Best Dispersed Camping near Pioneer, CA
Looking for dispersed camping near Pioneer? Dispersed camping is an excellent way to get away from it all and to disconnect. You're sure to find the perfect dispersed campsite for your California excursion.
Best Dispersed Sites Near Pioneer, CA (20)
1. Iron MT. Dispersed
Eldorado National Forest, California6 Reviews•20 Photos•358 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Dispersed
- Firewood Available
- WiFi
- Alcohol
2. USFS Silver Fork Dispersed
Kyburz, California6 Reviews•27 Photos•227 Saves- Pets
- Phone Service
- RVs
- Tents
- Group
- Standard (Tent/RV)
3. Bear Valley Dispersed Camping
Bear Valley, California7 Reviews•16 Photos•404 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Equestrian
- Dispersed
- Drinking Water
4. Top of Arnold - FR 5N56 Dispersed
Arnold, California2 Reviews•5 Photos•153 SavesDispersed camping takes a lot more effort than camping in a developed campground, but for those with an adventurous spirit, it can be a lot of fun.
Here are some important points to remember about dispersed camping:
The maximum length of stay in a forest ranger district is 21 days per year. Please practice good outdoor ethics about camping, travel and behavior while visiting. Dispersed campers are allowed to park within one vehicle length (including any tow vehicle) of a National Forest transportation route and walk into camp. Dispersed camping is not permitted in developed campgrounds and day use areas. Other areas closed to dispersed camping include historical and archaeological sites. Also, be certain that you are within the boundaries of the National Forest before setting up camp. To prevent resource damage please keep your campsite within 150 feet from a roadway. Dispersed camping is not allowed in these areas: within one mile of Pinecrest Basin along 7N83, Clark Fork Road along Hwy 108 between Clark Fork Road and Kennedy Meadows Road Leave No Trace Camping – Camp so no one notices you while you are there, and no one even knows you were there after you leave. Please respect nature and other visitors by keeping noise to a minimum. Always pack out whatever you pack in. No permanent structures are to be constructed to an area, such as building rock-lined fire pits, trenches around tents, or carving into trees. Human waste should be deposited in a hole dug 6 - 10 inches deep and then covered with organic soil. Vehicles are not permitted off of roads, but if you can safely park your vehicle adjacent and parallel to the road and are not blocking the roadway, you may park and camp. Most sites will have a parking spot nearby while other sites may not. Because the footprint of a vehicle can have a large impact to soils, please do not create new “parking spot” for a campsite. Please park in designated or already impacted spots. If you are going to an area where others have camped before, pick a site that has been used before. Plants, soil and wildlife are impacted by new campsites so using existing ones will minimize your impact in the forest. We want you to learn some of the many reasons to enjoy the quiet and solitude of dispersed camping, it’s up to you to LEAVE NO TRACE.
- Pets
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Equestrian
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
5. Scotts Lake Rd Dispersed Camping
Echo Lake, California14 Reviews•21 Photos•525 Saves- Fires
- Phone Service
- RVs
- Tents
- Group
- Equestrian
6. Mormon Emigrant Trail Dispersed Pull Off
Grizzly Flats, California1 Review•1 Photo•5 Saves- Pets
- Phone Service
- RVs
- Tents
- Group
- Standard (Tent/RV)
7. Union Valley Reservoir Dispersed Camping
Kyburz, California5 Reviews•10 Photos•219 SavesIf you like to camp away from it all, but you prefer to drive there in your car, the National Forests have just what you are looking for. Most of the land in the National Forest is open to camping free of charge which is referred to as “dispersed” camping. Visitors can camp just about anywhere in the national forest, unless specifically prohibited*. Maps and staff are available at most Forest Service offices to assist visitors in finding a suitable spot.
Not being in a developed campground means that there will not be certain conveniences: Maximum stay limit for camping outside of a developed campground is 10 days per district/per calendar year. Please remove all your equipment and garbage when you leave.
Water Quality: It is best to bring your own water. Lake, stream or spring water may be contaminated.
Human Waste: Proper disposal of human waste is important. Leaving human waste in dispersed camping areas can spread disease, lead to contaminated water supplies, contaminate soils, attract wildlife, and spoil a camping area. Portable eco-friendly human waste disposal systems which allow you to safely "Pack It Out" are commercially available and recommended. As a last resort, choose a spot at least 200' away from water sources and campsites, dig a small hole at least six inches deep, and cover it when you are through. Seal your toilet paper in a bag, pack it out, and dispose of it properly.
