Val C.
Guide
GuideLeavitt Lake
Not Accessible by Car
I have a truck. i got about a half mile in before the snow washed out the road. you can still hike in. high clearance and 4wd a must
Dispersed Camping near Hathaway Pines, CA
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Several free dispersed camping sites exist in the forests surrounding Hathaway Pines, California, with options primarily located on U.S. Forest Service land. Top of Arnold, Forest Route 4N39, Bear Valley, Iron Mountain, and Silver Fork provide primitive camping opportunities in the Stanislaus National Forest and El Dorado National Forest. These sites generally require no permits and allow camping at established pull-offs along forest service roads, with many sites featuring established fire rings and natural clearings suitable for tents and some accommodating smaller RVs.
Access to most dispersed sites requires navigating unpaved forest roads with varying conditions. Many campers report the need for vehicles with decent ground clearance, particularly at sites like Top of Arnold where the dirt roads contain ruts and potholes. Bear Valley features increasingly curvy roads as you ascend, eventually transitioning from paved to dirt surfaces. Most sites lack amenities such as drinking water, trash service, or toilet facilities. Fire regulations vary seasonally, with some areas allowing campfires while others maintain restrictions. Campers must pack out all waste and bring their own water supplies. Cell service is inconsistent across these areas, with some sites reporting limited Verizon coverage.
These mountain dispersed camping areas offer spectacular views and relative seclusion, though accessibility and conditions vary significantly by season. Several locations provide excellent stargazing opportunities due to minimal light pollution. At Silver Fork, campers can find sites with river access and small beaches. A reviewer noted, "There are infinite amounts of primitive roads to drive down and find camp. I stayed at a peak that offered 360° views with sunrise and sunset right from my tent." While many sites remain peaceful, some areas become crowded during peak seasons. Another camper mentioned, "The dirt road up is full of ruts and potholes, but my Toyota Yaris made it up. Some noise from chainsaws in the distance one day, and some target practice, but neither lasted long."
Best Dispersed Campgrounds near Hathaway Pines (28)
1. Top of Arnold - FR 5N56 Dispersed
"A very secluded primitive site that is only a couple miles or less to town over paved and dirt roads. The roads are not four-wheel drive and are perfect for van lifers."
"Be sure to obtain a fire permit from Cal fire and check fire restrictions in the area have a bucket full of water and a shovel next to your fire at all times again this place was amazing"
2. Forest Route 4N39 Dispersed
"Powerlines are nearby but there are a few fire pits. They seem to be logging the area and running cattle but it’s pretty quiet."
3. Bear Valley Dispersed Camping
"Bear valley is my favorite place to go camping, the most you get close to the top of the mountain, the most curvy the road is, so be prepare."
"Lots of trails to ride your bike and walk."
4. Hardin Flat Road
"Access road isn’t bad and it’s close to the park."
"I stayed to car camp and had an overall nice time. There was a good amount of ice but with 4x4 not problem. The ice was melting so if you go anytime after the snow should be a lot less."
5. Iron MT. Dispersed
"The ground is very flat and many areas are paved with gravel. At 7500 feet above sea level, the view is wide and the scenery is beautiful, especially the sunset view."
"The Mormon Emigrant Trail can be accessed from there (East side, going West to Sly Park.) You can hear the Highway a little, but nonetheless very peaceful area."
6. El Dorado National Forest, off Cal Hwy 88
"This is a fairly easy to reach dispersed site in the El Dorado NF, north of HWY 88 and about 1-2 miles from a developed NF campground called PiPi (pr PiePie)."
7. Scotts Lake Rd Dispersed Camping
"Easy access and reasonably good road quality make it very RV friendly - I would say that it was at least 75% RVs/Trailers. Beautiful views of the valley and hills to the east."
"Easy to see right off the road with plenty of campsites down either side of a nice dirt road. Rocky and steep road access to Scott’s lake, but easy camping on the edge of the valley."
8. Van Haven Dispersed Site Yosemite
"The road becomes increasingly rough and eroded, with deep ruts and drainages. 4WD or AWD is necessary. Site offers scenic views, unobstructed night sky, and interesting exploration. Leave no trace!"
"Great views along the John Muir trail. 24 hour Public restroom .o2miles from camp site."
