Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Eldorado National Forest, CA has a lot to offer. Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are Eldorado National Forest campgrounds just for you. Find the best campgrounds near Eldorado National Forest, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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"
"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."
"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."
"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"
"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."
"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."
"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."
GuideI 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
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 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.
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
ScoutWe 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.
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!
TravelerCamped 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.
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!
TravelerEasy 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.
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Eldorado National Forest in California, where nature lovers can enjoy the great outdoors without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, you'll find the perfect spot to unwind and connect with nature.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
Is there a map available for dispersed camping in Eldorado National Forest?
Yes, maps for dispersed camping in Eldorado National Forest are available through multiple sources. The official USFS Eldorado National Forest Motor Vehicle Use Maps (MVUMs) are your most reliable resource, showing roads where dispersed camping is permitted. These maps are available for free at ranger stations or can be downloaded from the forest's official website. Many campers at Leavitt Lake recommend getting maps before visiting due to challenging road conditions and seasonal closures. The Avenza Maps app offers downloadable Forest Service maps that work offline with GPS functionality. For areas like Iron MT. Dispersed, having these maps is essential for navigating the network of forest roads. Remember that maps should be supplemented with current information from ranger stations about seasonal closures and fire restrictions.
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.
Keep Exploring
