Best Dispersed Camping near Smartsville, CA

Planning a dispersed camping trip near Smartsville? Dispersed camping is an excellent way to get away from it all and to disconnect. From secluded to easily reachable, we offer dispersed campsites near Smartsville just for you.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Smartsville, California (8)

    Linda L.'s photo of a dispersed camping area at Grouse Ridge Campground near Emigrant Gap, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Grouse Ridge Campground near Emigrant Gap, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Grouse Ridge Campground near Emigrant Gap, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Grouse Ridge Campground near Emigrant Gap, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Grouse Ridge Campground near Emigrant Gap, CA

    1. Grouse Ridge Campground

    3 Reviews
    4 Photos
    84 Saves
    Emigrant Gap, California
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Dispersed
    Chris N.'s photo of a dispersed camping area at Bowman Lake Dispersed near Sierra City, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Bowman Lake Dispersed near Sierra City, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Bowman Lake Dispersed near Sierra City, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Bowman Lake Dispersed near Sierra City, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Bowman Lake Dispersed near Sierra City, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Bowman Lake Dispersed near Sierra City, CA

    2. Bowman Lake Dispersed

    2 Reviews
    13 Photos
    53 Saves
    Sierra City, California
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo at Lake Valley Rd Pullout near Emigrant Gap, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Lake Valley Rd Pullout near Emigrant Gap, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Lake Valley Rd Pullout near Emigrant Gap, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Lake Valley Rd Pullout near Emigrant Gap, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Lake Valley Rd Pullout near Emigrant Gap, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Lake Valley Rd Pullout near Emigrant Gap, CA

    3. Lake Valley Rd Pullout

    2 Reviews
    6 Photos
    55 Saves
    Emigrant Gap, California

    Most of Tahoe National Forest is open to camping free of charge which is referred to as “dispersed” camping. Dispersed camping is prohibited in certain areas, generally within a ¼ mile of major highway corridors, in the Lakes Basin Area (Sierra Buttes), near Prosser, Boca, Stampede, French Meadows, and Sugar Pine reservoirs, and other locations. Please see the full list of areas where dispersed camping is not allowed below.

    Maps and staff are available at most Tahoe 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:

    Water Quality: Be prepared to bring your own drinking water or have a water filter. Lake, stream or spring water may be contaminated. Human Waste:Proper disposal of human waste is crucial. Human waste can spread disease, lead to contaminated water supplies, contaminate soils, attract wildlife, and spoil a dispersed camping area for future users. 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 dispersed 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 Maximum stay limit for camping is 14 days per District. Please remove all your equipment and garbage when you leave. The beauty of the natural vegetation around your campsite is probably why you chose it. Keep it healthy and growing by not cutting anything down, not putting nails into trees, and treading carefully along meadows, streamsides, and other sensitive areas. Keep your vehicle at least twelve feet from designated roads and trails to prevent resource damage and to adhere to Travel Management Regulations.

    When you pick your spot, make sure that it is at least 200 feet away (about seventy paces) from streams and lakes, to help protect streamside vegetation, and prevent water degradation and sedimentation. Dispersed campsites must be outside the boundary markings of developed campgrounds and dispersed camping closure areas.

    There are many fine camping spots you can reach on Tahoe National Forest motorized routes and trails, but some routes may be rough, steep, or narrow and not suited for low-clearance or for large recreation vehicles.

    • Pets
    • Phone Service
    • Dispersed
    • Alcohol
    Azizah T.'s photo of a dispersed camping area at Loch Leven Lakes near Norden, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Loch Leven Lakes near Norden, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Loch Leven Lakes near Norden, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Loch Leven Lakes near Norden, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Loch Leven Lakes near Norden, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Loch Leven Lakes near Norden, CA

    4. Loch Leven Lakes

    2 Reviews
    7 Photos
    122 Saves
    Norden, California

    The Loch Leven begins at Placer County Road Pla-9140-2 and ends at High Loch Leven Lake. At the south end of lower Loch Leven, a trail junction continues left to middle and high Lochs, or right to Salmon Lake. Fishing is generally good, and camping is dispersed throughout the basin. Campfire permits are required for campfires, backpacking stoves, BBQs, and lanterns.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Dispersed
    • Alcohol
    Camper-submitted photo at Independence Hill Dispersed near Gold Run, CA

    5. Independence Hill Dispersed

    Be the first to review!
    7 Saves
    Gold Run, California
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo at Rogers Cow Camp near Berry Creek, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Rogers Cow Camp near Berry Creek, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Rogers Cow Camp near Berry Creek, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Stag Point near La Porte, CA

    7. Stag Point

    Be the first to review!
    19 Saves
    La Porte, California

    1 dispersed site at trail head with fire pit and table only. At Stag Point 5 dispersed units. First come first serve. Pit toilet, fire rings, no water, no garbage services Pack in/Out.