No trash service - Pack It In, Pack It Out
- Fires
- Phone Service
- RVs
- Tents
- Group
- Standard (Tent/RV)
8. Packsaddle Pass - El Dorado National Forest Dispersed
Twin Bridges, California2 Reviews•4 Photos•19 SavesMost of the land in the Naonal Forest is open to camping free of charge which is referred to as “dispersed” camping. Visitors can camp just about anywhere in the naonal forest, unless specifically prohibited*. Maps and staff are available at most Forest Service offices to assist visitors in finding a suitable spot.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
9. Luther Pass Dispersed Camping
Echo Lake, California5 Reviews•2 Photos•100 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- RVs
- Tents
- Group
10. Forest Route 4N39 Dispersed
Stanislaus National Forest, California2 Reviews•11 Photos•64 SavesMany people enjoy the solitude and primitive experience of camping away from developed campgrounds and other campers. Dispersed camping is the term used for camping anywhere in the National Forest OUTSIDE of a designated campground. Dispersed camping means no services like trash removal, and few or no facilities such as tables and fire pits, are provided.
Dispersed camping takes a lot more effort than camping in a developed campground, but for those with an adventurous spirit, it can be a lot of fun.
Here are some important points to remember about dispersed camping:
The maximum length of stay in a forest ranger district is 21 days per year. Please practice good outdoor ethics about camping, travel and behavior while visiting. Dispersed campers are allowed to park within one vehicle length (including any tow vehicle) of a National Forest transportation route and walk into camp. Dispersed camping is not permitted in developed campgrounds and day use areas. Other areas closed to dispersed camping include historical and archaeological sites. Also, be certain that you are within the boundaries of the National Forest before setting up camp. To prevent resource damage please keep your campsite within 150 feet from a roadway. Dispersed camping is not allowed in these areas: within one mile of Pinecrest Basin along 7N83, Clark Fork Road along Hwy 108 between Clark Fork Road and Kennedy Meadows Road Leave No Trace Camping – Camp so no one notices you while you are there, and no one even knows you were there after you leave. Please respect nature and other visitors by keeping noise to a minimum. Always pack out whatever you pack in. No permanent structures are to be constructed to an area, such as building rock-lined fire pits, trenches around tents, or carving into trees. Human waste should be deposited in a hole dug 6 - 10 inches deep and then covered with organic soil. Vehicles are not permitted off of roads, but if you can safely park your vehicle adjacent and parallel to the road and are not blocking the roadway, you may park and camp. Most sites will have a parking spot nearby while other sites may not. Because the footprint of a vehicle can have a large impact to soils, please do not create new “parking spot” for a campsite. Please park in designated or already impacted spots. If you are going to an area where others have camped before, pick a site that has been used before. Plants, soil and wildlife are impacted by new campsites so using existing ones will minimize your impact in the forest.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Equestrian
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Recent Dispersed Reviews in Pioneer
58 Reviews of 20 Pioneer Campgrounds
- M
Matthew A.
Scout
Scotts Lake Rd Dispersed Camping
Great 1 night stay
Came on a Saturday around 4pm, there were 2 other campers other than me so it wasn’t busy at all. No service for at&t. Overall had a good stay here with my 2 dogs
Ciara W.
Guide
Echo Summit Dispersed
Not dispersed camping
This 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
- AAnthony F.Scout
Hope Valley Dispersed
Hope Valley dispersed
Free camping
Tim R.Guide
Packsaddle Pass - El Dorado National Forest Dispersed
Standard Dispersed Camping
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!
DJ M.Guide
Forest Route 4N39 Dispersed
On the mountain
Drive to the back area for tree shade and level grounds. Side of road camping. Camping on Ridgeline
- OOnyx E.Guide
Mormon Emigrant Trail Dispersed Pull Off
Large dirt pull off
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 but 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. Completely free and peaceful but 0 amenities so come prepared. Currently there is an abandoned red semi truck cab so it’s easy to find not sure if that will ever be moved in the future though!
- CCheyanne G.Scout
Bear Valley Dispersed Camping
Pin is incorrect
So disappointing this app has failed us like 5 times now on camping spots. Not the right location.
