Val C.
Guide
GuideLeavitt 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
Best Dispersed Camping near Eldorado National Forest
Several dispersed camping areas dot the national forest surrounding Eldorado National Forest, with Iron Mountain Dispersed offering the most accessible option. This abandoned ski resort area provides flat, gravel-paved sites at 7,500 feet elevation with panoramic sunset views. The location is easily reached via paved roads, though winter access requires a Sno-park permit from November through May. Highway noise is audible but minimal according to campers.
Silver Fork Dispersed camping features sites along a stream about four miles before the main Silver Fork campground. This area was affected by the Caldor Fire but remains usable with existing fire rings and flat spots near water. According to one visitor, "There are infinite amounts of primitive roads to drive down and find camp." Packsaddle Pass and Mormon Emigrant Trail offer additional dispersed options with varying road conditions. Most sites provide no amenities—no toilets, water, or trash service—requiring self-sufficiency. Fire restrictions are common, and forest permits are required for overnight stays in Eldorado, easily obtained through recreation.gov.
Best Dispersed Sites Near Eldorado National Forest (26)
1. Iron MT. Dispersed
10 ReviewsEldorado National Forest, CA5 milesWebsite+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."
2. USFS Silver Fork Dispersed
6 ReviewsKyburz, CA6 milesWebsite+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."
3. Scotts Lake Rd Dispersed Camping
18 ReviewsEcho Lake, CA17 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."
4. Packsaddle Pass - El Dorado National Forest Dispersed
3 ReviewsTwin Bridges, CA7 milesWebsite"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"
5. Silver Fork River Camping
1 ReviewKyburz, CA3 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."
6. Mormon Emigrant Trail Dispersed Pull Off
2 ReviewsGrizzly Flats, CA10 miles"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."
7. Union Valley Reservoir Dispersed Camping
6 ReviewsKyburz, CA16 milesWebsite+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"
8. Bear Valley Dispersed Camping
7 ReviewsSierraville, CA20 milesWebsite+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."
9. Echo Summit Dispersed
3 ReviewsEcho Lake, CA15 miles"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."
10. Dispersed USFS
3 ReviewsMarkleeville, CA18 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."
Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Eldorado National Forest
52 Photos of 26 Eldorado National Forest Campgrounds
SpentBrassOffroad B.
Silver Fork River Camping
Alicia
Iron MT. Dispersed
Orion B.
USFS Silver Fork Dispersed
Camden Z.
Shealor Lakes Dispersed Backcountry
Tim R.
Packsaddle Pass - El Dorado National Forest Dispersed
Chris V.
Echo Summit Dispersed
Nick M.
Union Valley Reservoir Dispersed Camping
Rajesh N.
Scotts Lake Rd Dispersed Camping
Jacqueline G.
Dispersed USFS
Claudia M.
Bear Valley Dispersed Camping
Jakey and Alex L.
Bear Lake Rd. Dispersed
Jakey and Alex L.
Granite Chief Wilderness - Dispersed
Dispersed Camping Reviews near Eldorado National Forest
82 Reviews of 26 Eldorado National Forest Campgrounds
- A
Alex
TravelerUSFS 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:
- 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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.GuideDispersed 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.GuideEcho 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
Kevin C.
RangerTop of Arnold - FR 5N56 Dispersed
Deep woods, close to town
A very secluded primitive site that is only a couple miles or less to town over paved and dirt roads. The roads are not four-wheel drive and are perfect for van lifers. I would not pull a trailer of any kind up here. Or a vehicle with low clearance. Deep in the woods surrounded by forests and undergrowth nice flat spots to park and set up camp. 2 to three bars Verizon no facilities of any kind. There are a few random fire pits. This area is closed in the winter due to snow but is the perfect weather during shoulder seasons, not too hot not too cold.
- JJeff L.
ScoutLeavitt 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.GuidePacksaddle 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.TravelerScotts 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.Traveler
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!
Guide to Eldorado National Forest
Dispersed camping sites dot the national forest lands surrounding Eldorado National Forest, offering primitive overnight accommodations at elevations between 7,500-8,300 feet. Winter conditions frequently close forest roads, with snow lingering into May at higher elevations. Forest permits are required for rustic camping in most areas, with seasonal fire restrictions strictly enforced from late spring through fall.
What to do
Hiking nearby trails: Iron Mountain Dispersed camping provides access to abandoned ski lifts that create unique hiking opportunities. According to Raven P., "It looks like they are cutting down trees in the area that you would camp at so there are big piles of logs everywhere. Good place to hike around, I could see this place being perfect for the summer!"
Mountain biking access: Bear Valley Dispersed Camping connects to numerous bike trails. A visitor notes, "Location was near trails to rock climbing, mountain biking, hiking." Another camper mentions there are "lots of trails to ride your bike and walk."
Fishing opportunities: Silver Fork areas offer stream fishing options. One camper at Silver Fork River Camping reports, "All the sites are on the river and have paths down to the water with a little beach. It's a popular fishing spot with the locals."
