Dispersed camping near Orangevale, California offers primitive overnight options throughout El Dorado National Forest and surrounding public lands. The region sits at elevations ranging from 1,200 to 5,000 feet, creating dramatic temperature variations between seasons. Summer highs regularly exceed 90°F while winter conditions often include snow at higher elevations, requiring campers to plan accordingly for weather conditions.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Union Valley Reservoir provides warm-water fishing during summer months when water temperatures rise. According to one visitor, "the lake is really warm in the summer" making it comfortable for swimming alongside fishing activities.
Winter camping: Some dispersed areas remain accessible year-round for cold-weather enthusiasts. As one camper at Union Valley Reservoir Dispersed Camping noted, "Little cold up here in November but made for some great pre-snowfall camping!"
Hiking exploration: The surrounding forest contains numerous unmarked trails and exploration opportunities. A camper at Independence Hill Dispersed mentioned, "Hike nearby with waterfall is beautiful" indicating seasonal water features worth investigating.
What campers like
Solitude between peak seasons: Visitors appreciate the reduced crowds during spring and fall. One regular at Union Valley Reservoir Dispersed Camping stated, "Not too many people in between seasons. Summer time is not bad."
Wildlife encounters: The remote locations provide opportunities for wildlife observation. One camper reported, "I scared two black bears as I was walking... And yes, that's his footprint on my van door - he was checking out the bag of garbage I had stored on my roof."
Extended stays: Some locations permit multi-day camping without fees. A visitor to Mormon Emigrant Trail Dispersed Pull Off shared, "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."
What you should know
Fee status changes: Campers report inconsistent enforcement of day-use fees at previously free areas. A recent visitor noted, "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."
Trash conditions: Several dispersed sites suffer from accumulated litter. According to one camper, "There was trash EVERYWHERE. Broken glass, toilet trash, bottles and cans, we were really disappointed."
Limited cell service: Most dispersed sites have minimal connectivity. A visitor to Independence Hill mentioned having "1 bar Verizon" indicating spotty emergency communications capability.
Tips for camping with families
Noise considerations: Shooting activities occur at some sites. One camper reported, "someone was shooting litteraly all night long which was frustrating" suggesting families select sites away from popular shooting areas.
Accessibility challenges: Some access roads require high-clearance vehicles. A visitor noted, "The road up to Iowa Hill is terrifying- especially in the dark" indicating families should plan arrivals during daylight hours.
Hidden spot strategy: For family privacy, explore beyond main areas. At Mormon Emigrant Trail, "even if the main spot is occupied there's a couple of dirt roads that lead to more areas to camp. A couple of level spots and lots of room to hike around."
Tips from RVers
Large vehicle accessibility: Some dispersed areas accommodate substantial rigs despite remote locations. An RVer observed at Independence Hill, "there are at least 6 good sites, including a large flat area that can take any size RV."
Boat launch confusion: RVers seeking lake access should verify current conditions. One visitor warned, "It's just the boat launch. Perhaps u can get away with hanging out, not sure. The access to the dispersed camping, in the hill overlooking the water, is gated and locked."
