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Best Dispersed Camping near Topaz, CA

118 Reviews

Dispersed camping zones near Topaz, California are primarily located on public lands managed by the U.S. Forest Service. Several primitive sites are available along Scotts Lake Road, where campers can access free boondocking opportunities in Hope Valley. Additional dispersed areas include Travertine Hot Springs near Bridgeport and various sites along forest service roads throughout the Eastern Sierra region. These primitive camping areas typically allow tent and RV camping without reservations or fees.

Access to most dispersed sites requires travel on dirt or gravel roads that may become rutted or washboarded. High-clearance vehicles are recommended for reaching more remote locations such as Leavitt Lake, where road conditions can be challenging even for trucks. Many areas close seasonally due to snow, particularly at higher elevations. According to one visitor, "I have a truck. I got about a half mile in before the snow washed out the road. You can still hike in. High clearance and 4WD a must." Most sites lack amenities such as toilets, trash collection, or drinking water, requiring campers to be self-sufficient and practice Leave No Trace principles.

The dispersed camping experience near Topaz offers exceptional views of the Eastern Sierra and opportunities for solitude, though popular areas like Travertine Hot Springs can become crowded. One camper noted, "There are a few spots off the road that leads into the hot springs, before you hit the sign that says no camping. Just pull onto one of the dirt roads on the left and find a spot!" Sites along Scotts Lake Road provide valley vistas and access to Hope Valley's scenic landscape. Cell phone reception varies by location, with some sites offering reasonable connectivity while others remain off-grid. Fire restrictions are common during summer and fall months, and campers must check current regulations before visiting. The region's dispersed sites provide access to hiking, fishing, and hot springs, making them popular with self-contained travelers seeking natural settings without developed campground facilities.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Topaz, California (37)

    1. Scotts Lake Rd Dispersed Camping

    18 Reviews
    Echo Lake, CA
    24 miles

    "Easy access and reasonably good road quality make it very RV friendly - I would say that it was at least 75% RVs/Trailers. Beautiful views of the valley and hills to the east."

    "Easy to see right off the road with plenty of campsites down either side of a nice dirt road. Rocky and steep road access to Scott’s lake, but easy camping on the edge of the valley."

    2. Bridgeport Travertine Hot Springs Dispersed

    23 Reviews
    Bridgeport, CA
    33 miles

    "The address on google maps however DOES NOT lead to the camping destination but we ended up running into a couple of ATV’ers that led us in the right direction."

    "Just pull onto one of the dirt roads on the left and find a spot! Any car or smaller RV could easily drive the road."

    3. Dispersed USFS

    3 Reviews
    Markleeville, CA
    21 miles

    "This is full wilderness camping off the main road between hope valley and the blue lakes."

    "Several areas along Blue Lakes Rd offer dispersed camping."

    4. West Walker River Roadside Camp

    1 Review
    Coleville, CA
    13 miles

    5. Hope Valley Dispersed

    1 Review
    Echo Lake, CA
    23 miles

    "Free camping"

    6. Obsidian Creek on Little Walker Road

    2 Reviews
    Bridgeport, CA
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 932-7070

    $18 / night

    "Close to fishing streams, high mountain lakes, hiking trails, off roading and don't forget that trip into Bridgeport and Bodie."

    "Easy access two miles off US 395 by gravel road.   It is know as an infrequently utilized destination.

    The trailhead for Molybdenite Creek is just past site 14. "

    7. Leavitt Lake

    3 Reviews
    Bridgeport, CA
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 932-7070

    "I have a truck. i got about a half mile in before the snow washed out the road. you can still hike in. high clearance and 4wd a must"

    "We visited Lake Levitte, back in June 2021. I would recommend a high clearance vehicle, ad there are some technical sections. If you watch your line, you can make it."

    8. Bear Valley Dispersed Camping

    7 Reviews
    Sierraville, CA
    31 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 994-3401

    "Bear valley is my favorite place to go camping, the most you get close to the top of the mountain, the most curvy the road is, so be prepare."

    "Lots of trails to ride your bike and walk."

    9. Iron MT. Dispersed

    10 Reviews
    Eldorado National Forest, CA
    37 miles
    Website
    +1 (916) 324-4442

    "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."

    "The Mormon Emigrant Trail can be accessed from there (East side, going West to Sly Park.) You can hear the Highway a little, but nonetheless very peaceful area."

    10. Buckeye Hot Springs

    2 Reviews
    Bridgeport, CA
    31 miles
    +1 (760) 932-7070

    $24 / night

    "Gorgeous area and plenty of space to go around. The hot springs parking lot signs that say that there is camping at the day use area where this is marked."

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Topaz, CA

70 Photos of 37 Topaz Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Topaz, CA

118 Reviews of 37 Topaz Campgrounds

  • VThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 3, 2023

    Scout Camp at Fort Churchill

    Gorgeous Riparian Forest

    Scout camp is on the Carson river and within the tall cottonwoods. Camp in the shade or out in the open if it’s very windy as the trees can shed branches. Garbage collection and pit toilets. Nice trail along the River.

    As of October 2023 the access road to scout camp was washed out. But there is dispersed camping on the terrace to the south.

  • Val C.
    Jul. 4, 2023

    Leavitt Lake

    Not Accessible by Car

    I have a truck. i got about a half mile in before the snow washed out the road. you can still hike in. high clearance and 4wd a must

  • Nora S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 4, 2020

    Bridgeport Travertine Hot Springs Dispersed

    Never seen anything like this before!

