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Best Dispersed Camping near Downieville, CA

25 Reviews

The Sierra Nevada foothills surrounding Downieville, California feature numerous dispersed camping opportunities on national forest land, with options ranging from lakeside sites to remote mountain pullouts. Bowman Lake Dispersed and Grouse Ridge Campground stand out as highly-rated destinations, both requiring navigation of rough forest roads but rewarding visitors with scenic mountain views and lake access. Most camping areas near Downieville are primitive in nature, with few developed facilities and primarily catering to tent campers and those with smaller recreational vehicles. The region's camping landscape is characterized by its remoteness and natural beauty, with several sites situated near alpine lakes and offering opportunities for fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing.

Road conditions present significant challenges for accessing many camping areas around Downieville, with numerous camper reviews emphasizing the need for high-clearance or 4WD vehicles. As one visitor to Bowman Lake noted, "The road to get here is rocky, but worth every second." Winter access becomes extremely limited, with sites like Lake Valley Road Pullout completely inaccessible due to snow accumulation. One camper warned, "Got stuck for over a day trying to get to the site. Tow truck also got stuck." Summer brings its own considerations, particularly mosquitoes at lakeside locations. Most dispersed sites lack amenities such as drinking water, toilets, or trash service, requiring campers to be fully self-sufficient and practice proper waste management.

Lakeside camping locations receive consistently positive reviews from visitors seeking solitude and natural beauty. Campers at Loch Leven Lakes report "very dispersed sites with much privacy" though reaching these backcountry lakes requires hiking in with gear. Fire restrictions vary seasonally and by location, with some areas permitting campfires while others prohibit them entirely. Several camping areas show evidence of target shooting activity, with visitors to Independence Hill noting "glass and shell casings everywhere." The North Complex Fire has permanently closed some formerly popular sites, including Rogers Cow Camp in Plumas National Forest, which according to a recent visitor is "burnt to the earth" with only partially cleared access roads and damaged facilities.

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Detours Nearby

Sardine Lake

Sardine Lake

25 min away

Bowman Lake Dispersed

Bowman Lake Dispersed

1 hr 54 min away

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Downieville, California (18)

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Downieville, CA

25 Reviews of 18 Downieville Campgrounds

  • ron R.
    Oct. 12, 2024

    Peavine Road Dispersed Camping

    Complete trash dump

    It's sad where we have this public land to camp on and people just dump tons and tons of trash and abandoned cars and demolished cars on the property would not recommend going. There's some more BLM land about 15 to 20 minutes north on Red Rock road.

  • Genevieve R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 28, 2023

    Peavine Road Dispersed Camping

    Lots of trash and shells

    I live 10 minutes away, so I checked it out. It's sketchy driving in with a lot of trailers and cars along the road closer to the main road. There may or may nor have been people in them. We didn't see people walking around except one guy who was walking his dog on the dirt road and another guy nearby with a table next to his car. Maybe he was flying a drone. The dirt road was very rutted in a few areas. No big deal, but I was in my Jeep Trailhawk 4x4. I didn't have my trailer with me. The view of the city is great, but that's it. The area to pull off is not that big, so I think it would be crowded with more than 2 other trailers. It wasn't windy at all when we were there, but I'm sure it could be because it can be very windy in this area. I wouldn't stay here unless I absolutely had to for the night. I did hear gunshots in the distance. We only stayed a few minutes to take a few pictures. No amenities like fire rings or tables.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2024

    Bowman Lake Dispersed

    Lake side Campsites

    If 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.

  • Azizah T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 21, 2021

    Loch Leven Lakes

    Quiet dispersed camping

    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. 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!

  • Emily C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 20, 2025

    Independence Hill Dispersed

    horrible road up, cool historic town

    The 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

  • E
    Apr. 23, 2024

    Dog Valley

    Our favorite !

    Dog Valley is a special place where we come to boondock. It’s quite and has a great creek. People come out here to camp, ride atvs, side by sides, dirt bikes, or off road. People target practice a lot and the ranger is very nice.

  • Autumn L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 14, 2025

    Bowman Lake Dispersed

    Highly Recommend !

    The road to get here is rocky, but worth every second! We love spending our time here. Found a perfect spot with easy access to water right outside of our tent. Very friendly area for our dog - zero ticks the whole weekend! Would highly recommend the drive but make sure your vehicle is able to go up steep rocky roads.

