Top Free Dispersed Camping near Grizzly Flats, CA

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Grizzly Flats, CA (18)

    Camper-submitted photo from USFS Silver Fork Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from USFS Silver Fork Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from USFS Silver Fork Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from USFS Silver Fork Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from USFS Silver Fork Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from USFS Silver Fork Dispersed

    1. USFS Silver Fork Dispersed

    6 Reviews
    27 Photos
    217 Saves
    • Pets
    • Phone Service
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    Camper-submitted photo from Iron MT. Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Iron MT. Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Iron MT. Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Iron MT. Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Iron MT. Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Iron MT. Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Scotts Lake Rd Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Scotts Lake Rd Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Scotts Lake Rd Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Scotts Lake Rd Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Scotts Lake Rd Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Scotts Lake Rd Dispersed Camping

    3. Scotts Lake Rd Dispersed Camping

    14 Reviews
    21 Photos
    518 Saves
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    Camper-submitted photo from Mormon Emigrant Trail Dispersed Pull Off
    Camper-submitted photo from Bear Valley Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Bear Valley Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Bear Valley Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Bear Valley Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Bear Valley Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Bear Valley Dispersed Camping

    5. Bear Valley Dispersed Camping

    7 Reviews
    16 Photos
    403 Saves
    • Pets
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Dispersed
    • Drinking Water
    Camper-submitted photo from Packsaddle Pass - El Dorado National Forest Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Packsaddle Pass - El Dorado National Forest Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Packsaddle Pass - El Dorado National Forest Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Packsaddle Pass - El Dorado National Forest Dispersed

    6. Packsaddle Pass - El Dorado National Forest Dispersed

    2 Reviews
    4 Photos
    14 Saves

    Most of the land in the Na􏰀onal Forest is open to camping free of charge which is referred to as “dispersed” camping. Visitors can camp just about anywhere in the na􏰀onal forest, unless specifically prohibited*. Maps and staff are available at most Forest Service offices to assist visitors in finding a suitable spot.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Dispersed
    • Alcohol
    Camper-submitted photo from Luther Pass Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Luther Pass Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Top of Arnold - FR 5N56 Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Top of Arnold - FR 5N56 Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Top of Arnold - FR 5N56 Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Top of Arnold - FR 5N56 Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Top of Arnold - FR 5N56 Dispersed

    8. Top of Arnold - FR 5N56 Dispersed

    2 Reviews
    5 Photos
    151 Saves

    Dispersed camping takes a lot more effort than camping in a developed campground, but for those with an adventurous spirit, it can be a lot of fun.

    Here are some important points to remember about dispersed camping:

    The maximum length of stay in a forest ranger district is 21 days per year. Please practice good outdoor ethics about camping, travel and behavior while visiting. Dispersed campers are allowed to park within one vehicle length (including any tow vehicle) of a National Forest transportation route and walk into camp. Dispersed camping is not permitted in developed campgrounds and day use areas. Other areas closed to dispersed camping include historical and archaeological sites. Also, be certain that you are within the boundaries of the National Forest before setting up camp. To prevent resource damage please keep your campsite within 150 feet from a roadway. Dispersed camping is not allowed in these areas: within one mile of Pinecrest Basin along 7N83, Clark Fork Road along Hwy 108 between Clark Fork Road and Kennedy Meadows Road Leave No Trace Camping – Camp so no one notices you while you are there, and no one even knows you were there after you leave. Please respect nature and other visitors by keeping noise to a minimum. Always pack out whatever you pack in. No permanent structures are to be constructed to an area, such as building rock-lined fire pits, trenches around tents, or carving into trees. Human waste should be deposited in a hole dug 6 - 10 inches deep and then covered with organic soil. Vehicles are not permitted off of roads, but if you can safely park your vehicle adjacent and parallel to the road and are not blocking the roadway, you may park and camp. Most sites will have a parking spot nearby while other sites may not. Because the footprint of a vehicle can have a large impact to soils, please do not create new “parking spot” for a campsite. Please park in designated or already impacted spots. If you are going to an area where others have camped before, pick a site that has been used before. Plants, soil and wildlife are impacted by new campsites so using existing ones will minimize your impact in the forest. We want you to learn some of the many reasons to enjoy the quiet and solitude of dispersed camping, it’s up to you to LEAVE NO TRACE.

