Top Free Dispersed Camping near Kit Carson, CA

Planning a dispersed camping trip near Kit Carson? Find everything from dispersed backcountry camping to boondocking with The Dyrt. Each dispersed site offers quick access to one or more of Kit Carson's most popular destinations.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Kit Carson, CA (21)

Showing results 1-10 of 21 campgrounds

Recent Dispersed Reviews In Kit Carson

65 Reviews of 21 Kit Carson Campgrounds


  • Tyler C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Baldwine East Dispersed Camping
    Nov. 2, 2024

    Baldwine East Dispersed Camping

    NO CAMPING

    there was one other review that said the same, but this spot is just off the road so I thought I’d double check. it’s not only on a gas pipeline, but you’re also verging on private property.

  • 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.

  • E
    Camper-submitted photo from Leavitt Lake
    Aug. 29, 2024

    Leavitt Lake

    Great lake

    This is a beautiful lake. I like visiting it and geometry dash breeze which is amazing. Upon reaching the lake, you will discover approximately twelve camping spots. These sites are fairly basic, each equipped with uncomplicated stone fire pits, though only around half of them seem to feature picnic tables based on my observation. Upon our arrival, all the Lakeview sites were occupied, prompting us to locate a pleasant spot towards the back to set up our camp. Unfortunately, there is a segment of the camping area that would typically be open for use but was closed off by the Department of Fish and Game(DFG) due to environmental concerns. It's regrettable as there were some appealing campsites situated beyond that wooden barrier.

  • 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!

  • A
    Camper-submitted photo from BLM FLATTOP
    Jul. 6, 2024

    BLM FLATTOP

    Access Sucks

    The road kinda sucks but VC is a good time. It was nice other than the road. Please remember to pack everything out, there was a lot of trash I had to pick up that was left behind by others.

  • 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.



Guide to Kit Carson

Camping near Kit Carson, California, offers a fantastic escape into nature with stunning views and plenty of outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are several campgrounds that cater to different preferences.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the beautiful trails around the area. Many campers enjoy the proximity to hiking trails, with one reviewer mentioning, "The lake is a 5 min walk away not to mention near the start of many hiking trails in desolation wilderness" at Fallen Leaf Campground - South Lake Tahoe.
  • Water Sports: Enjoy activities like kayaking and paddleboarding. One camper at Eagle Point Campground — Emerald Bay State Park shared, "It was a huge plus that added to our trip and loving this campground."
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. A visitor at Ice House Campground noted, "I've even seen a few black bears roaming through my camp sites over the years."

What campers like:

  • Spacious Sites: Campers appreciate the roomy sites at Tahoe Valley Campground. One review stated, "Camping spots are spaced out enough that you are not right on top of your neighbor."
  • Clean Facilities: Many campgrounds pride themselves on cleanliness. A reviewer at Grover Hot Springs State Park Campground mentioned, "Toilets were well maintained and didn’t have an awful smell like most others."
  • Beautiful Scenery: The natural beauty of the area is a big draw. A camper at D.L. Bliss State Park Campground said, "The site is gorgeous and so close to the Lake."

What you should know:

  • Bear Activity: Be prepared for bear encounters. A visitor at Ice House Campground warned, "It would have been nice to know, since we have little ones exploring the area behind us."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may lack certain amenities. A reviewer at Tahoe Valley Campground noted, "The General Market was randomly closed for 4 days, for inventory."
  • Seasonal Access: Check the campground seasons before planning your trip. For example, Fallen Leaf Campground - South Lake Tahoe is open from May 16 to October 11.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Kid-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with activities for kids. A parent at Pinecrest Campground shared, "We played paddle board in the lake, watched the new Minion movie at the amphitheater."
  • Safety First: Always keep food secured to avoid attracting wildlife. A camper at Eagle Point Campground emphasized, "It’s crucial to store your food in the provided bear boxes."
  • Plan for Restroom Access: Make sure to know where the restrooms are located. A visitor at D.L. Bliss State Park Campground mentioned, "Some of the bathrooms are in rough shape."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Ensure your RV fits the campsite. A reviewer at RV Village Campground At Camp Richardson Resort noted, "It is definitely big enough for our 26’ TT."
  • Be Prepared for Crowds: Some campgrounds can get busy, especially during holidays. A visitor at Zephyr Cove Resort said, "The campground was completely full."
  • Know Your Amenities: Understand what amenities are available. A camper at Ice House Campground mentioned, "Water spigots are rarely more than a short walk from any camp site."

Camping near Kit Carson, California, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors with family and friends. With a little planning and knowledge, you can have a memorable experience in this beautiful area.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Kit Carson, CA is Scotts Lake Rd Dispersed Camping with a 3.9-star rating from 14 reviews.

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

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