Dispersed camping sites near Kyburz, California provide backcountry experiences at 4,000-7,500 feet elevation within El Dorado National Forest. These primitive sites typically feature higher elevation options with temperature variations of 30-40°F between day and night, even during summer months. Most locations require campers to travel on forest roads of varying quality.
What to do
Fishing access: Several dispersed sites near Silver Fork River offer direct water access. "We found a great spot that included a van camper that was 2wd so its easy to get to the first two sites. All the sites are on the river and have paths down tonthe water with a little beach," notes a camper at Silver Fork River Camping.
Mountain biking: Forest roads throughout the region connect to trail networks suitable for intermediate riders. At Mormon Emigrant Trail Dispersed Pull Off, campers note, "Large pull off area I found and stayed at for 4 days with amazing views of the sunset and sunrise! I was there on weekdays so was pretty much alone the whole time."
Stargazing: Higher elevation sites provide optimal night sky viewing conditions. "We had 3 bars of AT&T connection there. Will be back," reports one visitor about the open viewing areas at Iron MT. Dispersed. The lack of light pollution creates exceptional stargazing opportunities from May through October.
What campers like
High elevation views: Campsites at 7,000+ feet offer panoramic vistas. A camper at Iron MT. Dispersed reports, "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."
Beach access: River sites feature small beach areas for water activities. According to one camper, "There are a total of 3 established sites. When we were there in early June the water was still very cold. It's a popular fishing spot with the locals."
Solitude on weekdays: Mid-week visits typically provide more privacy. "I went on a Tuesday. But I could tell the place gets busy at some point," notes an Iron MT. Dispersed visitor. Weekday arrivals between 2-4 PM offer the best selection of available sites during peak season.
What you should know
Fire permit regulations: California Campfire Permits are mandatory for any stove or fire use. A visitor at Packsaddle Pass - El Dorado National Forest Dispersed advises, "Great location. Not sure it would be a good location if it's been raining. May hear the occasional road noise."
Limited services: No potable water or waste facilities exist at any site. "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," recommends one camper at USFS Silver Fork Dispersed.
Winter restrictions: Most areas require Sno-park permits between November and May. "The site was covered in snow, and there was a sign saying no camping in snow clearing conditions. Additionally you aren't allowed in without a Sno-park permit from November 1st to may 31st," reports a winter visitor to Iron MT. Dispersed.
Cell service variations: Coverage depends on campsite elevation and carrier. "For those that can get it, I had no service with Verizon or t-mobile," notes a camper at Iron MT. Dispersed. AT&T generally provides better coverage throughout the region.
Tips for camping with families
Reservoir beach options: Union Valley Reservoir offers water recreation with gradual beach entries. At Union Valley Reservoir Dispersed Camping, one visitor notes, "So beautiful, and the lake is really warm in the summer."
Fire safety education: Recent burn areas provide opportunities to discuss forest management. "My 9 yr old son wanted to try camping in or near the snow, and the weather was favorable on this December weekend. 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," explains a parent who visited USFS Silver Fork Dispersed.
Wildlife viewing: Dawn and dusk offer optimal wildlife sighting times. "Burnside lake. Beautiful. Definitely need 4x4 and the road is super bumpy. We had a great spot that looked over the mountains," shares a visitor at Scotts Lake Rd Dispersed Camping.
Tips from RVers
Flat parking availability: Several areas accommodate large rigs on level terrain. "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," explains an RVer at Scotts Lake Rd Dispersed Camping.
Road conditions: Access roads typically require higher clearance for larger rigs. "Great place to get off the road and sleep for the night," notes one RVer about Iron MT. Dispersed, where gravel roads can accommodate larger vehicles during dry conditions.
Arrival timing: Weekday mornings offer the best large-site availability. "Pretty easy to get to and lots of spaces for dispersed sites," reports a camper, though noting that popular areas fill quickly on weekends and may have trash issues requiring extra preparation.
