Dispersed camping near Sloughhouse, California primarily centers around several primitive sites in the surrounding Sierra Nevada foothills and mountains. The region features four free dispersed campsites on public lands: Union Valley Reservoir, Top of Arnold along Forest Road 5N56, Mormon Emigrant Trail Pull Off, and Independence Hill. All four free dispersed camping areas require full self-sufficiency from visitors, and no reservations or permits are needed.
Road conditions vary significantly between dispersed camping areas. Top of Arnold access road contains numerous potholes and ruts, though passenger vehicles have managed the route with careful driving. Independence Hill reportedly has a treacherous access road that becomes particularly hazardous after dark. Mormon Emigrant Trail offers a large dirt pull-off area with some level spots. Most sites lack all amenities—no drinking water, toilets, or trash services are available. Fire regulations differ by location, with fires permitted at Union Valley Reservoir and Independence Hill but prohibited at other sites. Campers must bring all supplies, including water and waste disposal containers.
These dispersed camping areas provide varying experiences depending on location and timing. Top of Arnold offers peaceful surroundings with occasional noise from dirt bikes or target shooting, plus decent cell service. The Mormon Emigrant Trail pull-off features expansive views of sunrises and sunsets with multiple camping spots available along connecting dirt roads. Union Valley Reservoir provides lakeside camping with summer swimming opportunities, though some reviews indicate inconsistent fee enforcement and trash issues. "Large pull off area I found and stayed at for 4 days with amazing views of the sunset and sunrise," noted one camper about the Mormon Emigrant Trail site. Another mentioned that Independence Hill has "so much glass and shell casings everywhere from what seems to be a local shooting area," suggesting visitors should choose sites carefully. Campers planning dispersed campsites near Sloughhouse should pack out all waste, confirm current fire restrictions before arrival, and avoid solo night arrivals on unfamiliar access roads.
"A very secluded primitive site that is only a couple miles or less to town over paved and dirt roads. The roads are not four-wheel drive and are perfect for van lifers."
"Be sure to obtain a fire permit from Cal fire and check fire restrictions in the area have a bucket full of water and a shovel next to your fire at all times again this place was amazing"
"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!"
"Luckily there is a lot of Dispersed camping all the way around the lake! So beautiful, and the lake is really warm in the summer"
"The ranger drove by briefly both days but didn't stop to give us any feedback. We followed the coordinates using GPS out to this site just fine without losing signal."
"This is a fairly easy to reach dispersed site in the El Dorado NF, north of HWY 88 and about 1-2 miles from a developed NF campground called PiPi (pr PiePie)."
"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."
"Needed a place to camp after driving 12 hours from Washington . Wanted to stay as close to Yosemite . This place did the trick . No one was there . Quiet and serene . Lots of scorched trees ."
"It's really about 2 miles from the village of Iowa Hill, but it is remote. I scared two black bears as I was walking (don't I wish I had that on film...)."
"The tide comes in and out here as it’s a low level island and the approach to access sometimes will be under water from the tide."
GuideA freshly worked dirt lot. Like a freshly plowed field. Tractor tire tracks make walking difficult. There is no signage at all. I'm not sure I'm not on private property. May be the sketchiest road I've ever driven. I intended to stay a week. Instead, I got here at sunset, I'm leaving at first light. Somehow, it has mosquitoes.
GuideOnly one designated site from what I saw, but more cars could fit! A rocky and bumpy drive up, but my 2WD rav-4 did just fine. Did see some bears on the way! Had two bars with t-mobile
TravelerWe timed our visit in the middle of the week after school had started so we were alone which made this an incredible spot. Great spot if you have a big group. We only we to the large open spot at the top with what looks like two actual sites. It’s right in the OHV area so we could see how it could get really busy and noisy.
ScoutNeeded a place to camp after driving 12 hours from Washington . Wanted to stay as close to Yosemite . This place did the trick . No one was there . Quiet and serene . Lots of scorched trees . But all in all was great . There is also cell service ! 7-23-26
GuideThere’s only a couple of spots to pull off the road, the boat ramp clearly states no camping. I found a spot but every few hours all night long a truck with flashing lights on the roof drove by. Kinda weird
ScoutThe area was quiet during my stay. Site is adjacent to the road, with a rock fire ring . The road up had some rough areas, but my outback had no real issues. I recommend hugh clearance, 4x4 to get here.