Stephen B.ScoutScotts Lake Rd Dispersed Camping
Beautiful, popular, treacherous
I’m motorcycle camping and the ground level was about half full, mostly RVs, so I attempted to head up Scott Lake Road.
The dirt was manageable but there are sections of large rocks difficult to pass on two wheels. I crossed several but I dropped my bike before the second circle. Defeated and exhausted from a long day’s ride, I headed back down to set up my camp among the RV set.
No shade to the lifestyle but this is an awfully long drive to watch TV at top volume.
Anthony K.Scout
Luther Pass Dispersed Camping
Hold on
There’s no legal “dispersed” camping at Luther Pass; there are 11 tent sites with a maximum stay of five days. Very nice campground, though.
- DJ M.Guide
Bear Valley Dispersed Camping
Crowded
Wooded campground, cool weather, good phone reception, many spots taken with no activity probably by locals. Lake, hiking, close shopping.
- Julia H.
TravelerScotts Lake Rd Dispersed Camping
Great
Lots of people ! come early for a spot. nice views around. lots and lots of bugs. i sleep in my car and crack the windows a little bit and i woke up to a shit ton of bugs that got in my car. even more surrounding the cars. very quiet at night, maybe i just got lucky lol.
- CChris V.Traveler
Echo Summit Dispersed
Echo peak free camping
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. There are some power lines and it might be prettier if it had some unburned trees, but it’s great in a pinch and private. Take echo summit road from El dorado and you will see several places to chose from. The road towards the cabins has a very tight turn that will not allow anyone over 25 feet- though i’d recommend smaller.
most likely impassable after snowfall.
- Raymond B.Traveler
USFS Silver Fork Dispersed
Overnight stay
We recently spent a night at this campsite and found it to be perfect for a quick overnight getaway. The area is spacious and conveniently located not too far off the main road, making it easy to access without feeling too isolated.
There are plenty of sites to choose from, catering to different preferences. However, we recommend taking some time to survey the land before setting up camp, as some spots are slightly sloped.
A huge plus is the gas station just about 5 minutes down the road. It’s well-stocked with all the convenient store items you might have forgotten at home, making it easy to grab any last-minute necessities.
Overall, it was a delightful stay. Just remember, always practice Leave No Trace principles—pack out what you pack in!
- EEli F.Scout
Granite Chief Wilderness - Dispersed
Hard to get to
Site looks beautiful but road turns from pavement to 4x4. Pulled over right after the pavement ended. Lots of mosquitos
- BBlair K.Traveler
Scotts Lake Rd Dispersed Camping
Burnside lake
We went just up the road into the wildlife reserve and drove all the way up to burnside lake. Beautiful. Definitely need 4x4 and the road is super bumpy. We had a great spot that looked over the mountains. Would definitely come back. Lots of places to choose from along the way to the lake.
- BBlair K.Traveler
Luther Pass Dispersed Camping
Good in a pinch
This place is beautiful but it’s a designated free camp ground and has minimal spots on one side. The other side was so jammed full. We ended up squeezing in a parking space and asked the ranger for permission to use our pop up there (she was super nice about it). Trash, fire pits, bathrooms are all available there. Single lane road getting in to it was a little harry with other cars. Decent place if you need a safe space to rest.
- BBlair K.Traveler
Union Valley Reservoir Dispersed Camping
It was okay
Pretty easy to get to and lots of spaces for dispersed sites. There was trash EVERYWHERE. Broken glass, toilet trash, bottles and cans, we were really disappointed. We found a spot pretty hidden which was rad but someone was shooting litteraly all night long which was frustrating. We probably won’t come back.
- BBlair K.Traveler
USFS Silver Fork Dispersed
Great spot
Not sure if my wife and I found the right spot or went far enough, but we found a great spot about 4 miles before silver fork camp ground. Nice and flat, right next to the stream, already had some stones for a fire ring. Easy road to get out there.
- Susan L.Scout
Scotts Lake Rd Dispersed Camping
What a beautiful place for our 40 ft 5th wheel
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. We had our choice of several places to set up. It is very quiet here, not hearing any road noise. A forest ranger told us there were more spaces up near the lake, but we didn’t venture up there.
- DDanny R.Scout
Packsaddle Pass - El Dorado National Forest Dispersed
Dispersed camping
Great location. Not sure it would be a good location if it's been raining. May hear the occasional road noise
Jr A.TravelerScotts Lake Rd Dispersed Camping
Easy access and lots of spots
You follow a dirt road and have camping spots along the road. When I was here it was jammed packed RV, vans and tents all set up along the road. To me it was good for a an overnight stay. No At&t service what so ever. Little highway noise.