9. USFS Silver Fork Dispersed
"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. Evergreen Rd Dispersed camping
"Firstly, the spots aren’t actually on Evergreen; they’re on an easily missed dirt road near Aspen Valley Rd."
"Great little spot within 10 minutes of one Yosemite’s entrance. Spaces for a few different campsites"
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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Hathaway Pines, CA
68 Photos of 28 Hathaway Pines Campgrounds
goose10091203
Top of Arnold - FR 5N56 Dispersed
Esther Y.
Bear Valley Dispersed Camping
Michelle J.
Iron MT. Dispersed
Jessica S.
Van Haven Dispersed Site Yosemite
Camden Z.
Shealor Lakes Dispersed Backcountry
miranda
Hardin Flat Road
mason M.
Evergreen Rd Dispersed camping
SpentBrassOffroad B.
Silver Fork River Camping
Jacqueline G.
Dispersed USFS
Orion B.
USFS Silver Fork Dispersed
Tim R.
Packsaddle Pass - El Dorado National Forest Dispersed
Alex P.
Scotts Lake Rd Dispersed Camping
Dispersed Camping Reviews near Hathaway Pines, CA
103 Reviews of 28 Hathaway Pines Campgrounds
Mark L.
TravelerVan Haven Dispersed Site Yosemite
Rugged, Remote, Dusty
Red Cloud Rd offers few viable camping sites. The road becomes increasingly rough and eroded, with deep ruts and drainages. 4WD or AWD is necessary. Site offers scenic views, unobstructed night sky, and interesting exploration.
Leave no trace!
- AAlexTraveler
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:
- 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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Jacqueline G.GuideDispersed USFS
Worth the climbs to get here!!
This is full wilderness camping off the main road between hope valley and the blue lakes. I had no problem getting in with my 30ft bus towing a jeep but the road is steep and winding for about 7 miles to the pull off. There were a lot of other campers for Labor Day weekend but the rest of the time there was no one around. Jugs of water can be filled at the campgrounds about 5 miles in each direction. PLEASE NOTE: There are prolonged climbs to get here (up to about 8% grade) but my bus did fine. Slow and steady and you’ll be fine. Also WATCH THE WEATHER! Rain can cause spots of the road in to get washed out a bit and deep puddles can appear. There are loads of rocks and fallen trees around to fill in holes if needed. If you’re moderate to high clearance rig you’ll be fine just be mindful. The Blue Lakes are just down the road for swimming, boating, kayaking etc and lots of amazing 4x4 trails. Rivers for fishing and endless hiking and biking. Elevation is 8300ft so definitely a bit high. The trees help with the air however. Not nearly as tough as the high desert of Utah (Zion or Brice) but just take it easy if you’re not used to high altitude.
Kevin C.
RangerTop of Arnold - FR 5N56 Dispersed
Deep woods, close to town
A very secluded primitive site that is only a couple miles or less to town over paved and dirt roads. The roads are not four-wheel drive and are perfect for van lifers. I would not pull a trailer of any kind up here. Or a vehicle with low clearance. Deep in the woods surrounded by forests and undergrowth nice flat spots to park and set up camp. 2 to three bars Verizon no facilities of any kind. There are a few random fire pits. This area is closed in the winter due to snow but is the perfect weather during shoulder seasons, not too hot not too cold.
Ciara W.GuideEcho 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
- JJeff L.
ScoutLeavitt Lake
High Sierra Lake
We visited Lake Levitte, back in June 2021. I would recommend a high clearance vehicle, ad there are some technical sections. If you watch your line, you can make it. This location has become too popular by many YouTube videos. When we arrived, there were at least 7 other groups there. Location is beautiful and will definitely return in the future.
Shane C.TravelerScotts Lake Rd Dispersed Camping
Dispersed camping with campground layout/feel
Camped here for a night in early October. Easy access and reasonably good road quality make it very RV friendly - I would say that it was at least 75% RVs/Trailers. Beautiful views of the valley and hills to the east. Most sites are obvious, with a driveway and stone fire ring. We like a more "dispersed" feel, but felt comfortable.
There are no services - bring all the water you will need and practice "leave no trace." This goes for your waste (human and animal) as well. I wish I could say that we didn't see any dog waste or "TP Flowers" but we did. Not a significant amount, but any is too much.
The place was pretty much full, but still good vibes and quiet neighbors. Very close to Hwy. 88, so road noise and campers coming in looking for a spot after dark. Gets quiet later in the evening.