TravelerWe stayed here for a few nights after struggling to find a spot that was open this early in the season. Long story short, veryyyy long drive down and up a goat track paved road which is basically a steep single track without guardrails (just to get to Iowa Hill), the campsites were surrounded by dumped trash and old tires, there’s also a heap of a totalled car at the front covered in bullet holes. My husband went for a run with our dog - they both came back covered in teeny ticks. The road was covered in downed pine trees also, so we couldn’t really get further in than around the first little bend from the pull off.
As a very seasoned camper and traveller of the whole country, I would say just find another spot - even if you have to drive for a few more hours. This spot is probably just for the locals.
ScoutBummed I got here and the road is closed. They close the road to the site seasonally from December 15- April 15. Road to was paved.
RangerA very secluded primitive site that is only a couple miles or less to town over paved and dirt roads. The roads are not four-wheel drive and are perfect for van lifers. I would not pull a trailer of any kind up here. Or a vehicle with low clearance. Deep in the woods surrounded by forests and undergrowth nice flat spots to park and set up camp. 2 to three bars Verizon no facilities of any kind. There are a few random fire pits. This area is closed in the winter due to snow but is the perfect weather during shoulder seasons, not too hot not too cold.
Dispersed camping near Sloughhouse, California extends beyond the foothills into nearby national forests where primitive sites accommodate self-sufficient campers. The area sits at elevations ranging from 300 feet in the valley to over 6,000 feet in the high country of El Dorado National Forest. Summer temperatures frequently exceed 90°F in lower elevations while higher sites offer cooler conditions, with significant seasonal road closures during winter months.
Swimming access: Union Valley Reservoir provides opportunities for water recreation during warmer months. "Pretty easy to get to and lots of spaces for dispersed sites," notes Blair K., though visitors should be prepared for varying conditions as "there was trash EVERYWHERE" at certain times.
Off-season exploration: Union Valley Reservoir Dispersed Camping becomes less crowded during spring and fall. One camper reports, "Not too many people in between seasons. Summer time is not bad," making shoulder seasons ideal for visitors seeking solitude.
Winter camping: Some determined campers visit during colder months. Nick M. shares his experience: "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!"
Cell service availability: Several rustic camping areas near Sloughhouse provide connectivity despite remote locations. At Top of Arnold - FR 5N56 Dispersed, Michael S. notes, "2 bars LTE of Verizon," allowing campers to stay connected while enjoying natural surroundings.
Weekday solitude: Mid-week camping offers more privacy at popular sites. "I was there on weekdays so was pretty much alone the whole time," reports Onyx E. about their experience at Mormon Emigrant Trail Dispersed Pull Off.
Extended stays: Multiple sites accommodate longer visits without fees. One camper stayed "for 4 days with amazing views of the sunset and sunrise" at a large pull-off area, appreciating the freedom to remain at a single location.
Road conditions: Access routes to primitive sites often present challenges. The route to Independence Hill Dispersed is particularly difficult as Emily C. warns: "The road up to Iowa Hill is terrifying- especially in the dark," requiring careful driving and preferably daylight arrivals.
Site conditions vary: Some areas show signs of heavy use including target shooting debris. Emily C. found "so much glass and shell casings everywhere from what seems to be a local shooting area" at Independence Hill.
Fee inconsistency: While most dispersed sites remain free, some locations have implemented fees. A camper at Union Valley notes: "It's a paid site now... $10 day fee? Naw. Been coming here for years FOR FREE."
Cleanliness considerations: When primitive camping with children near Sloughhouse, inspect sites carefully before settling in. Some areas have reported litter issues, so bringing trash bags helps maintain a clean camp.
Pet-friendly options: Dogs enjoy the open spaces at Mormon Emigrant Trail Dispersed Pull Off where multiple level sites accommodate families. The area features "lots of room to hike around" according to visitors, providing space for children and pets.
Noise factors: Consider potential disruptions when selecting family camping locations. Damien M. notes that at Top of Arnold, "There are a few people on dirt bikes ripping around trails so not fully secluded," which may affect light sleepers or young children.
Site selection: RVers should scout locations before committing to a spot. One camper reports that at Union Valley Reservoir Dispersed Camping, "The access to the dispersed camping, in the hill overlooking the water, is gated and locked," highlighting the importance of checking current conditions.
Surface challenges: Most dispersed camping areas feature unpaved, sometimes dusty terrain. One visitor describes the ground at Top of Arnold as "basically dust dirt," noting "My dogs love it, my bedding doesn't!"
Alternative networks: When main sites fill up, look for connecting roads with additional options. 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," providing backup options during busy periods.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Sloughhouse, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Sloughhouse, CA is Top of Arnold - FR 5N56 Dispersed with a 3.9-star rating from 9 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Sloughhouse, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 6 dispersed camping locations near Sloughhouse, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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