Top Free Dispersed Camping near Graeagle, CA

Are you planning a dispersed camping trip to Graeagle? We've got you covered. The Dyrt provides you with a diverse selection of places to camp, from dispersed backcountry camping to boondocking, and everything in-between. Each dispersed site offers quick access to one or more of Graeagle's most popular destinations.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Graeagle, CA (21)

    Camper-submitted photo from Bowman Lake Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Bowman Lake Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Bowman Lake Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Bowman Lake Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Bowman Lake Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Bowman Lake Dispersed

    1. Bowman Lake Dispersed

    2 Reviews
    13 Photos
    37 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Grouse Ridge Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Grouse Ridge Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Grouse Ridge Campground

    2. Grouse Ridge Campground

    2 Reviews
    4 Photos
    68 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Fort Sage Off Highway Vehicle Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Fort Sage Off Highway Vehicle Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Fort Sage Off Highway Vehicle Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Fort Sage Off Highway Vehicle Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Fort Sage Off Highway Vehicle Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Fort Sage Off Highway Vehicle Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Dog Valley
    Camper-submitted photo from Dog Valley
    Camper-submitted photo from Dog Valley
    Camper-submitted photo from Dog Valley
    Camper-submitted photo from Dog Valley
    Camper-submitted photo from Dog Valley

    4. Dog Valley

    4 Reviews
    16 Photos
    93 Saves

    There is no "campground here" Please be aware most of the Dog / Sardine Valley is private property and a working ranch. The places near the valley floor with picnic tables - those are sheep camps. The places with firepits, also sheep camps. Please respect private property and make sure you are camping in the BLM / USDA lands that rim the valley. Located in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Dog Valley provides excellent viewing of both wildflowers and flowering shrubs. Forest, meadows, and streams make up Dog Valley’s landscape, creating a cool and refreshing retreat for this popular recreation area. Dog Valley is also home to two rare plant species, Dog Valley ivesia and Webber’s ivesia. Dog Valley ivesia can only be found in Dog Valley. Other attractions include wildlife viewing and the Crystal Peak Mine, a popular spot for crystal-hounds. Dog Valley offers a variety of opportunities to view wildflowers in the Jeffery pine forests and meadows. As you enter Dog Valley from Verdi, you will see the recovery from the 1994 Crystal Fire with displays of mahala mat, silvery lupine, and chokecherry. Explore the openings in the forest with extensive displays of mule’s ear, balsamroot, buckwheats, paintbrushes, yampah, bitterbrush, bare-stem desert parsley, and manzanita. Walking around, it is easy to enjoy the smaller, less visible flowers, including collomia, prairie star flower, and blue-eyed Mary. Wetter areas have displays of shooting stars, delphinium, and Rydberg’s penstemon. Best Viewing Times: The best time to visit is June and July. Safety First: Creeks and streams can cross the road. Be careful when crossing water and watch for washed-out portions of the road. The road can be very muddy. California OHV registration is required for all vehicles. Campfire permits are also required in California and can be obtained from the Carson District Office or the campground host.

    • Pets
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Equestrian
    • Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Valley Rd Pullout
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Valley Rd Pullout
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Valley Rd Pullout
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Valley Rd Pullout
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Valley Rd Pullout
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Valley Rd Pullout

    5. Lake Valley Rd Pullout

    2 Reviews
    6 Photos
    52 Saves

    Most of Tahoe National Forest is open to camping free of charge which is referred to as “dispersed” camping. Dispersed camping is prohibited in certain areas, generally within a ¼ mile of major highway corridors, in the Lakes Basin Area (Sierra Buttes), near Prosser, Boca, Stampede, French Meadows, and Sugar Pine reservoirs, and other locations. Please see the full list of areas where dispersed camping is not allowed below.

    Maps and staff are available at most Tahoe Forest Service offices to assist visitors in finding a suitable spot.

