Dispersed camping near Rescue, California primarily centers around El Dorado National Forest, with elevations ranging from 2,000 to 7,500 feet. Most sites are accessible via forest roads that branch off Highway 50 and Highway 88, though road conditions vary significantly with seasonal weather. Winter camping becomes increasingly difficult above 5,000 feet, with many roads closed or snow-covered from November through April.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Silver Fork River offers excellent trout fishing with convenient riverside camping. One visitor reported, "We were at another location up the road that was listed on Dyrt and the Forest Service Fire Team came up and started talking and they suggested this site and its awesome. You cross the bridge over the river and the trail is to the right." The site features small beaches with river access, making it ideal for anglers.
Hiking nearby: Several dispersed sites provide access to hiking trails. At Loch Leven Lakes, campers can find lakeside sites after a moderately challenging hike. "The trail up is a bit confusing if you don't pay absolute attention to where you are going. You can find some orange markings or stacked rocks that help you stay on the path," notes one backpacker who visited the area.
Scenic drives: The Mormon Emigrant Trail features large pull-off areas suitable for overnight stays while exploring the region by car. "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," shared one camper about their experience at this location.
What campers like
Seasonal advantages: Many dispersed sites are best visited during specific seasons. At Union Valley Reservoir Dispersed Camping, one camper noted, "I always have a great experience camping here. Not too many people in between seasons. Summer time is not bad." Another camper mentioned, "Pulled off Union valley road and set up camp with our Rooftop tent. Little cold up here in November but made for some great pre-snowfall camping!"
Privacy levels: Packsaddle Pass in El Dorado National Forest offers multiple secluded sites. "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!" according to a recent visitor. Most dispersed sites in this area provide significant space between campers.
Water features: Several sites offer direct water access for swimming during summer months. One camper at Loch Leven Lakes shared, "We backpacked up to the high loch levens lake where we found many available campsites. We swam in the lake and napped in our hammocks." Another mentioned, "The middle lake is very large and had many beautiful spots to camp."
What you should know
Fire restrictions: Fire regulations change frequently throughout the year. One camper at Iron MT. Dispersed noted, "A few rock fire rings but I think camp fires may be banned." Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as they typically become more stringent during summer and fall months.
Road access challenges: Many forest roads require high-clearance vehicles. According to a visitor at Top of Arnold, "The dirt road up is full of ruts and potholes, but my Toyota Yaris made it up." Some areas become completely inaccessible during winter months, with one camper at Lake Valley Rd Pullout warning, "Got stuck for over a day trying to get to the site. Tow truck also got stuck. Would not recommend coming until spring."
Winter limitations: Snow affects most sites from November through May. A visitor to Iron Mountain reported, "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."
Tips for camping with families
Best sites for children: Sites with gentle terrain and water access work well for families. At Silver Fork River Camping, "There are a total of 3 established sites. All the sites are on the river and have paths down to the water with a little beach. When we were there in early June the water was still very cold."
Wildlife awareness: Teach children about local wildlife safety. One camper at Loch Leven Lakes mentioned, "I did read though that last week there were some rattlesnake sightings, so just be cautious of snakes." Always store food properly and maintain appropriate distance from wildlife.
Cell service considerations: Coverage varies dramatically by location. At Iron Mountain, one camper reported, "We had 3 bars of AT&T connection there," while another noted at a different site, "I had no service with Verizon or t-mobile." Families planning to stay connected should research service availability before departing.
Tips from RVers
Suitable parking areas: Mormon Emigrant Trail Dispersed Pull Off works well for RVs with its "Large dirt pull off area" that has "a couple of level spots." One RVer noted, "Even if the main spot is occupied there's a couple of dirt roads that lead to more areas to camp."
Elevation considerations: Higher elevation sites like Iron Mountain (7,500 feet) provide cooler temperatures in summer but require careful planning. "The ground is very flat and many areas are paved with gravel. At 7500 feet above sea level, the view is wide and the scenery is beautiful, especially the sunset view," reported one RV camper.
Limited amenities reminder: All free camping near Rescue requires self-sufficiency. As one camper at Mormon Emigrant Trail emphasized, "Completely free and peaceful but 0 amenities so come prepared." Another mentioned, "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."
