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The Sierra Nevada foothills surrounding Goodyears Bar, California feature predominantly dispersed camping options on national forest lands, with sites like Bowman Lake Dispersed and Grouse Ridge Campground offering primitive lakeside camping experiences. Most camping areas in this region require self-sufficiency, as they typically lack developed amenities such as running water, electrical hookups, or maintained restroom facilities. The terrain varies from alpine lakes to forested valleys, with elevations ranging from approximately 2,500 to 7,000 feet, creating diverse camping environments within relatively short distances. Dispersed camping predominates throughout the Tahoe and Plumas National Forests that surround this historic Gold Rush community.
Rough forest roads present significant access challenges to many camping areas, with several sites requiring high-clearance or 4WD vehicles. As one camper noted about Bowman Lake, "The road to get here is rocky, but worth every second! Make sure your vehicle is able to go up steep rocky roads." Winter conditions severely limit access from approximately November through May, with snow lingering at higher elevations well into June. According to a Lake Valley Road Pullout visitor, "Got stuck for over a day trying to get to the site. Tow truck also got stuck. Would not recommend coming until spring." Fire restrictions vary seasonally, with complete bans common during late summer and fall. Cell service remains spotty throughout the region, with reception typically limited to higher ridgelines and major roads.
Lakeside camping receives consistently high ratings from visitors who appreciate the solitude and natural beauty. Grouse Ridge Campground visitors report cooler temperatures than valley locations, with one camper noting it was "25 degrees cooler up there than in Sacramento." Wildlife viewing opportunities include deer, black bears, and various bird species. Campers should be aware that some previously established sites, such as Rogers Cow Camp, remain closed due to wildfire damage. A recent visitor reported it was "burnt to the earth after the North Complex Fire and it will never reopen." Mosquitoes present a common nuisance during summer months, particularly near lakes and streams. Dog-friendly policies prevail at most dispersed sites, though leash requirements vary by specific location and season.
"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!"
"There were a lot of people parked around to backpack and camp along the trails bin the area. It took 30 minutes to drive the 5 unpaved miles of grouse ridge road. No issues in my ‘83 2WD Westy"
"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."
"We backpacked up to the high loch levens lake where we found many available campsites."
"We took Salmon lake trailhead which is shorter trail."
"It's really about 2 miles from the village of Iowa Hill, but it is remote. I scared two black bears as I was walking (don't I wish I had that on film...)."
"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."
"If you are looking for Free Dispersed camping then this is the place. No hookups but there is a toilet at the entrance (about 1 mile from the highway). The first mile was gravel."
GuideThe turn off to the dirt road was 300 ft past where the app said it was. Once we got deeper into the forest my gps wasn’t on the the route depicted on Dyrt, but it’s a fun trail. We went in about a mile in our RAM Promaster converted van then turned around and took a big flat spot closer to the road.
TravelerIf 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.
RangerWe 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!
Guide--- Not a legal campsite: confirmed by CAL FIRE ---
I originally stopped here with an in-progress cargo trailer conversion because this looked like an excellent roadside pullout: large, easy to access, relatively level, and long enough to maneuver a truck and trailer without drama. As a short stop, turnaround, or day-use staging spot, it is genuinely useful. However, this should not be listed or treated as an overnight campsite. While I was on-site, I was contacted by Officer Steve Garcia with CAL FIRE, who advised me that overnight camping is not permitted at this location. I had interpreted the posted seasonal“no parking” signage as suggesting that public use might be allowed outside the snow-removal season, but he clarified that the signage relates to snow removal and does not authorize overnight camping in the Demonstration Forest area. For practical details: the pullout itself is easy to enter and exit, with enough room for a modest trailer rig to get fully out of traffic and turn around. Road noise drops off substantially overnight, though traffic begins again in the morning. The area may be useful for a brief rest stop, equipment check, turnaround, or day-use pause. But as a camping location, the important information is simple: Do not plan to camp here overnight. I’m updating this review so others don’t make the same assumption I did. This is a good pullout, but it is not a legal overnight campsite.
GuideThe 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
TravelerDog Valley is a special place where we come to boondock. It’s quite and has a great creek. People come out here to camp, ride atvs, side by sides, dirt bikes, or off road. People target practice a lot and the ranger is very nice.
TravelerThe road to get here is rocky, but worth every second! We love spending our time here. 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! Would highly recommend the drive but make sure your vehicle is able to go up steep rocky roads.