    Not being in a developed campground means that there will not be certain conveniences:

    Water Quality: Be prepared to bring your own drinking water or have a water filter. Lake, stream or spring water may be contaminated. Human Waste:Proper disposal of human waste is crucial. Human waste can spread disease, lead to contaminated water supplies, contaminate soils, attract wildlife, and spoil a dispersed camping area for future users. Portable eco-friendly human waste disposal systems which allow you to safely "Pack It Out" are commercially available and recommended. As a last resort, choose a spot at least 200' away from water sources and dispersed campsites, dig a small hole at least six inches deep, and cover it when you are through. Seal your toilet paper in a bag, pack it out, and dispose of it properly. No trash service - Pack It In, Pack It Out Maximum stay limit for camping is 14 days per District. Please remove all your equipment and garbage when you leave. The beauty of the natural vegetation around your campsite is probably why you chose it. Keep it healthy and growing by not cutting anything down, not putting nails into trees, and treading carefully along meadows, streamsides, and other sensitive areas. Keep your vehicle at least twelve feet from designated roads and trails to prevent resource damage and to adhere to Travel Management Regulations.

    When you pick your spot, make sure that it is at least 200 feet away (about seventy paces) from streams and lakes, to help protect streamside vegetation, and prevent water degradation and sedimentation. Dispersed campsites must be outside the boundary markings of developed campgrounds and dispersed camping closure areas.

    There are many fine camping spots you can reach on Tahoe National Forest motorized routes and trails, but some routes may be rough, steep, or narrow and not suited for low-clearance or for large recreation vehicles.

    • Pets
    • Phone Service
    • Dispersed
    • Alcohol
    Camper-submitted photo from Loch Leven Lakes
    Camper-submitted photo from Loch Leven Lakes
    Camper-submitted photo from Loch Leven Lakes
    Camper-submitted photo from Loch Leven Lakes
    Camper-submitted photo from Loch Leven Lakes
    Camper-submitted photo from Loch Leven Lakes

    6. Loch Leven Lakes

    2 Reviews
    7 Photos
    107 Saves

    The Loch Leven begins at Placer County Road Pla-9140-2 and ends at High Loch Leven Lake. At the south end of lower Loch Leven, a trail junction continues left to middle and high Lochs, or right to Salmon Lake. Fishing is generally good, and camping is dispersed throughout the basin. Campfire permits are required for campfires, backpacking stoves, BBQs, and lanterns.

    • Fires
    • Tents
    • Dispersed
    • Toilets
    • Alcohol
    • No image available
      • No image available
        Camper-submitted photo from Peavine Road Dispersed Camping
        Camper-submitted photo from Peavine Road Dispersed Camping
        Camper-submitted photo from Peavine Road Dispersed Camping
        • No image available

          10. Merrill Valley Dispersed Camp

          1 Review
          2 Saves
          • Pets
          • Phone Service
          • Tents
          • Group
          • Dispersed
        Showing results 1-10 of 21 campgrounds

        Recent Dispersed Reviews In Graeagle

        21 Reviews of 21 Graeagle Campgrounds


        • ron R.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Peavine Road Dispersed Camping
          Oct. 12, 2024

          Peavine Road Dispersed Camping

          Complete trash dump

          It's sad where we have this public land to camp on and people just dump tons and tons of trash and abandoned cars and demolished cars on the property would not recommend going. There's some more BLM land about 15 to 20 minutes north on Red Rock road.

        • Paxton B.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Merrill Valley Dispersed Camp
          Sep. 30, 2024

          Merrill Valley Dispersed Camp

          The road is terrible

          Not really sure if we camped in the right spot. It isn’t great, but it got the job done to just crash for a night. Felt like we were in a construction zone

        • Anna B.
          Camper-submitted photo from Moon Rocks Camp
          Sep. 8, 2024

          Moon Rocks Camp

          Camping on Mars

          (September 28th, 2023) Got here after dark and found an empty clearing to park in for the night. The moon and the stars were so bright, it felt like we were on another planet. Got to explore the area in the morning, such a cool spot! Very quiet when we were there.

        • SThe Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Bowman Lake Dispersed
          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.

        • Chris N.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Bowman Lake Dispersed
          Jul. 21, 2024

          Bowman Lake Dispersed

          Great Late Spring Escape

          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 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.

        • LThe Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Grouse Ridge Campground
          Jun. 30, 2024

          Grouse Ridge Campground

          Amazing spot for a campground.

