Best Dispersed Camping near Orangevale, CA
Union Valley Reservoir offers several free dispersed camping areas approximately 45 minutes northeast of Orangevale in the El Dorado National Forest. The area features primitive sites accessible via drive-in and walk-in options suitable for tents and RVs. Campers should note conflicting recent reports about fees, with some visitors mentioning the area has transitioned from free to paid sites with a $10 day use fee, particularly near the boat launch.
Mormon Emigrant Trail provides another dispersed option with large pull-off areas allowing multiple-day stays. The sites have no amenities, requiring visitors to pack in all necessities and pack out waste. One camper shared, "Large pull off area with amazing views of the sunset and sunrise," though others mention evidence of forest fires with "nothing to look at but burned out trees." Independence Hill dispersed camping is available but features particularly challenging access. According to one visitor, "The road up to Iowa Hill is terrifying, especially in the dark," with significant glass and shell casings from apparent recreational shooting in the area.