Stargazing after dark: Open areas created by forest thinning and fire recovery provide excellent night sky viewing. A visitor to Bear Valley stated it was a "Perfect spot for star gazing!!" Another camper at Echo Summit Dispersed noted, "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."
What campers like
Riverside camping spots: Silver Fork River Camping provides direct water access. According to a recent visitor, "You cross the bridge over the river and the trail is to the right. There are a total of 3 established sites... All the sites are on the river and have paths down to the water with a little beach."
Easy road access: Most dispersed sites can be reached with standard vehicles. A camper at Scotts Lake Rd Dispersed Camping explained, "Easy to drive into just be careful of potholes and large puddles from rain, even in summer." Another noted it's "easy camping on the edge of the valley."
Privacy between sites: Many areas offer well-spaced camping options. At Mormon Emigrant Trail Dispersed Pull Off, a camper reported finding "a 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."
Seasonal temperature variations: Summer temperatures moderate at higher elevations. As one visitor to Iron Mountain noted, "Weather isn't too hot and very secluded." A camper at Dispersed USFS mentioned, "Elevation is 8300ft so definitely a bit high. The trees help with the air however."
What you should know
Permit requirements: Forest permits are needed for overnight stays. As noted for USFS Silver Fork Dispersed, "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."
Road conditions vary: Some forest roads require higher clearance vehicles. A visitor to Dispersed USFS stated, "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."
Cell service limitations: Reception varies greatly by location and carrier. At Echo Summit Dispersed, one camper mentioned their satellite internet worked well due to cleared trees. A visitor to Scotts Lake noted, "No AT&T service what so ever. Little highway noise."
Winter access restrictions: Packsaddle Pass - El Dorado National Forest Dispersed and other higher elevation sites have seasonal limitations. A visitor to Iron Mountain reported, "The site was covered in snow, and there was a sign saying no camping in snow clearing conditions. Additionally you aren't allowed in without a Sno-park permit from November 1st to may 31st."
Post-fire landscape: Many areas show evidence of recent wildfires. At Echo Summit Dispersed, a visitor noted, "this location was the site of a fire several years ago, this means that many of the trees have been cleared."
Tips for camping with families
Look for established flat areas: For comfort with children, seek out level sites. A visitor to Silver Fork Dispersed noted finding "a nice spot about 4 miles before silver fork camp ground. Nice and flat, right next to the stream, already had some stones for a fire ring."
Pack all necessities: No services exist at most sites. A camper at Silver Fork Dispersed explained, "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."
Consider proximity to water: Streams provide both recreation and practical water for filtering. At Silver Fork River Camping, a visitor found "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."
Check road conditions: Some access roads can challenge family vehicles. A camper at Scotts Lake advised, "Easy to drive into just be careful of potholes and large puddles from rain, even in summer."
Tips from RVers
Look for abandoned recreation areas: Old ski areas offer flat parking for larger vehicles. At Iron Mountain, 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."
Plan for self-contained camping: No hookups or dump stations exist at dispersed sites. A visitor to Dispersed USFS commented, "Great place if you're self contained. Great view, space between sites."
Measure clearance needs: Some forest roads have tight turns. A camper at Echo Summit Dispersed warned, "The road towards the cabins has a very tight turn that will not allow anyone over 25 feet- though I'd recommend smaller."
Frequently Asked Questions
What amenities are available at dispersed camping sites in Eldorado National Forest?
What amenities are available at dispersed camping sites in Eldorado National Forest?
Dispersed camping in Eldorado National Forest offers a primitive outdoor experience with minimal to no amenities. Scotts Lake Rd Dispersed Camping features established sites with stone fire rings and drivable access, making it relatively RV-friendly, but lacks facilities like bathrooms or potable water. Silver Fork River Camping provides established sites with river access but similarly has no developed amenities. Most dispersed areas have informal parking spots and sometimes fire rings from previous campers. You'll need to pack in all water, pack out all trash, and be prepared with portable toilet solutions. Cell service varies throughout the forest, so don't count on connectivity. Remember to practice Leave No Trace principles and check current fire restrictions before your trip.
Where are the best spots for dispersed camping in Eldorado National Forest?
Where are the best spots for dispersed camping in Eldorado National Forest?
Eldorado National Forest offers several excellent dispersed camping areas. USFS Silver Fork Dispersed provides infinite primitive roads to explore with some sites offering spectacular 360° views of the surrounding landscape. Packsaddle Pass - El Dorado National Forest Dispersed features paved main roads with dirt offshoots for camping, offering beautiful views of Strawberry Valley. For those seeking lake access, Loch Leven Lakes has multiple camping spots around its lakes, though it requires backpacking in. Note that not all areas in Eldorado National Forest permit overnight dispersed camping—Echo Summit, for example, does not allow overnight stays despite being on national forest land. Always verify current regulations before setting up camp.
Which is the most popular dispersed
campsite near Eldorado National Forest?
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Eldorado National Forest?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Eldorado National Forest is Iron MT. Dispersed with a 4.3-star rating from 10 reviews.
What is the best site to find
dispersed camping near
Eldorado National Forest?
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Eldorado National Forest?
TheDyrt.com has all 26 dispersed camping locations near Eldorado National Forest, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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