Best Dispersed Camping near Nevada City, CA
Near Nevada City, several dispersed camping areas let you set up away from developed campgrounds. You'll find places to camp in Tahoe National Forest, where dirt roads lead to clearance spots with good tree cover. Most sites sit about 30 minutes from Nevada City, where you can stock up on supplies before heading out. The roads to these areas can get rough after rain, so vehicles with decent clearance do best. Since these are primitive sites, you'll need to bring your own water and plan to pack out all trash. Fire permits are required for any campfires, and seasonal restrictions often apply during summer and fall. The standard 14-day stay limit applies throughout the forest. Cell service is spotty at best once you leave town. Many dispersed sites are located along Bowman Lake Road and around Skillman Campground areas. During summer weekends, arrive early to find good spots as locals know these areas well. Winter snow closes most access roads from November through April. Always check with the Tahoe National Forest office in Nevada City for current conditions and road closures before heading out.
