Best Dispersed Camping near Represa, CA

Searching for the perfect place to dispersed camp near Represa? The Dyrt provides you with a diverse selection of places to camp, from dispersed backcountry camping to boondocking, and everything in-between. Each dispersed site offers quick access to one or more of Represa's most popular destinations.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Represa, CA (5)


Recent Dispersed Reviews in Represa

17 Reviews of 5 Represa Campgrounds


  • Raymond B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from USFS Silver Fork Dispersed
    Jul. 15, 2024

    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!

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Union Valley Reservoir Dispersed Camping
    Jun. 21, 2024

    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.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from USFS Silver Fork Dispersed
    Jun. 21, 2024

    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.

  • A S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Union Valley Reservoir Dispersed Camping
    Mar. 24, 2024

    Union 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.

  • Orion B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from USFS Silver Fork Dispersed
    Dec. 19, 2023

    USFS 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.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from USFS Silver Fork Dispersed
    Nov. 8, 2023

    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:

    1. 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
    2. 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.
    3. 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.
    4. 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.
    5. 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.
  • Callie C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from USFS Silver Fork Dispersed
    Sep. 2, 2023

    USFS Silver Fork Dispersed

    Location possibly pinned incorrectly

    Showed up to pinned spot around 3pm and saw zero people. It was basically just a road to what I think was a state park? There were multiple spots off to the side where ppl had previously parked/camped w/ fire pits. But I did not feel comfortable pulling off…No service, it was rainy, and not sure how my vehicle would hold up. If planning to visit I would look to see if you need forest permit.

  • Serena W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from USFS Silver Fork Dispersed
    Jul. 29, 2023

    USFS Silver Fork Dispersed

    Dispersed camping

    Plenty of dispersed camping spots. My flat spot that I found not too far from a Creek and I even had 2 bars on my cell phone and watch the movie.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Iron MT. Dispersed
    May. 24, 2023

    Iron MT. Dispersed

    Covered in snow

    The site was covered in snow, and there was a sign saying no camping in snow clearing conditions. Additionally you aren’t allowed in without a Sno-park permit from November 1st to may 31st.

    For those that can get it, I had no service with Verizon or t-mobile

  • Raven P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Iron MT. Dispersed
    Nov. 21, 2022

    Iron MT. Dispersed

    Gorgeous Views!

    Stayed at this location when there was about a foot of snow on the ground, so I didn't feel comfortable driving into the actual camping area, instead I stayed over night on the paved round about. Nice and quite and woke up to gorgeous views! It looks like they are cutting down trees in the area that you would camp at so there are big piles of logs everywhere.

    Good place to hike around, I could see this place being perfect for the summer!

  • M
    Camper-submitted photo from Union Valley Reservoir Dispersed Camping
    Oct. 16, 2022

    Union Valley Reservoir Dispersed Camping

    There’s nothing here

    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.

    There seem to be plenty of spots to use enroute to the water, just not at the location.

  • Tisha S.
    Camper-submitted photo from Iron MT. Dispersed
    Aug. 12, 2021

    Iron MT. Dispersed

    This place is really cool and easy to find! Great views!

    This place is really cool and easy to find! Great views

    Weather isn’t to hot and very secluded.

  • Caroline U.
    Camper-submitted photo from Iron MT. Dispersed
    Jun. 23, 2021

    Iron MT. Dispersed

    Great dispersed camping area

    The view from this area is spectacular. Beautiful sunsets too. It is a pretty open area with lots of room to camp. It is now an abandoned ski resort. 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. We had 3 bars of AT&T connection there. Will be back

  • A
    Camper-submitted photo from Iron MT. Dispersed
    Sep. 25, 2020

    Iron MT. Dispersed

    Amazing views

    The views from this place are amazing. The abandoned ski lifts are pretty cool to look at and hike along them as well. I camped right on the edge where the view was as far from the highway as possible. The only downfall is that you can hear the highway. I went on a Tuesday. But I could tell the place gets busy at some point. I would go again.



Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Represa, CA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Represa, CA is Union Valley Reservoir Dispersed Camping with a 3-star rating from 5 reviews.

  • What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Represa, CA?

    TheDyrt.com has all 5 dispersed camping locations near Represa, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.