          The last five miles to get to this campground was narrow and rocky. Once we got to the campground, I realized narrow and rocky are okay. We were there last weekend in June and there was still snow on the ground. Woot! It was awesome. Quite a few sites there with fire rings, beat up, bear boxes that didn't open and picnic benches that were in bad shape. They had two pot toilets. This was a very busy campground. Lots of traffic on and out, I'm sure to beat the heat. It was 25 degrees cooler up there than in Sacramento. We loved this campground. I can't wait to go back.

        • EThe Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Dog Valley
          Apr. 23, 2024

          Dog Valley

          Our favorite !

          Dog 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.

        • Genevieve R.
          Camper-submitted photo from Moon Rocks Camp
          Dec. 29, 2023

          Moon Rocks Camp

          Beautiful! Easy access.

          I live nearby, so my family and I went for the day. We left just before sunset. It's gorgeous here. The dirt road is pretty good and not difficult for my Jeep Trailhawk 4x4. There were about 3 other groups. We were there on a Thursday. We walked around the whole area where the rocks were. The campsite overlooks a valley where there is an airport. We saw a couple of paragliders. On the way in from Reno, it's very easy to find. I would love to stay here in my travel trailer. There were some huge rigs out there. All of those people had dune buggies, but nobody was driving around on the rocks when we were there. There are no amenities at all. There is just a big clearing for campers. We took our dog. She had fun.

        • Genevieve R.
          Camper-submitted photo from Peavine Road Dispersed Camping
          Dec. 28, 2023

          Peavine Road Dispersed Camping

          Lots of trash and shells

          I live 10 minutes away, so I checked it out. It's sketchy driving in with a lot of trailers and cars along the road closer to the main road. There may or may nor have been people in them. We didn't see people walking around except one guy who was walking his dog on the dirt road and another guy nearby with a table next to his car. Maybe he was flying a drone. The dirt road was very rutted in a few areas. No big deal, but I was in my Jeep Trailhawk 4x4. I didn't have my trailer with me. The view of the city is great, but that's it. The area to pull off is not that big, so I think it would be crowded with more than 2 other trailers. It wasn't windy at all when we were there, but I'm sure it could be because it can be very windy in this area. I wouldn't stay here unless I absolutely had to for the night. I did hear gunshots in the distance. We only stayed a few minutes to take a few pictures. No amenities like fire rings or tables.

        • Heather H.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Peavine Road Dispersed Camping
          Jun. 17, 2023

          Peavine Road Dispersed Camping

          Better than a $90/night casino parking lot!

          Feels weird driving in, but there are some pull offs that have good views of the valley. Very open. Lots of trash and casings, but was quiet and felt safe. Good place to pull over if you are in the Reno area and just need to sleep.

        • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Lake Valley Rd Pullout
          May. 11, 2023

          Lake Valley Rd Pullout

          Everything covered in snow right now

          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 or open dispersed camping areas.

          Roads are clear though, if you want to drive through and check it out.

          We actually had cell reception with Verizon and Att here, which surprised us.

          It's a beautiful area to come back to when the snow clears!

        • William J.
          Camper-submitted photo from Lake Valley Rd Pullout
          Feb. 15, 2023

          Lake Valley Rd Pullout

          Don't Go In Winter.

          Got stuck for over a day trying to get to the site. Tow truck also got stuck. Would not recommend coming until spring.

        • Daisee Mae S.
          Camper-submitted photo from CA-139 Pull Off Area
          Oct. 25, 2022

          CA-139 Pull Off Area

          Somewhere to Rest

          This is literally right off the highway, it might be hard to spot unless someone else is there.

          The roads to the spots are a little rutted, no low profile vehicles, but it’s easy to access.

          There is no name to this place, and the bulletin board has zero information.

          Possibly 5-6 spaces. The most people that was here any given night were just stopping for a place to rest for the night.

          No bathrooms, trash or water. One of the locals said there is a junk yard you can walk to from here but we never found it.

          Traffic noise dies down around 10/11PM. Unless the occasional driver is honking at absolutely nothing, it’s pretty quiet.

          We heard gunshots around 9PM that lasted for about an hour. Seems the people around here hunt at night.

          Definitely just a place to rest or gather yourself for a couple of days. I’m not sure about the amount of time you can stay here. But hey, it’s free!

        • Azizah T.
          Camper-submitted photo from Loch Leven Lakes
          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!

