Markleeville, CA is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that California camping has to offer. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Markleeville, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.
"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."
"Several areas along Blue Lakes Rd offer 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."
"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."
"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."
"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!"
"Great location. Not sure it would be a good location if it's been raining. May hear the occasional road noise"
"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."
GuideI 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
LegendSo I was hesitant to write a review because I didn’t want this place to have any more visitors than it already does..! It was an amazing experience overall and we can’t wait to come back. The address on google maps however DOES NOT lead to the camping destination but we ended up running into a couple of ATV’ers that led us in the right direction. It’s actually off the highway before where the maps lead you and there is a sign that says Travertine Hot Springs. Having arrived at night, we were very glad to have met the locals that were helpful in showing us the way! So once you turn off the highway, you follow a dirt road that leads you straight to the springs. We ended up turning off and heading up a pretty rough road to find a spot on top of a canyon looking hill to camp. We were looking for seclusion and we definitely got it! The view was amazing from up top, and in the morning with a quick 5 minute drive we changed into our bathing suits and went for an early morning “nature hot tub swim”. The springs are hot but not boiling, and we spent an hour soaking there with absolutely no worries in the world. Definitely an amazing stay, and absolutely no hesitation to go back!
GuideI loved camping here. There’s a few spots off the road that leads into the hot springs, before you hit the sign that says no camping. Just pull onto one of the dirt roads on the left and find a spot! Any car or smaller RV could easily drive the road.
There was no one else there when I was camped there, and as a solo female traveler I felt extremely safe. It was quiet and secluded, beautiful, yet only 10 minutes off of 395, less than a mile from the hot spring, and I had full LTE cell reception (verizon).
There are rock fire rings that previous campers have made if you’re going to be here when camp fires are allowed. There’s no other amenities such as picnic tables or a bathroom, water, or garbage collection - this is free dispersed camping, so be prepared to be self-sufficient: pack out what you bring in and leave no trace!
TravelerRoad was accessible for us in a Toyota Tacoma, but a Camry also made it up. It was a little crowded in the area we stayed (with 4 other caravans and trailers), as the other dirt road giving access to different campsites was more for high clearance vehicles (very steep and uneven). Hot springs in walking distance. Incredible views of the mountains. We would definitely stay here again. No waste services or restrooms, but a vault toilet was available at the hot springs less than a mile away. Would visit again!
TravelerThe 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:
TravelerPractice leave no trace, and enjoy. 1.7 miles from town.
LegendNo camping is allowed at the hot springs themselves, but outside of the hot springs there are a few cleared out spots with fire rings where you can camp. There is a cluster of about 6 spots fairly close together, as well as a few more isolated spots if you're lucky enough to get one. From here it is about a .5 mile walk to the springs.
So many cars zip in and out on the dirt road leading to the hot springs, from early in the morning to pretty late at night. The dust hasn't been too much of a problem but some people do drive rather quickly so watch out for your loose dogs and kids. It was also intermittently very windy.
No services or amenities here, but it is really close to the town of Bridgeport for supplies, so pack in and pack out your garbage(and maybe a little extra) and bring water.
The hot springs are amazing and we got a nice long soak by ourselves in the morning until around 11am when is starts to get busier. Clothing is optional at these hot springs but almost everyone was wearing something. Come sit in a hot spring and enjoy the free camping and extraordinary panoramic views.
The road in is pretty washboarded and rutty in parts, so go slowly.
You can hear road noise and hourly church bells :)
Good Verizon, ATT, and T-Mobile reception.
** Gas here in Bridgeport is very expensive (currently $5.15/gal) so fuel up before you get here.
GuideThis 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
ScoutWe 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.
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Markleeville, California, where nature lovers can find serene spots away from the crowds. With stunning landscapes and a variety of outdoor activities, this area is perfect for those seeking adventure and tranquility.
Frequently Asked Questions
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Markleeville, CA is Scotts Lake Rd Dispersed Camping with a 3.9-star rating from 16 reviews.
TheDyrt.com has all 31 dispersed camping locations near Markleeville, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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