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Best Dispersed Camping near Gold Run, CA

38 Reviews

Dispersed camping areas near Gold Run, California include several free options throughout the surrounding Sierra Nevada foothills. The Independence Hill Dispersed camping area offers primitive sites with fires permitted on Forest Service land. Additional dispersed camping can be found around Lake Valley Road, with multiple pullout locations popular among campers. Bowman Lake Dispersed and Grouse Ridge areas provide higher-elevation options in the Tahoe National Forest, while Loch Leven Lakes offers hike-in backcountry camping for those seeking more remote experiences.

Many access roads to these dispersed sites require careful navigation, particularly after leaving paved surfaces. The road to Independence Hill is described as "terrifying" in darkness, while Bowman Lake Dispersed camping requires high-clearance 4WD vehicles to navigate rough, rocky terrain. The Grouse Ridge access route features narrow, rocky sections that demand careful driving even in all-wheel-drive vehicles. Most sites lack amenities like potable water, restrooms, or trash service. Campers must pack in all supplies and pack out all waste. Fire restrictions vary seasonally, with some areas prohibiting fires entirely.

These primitive camping areas provide varying levels of seclusion and natural beauty. Loch Leven Lakes delivers mountain lake settings for those willing to backpack in, with one camper noting "the view of the lakes at the top makes it all worth it." Bowman Lake Dispersed camping provides lakeside sites with excellent fishing opportunities. A visitor described it as "a slice of heaven, but only accessible by way of 4 x 4 with decent clearance." Wildlife encounters are common, particularly at higher elevations. Cell service is spotty but surprisingly available at some locations, including Lake Valley Road pullouts where visitors reported reception with Verizon and AT&T. Mosquitoes can be abundant, especially near water sources during warmer months.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Gold Run, California (21)

    1. Independence Hill Dispersed

    1 Review
    Gold Run, CA
    5 miles

    2. Lake Valley Rd Pullout

    3 Reviews
    Emigrant Gap, CA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 587-3558

    "The weather isn't cold, but the snow plows have pushed all the snow off the road so that it's impossible to get to any pullouts or open dispersed camping areas."

    3. Grouse Ridge Campground

    3 Reviews
    Emigrant Gap, CA
    20 miles

    4. Loch Leven Lakes

    4 Reviews
    Norden, CA
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 265-4531

    "We backpacked up to the high loch levens lake where we found many available campsites."

    "We took Salmon lake trailhead which is shorter trail."

    5. Bowman Lake Dispersed

    4 Reviews
    Sierra City, CA
    23 miles

    "If you are looking to be near the water and no service, this is perfect. The rough road in I believe must keep some folks out but the lake is amazing."

    "Found a perfect spot with easy access to water right outside of our tent. Very friendly area for our dog - zero ticks the whole weekend!"

    6. Lake valley road dispersed camping

    Be the first to review!
    Emigrant Gap, CA
    16 miles

    7. Union Valley Reservoir Dispersed Camping

    6 Reviews
    Kyburz, CA
    31 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"

    8. Granite Chief Wilderness - Dispersed

    2 Reviews
    Tahoma, CA
    33 miles
    Website

    9. USFS Silver Fork Dispersed

    6 Reviews
    Kyburz, CA
    42 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."

    10. Kyburz Flats

    2 Reviews
    Sierraville, CA
    40 miles

    "Was fine in my 2wd van but have high clearance and was dry. Might be worse if muddy or low clearance vehicle. Also, coordinates lead to historic sheep camp site."

    "I went to stay at a paid campground nearby but they said my dogs would have to be leashed, so he suggested this place for us. It has a few roads with a couple campsites. Pure dispersed camping."

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Gold Run, CA

38 Photos of 21 Gold Run Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Gold Run, CA

38 Reviews of 21 Gold Run Campgrounds

  • 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.
  • 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!

  • 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!

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2024

    Bowman Lake Dispersed

    Lake side Campsites

    If you are looking to be near the water and no service, this is perfect. The rough road in I believe must keep some folks out but the lake is amazing.

  • Azizah T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 21, 2021

    Loch Leven Lakes

    Quiet dispersed camping

    We backpacked up to the high loch levens lake where we found many available campsites. But also a lot of the nice view spots were occupied since we didn’t start our hike up early, we started at 5:30pm. The middle lake is very large and had many beautiful spots to camp. But we headed to the upper lake since a lot of day hikers go to the middle lake and don’t always pack out what they pack in. All the sites are very dispersed and you have so much privacy. We saw some people even camping on the boulders! It was very serene and quiet with very respectful campers. The trail up is a bit confusing if you don’t pay absolute attention to where you are going. You can find some orange markings or stacked rocks that help you stay on the path. Reaching our destination was amazing. We swam in the lake and napped in our hammocks. I will say that there was a lot of mosquitos. Even with bug spray I left with 7 bites. But, it’s the outdoors what do you expect? Overall very beautiful area to camp!