    • Fires
    • Dispersed
    • Picnic Table
    Camper-submitted photo at Snag Lake Campground near Graeagle, CA
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Showing results 1-8 of 8 campgrounds

Recent Dispersed Reviews near Smartsville, California

9 Reviews of 8 Smartsville Campgrounds


  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Valley Rd Pullout
    May. 11, 2023

    Lake Valley Rd Pullout

    Everything covered in snow right now

    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 or open dispersed camping areas.

    Roads are clear though, if you want to drive through and check it out.

    We actually had cell reception with Verizon and Att here, which surprised us.

    It's a beautiful area to come back to when the snow clears!

  • Azizah T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Loch Leven Lakes
    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!

  • William J.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Valley Rd Pullout
    Feb. 15, 2023

    Lake Valley Rd Pullout

    Don't Go In Winter.

    Got stuck for over a day trying to get to the site. Tow truck also got stuck. Would not recommend coming until spring.

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Grouse Ridge Campground
    Jun. 30, 2024

    Grouse Ridge Campground

    Amazing spot for a campground.

    The last five miles to get to this campground was narrow and rocky. Once we got to the campground, I realized narrow and rocky are okay. We were there last weekend in June and there was still snow on the ground. Woot! It was awesome. Quite a few sites there with fire rings, beat up, bear boxes that didn't open and picnic benches that were in bad shape. They had two pot toilets. This was a very busy campground. Lots of traffic on and out, I'm sure to beat the heat. It was 25 degrees cooler up there than in Sacramento. We loved this campground. I can't wait to go back.

  • HThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Grouse Ridge Campground
    Jan. 12, 2025

    Grouse Ridge Campground

    Beautiful views and lakes

    We went mid week in August and it wasn’t too crowded. The views were beautiful and the water was perfect. The road was much more technical than a standard forrest 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.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Bowman Lake Dispersed
    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.

  • Chris N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Bowman Lake Dispersed
    Jul. 21, 2024

    Bowman Lake Dispersed

    Great Late Spring Escape

    This place was a slice of heaven, but only accessible by way of 4 x 4 with decent clearance. The trail will take you off road for quite some time , but it's well with the adventure. Traction boards and a winch could help you through unexpected obstacles and are recommended to have on hand, but you most likely won't need them. No running water, but there are restroom buildings, fire rings and bear boxes to use. Mosquitoes are abundant here. Don't forget your repellent. The lake is gorgeous, a great fishery, and there are plenty of inspirational views and solitude to be had.


Guide to Smartsville

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Smartsville, California, where nature lovers can find serene spots away from the crowds. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, this area is perfect for those seeking adventure and tranquility.

Scenic Lakes for Dispersed Campers

  • Loch Leven Lakes offers a peaceful hiking experience with stunning views, making it an ideal spot for those who enjoy a bit of solitude while camping.
  • For those who want to be near the water, Bowman Lake Dispersed provides lakeside campsites that are perfect for fishing and enjoying the serene environment.
  • Grouse Ridge Campground features numerous lakes and hiking trails, allowing campers to explore the natural beauty of the area while enjoying a well-reviewed camping experience.

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Smartsville, California

  • Always check road conditions before heading to Lake Valley Rd Pullout, as winter weather can make access challenging, but the area is beautiful in the warmer months.
  • Be prepared for a rugged journey to Grouse Ridge Campground, as the last few miles can be narrow and rocky, but the stunning views are worth the effort.
  • Bring plenty of bug spray when visiting Loch Leven Lakes, as mosquitoes can be abundant, especially during warmer months.

Outdoor Activities While Free Camping Near Smartsville

  • Hiking enthusiasts will love the trails leading to Loch Leven Lakes, where you can find multiple dispersed camping spots and enjoy breathtaking views.
  • Fishing is a popular activity at Bowman Lake Dispersed, where anglers can enjoy a peaceful day by the water surrounded by nature.
  • Campers at Snag Lake Campground can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking and wildlife watching, making it a great spot for nature lovers.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Smartsville, CA is Grouse Ridge Campground with a 5-star rating from 3 reviews.

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

    TheDyrt.com has all 8 dispersed camping locations near Smartsville, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.