Best Dispersed Camping near Sierraville, CA

Dispersed camping opportunities abound near Sierraville, California, with several primitive sites available on public lands. Kybar Flats offers free camping with fire rings and drive-in access, while Big Dog Valley provides tent and RV sites with similar amenities. Bowman Lake Dispersed camping features lakeside sites but requires more challenging access. According to recent visitors, "The rough road in must keep some folks out but the lake is amazing." Grouse Ridge Campground includes basic facilities like picnic tables and vault toilets, making it slightly more developed than other dispersed options in the area.

Most dispersed sites around Sierraville lack drinking water, requiring campers to bring all necessary supplies. Vehicle access varies significantly between locations, with Bowman Lake demanding high-clearance 4WD vehicles. One camper noted it was "only accessible by way of 4x4 with decent clearance" and recommended having "traction boards and a winch" for unexpected obstacles. Fire regulations permit campfires at most sites, but seasonal restrictions apply during high fire danger periods. Bear boxes are available at some locations, particularly near lakes where wildlife encounters are more common.

The camping season typically runs from late spring through fall, with winter access limited by snow conditions. Cell service is unreliable throughout the region, though some sites report limited coverage for emergency communications. Dog Valley, popular among off-road enthusiasts, features a creek and accommodates both tent and RV camping. Visitors to Kybar Flats describe it as "open and beautiful" with good AWD vehicle access approximately two miles from the main road. Following Leave No Trace principles is essential for preserving these natural areas for future visitors.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Sierraville, California (23)

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Sierraville, CA

51 Reviews of 23 Sierraville Campgrounds


  • ron R.
    Oct. 12, 2024

    Peavine Road Dispersed Camping

    Complete trash dump

    It's sad where we have this public land to camp on and people just dump tons and tons of trash and abandoned cars and demolished cars on the property would not recommend going. There's some more BLM land about 15 to 20 minutes north on Red Rock road.

  • Genevieve R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 28, 2023

    Peavine Road Dispersed Camping

    Lots of trash and shells

    I live 10 minutes away, so I checked it out. It's sketchy driving in with a lot of trailers and cars along the road closer to the main road. There may or may nor have been people in them. We didn't see people walking around except one guy who was walking his dog on the dirt road and another guy nearby with a table next to his car. Maybe he was flying a drone. The dirt road was very rutted in a few areas. No big deal, but I was in my Jeep Trailhawk 4x4. I didn't have my trailer with me. The view of the city is great, but that's it. The area to pull off is not that big, so I think it would be crowded with more than 2 other trailers. It wasn't windy at all when we were there, but I'm sure it could be because it can be very windy in this area. I wouldn't stay here unless I absolutely had to for the night. I did hear gunshots in the distance. We only stayed a few minutes to take a few pictures. No amenities like fire rings or tables.

  • Genevieve R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 29, 2023

    Moon Rocks Camp

    Beautiful! Easy access.

    I live nearby, so my family and I went for the day. We left just before sunset. It's gorgeous here. The dirt road is pretty good and not difficult for my Jeep Trailhawk 4x4. There were about 3 other groups. We were there on a Thursday. We walked around the whole area where the rocks were. The campsite overlooks a valley where there is an airport. We saw a couple of paragliders. On the way in from Reno, it's very easy to find. I would love to stay here in my travel trailer. There were some huge rigs out there. All of those people had dune buggies, but nobody was driving around on the rocks when we were there. There are no amenities at all. There is just a big clearing for campers. We took our dog. She had fun.

  • Corey H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 12, 2023

    BLM - Water Tank Road Dispersed

    Decent place to sleep for the night

    Tucked off, dirt road with enough seclusion and privacy to feel comfortable at night. Be forewarned that the road is super rough and you will definitely need a car with more clearance to get up it. There is a little pull out before you get to where the directions take you that is perfectly cool to camp. I wouldn’t go all the way up that little stretch of road past the water tanks unless you have a 4x4. The pullout also has a portajohn and sink if needed.

    One thing to note! There are many joggers and bikers that go up this road pretty much as soon as the sun goes over the hill (about 6 in July) so just be aware of that when camping here. I wasn’t bothered by anyone and I had about 4 people pass by my car this morning.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2024

    Bowman Lake Dispersed

    Lake side Campsites

    If you are looking to be near the water and no service, this is perfect. The rough road in I believe must keep some folks out but the lake is amazing.

  • Azizah T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 21, 2021

    Loch Leven Lakes

    Quiet dispersed camping

    We backpacked up to the high loch levens lake where we found many available campsites. But also a lot of the nice view spots were occupied since we didn’t start our hike up early, we started at 5:30pm. The middle lake is very large and had many beautiful spots to camp. But we headed to the upper lake since a lot of day hikers go to the middle lake and don’t always pack out what they pack in. All the sites are very dispersed and you have so much privacy. We saw some people even camping on the boulders! It was very serene and quiet with very respectful campers. 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. Reaching our destination was amazing. We swam in the lake and napped in our hammocks. I will say that there was a lot of mosquitos. Even with bug spray I left with 7 bites. But, it’s the outdoors what do you expect? Overall very beautiful area to camp!

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 4, 2025

    Reno View Dispersed

    Road is worth the view

    There are a few sites about 4 miles back on an unmaintained road. The first turn off has the best view with somewhat flat ground for a tent. Very rocky ground and a little windy so ground tents might be tough. RTT and campervans are perfect for this spot!

