service: Unlike many remote areas, some dispersed sites maintain connectivity. At Independence Hill Dispersed, a camper reported, "1 bar Verizon and a small creek (if you continue on up the road)."
What you should know
Road conditions: Access roads vary significantly in quality. At Union Valley Reservoir Dispersed Camping, one camper advised, "First come first serve sites although plenty, fill up fast. Luckily there is a lot of Dispersed camping all the way around the lake!"
Fee changes: Some previously free areas now charge fees. A Union Valley user reported, "Can't even park and enjoy the view without getting harassed by the overweight goon they call a 'camp host'. $10 day fee? Naw. Been coming here for years FOR FREE. Not paying now."
Trash management: Pack out all waste as no services exist in most areas. A Blair K. noted about Mormon Emigrant Trail, "Large dirt pull off. Unfortunately there was a massive fire here and there is nothing to look at but burned out trees."
Seasonal considerations: Weather patterns affect accessibility. At Scotts Lake Rd Dispersed Camping, one visitor warned, "You follow a dirt road and have camping spots along the road. When I was here it was jammed packed RV, vans and tents all set up along the road. To me it was good for a an overnight stay. No At&t service what so ever. Little highway noise."
Tips for camping with families
Best locations for children: Sites near water features provide natural entertainment. At Scotts Lake Rd Dispersed Camping, a camper recommended, "We went just up the road into the wildlife reserve and drove all the way up to burnside lake. Beautiful. Definitely need 4x4 and the road is super bumpy. We had a great spot that looked over the mountains."
Safety considerations: Be aware of wildlife and prepare accordingly. One camper at Top of Arnold advised, "This campground was the best campground that I've been to in a long time take note that this is real camping so there is no bathrooms. There is no running water. There is no showers not for the week but for the real man not recommended for women in small kids."
Educational opportunities: Use the natural setting for learning experiences. A visitor to Bear Valley Dispersed Camping mentioned, "There is a point where the paved road disappears and is only dirt road, you can keep driving as far as you want, it is easy to find a good spot to park and set your camp. The night views are amazing!"
Tips from RVers
Parking guidelines: Know site limitations before arrival. At Iron MT. Dispersed, a camper noted, "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."
Leveling challenges: Mountain terrain requires preparation. As one RVer at Packsaddle Pass shared, "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!"
Space considerations: RV accessibility varies by location. A camper at Silver Fork River Camping explained, "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. You cross the bridge over the river and the trail is to the right. There are a total of 3 established sites."