GuideThis 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 with the adventure. Traction boards and a winch could help you through unexpected obstacles and are recommended to have on hand, but you most likely won't need them. No running water, but there are restroom buildings, fire rings and bear boxes to use. Mosquitoes are abundant here. Don't forget your repellent. The lake is gorgeous, a great fishery, and there are plenty of inspirational views and solitude to be had.
GuideThe road in is paved until you reach the real spot where you can actually set up camp. It is VERY rocky and looks like it’s pretty beaten up by Off Road Vehicles.
If you have a Trailer or RV this is NOT the place to go. There is another spot down the road that is better.
Forecast said no rain… it rained. Woke up this morning to 4inches of snow! It was majestic.
Dispersed camping near Goodyears Bar, California offers numerous free and primitive campsites across Tahoe and Plumas National Forests. This historic mining region sits at the confluence of the North Yuba River and Goodyears Creek, creating a landscape of rugged canyon terrain punctuated by mixed conifer forests. Summer temperatures typically range from 55-90°F, while winter lows frequently drop below freezing with significant snowfall at elevations above 4,000 feet.
Fishing opportunities: The North Yuba River near Goodyears Bar provides trout fishing access with several pullouts along the main roads. Bowman Lake offers additional fishing options, as one camper notes, "The lake is gorgeous, a great fishery, and there are plenty of inspirational views and solitude to be had."
Swimming in alpine lakes: Loch Leven Lakes provides swimming opportunities during summer months. A visitor explains, "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."
Historic exploration: Visit the preserved historic mining features near Kyburz Flats, which features interpretive sites about the area's Gold Rush history. According to a camper, "Coordinates lead to historic sheep camp site. Can probably camp next to it but better spots just beyond though road gets even rougher."
Temperature relief: Higher elevation sites provide significant cooling compared to valley locations. A Grouse Ridge Campground visitor reported, "We were there last weekend in June and there was still snow on the ground. Woot! It was awesome."
Wildlife viewing: The remote nature of these camping areas offers opportunities to observe local wildlife in natural settings. One camper at Loch Leven Lakes observed, "I did read though that last week there were some rattlesnake sightings, so just be cautious of snakes."
Water proximity: Many campers appreciate sites with direct water access. A Bowman Lake visitor shared, "We love spending our time here. 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!"
Road conditions: Many access roads require high-clearance vehicles with all-wheel or four-wheel drive capabilities. As one Kyburz Flats visitor noted, "Road is rough, especially after first mile to interpretive site. Was fine in my 2wd van but have high clearance and was dry. Might be worse if muddy or low clearance vehicle."
Closed areas: Several previously established camping areas remain inaccessible due to wildfire impacts or seasonal closures. Forest Service updates should be checked before planning trips.
Bug pressure: Mosquitoes can be particularly intense near lakes during early and mid-summer. A Loch Leven Lakes camper advised, "Bugs there were virtually nonexistent as I don't think I got bit by any," suggesting late summer may offer reduced insect activity.
Timing considerations: Arrive early to secure suitable sites during peak periods. One Loch Leven Lakes visitor suggested, "I'd start early in the day to make sure you get good parking as this is a very popular trail, and so that you can get a good campsite and enjoy the lakes for as much time as possible."
Supply preparation: No stores exist near these remote camping areas, requiring thorough planning for supplies. Pack additional water as most sites lack potable sources.
Safety precautions: Roads can become impassable quickly during weather events. As one Lake Valley Road camper learned, "Got stuck for over a day trying to get to the site. Tow truck also got stuck. Would not recommend coming until spring."
Site selection limitations: Most dispersed camping areas around Goodyears Bar have minimal level spaces suitable for larger recreational vehicles. Independence Hill Dispersed provides some accessible options for smaller RVs.
Turnaround challenges: Forest roads often lack adequate turnaround areas for longer vehicles. Scout potential sites before committing to narrow access roads.
Seasonal considerations: Spring access is frequently compromised by lingering snow and mud. A Lake Valley Road visitor observed, "We were looking for an overnight spot in this area and checked out this listing but there's just still too much snow at this time. 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."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Goodyears Bar, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Goodyears Bar, CA is Bowman Lake Dispersed with a 4.8-star rating from 4 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Goodyears Bar, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 20 dispersed camping locations near Goodyears Bar, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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