  • Emily C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 20, 2025

    Independence Hill Dispersed

    horrible road up, cool historic town

    The road up to Iowa Hill is terrifying- especially in the dark. We camped in our 4runner as we got there when it was dark and there was so much glass and shell casings everywhere from what seems to be a local shooting area. the town nearby is a bit eerie but fun to explore. it worked for one night! No amenities, but a bathroom and paid campsite down the rugged road so come with everything you need. Hike nearby with waterfall is beautiful

  • Tyler C.
    Nov. 2, 2024

    Reno View Dispersed

    amazing view

    okay. let’s be real. the road is a beast. I would not drive it with any vehicle other than SUV/Truck. DO NOT bring up an RV/Trailer. you’ll regret it. we stayed and car camped. an awesome view of the lights of Reno. can be very windy but if you get between some of the trees it’s not to bad.


Guide to Sierraville

Primitive camping near Sierraville, California offers diverse terrain with elevations ranging from 5,000 to 7,500 feet across the Tahoe National Forest region. Summer temperatures typically average 75-85°F during the day, dropping to 40-50°F at night. Most dispersed campsites lack formal facilities and require visitors to pack all necessary supplies, particularly during peak season from June through September when accessible forest roads allow deeper wilderness access.

What to do

Hiking from camp: Multiple trailheads connect to dispersed camping areas around Grouse Ridge Campground, providing direct access to numerous alpine lakes. "Several camping spots. Numerous lakes to hike and a lookout tower with great views," notes Casandra E., highlighting opportunities for day hikes from established sites.

Fishing opportunities: Alpine lakes near dispersed sites offer good fishing conditions. One camper at Bowman Lake Dispersed described it as "a great fishery, and there are plenty of inspirational views and solitude to be had." Trout fishing is particularly productive during early morning hours.

Off-road exploration: Forest service roads around Sierraville provide extensive off-road opportunities. Big Dog Valley attracts off-road enthusiasts with varying terrain difficulty. Jake H. calls it "my favorite quick escape from town. There are so many places to explore that it doesn't get old."

What campers like

Lakeside camping: Water access ranks high among camper preferences. Autumn L. from Bowman Lake Dispersed appreciated "a perfect spot with easy access to water right outside of our tent. Very friendly area for our dog - zero ticks the whole weekend!"

Temperature relief: Higher elevation camping provides natural air conditioning during summer months. According to Linda L. at Grouse Ridge Campground, "It was 25 degrees cooler up there than in Sacramento. We loved this campground. I can't wait to go back."

Solitude despite proximity: Many dispersed camping areas remain relatively uncrowded despite being accessible. Shawn M. observed that "the rough road in I believe must keep some folks out" while camping at Bowman Lake, suggesting that challenging access helps maintain peaceful conditions.

What you should know

Access challenges: Many primitive sites require appropriate vehicles. According to Greg C. at Kyburz Flats, "Road is rough, especially after first mile to interpretive site. Was fine in my 2wd van but have high clearance and was dry. Might be worse if muddy or low clearance vehicle."

Variable site quality: Primitive camping quality varies significantly between locations. Paxton B. at Merrill Valley Dispersed Camp reported, "Not really sure if we camped in the right spot. It isn't great, but it got the job done to just crash for a night. Felt like we were in a construction zone."

Weather considerations: Weather conditions change rapidly in the Sierra. Laura M. at Lake Valley Rd Pullout noted seasonal challenges: "We were looking for an overnight spot in this area and checked out this listing but there's just still too much snow at this time. The weather isn't cold, but the snow plows have pushed all the snow off the road so that it's impossible to get to any pullouts."

Tips for camping with families

Lake-based activities: For families, camping near lakes provides natural entertainment. At Loch Leven Lakes, Sammy B. reports, "I will say the hike up was a bit difficult with a heavy backpack due to all the rocks you have to climb over on the trail, but the view of the lakes at the top makes it all worth it."

Wildlife awareness: Prepare children for wildlife encounters. Sammy B. also noted, "I did read though that last week there were some rattlesnake sightings, so just be cautious of snakes." Mosquito repellent is essential, particularly at lakeside sites.

Site selection timing: Arrive early for family-friendly sites. Azizah T. advises, "We backpacked up to the high loch levens lake where we found many available campsites. But also a lot of the nice view spots were occupied since we didn't start our hike up early, we started at 5:30pm."

Tips from RVers

Road condition assessment: RVers should scout roads before attempting access with larger vehicles. Har Rai K. explains their experience at Grouse Ridge: "The road was much more technical than a standard forest service road, but doable in most stock crossover vehicles or better. We had a borrowed AWD Transit van and did it with some patience and strategic line choice."

Seasonal planning: Winter and early spring access severely restricts RV camping options. William J. warns about Lake Valley Rd Pullout: "Got stuck for over a day trying to get to the site. Tow truck also got stuck. Would not recommend coming until spring."

Site finding strategies: Many forest roads have unmarked pullouts suitable for smaller RVs. Amy R. mentions about Big Dog Valley: "Road narrow and rocky but I have seen worse." This suggests smaller, more maneuverable RVs can access primitive sites with proper preparation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Sierraville, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Sierraville, CA is Kyburz Flats with a 5-star rating from 2 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 23 dispersed camping locations near Sierraville, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.