  • Chris N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 21, 2024

    Bowman Lake Dispersed

    Great Late Spring Escape

    This place was a slice of heaven, but only accessible by way of 4 x 4 with decent clearance. The trail will take you off road for quite some time , but it's well with the adventure. Traction boards and a winch could help you through unexpected obstacles and are recommended to have on hand, but you most likely won't need them. No running water, but there are restroom buildings, fire rings and bear boxes to use. Mosquitoes are abundant here. Don't forget your repellent. The lake is gorgeous, a great fishery, and there are plenty of inspirational views and solitude to be had.

  • Jakey and Alex L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 12, 2023

    Bear Lake Rd. Dispersed

    Beautiful, but a hard drive in

    The road in is paved until you reach the real spot where you can actually set up camp. It is VERY rocky and looks like it’s pretty beaten up by Off Road Vehicles.

    If you have a Trailer or RV this is NOT the place to go. There is another spot down the road that is better.

    Forecast said no rain… it rained. Woke up this morning to 4inches of snow! It was majestic.

Guide to Downieville

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Downieville, California, where nature's tranquility awaits. With stunning landscapes and a variety of outdoor activities, this area is perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Downieville, California

  • Be prepared for rough access roads; for instance, reaching Bowman Lake Dispersed requires a vehicle with decent clearance due to its rugged terrain.
  • Mosquito repellent is essential, especially at spots like Grouse Ridge Campground, where these pests can be abundant during warmer months.
  • Always pack out what you pack in, as many areas, including Loch Leven Lakes, do not provide trash disposal facilities.

Scenic lakes and fishing spots for dispersed campers

  • The breathtaking views at Bowman Lake Dispersed make it an ideal location for fishing enthusiasts looking to catch some local species.
  • Loch Leven Lakes offers multiple lakes to explore, providing ample opportunities for fishing and swimming in a serene environment.
  • For those seeking solitude, Grouse Ridge Campground features numerous lakes and hiking trails, perfect for a peaceful day in nature.

Dispersed campers should check out Bowman Lake for its stunning views

  • Bowman Lake Dispersed is known for its picturesque lakeside campsites, making it a favorite among those who appreciate being close to water.
  • The area around Grouse Ridge Campground is not only beautiful but also offers a cooler climate, making it a refreshing escape from the heat of the valley.
  • With no amenities like toilets or trash disposal, Loch Leven Lakes encourages a true back-to-nature experience, perfect for seasoned campers looking for a challenge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find dispersed camping areas around Downieville?

The Downieville area offers several dispersed camping options in the surrounding national forests. Kyburz Flats is a popular spot with multiple camping areas, including near the historic sheep camp site. The road gets rougher after the first mile, but is passable in high-clearance 2WD vehicles in dry conditions. If you're willing to venture a bit further, Bowman Lake Dispersed provides lakeside camping with beautiful views. Other options include Lake Valley Road dispersed sites and Three Cornered Meadow. Most dispersed camping areas around Downieville are located on USFS or BLM land, typically allowing stays up to 14 days.

What are the regulations for dispersed camping in Downieville?

Dispersed camping around Downieville follows standard Forest Service and BLM regulations. At Dog Valley, a popular dispersed area, campers must practice Leave No Trace principles and properly dispose of waste. There's a typical 14-day stay limit within a 28-day period. Campfires may require permits depending on the season and fire danger levels. During high fire danger periods, restrictions may be enforced. At Loch Leven Lakes, camping is allowed at established sites at least 100 feet from water sources. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, pack out all trash, and use existing fire rings when permitted.

Is 4WD required to access dispersed camping sites near Downieville?

Vehicle requirements vary significantly for dispersed camping areas around Downieville. Bear Lake Rd. Dispersed features a paved road until you reach the actual camping area, where it becomes very rocky and beaten up - not recommended for trailers or RVs. For the ultimate experience, Independence Hill Dispersed has a challenging access road that can be intimidating, especially in the dark, making 4WD highly advisable. Many dispersed sites around Downieville are accessible with high-clearance 2WD vehicles in dry conditions, but 4WD is recommended for wet conditions and accessing more remote areas.

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