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Best Dispersed Camping near Echo Lake, CA

84 Reviews

The Sierra Nevada mountains surrounding Echo Lake, California feature numerous dispersed camping opportunities within El Dorado National Forest and nearby public lands. Free primitive sites can be found at Scotts Lake Road Dispersed Camping in Hope Valley, USFS Silver Fork Dispersed, and Echo Summit Dispersed areas. These locations accommodate both tent and RV camping with varying levels of accessibility. Packsaddle Pass in El Dorado National Forest offers scenic dispersed camping with views of Strawberry Valley according to recent visitors. Most sites lack amenities but provide established fire rings and occasional picnic tables, particularly at the more developed areas near main forest roads.

Road conditions vary significantly throughout the region, with many sites requiring high-clearance vehicles. As one camper noted about USFS Silver Fork Dispersed, "Despite being primitive, the roads are well kept, even if you have a small SUV. It could get slightly tricky with a car." Permits are required for overnight use in El Dorado National Forest, easily obtained through recreation.gov. Cell service remains spotty throughout the area, with most locations offering limited connectivity. Weather can change rapidly at higher elevations, with unexpected snow possible even when forecasts predict clear conditions. Fire regulations change seasonally, with some areas implementing complete bans during high-risk periods.

Campers consistently mention the stunning mountain views and relative solitude as highlights of the Echo Lake region. Several dispersed sites offer riverside camping along Silver Fork River, with one visitor describing it as "awesome" with "paths down to the water with a little beach." Visitors should verify camping regulations before arrival, as some areas marked for dispersed camping may have restrictions. A recent camper at Echo Summit Dispersed reported: "This 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." Most sites operate on Leave No Trace principles with no trash service or facilities, requiring campers to pack out all waste and bring their own water supplies.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Echo Lake, California (34)

    1. Scotts Lake Rd Dispersed Camping

    19 Reviews
    Echo Lake, CA
    7 miles

    "Easy access and reasonably good road quality make it very RV friendly - I would say that it was at least 75% RVs/Trailers. Beautiful views of the valley and hills to the east."

    "Easy to see right off the road with plenty of campsites down either side of a nice dirt road. Rocky and steep road access to Scott’s lake, but easy camping on the edge of the valley."

    2. Packsaddle Pass - El Dorado National Forest Dispersed

    3 Reviews
    Twin Bridges, CA
    8 miles
    Website

    "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"

    3. Iron MT. Dispersed

    10 Reviews
    Eldorado National Forest, CA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (916) 324-4442

    "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."

    4. USFS Silver Fork Dispersed

    6 Reviews
    Kyburz, CA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 622-5061

    "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."

    5. Hope Valley Dispersed

    1 Review
    Echo Lake, CA
    7 miles

    "Free camping"

    6. Echo Summit Dispersed

    2 Reviews
    Echo Lake, CA
    1 mile

    "this location was the site of a fire several years ago, this means that many of the trees have been cleared making it a good site for starlink users like me."

    7. Dispersed USFS

    3 Reviews
    Markleeville, CA
    15 miles

    "This is full wilderness camping off the main road between hope valley and the blue lakes."

    "Several areas along Blue Lakes Rd offer dispersed camping."

    8. Silver Fork River Camping

    1 Review
    Kyburz, CA
    13 miles

    "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."

    9. Union Valley Reservoir Dispersed Camping

    6 Reviews
    Kyburz, CA
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 644-2324

    "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"

    10. Bear Valley Dispersed Camping

    7 Reviews
    Sierraville, CA
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 994-3401

    "Bear valley is my favorite place to go camping, the most you get close to the top of the mountain, the most curvy the road is, so be prepare."

    "Lots of trails to ride your bike and walk."

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Echo Lake, CA

56 Photos of 34 Echo Lake Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Echo Lake, CA

84 Reviews of 34 Echo Lake Campgrounds

  • Val C.
    Jul. 4, 2023

    Leavitt Lake

    Not Accessible by Car

    I have a truck. i got about a half mile in before the snow washed out the road. you can still hike in. high clearance and 4wd a must

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 8, 2023

    USFS Silver Fork Dispersed

    Endless Possibilities

    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. 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:

    1. You are required to have a permit for any day/overnight use in Eldorado, including this area. They can be easily acquired at recreation.gov
    2. Cell phone reception is very spotty, in and out of a couple of bars throughout the drive in. — AT&T coverage. At the above coordinates, there were 2 bars of low grade coverage allowing basic texts to send. Not enough service for web browsing or sending photos via text.
    3. This area has been widely burnt by fires last year. There are still large areas unburnt. You will find yourself going in and out of them while driving.
    4. KEEP IT CLEAN — this area is immaculate and besides dug out fire pits, human trace is non-existent. Leave it cleaner than you found it, pick up your trash (and other’s if you see any), respect the area and it will respect you.
    5. NO CAMP SERVICES — There is no trash service or even dumpsters at the signed entrance; pack it in pack it out. There are no restrooms in the area either.
  • Jacqueline G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Dispersed USFS

    Worth the climbs to get here!!