    • Pets
    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Equestrian
    • Dispersed
    • Alcohol
    Camper-submitted photo from Echo Summit Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Echo Summit Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Echo Summit Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Hope Valley Dispersed
Showing results 1-10 of 18 campgrounds

Recent Dispersed Reviews In Grizzly Flats

59 Reviews of 18 Grizzly Flats Campgrounds


  • Ciara W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Echo Summit Dispersed
    Oct. 25, 2024

    Echo Summit Dispersed

    Not dispersed camping

    This spot is national forest, and overnight camping is not allowed. We had a knock from someone with the forest service the next morning who was very kind and let us know that overnight is not allowed.

    Look up lakes and forest in this area on google — not many places allow dispersed camping

  • Stephen B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Scotts Lake Rd Dispersed Camping
    Aug. 30, 2024

    Scotts Lake Rd Dispersed Camping

    Beautiful, popular, treacherous

    I’m motorcycle camping and the ground level was about half full, mostly RVs, so I attempted to head up Scott Lake Road.

    The dirt was manageable but there are sections of large rocks difficult to pass on two wheels. I crossed several but I dropped my bike before the second circle. Defeated and exhausted from a long day’s ride, I headed back down to set up my camp among the RV set.

    No shade to the lifestyle but this is an awfully long drive to watch TV at top volume.

  • DJ M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Bear Valley Dispersed Camping
    Aug. 20, 2024

    Bear Valley Dispersed Camping

    Crowded

    Wooded campground, cool weather, good phone reception, many spots taken with no activity probably by locals. Lake, hiking, close shopping.

  • Julia H.
    Camper-submitted photo from Scotts Lake Rd Dispersed Camping
    Aug. 8, 2024

    Scotts Lake Rd Dispersed Camping

    Great

    Lots of people ! come early for a spot. nice views around. lots and lots of bugs. i sleep in my car and crack the windows a little bit and i woke up to a shit ton of bugs that got in my car. even more surrounding the cars. very quiet at night, maybe i just got lucky lol.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Echo Summit Dispersed
    Jul. 23, 2024

    Echo Summit Dispersed

    Echo peak free camping

    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. There are some power lines and it might be prettier if it had some unburned trees, but it’s great in a pinch and private. Take echo summit road from El dorado and you will see several places to chose from. The road towards the cabins has a very tight turn that will not allow anyone over 25 feet- though i’d recommend smaller.

    most likely impassable after snowfall.

  • Raymond B.
    Camper-submitted photo from USFS Silver Fork Dispersed
    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!

  • B
    Camper-submitted photo from Scotts Lake Rd Dispersed Camping
    Jun. 21, 2024

    Scotts Lake Rd Dispersed Camping

    Burnside lake

    We went just up the road into the wildlife reserve and drove all the way up to burnside lake. Beautiful. Definitely need 4x4 and the road is super bumpy. We had a great spot that looked over the mountains. Would definitely come back. Lots of places to choose from along the way to the lake.

  • B
    Camper-submitted photo from Luther Pass Dispersed Camping
    Jun. 21, 2024

    Luther Pass Dispersed Camping

    Good in a pinch

    This place is beautiful but it’s a designated free camp ground and has minimal spots on one side. The other side was so jammed full. We ended up squeezing in a parking space and asked the ranger for permission to use our pop up there (she was super nice about it). Trash, fire pits, bathrooms are all available there. Single lane road getting in to it was a little harry with other cars. Decent place if you need a safe space to rest.

  • B
    Camper-submitted photo from Union Valley Reservoir Dispersed Camping
    Jun. 21, 2024

    Union Valley Reservoir Dispersed Camping

    It was okay

    Pretty easy to get to and lots of spaces for dispersed sites. There was trash EVERYWHERE. Broken glass, toilet trash, bottles and cans, we were really disappointed. We found a spot pretty hidden which was rad but someone was shooting litteraly all night long which was frustrating. We probably won’t come back.

  • B
    Camper-submitted photo from USFS Silver Fork Dispersed
    Jun. 21, 2024

    USFS Silver Fork Dispersed

    Great spot

    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. Easy road to get out there.

  • Susan L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Scotts Lake Rd Dispersed Camping
    Jun. 17, 2024

    Scotts Lake Rd Dispersed Camping

    What a beautiful place for our 40 ft 5th wheel

    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. We arrived on a Monday at noon and found that the large area about 1/4 mile in was not at all crowded. We had our choice of several places to set up. It is very quiet here, not hearing any road noise. A forest ranger told us there were more spaces up near the lake, but we didn’t venture up there.

