Dispersed camping near Georgetown, California provides campers with high-elevation forest experiences in the Sierra Nevada foothills. Sites within El Dorado National Forest sit between 4,000-7,500 feet elevation, creating significant temperature variations between seasons and day-to-night. Winter camping requires snow permits from November through May, while summer temperatures typically range from 75-85°F during daytime and 45-55°F at night.
What to do
Explore nearby lakes: Union Valley Reservoir offers extensive shoreline dispersed camping opportunities with summer swimming. "Pretty easy to get to and lots of spaces for dispersed sites," notes Blair K. about Union Valley Reservoir Dispersed Camping. The reservoir warms up nicely for swimming during summer months.
Hiking to waterfalls: Areas near Independence Hill Dispersed feature seasonal waterfall trails within hiking distance. "The town nearby is a bit eerie but fun to explore. Hike nearby with waterfall is beautiful," reports Emily C. about Independence Hill.
Scenic drives: The Mormon Emigrant Trail offers pull-off camping with panoramic views. "Large pull off area I found and stayed at for 4 days with amazing views of the sunset and sunrise," writes Onyx E. about Mormon Emigrant Trail Dispersed Pull Off. This area provides 360-degree vistas without needing to hike.
What campers like
Seasonal advantages: Many sites offer better experiences during specific seasons. "Not too many people in between seasons. Summer time is not bad," says Verna T. about Union Valley Reservoir Dispersed Camping. Mid-spring and early fall typically provide the best balance of comfortable temperatures and lower crowds.
Privacy options: Silver Fork Dispersed offers secluded camping next to water. "Not sure if my wife and I found the right spot or went far enough, but we found a great 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," shares Blair K.
Wildlife viewing: Several sites offer opportunities to see native wildlife. "There are herds of cows that will make their way through the area, please be respectful of them!" Alex P. notes about Scotts Lake Rd Dispersed Camping. Early morning and dusk provide the best wildlife viewing times.
What you should know
Road condition variability: Access roads range from well-maintained to technically challenging. "The road up to Iowa Hill is terrifying - especially in the dark," warns Emily C. about Independence Hill Dispersed. Many sites require checking recent road conditions before arrival.
Temperature fluctuations: High elevation sites experience significant day-to-night temperature changes. "My 9 yr old son wanted to try camping in or near the snow, and the weather was favorable on this December weekend (high 56, low 39)," shares Orion B. about Silver Fork Dispersed. Temperature drops of 30-40 degrees between day and night occur regularly.
Shooting activity: Some sites have informal target shooting nearby. "Someone was shooting litteraly all night long which was frustrating," reports Blair K. about Union Valley Reservoir. Scotts Lake Road and Independence Hill areas also have reported shooting activity.
Tips for camping with families
Lake access for children: Loch Leven Lakes offers multiple swimming areas appropriate for kids. "We backpacked up to the high loch levens lake where we found many available campsites. We swam in the lake and napped in our hammocks," notes Azizah T. about Loch Leven Lakes. The middle lake provides the easiest access for families with young children.
Bug protection: Mosquitoes can be problematic at certain sites. "I will say that there was a lot of mosquitos. Even with bug spray I left with 7 bites," warns Azizah T. about Loch Leven Lakes. Bringing head nets and long clothing helps protect children.
Bathroom logistics: With no facilities at most sites, families need bathroom planning. "We brought a privacy shelter and portable camp toilet, and our own water. Those are really the only things you need that would normally be provided by a paid campsite," explains Orion B. about Silver Fork Dispersed.
Tips from RVers
Leveling considerations: Finding flat spots for larger RVs requires advance planning. "We are new to dispersed camping and have a 40 ft 5th wheel as well as a GMC Denali 350 dually. We need a large space to fit into," says Susan L. about Scotts Lake Rd Dispersed Camping. "We arrived on a Monday at noon and found that the large area about 1/4 mile in was not at all crowded."
Weekday arrival strategy: Sites fill quickly on weekends but empty mid-week. "We went mid week in August and it wasn't too crowded," notes Har Rai K. about Grouse Ridge Campground. Monday through Thursday arrivals significantly improve chances of finding suitable spots for larger vehicles.
Technical driving skills: Some access roads require careful navigation for RVs. "The road was much more technical than a standard forrest service road, but doable in most stock crossover vehicles or better. We had a borrowed AWD Transit van and did it with some patience and strategic line choice," explains Har Rai K. about Grouse Ridge Campground.