    This is full wilderness camping off the main road between hope valley and the blue lakes. I had no problem getting in with my 30ft bus towing a jeep but the road is steep and winding for about 7 miles to the pull off. There were a lot of other campers for Labor Day weekend but the rest of the time there was no one around. Jugs of water can be filled at the campgrounds about 5 miles in each direction. PLEASE NOTE: There are prolonged climbs to get here (up to about 8% grade) but my bus did fine. Slow and steady and you’ll be fine. Also WATCH THE WEATHER! Rain can cause spots of the road in to get washed out a bit and deep puddles can appear. There are loads of rocks and fallen trees around to fill in holes if needed. If you’re moderate to high clearance rig you’ll be fine just be mindful. The Blue Lakes are just down the road for swimming, boating, kayaking etc and lots of amazing 4x4 trails. Rivers for fishing and endless hiking and biking. Elevation is 8300ft so definitely a bit high. The trees help with the air however. Not nearly as tough as the high desert of Utah (Zion or Brice) but just take it easy if you’re not used to high altitude.

  • Ciara W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 25, 2024

    Echo Summit Dispersed

    Not dispersed camping

    This 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

  • J
    Sep. 28, 2021

    Leavitt Lake

    High Sierra Lake

    We visited Lake Levitte, back in June 2021. I would recommend a high clearance vehicle, ad there are some technical sections. If you watch your line, you can make it. This location has become too popular by many YouTube videos. When we arrived, there were at least 7 other groups there. Location is beautiful and will definitely return in the future.

  • Tim R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 5, 2024

    Packsaddle Pass - El Dorado National Forest Dispersed

    Standard Dispersed Camping

    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!

  • Shane C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 17, 2022

    Scotts Lake Rd Dispersed Camping

    Dispersed camping with campground layout/feel

    Camped here for a night in early October. Easy access and reasonably good road quality make it very RV friendly - I would say that it was at least 75% RVs/Trailers. Beautiful views of the valley and hills to the east. Most sites are obvious, with a driveway and stone fire ring. We like a more "dispersed" feel, but felt comfortable. 

    There are no services - bring all the water you will need and practice "leave no trace." This goes for your waste (human and animal) as well. I wish I could say that we didn't see any dog waste or "TP Flowers" but we did. Not a significant amount, but any is too much.

    The place was pretty much full, but still good vibes and quiet neighbors. Very close to Hwy. 88, so road noise and campers coming in looking for a spot after dark. Gets quiet later in the evening.

    Overall, a nice spot.

  • Raymond B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 15, 2024

    USFS Silver Fork Dispersed

    Overnight stay

    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.

    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!

  • A
    May. 26, 2021

    Scotts Lake Rd Dispersed Camping

    Sweet Spot

    Easy to see right off the road with plenty of campsites down either side of a nice dirt road. Rocky and steep road access to Scott’s lake, but easy camping on the edge of the valley.

Guide to Echo Lake

Dispersed camping near Echo Lake, California, offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in nature without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. With stunning views and a variety of outdoor activities, this area is perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle.

Dispersed campers should check out Scotts Lake Rd Dispersed Camping

  • This location is known for its peaceful atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for a quiet getaway.
  • Campers have reported beautiful views and the chance to enjoy a serene night under the stars, away from city lights.
  • The area is accessible for both tents and RVs, accommodating various camping preferences.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Echo Lake, California

  • Arrive early to secure a good spot, especially during weekends when places like USFS Silver Fork Dispersed can fill up quickly.
  • Be prepared for limited amenities; many sites, including Iron MT. Dispersed, do not offer drinking water or restrooms, so plan accordingly.
  • Always practice Leave No Trace principles to keep these beautiful areas pristine for future visitors.

Activities to try while free camping near Echo Lake

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is dispersed camping allowed at Echo Lake?

Dispersed camping is generally not allowed at Echo Lake itself. Echo Summit Dispersed is technically National Forest land, but overnight camping is not permitted there according to Forest Service officials. For legitimate dispersed camping options near Echo Lake, consider heading to Packsaddle Pass - El Dorado National Forest Dispersed which offers paved main roads with dirt roads branching off to camping areas. Most dispersed camping in the Echo Lake area requires verification with the local ranger district as regulations have tightened. Always check current restrictions before planning your trip.

What amenities are available for dispersed camping at Echo Lake?

Dispersed camping near Echo Lake offers minimal amenities as these are primitive sites. At Silver Fork River Camping, you'll find three established sites with basic stone fire rings but no facilities. Loch Leven Lakes provides beautiful lakeside camping but no developed amenities. Most dispersed sites in the area have natural clearings for tents and sometimes fire rings created by previous campers. There are no toilets, garbage service, picnic tables, or potable water sources available. You must bring all necessary supplies including water (or filtration systems), toilet paper, and waste disposal bags. Cell service is typically limited or non-existent. Always practice pack-in, pack-out principles.

What are the regulations for dispersed camping at Echo Lake, California?

Dispersed camping regulations near Echo Lake require camping at least 100 feet from any water source, using existing fire rings when available, and practicing Leave No Trace principles. At USFS Silver Fork Dispersed, camping is allowed on National Forest land with stays typically limited to 14 days. Scotts Lake Rd Dispersed Camping follows standard El Dorado National Forest regulations. Campfires may require permits depending on season and fire danger levels. Pack out all trash, bury human waste 6-8 inches deep at least 200 feet from water, and store food properly to prevent wildlife encounters. Check with the local ranger district for current fire restrictions and seasonal closures.

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