  • Jr A.
    Camper-submitted photo from Scotts Lake Rd Dispersed Camping
    Jun. 9, 2024

    Scotts Lake Rd Dispersed Camping

    Easy access and lots of spots

    You follow a dirt road and have camping spots along the road. When I was here it was jammed packed RV, vans and tents all set up along the road. To me it was good for a an overnight stay. No At&t service what so ever. Little highway noise.

  • V
    Camper-submitted photo from Luther Pass Dispersed Camping
    May. 31, 2024

    Luther Pass Dispersed Camping

    Good Camping Spot Near SLT

    Parked my car and walked into my campsite 50m? Not ideal if you are car camping but not terrible. Tables, bear boxes, toilets and fire ring provided. First come first serve. Adequate TMobile service.

  • A S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Union Valley Reservoir Dispersed Camping
    Mar. 24, 2024

    Union Valley Reservoir Dispersed Camping

    It's a paid site now.

    Can't even park and enjoy the view without getting harassed by the overweight goon they call a "camp host". $10 day fee? Naw. Been coming here for years FOR FREE. Not paying now.

  • Orion B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from USFS Silver Fork Dispersed
    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.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from USFS Silver Fork Dispersed
    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.
  • S
    Camper-submitted photo from Luther Pass Dispersed Camping
    Oct. 20, 2023

    Luther Pass Dispersed Camping

    Up the street from lake tahoe

    We squeezed in the last space before dusk . Very limited spots first come first serve . Bathrooms clean . Short distance from Lake Tahoe made it a easy stop after a day of exploring.

  • Jakey and Alex L.
    Camper-submitted photo from Bear Lake Rd. Dispersed
    Oct. 12, 2023

    Bear Lake Rd. Dispersed

    Beautiful, but a hard drive in

    The 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.



Guide to Grizzly Flats

Camping near Grizzly Flats, 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, there are several campgrounds nearby that cater to all kinds of campers.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the stunning trails around the area. Many campers rave about the hiking opportunities, with one reviewer mentioning, "Many excursions and hiking trails. Breathtakingly beautiful," at Fallen Leaf Campground - South Lake Tahoe.
  • Water Sports: Enjoy activities like kayaking and swimming. A visitor at Eagle Point Campground — Emerald Bay State Park noted, "A cute little beach that a quarter of a mile walk... we took down our inflatable kayaks and paddled to the Island."
  • Fishing: Cast a line in the nearby lakes. Campers at Lake Camanche appreciate the fishing opportunities, stating, "It's an easy to navigate park with many sites on the water."

What campers like:

What you should know:

  • Bear Activity: Be aware of bear activity in the area. A camper at Ice House Campground warned, "The campground had 3 bears that were visiting every night."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may lack certain amenities. A visitor at Acorn Campground noted, "No showers, toilets, or water hookups."
  • Seasonal Access: Check the campground seasons before planning your trip. For instance, Ice House Campground is open from May 23 to October 6.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Kid-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with activities for kids. A family at Beals Point Campground — Folsom Lake State Recreation Area enjoyed the "easy access to lake beach swim area."
  • Plan for Clean Facilities: Families appreciate clean restrooms. A camper at Tahoe Valley Campground mentioned, "The facilities are clean, easy access to lake beach swim area."
  • Pack for Bear Safety: Ensure food is stored properly to avoid bear encounters. A visitor at Ice House Campground emphasized the importance of using bear boxes.

Tips from RVers:

  • Look for Big Rig-Friendly Sites: Many RVers prefer campgrounds that accommodate larger vehicles. Tahoe Valley Campground is noted for being "big rig friendly."
  • Check Hookup Availability: Make sure to confirm if electric hookups are available. A reviewer at Beals Point Campground — Folsom Lake State Recreation Area mentioned, "Full hookups, but unfortunately low water pressure."
  • Be Prepared for Crowds: Some campgrounds can get busy, especially on weekends. A visitor at Lake Camanche noted, "Got very crowded on the weekend."

Camping near Grizzly Flats, California, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, with plenty of options for families, RVers, and adventure seekers alike.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Grizzly Flats, CA is USFS Silver Fork Dispersed with a 4.2-star rating from 6 reviews.

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

    TheDyrt.com has all 18 dispersed camping locations near Grizzly Flats, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.