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Best Dispersed Camping near Strawberry Valley, CA

15 Reviews

Dispersed camping dominates the landscape around Strawberry Valley, California, with sites scattered throughout the surrounding national forests and public lands. Bowman Lake Dispersed Camping offers lakeside sites that receive consistently high ratings from visitors seeking water access and natural settings. Grouse Ridge Campground provides basic amenities including toilets and trash service while maintaining a primitive camping experience. For backpackers, Loch Leven Lakes offers hike-in only sites with scenic mountain views and multiple lakes for swimming and fishing. Most camping areas in the region are free and operate on a first-come, first-served basis, though they typically lack developed facilities like running water or electrical hookups.

Road conditions present significant challenges for accessing many camping areas near Strawberry Valley. High-clearance 4WD vehicles are often necessary, particularly for reaching popular spots like Bowman Lake. As one camper noted, "The road to get here is rocky, but worth every second... make sure your vehicle is able to go up steep rocky roads." Winter access becomes extremely difficult, with one visitor reporting being "stuck for over a day trying to get to the site. Tow truck also got stuck." Fire damage has permanently closed some previously available sites, including Rogers Cow Camp in Plumas National Forest, which according to a recent visitor is "burnt to the earth after the North Complex Fire and will never reopen." Seasonal considerations include lingering snow at higher elevations well into June and mosquito activity during summer months.

Campers consistently highlight the solitude and natural beauty available at sites throughout the region. Loch Leven Lakes receives praise for its "very dispersed" sites where "you have so much privacy," though visitors note the trail can be "a bit confusing if you don't pay absolute attention." Temperature differences between the mountains and valley areas create comfortable summer camping options, with one Grouse Ridge visitor noting it was "25 degrees cooler up there than in Sacramento." Wildlife encounters are common, with bear boxes available at some sites. Cell service is generally unavailable at most locations, though Lake Valley Road Pullout surprisingly offers reception with major carriers. Mosquitoes represent a common complaint during summer months, with visitors recommending repellent as essential equipment for comfortable camping experiences.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Strawberry Valley, California (12)

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20 Photos of 12 Strawberry Valley Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Strawberry Valley, CA

15 Reviews of 12 Strawberry Valley Campgrounds

  • 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!

  • 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

  • Autumn L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 14, 2025

    Bowman Lake Dispersed

    Highly Recommend !

    The road to get here is rocky, but worth every second! We love spending our time here. Found a perfect spot with easy access to water right outside of our tent. Very friendly area for our dog - zero ticks the whole weekend! Would highly recommend the drive but make sure your vehicle is able to go up steep rocky roads.

  • Chris N.The Dyrt PRO User
    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.

  • Kevin C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 15, 2025

    Independence Hill Dispersed

    Super quiet, super remote

    If getting away is on your list, then Independance Hill is one place to go. 1 bar Verizon and a small creek (if you continue on up the road). 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...). And yes, that's his footprint on my van door - he was checking out the bag of garbage I had stored on my roof. No services, but there are at least 6 good sites, including a large flat area that can take any size RV. This is my second favorite spot in this area. I'll go again many times :-)

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 24, 2022

    Loch Leven Lakes

    Loch Leven lake

    We took Salmon lake trailhead which is shorter trail.

  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    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!

  • Sammy B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 4, 2025

    Loch Leven Lakes

    Such a Beautiful Campsite

    First time backpacking out here and it was such an awesome experience. I’m super excited to go back. 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. I’d start early in the day to make sure you get good parking as this is a very popular trail, and so that you can get a good campsite and enjoy the lakes for as much time as possible. Bugs there were virtually nonexistent as I don’t think I got bit by any. I did read though that last week there were some rattlesnake sightings, so just be cautious of snakes.

Guide to Strawberry Valley

Dispersed camping opportunities near Strawberry Valley, California range from high-elevation backcountry sites to accessible roadside pullouts. Free camping options require planning for self-sufficiency as most sites have minimal or no facilities. Camping locations in Tahoe National Forest provide alternatives during summer months when temperatures reach 90°F in lower elevations, with higher elevation sites typically 15-25 degrees cooler.

What to do

Hiking to alpine lakes: Multiple lakes at Loch Leven provide swimming and fishing opportunities. According to Roger L., "We took Salmon lake trailhead which is shorter trail" when accessing this popular backcountry camping area.

Winter camping challenges: Snow affects accessibility well into spring at many sites. At Lake Valley Road Pullout, campers noted: "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."

Off-road adventures: Bowman Lake Dispersed offers secluded sites requiring appropriate vehicles. "Awesome site, stayed in my van on the boat launch. There are tent sites above the boat ramp with bear boxes and fire rings," reports Hannah R., adding "do not attempt to do this in anything smaller than an SUV."

What campers like

Remote solitude: For truly isolated camping, many sites near Strawberry Valley deliver. Grouse Ridge Campground visitor Kevin C. notes: "This is as isolated as it gets. There are a number of pullouts and sites along the road up to Grouse Ridge CG - they're all excellent. Don't expect water or cell reception or toilets."

Swimming opportunities: Multiple sites provide water access during summer months. One backpacker at Loch Leven Lakes shared: "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."

Historical exploration: Some camping areas offer proximity to abandoned mining towns. Emily C. reported about Independence Hill: "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."

What you should know

Fire danger: Wildfire impacts have permanently closed some areas. Rogers Cow Camp has been "burnt to the earth after the North Complex Fire and will never reopen," according to a recent visitor who noted "large dead and down trees prevent access to the campground."

Seasonal hazards: Mosquitoes are prevalent during summer, while snow persists well into June at higher elevations. Sammy B. observed at Loch Leven: "Bugs there were virtually nonexistent as I don't think I got bit by any. I did read though that last week there were some rattlesnake sightings."

Vehicle requirements: Many free camping sites near Strawberry Valley demand high-clearance vehicles. At Kyburz Flats, Greg C. warns: "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."

Tips for camping with families

Bear awareness: Several campsites provide bear boxes, but not all. Chris N. from Bowman Lake notes: "No running water, but there are restroom buildings, fire rings and bear boxes to use." Wildlife encounters are common throughout the region.

Site selection strategy: For families seeking privacy at popular backcountry locations, plan accordingly. A Independence Hill Dispersed visitor advises: "There are at least 6 good sites, including a large flat area that can take any size RV."

Water availability: Most free camping sites lack potable water. Linda L. from Grouse Ridge reported: "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."

Tips from RVers

Roadway navigation: Access roads to many camping areas require careful driving. Har Rai K. from Grouse Ridge Campground explains: "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."

Winter avoidance: RVers should avoid winter travel as snowpack makes many roads impassable. William J. shared a cautionary tale: "Got stuck for over a day trying to get to the site. Tow truck also got stuck. Would not recommend coming until spring."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Strawberry Valley, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Strawberry Valley, CA is Rogers Cow Camp with a 1-star rating from 1 review.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 12 dispersed camping locations near Strawberry Valley, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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