Primitive camping near Kirkwood, California offers varied terrain at elevations between 7,000-8,300 feet throughout the El Dorado National Forest. Most dispersed sites sit on ungraded forest service roads with limited or no cell reception. Winter conditions can make many areas inaccessible from November through May due to snow accumulation and forest service restrictions.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Silver Fork River Camping, campers have easy river access with small beaches. According to one visitor, "All the sites are on the river and have paths down to the water with a little beach... It's a popular fishing spot with the locals."
Off-roading trails: Near Hope Valley Dispersed, numerous 4WD roads provide challenging terrain. One reviewer at nearby Burnside Lake noted, "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."
Stargazing: The high elevation and minimal light pollution make for excellent night sky viewing. A camper at Bear Valley Dispersed Camping shared, "We arrived when it was dark and had no problem finding a spot! It was open with plenty of spots & we were the only ones! Perfect spot for star gazing!!"
Mountain biking: The forest service roads around dispersed sites offer extensive trail networks. One camper mentioned, "There are no Volt toilets here nor running water but pretty good Verizon signal. Lots of trails to ride your bike and walk."
What campers like
Riverside spots: Campers appreciate sites with water access. At Silver Fork River Camping, a reviewer reported, "Each site is large enough for 3 campers to fit. Stone fire pits had already been established as well. Would definitely come back given the chance."
Privacy between sites: Many dispersed areas offer significant space between campers. At Scotts Lake Rd Dispersed Camping, a visitor noted, "It is a great site just near the road. We arrived on Monday afternoon and there were lots of places. There were other people but everyone has enough space."
Mountain views: The elevated terrain provides panoramic vistas. A camper at Iron MT. Dispersed shared, "The view from this area is spectacular. Beautiful sunsets too. It is a pretty open area with lots of room to camp."
Weather conditions: The high elevation keeps temperatures moderate even in summer. One reviewer commented, "This place is really cool and easy to find! Great views. Weather isn't too hot and very secluded."
What you should know
Fire restrictions: Seasonal bans are strictly enforced. An Iron Mountain visitor warned, "Stopped by Iron Mountain this morning on my way down 88. Not a sole in sight at this old abandoned ski resort. A few rock fire rings but I think camp fires may be banned."
Road quality varies: Many sites require high-clearance vehicles. A Scotts Lake visitor explained, "Dispersed camping not far from Lake Tahoe. Easy to drive into just be careful of potholes and large puddles from rain, even in summer."
Cell service limitations: Coverage is unpredictable throughout the area. At Iron Mountain, a camper reported, "Had to check out a few spots to get WiFi AT&T one bar," while another noted, "We had 3 bars of AT&T connection there."
Not all national forest areas permit camping: Always verify rules before setting up. A visitor to Echo Summit Dispersed learned, "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."
Bug activity: Insects can be abundant during warm months. One camper at Scotts Lake warned, "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."
Tips for camping with families
Accessible spots: Some dispersed areas offer easier access for children. At Packsaddle Pass - El Dorado National Forest Dispersed, a camper noted, "Standard dispersed camping on national forest land. Paved main road with dirt roads and areas for camping branching off. Plenty of room."
Proximity to amenities: Families should consider proximity to supplies. One camper shared, "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."
Wildlife encounters: Children may enjoy local fauna. A visitor to Scotts Lake mentioned, "There are herds of cows that will make their way through the area, please be respectful of them!"
Family-friendly terrain: Some areas offer better spaces for kids to play. A Bear Valley camper noted, "There is open field adjacent that was used as the event hub. Location was near trails to rock climbing, mountain biking, hiking."
Tips from RVers
Large rig accessibility: Several areas can accommodate bigger vehicles. At Scotts Lake, an RVer stated, "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."
Elevation considerations: Higher elevations affect vehicle performance. A visitor to Hope Valley warned, "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."
Arrival timing: Weekends get crowded at popular spots. A visitor observed, "Lots of people! Come early for a spot," while another noted, "We arrived on a Monday around 4pm, there were 2 other campers other than me so it wasn't busy at all."
