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."