        • Joey P.
          Camper-submitted photo from Dog Valley
          Oct. 9, 2018

          Dog Valley

          Might be in the process of being decommissioned

          Rudimentary campsites, no fire rings or tables at any of the campsites. The cement pullouts are still there. I’ve been up in that area a lot in the past three years and the gate that is at the opening is open sometimes and closed and locked at other times. Not really sure what’s going on with the site. On a brighter note the snowflowers were going off earlier this season!

        • Jake H.
          Camper-submitted photo from Dog Valley
          Aug. 10, 2018

          Dog Valley

          Quick Escape

          Dog Valley is my favorite quick escape from town. There are so many places to explore that it doesn't get old.

        • Amy R.
          Camper-submitted photo from Dog Valley
          Aug. 2, 2018

          Dog Valley

          awesome view

          didn't want to leave! road narrow and rocky but I have seen worse



        Guide to Graeagle

        Camping near Graeagle, California, offers a fantastic escape into nature with beautiful landscapes and plenty of outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, this area has something for everyone.

        What to do:

        • Hiking: Explore the scenic trails around the area. Many campers enjoy the nearby hiking paths, with one reviewer from D.L. Bliss State Park Campground mentioning, "We didn’t hike the Rubicon trail to Lester Beach, but took a short drive to the beach and a quick, but very refreshing dip in Tahoe’s cold waters."
        • Fishing: The lakes around Graeagle are great for fishing. A visitor at Collins Lake Recreation Area shared, "The lake is stocked with fish. Ice cream at the store is a must."
        • Swimming: Enjoy a swim in the cool waters of the lakes. One camper at Merrill Campground noted, "Quiet starry nights. Recreational lake."

        What campers like:

        • Beautiful locations: Campers rave about the stunning views. A review for Washoe Lake State Park Campground states, "Beautiful campground! Flush toilets and showers."
        • Friendly staff: Many campgrounds have helpful staff. A visitor at Sparks Marina RV Park said, "The security immediately came to us and the guys helped us and explained everything."
        • Privacy: Campers appreciate the spacious sites. One reviewer at D.L. Bliss State Park Campground mentioned, "The group site has a lot of privacy from other sites and plenty of space."

        What you should know:

        • Bear precautions: Campers need to be cautious about bears. A visitor at Sparks Marina RV Park warned, "Believe the negative reviews. This campground will leave you stranded and not have a site available even if you have a reservation."
        • Busy during peak times: Some campgrounds can get crowded. A reviewer at Collins Lake Recreation Area noted, "It gets very busy, even with limited access during COVID."
        • Limited amenities: Some sites may lack certain facilities. A camper at Granite Flat mentioned, "The bathrooms were mediocre."

        Tips for camping with families:

        • Choose family-friendly sites: Look for campgrounds with amenities for kids. A parent at Merrill Campground said, "Great bike/hiking paved path in the pines."
        • Plan for activities: Bring bikes or water toys for the kids. A camper at Collins Lake Recreation Area suggested, "Bring your bikes if you have them because the ride to the dam is nice."
        • Check for nearby attractions: Explore local attractions to keep the kids entertained. A visitor at Donner Memorial State Park Campground mentioned, "The memorial and the museum were very interesting."

        Tips from RVers:

        • Look for RV-friendly campgrounds: Many sites cater to RVs. A reviewer at Sparks Marina RV Park said, "We will definitely come back if in the area and I highly recommend staying here!"
        • Check for hookups: Ensure your site has the necessary hookups. A camper at Washoe Lake State Park Campground noted, "Flat, wide spaces with mostly pull-throughs, clean bathrooms and shower."
        • Be prepared for tight spaces: Some campgrounds may have limited space for larger RVs. A visitor at Davis Creek Regional Park mentioned, "The spot wasn’t a ‘pull through,’ and it was very difficult to park our trailer."

        Camping near Graeagle, California, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors with family and friends. With beautiful campgrounds and plenty of activities, you're sure to have a memorable experience!

        Frequently Asked Questions

        • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Graeagle, CA?

          According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Graeagle, CA is Bowman Lake Dispersed with a 5-star rating from 2 reviews.

        • What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Graeagle, CA?

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