Overall, a nice spot.
Tim R.GuidePacksaddle 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!
Guide to Hathaway Pines
Dispersed camping near Hathaway Pines, California offers access to multiple national forests at elevations ranging from 3,000 to 7,500 feet. The region experiences seasonal weather variations, with summer daytime temperatures averaging 75-85°F and winter months often bringing snowfall at higher elevations. Most camping areas close during winter months due to snow conditions on forest roads.
What to do
Stargazing opportunities: At Iron Mountain Dispersed, the night sky provides exceptional viewing conditions. "The view from this area is spectacular. Beautiful sunsets too. It is a pretty open area with lots of room to camp," notes one visitor who experienced the area's minimal light pollution.
Mountain biking access: Near Bear Valley Dispersed Camping, trails accommodate various skill levels. "Location was near trails to rock climbing, mountain biking, hiking," reports a camper who attended an outdoor adventure event at the site.
Water recreation: River access is available at several sites with small beaches for summer enjoyment. "Nice and flat, right next to the stream, already had some stones for a fire ring," describes a camper at Silver Fork Dispersed about finding a prime camping location.
What campers like
360-degree panoramic views: Elevated sites provide expansive vistas across the Sierra Nevada. "I stayed at a peak that offered 360° views with sunrise and sunset right from my tent," shares a Silver Fork camper who discovered an ideal location after driving primitive roads.
Solitude and space: Most areas offer ample separation between campsites. "It was open with plenty of spots & we were the only ones! Perfect spot for star gazing!!" remarks a visitor to Bear Valley Dispersed Camping about their weekday experience.
Cell service in select areas: Connectivity varies significantly by location and carrier. At Top of Arnold, a camper reported, "2 bars LTE of Verizon," making it suitable for those needing minimal connectivity while camping.
What you should know
Road conditions vary significantly: Access roads range from well-maintained to challenging. "You don't need 4x4 but you definitely will need a vehicle with some decent clearance," explains a camper about Forest Route 4N39, noting "weirdly purposefully placed speed bumps" that test vehicle clearance.
Seasonal closures and fire regulations: Many areas restrict campfires during summer and fall. "KEEP IT CLEAN — this area is immaculate and besides dug out fire pits, human trace is non-existent," advises a Silver Fork camper about responsible use of the land.
Ground conditions impact comfort: Surface composition affects camping setup and cleanliness. "Only downside is the ground is basically dust dirt. My dogs love it, my bedding doesn't!" notes a Top of Arnold camper about the practical challenges of the soil composition.
Tips for camping with families
Weather preparedness: Mountain temperatures fluctuate dramatically between day and night. "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," reports a visitor to Scotts Lake Rd Dispersed Camping.
Wildlife awareness: Local fauna includes deer, birds, and occasionally bears. "This campground was the best campground that I've been to in a long time take note that this is real camping so there is no bathrooms. There is no running water," states a Top of Arnold reviewer emphasizing the primitive nature of the experience.
Morning activities: Early starts avoid afternoon heat during summer months. "The night views are amazing!" exclaims a Bear Valley camper who appreciated the star-filled skies visible from higher elevation sites.
Tips from RVers
Level parking challenges: Finding flat areas for larger vehicles requires planning. "Drive to the back area for tree shade and level grounds. Side of road camping. Camping on Ridgeline," suggests a Forest Route 4N39 camper who identified optimal parking locations.
Resource management: No hookups or facilities necessitate self-sufficiency. "The ground is very flat and many areas are paved with gravel. At 7500 feet above sea level, the view is wide and the scenery is beautiful," describes a visitor to Iron Mountain Dispersed about the advantageous terrain for parking larger vehicles.
Turn-around space considerations: Some narrow roads limit maneuvering for longer rigs. "This would be a really nice area to disperse if they weren't there as the area is beautiful," notes another Forest Route 4N39 camper referring to the power lines that follow the road.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed
campsite near Hathaway Pines, CA?
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Hathaway Pines, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Hathaway Pines, CA is Top of Arnold - FR 5N56 Dispersed with a 3.9-star rating from 7 reviews.
What is the best site to find
dispersed camping near
Hathaway Pines, CA?
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Hathaway Pines, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 28 dispersed camping locations near Hathaway Pines, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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