- VVi T.Scout
Luther Pass Dispersed Camping
Good Camping Spot Near SLT
Parked my car and walked into my campsite 50m? Not ideal if you are car camping but not terrible. Tables, bear boxes, toilets and fire ring provided. First come first serve. Adequate TMobile service.
A S.ScoutUnion Valley Reservoir Dispersed Camping
It's a paid site now.
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. Not paying now.
- Verna T.Traveler
Union Valley Reservoir Dispersed Camping
My Favorite Place to camp
I always have a great experience camping here. Not too many people in between seasons. Summer time is not bad
Mine S.ScoutLuther Pass Dispersed Camping
Gâté closed
Im in december and the hâte is closed
Orion B.TravelerUSFS Silver Fork Dispersed
Beautiful free camping is a real thing!
My 9 yr old son wanted to try camping in or near the snow, and the weather was favorable on this December weekend (high 56, low 39). We are pretty new to camping and not hardcore, but this was very easy and comfortable. We camped right at the entrance because nobody was there and there was plenty of flat area. Easily accessible on paved roads. Spotted a rock climber on the nearby rock face when we arrived, who later came by to pick up his car he had parked there.
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. It was breezy, which made it chillier than the temps indicated, but we were fine and very toasty once in our tent cots.
We found a few beer bottles around (which we took home to recycle), and small amounts of building waste such as concrete. But overall the setting was peaceful and beautiful. Amazing to have a resource like this that's free. 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.
- AAlexTraveler
USFS Silver Fork Dispersed
Endless Possibilities
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. 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:
- You are required to have a permit for any day/overnight use in Eldorado, including this area. They can be easily acquired at recreation.gov
- Cell phone reception is very spotty, in and out of a couple of bars throughout the drive in. — AT&T coverage. At the above coordinates, there were 2 bars of low grade coverage allowing basic texts to send. Not enough service for web browsing or sending photos via text.
- This area has been widely burnt by fires last year. There are still large areas unburnt. You will find yourself going in and out of them while driving.
- KEEP IT CLEAN — this area is immaculate and besides dug out fire pits, human trace is non-existent. Leave it cleaner than you found it, pick up your trash (and other’s if you see any), respect the area and it will respect you.
- NO CAMP SERVICES — There is no trash service or even dumpsters at the signed entrance; pack it in pack it out. There are no restrooms in the area either.
Guide to Pioneer
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Pioneer, California, where nature's tranquility meets the freedom of the great outdoors. With a variety of locations to choose from, you can enjoy stunning views, peaceful surroundings, and the chance to connect with nature.
Tips for free and dispersed camping near Pioneer, California
- Make sure to check for any required permits before heading to places like Iron MT. Dispersed, especially during winter months when conditions may restrict access.
- Bring your own firewood and supplies, as many areas, such as Top of Arnold - FR 5N56 Dispersed, do not provide amenities like firewood or trash disposal.
- Always practice Leave No Trace principles to keep these beautiful spots pristine, particularly in popular areas like Mormon Emigrant Trail Dispersed Pull Off.
Scenic hiking opportunities while free camping near Pioneer
- The Bear Valley Dispersed Camping area offers access to numerous trails, making it a great base for hiking enthusiasts looking to explore the stunning landscapes.
- Enjoy breathtaking views and hiking trails from the USFS Silver Fork Dispersed, where you can find a variety of paths suitable for all skill levels.
- For those seeking a more secluded experience, Union Valley Reservoir Dispersed Camping provides ample opportunities to hike and explore the surrounding wilderness.
Best spots for sunset views for dispersed campers
- Experience unforgettable sunsets at Mormon Emigrant Trail Dispersed Pull Off, where the expansive views make for a perfect evening backdrop.
- The Iron MT. Dispersed area is known for its stunning vistas, offering a picturesque setting to unwind as the sun sets behind the mountains.
- Capture the beauty of the sunset at Bear Valley Dispersed Camping, where the open landscape provides a clear view of the horizon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Pioneer, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Pioneer, CA is Iron MT. Dispersed with a 4-star rating from 6 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Pioneer, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 20 dispersed camping locations near Pioneer, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.