  • Emily C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 20, 2025

    Independence Hill Dispersed

    horrible road up, cool historic town

    The road up to Iowa Hill is terrifying- especially in the dark. We camped in our 4runner as we got there when it was dark and there was so much glass and shell casings everywhere from what seems to be a local shooting area. the town nearby is a bit eerie but fun to explore. it worked for one night! No amenities, but a bathroom and paid campsite down the rugged road so come with everything you need. Hike nearby with waterfall is beautiful

  • O
    Sep. 6, 2024

    Mormon Emigrant Trail Dispersed Pull Off

    Large dirt pull off

    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 but even if the main spot is occupied there’s a couple of dirt roads that lead to more areas to camp. A couple of level spots and lots of room to hike around. Completely free and peaceful but 0 amenities so come prepared. Currently there is an abandoned red semi truck cab so it’s easy to find not sure if that will ever be moved in the future though!

  • Orion B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 19, 2023

    USFS Silver Fork Dispersed

    Beautiful free camping is a real thing!

    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). We are pretty new to camping and not hardcore, but this was very easy and comfortable. We camped right at the entrance because nobody was there and there was plenty of flat area. Easily accessible on paved roads. Spotted a rock climber on the nearby rock face when we arrived, who later came by to pick up his car he had parked there.

    Caldor Fire damage was evident everywhere, but this made it easy for my son to chop down a small dead tree that we used for firewood. It was breezy, which made it chillier than the temps indicated, but we were fine and very toasty once in our tent cots.

    We found a few beer bottles around (which we took home to recycle), and small amounts of building waste such as concrete. But overall the setting was peaceful and beautiful. Amazing to have a resource like this that's free. 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.

  • M
    Oct. 16, 2022

    Union Valley Reservoir Dispersed Camping

    There’s nothing here

    It’s just the boat launch. Perhaps u can get away with hanging out, not sure. The access to the dispersed camping, in the hill overlooking the water, is gated and locked.

    There seem to be plenty of spots to use enroute to the water, just not at the location.

Guide to Gold Run

Dispersed camping near Gold Run, California encompasses several primitive sites across the Sierra Nevada foothills at elevations ranging from 3,000 to 6,000 feet. Tahoe National Forest offers rustic camping opportunities on Forest Service land with seasonal access typically from May through October. Winter conditions often restrict access to higher elevation sites, with snow lingering into late spring at locations above 5,000 feet.

What to do

Fishing in mountain lakes: Bowman Lake Dispersed camping provides excellent fishing opportunities in a serene setting. As one camper noted, "The lake is gorgeous, a great fishery, and there are plenty of inspirational views and solitude to be had." Fish species include rainbow and brown trout, with best fishing in early morning or evening hours.

Hiking to alpine lakes: Loch Leven Lakes offers multiple mountain lakes accessible via a moderately difficult trail. One visitor shared, "We backpacked up to the high loch levens lake where we found many available campsites. The middle lake is very large and had many beautiful spots to camp." The trail is approximately 7 miles round-trip with 1,200 feet of elevation gain.

Rock climbing: Near USFS Silver Fork Dispersed camping, climbers can access granite formations. A camper mentioned, "Spotted a rock climber on the nearby rock face when we arrived, who later came by to pick up his car he had parked there." Climbing routes range from beginner to advanced with heights up to 100 feet.

What campers like

Secluded camping: Grouse Ridge Campground offers primitive sites with natural separation. According to one visitor, "Great camping spot and quiet. Several camping spots. Numerous lakes to hike and a lookout tower with great views." Sites are typically 50-100 feet apart providing privacy.

Cooler temperatures: Higher elevation camps provide relief from valley heat. A Grouse Ridge camper noted, "We were there last weekend in June and there was still snow on the ground. Woot! It was awesome. It was 25 degrees cooler up there than in Sacramento." Temperature differences often range 15-30 degrees cooler than lower elevations.

Swimming opportunities: Union Valley Reservoir Dispersed Camping provides direct water access. One visitor shared, "So beautiful, and the lake is really warm in the summer." Water temperatures typically reach the high 60s by July, making swimming comfortable.

What you should know

Vehicle requirements: Many sites require appropriate vehicles. At Bowman Lake Dispersed, "This place was a slice of heaven, but only accessible by way of 4 x 4 with decent clearance. The trail will take you off road for quite some time, but it's well worth the adventure."

Mosquito preparation: Insect repellent is essential at many locations. A Bowman Lake visitor warned, "Mosquitoes are abundant here. Don't forget your repellent." Insects are typically worst from June through August, especially near water sources.

Trash issues: Pack out all waste as sites lack services. At Union Valley, one camper reported, "There was trash EVERYWHERE. Broken glass, toilet trash, bottles and cans, we were really disappointed." Bringing bags specifically for trash collection helps maintain these free camping areas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Gold Run, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Gold Run, CA is Independence Hill Dispersed with a 2-star rating from 1 review.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Gold Run, CA?

TheDyrt.com has all 21 dispersed camping locations near Gold Run, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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