    So I was hesitant to write a review because I didn’t want this place to have any more visitors than it already does..! It was an amazing experience overall and we can’t wait to come back. The address on google maps however DOES NOT lead to the camping destination but we ended up running into a couple of ATV’ers that led us in the right direction. It’s actually off the highway before where the maps lead you and there is a sign that says Travertine Hot Springs. Having arrived at night, we were very glad to have met the locals that were helpful in showing us the way! So once you turn off the highway, you follow a dirt road that leads you straight to the springs. We ended up turning off and heading up a pretty rough road to find a spot on top of a canyon looking hill to camp. We were looking for seclusion and we definitely got it! The view was amazing from up top, and in the morning with a quick 5 minute drive we changed into our bathing suits and went for an early morning “nature hot tub swim”. The springs are hot but not boiling, and we spent an hour soaking there with absolutely no worries in the world. Definitely an amazing stay, and absolutely no hesitation to go back!

  • S E.
    Jul. 13, 2021

    Bridgeport Travertine Hot Springs Dispersed

    Quiet & Secluded

    I loved camping here. There’s a few spots off the road that leads into the hot springs, before you hit the sign that says no camping. Just pull onto one of the dirt roads on the left and find a spot! Any car or smaller RV could easily drive the road.

    There was no one else there when I was camped there, and as a solo female traveler I felt extremely safe. It was quiet and secluded, beautiful, yet only 10 minutes off of 395, less than a mile from the hot spring, and I had full LTE cell reception (verizon).

    There are rock fire rings that previous campers have made if you’re going to be here when camp fires are allowed. There’s no other amenities such as picnic tables or a bathroom, water, or garbage collection - this is free dispersed camping, so be prepared to be self-sufficient: pack out what you bring in and leave no trace!

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 27, 2023

    Bridgeport Travertine Hot Springs Dispersed

    Incredible location, amazing views, hot springs!!

    Road was accessible for us in a Toyota Tacoma, but a Camry also made it up. It was a little crowded in the area we stayed (with 4 other caravans and trailers), as the other dirt road giving access to different campsites was more for high clearance vehicles (very steep and uneven). Hot springs in walking distance. Incredible views of the mountains. We would definitely stay here again. No waste services or restrooms, but a vault toilet was available at the hot springs less than a mile away. Would visit again!

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 8, 2023

    USFS Silver Fork Dispersed

    Endless Possibilities

    The coordinates listed on the app are simply for the entrance to the dispersed camping. There are infinite amounts of primitive roads to drive down and find camp. I stayed at N38.768811• W 120.238630° — on top of a peak that offered 360° views with sunrise and sunset right from my tent. At this specific sight, there are no overhead trees. Despite being primitive, the roads are well kept, even if you have a small SUV. It could get slightly tricky with a car. I stayed here for 7 days (10/31-11/6) and only saw one other person on the primivite roads. The above coordinates are about a 6 mile drive in from US50. You will see a campground on your right about 5 miles down when driving in, about a mile further down the road you will come up on the dirt road leading you up the mountain.

    A couple of notes:

    1. You are required to have a permit for any day/overnight use in Eldorado, including this area. They can be easily acquired at recreation.gov
    2. Cell phone reception is very spotty, in and out of a couple of bars throughout the drive in. — AT&T coverage. At the above coordinates, there were 2 bars of low grade coverage allowing basic texts to send. Not enough service for web browsing or sending photos via text.
    3. This area has been widely burnt by fires last year. There are still large areas unburnt. You will find yourself going in and out of them while driving.
    4. KEEP IT CLEAN — this area is immaculate and besides dug out fire pits, human trace is non-existent. Leave it cleaner than you found it, pick up your trash (and other’s if you see any), respect the area and it will respect you.
    5. NO CAMP SERVICES — 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.
  • Jacqueline G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Dispersed USFS

    Worth the climbs to get here!!

    This is full wilderness camping off the main road between hope valley and the blue lakes. I had no problem getting in with my 30ft bus towing a jeep but the road is steep and winding for about 7 miles to the pull off. There were a lot of other campers for Labor Day weekend but the rest of the time there was no one around. Jugs of water can be filled at the campgrounds about 5 miles in each direction. PLEASE NOTE: There are prolonged climbs to get here (up to about 8% grade) but my bus did fine. Slow and steady and you’ll be fine. Also WATCH THE WEATHER! Rain can cause spots of the road in to get washed out a bit and deep puddles can appear. There are loads of rocks and fallen trees around to fill in holes if needed. If you’re moderate to high clearance rig you’ll be fine just be mindful. The Blue Lakes are just down the road for swimming, boating, kayaking etc and lots of amazing 4x4 trails. Rivers for fishing and endless hiking and biking. Elevation is 8300ft so definitely a bit high. The trees help with the air however. Not nearly as tough as the high desert of Utah (Zion or Brice) but just take it easy if you’re not used to high altitude.

  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 8, 2021

    Bridgeport Travertine Hot Springs Dispersed

    Amazing Hotsprings / Very Popular Spot!

    No camping is allowed at the hot springs themselves, but outside of the hot springs there are a few cleared out spots with fire rings where you can camp.  There is a cluster of about 6 spots fairly close together, as well as a few more isolated spots if you're lucky enough to get one. From here it is about a .5 mile walk to the springs. 

    So many cars zip in and out on the dirt road leading to the hot springs, from early in the morning to pretty late at night. The dust hasn't been too much of a problem but some people do drive rather quickly so watch out for your loose dogs and kids. It was also intermittently very windy.

    No services or amenities here, but it is really close to the town of Bridgeport for supplies, so pack in and pack out your garbage(and maybe a little extra) and bring water.

    The hot springs are amazing and we got a nice long soak by ourselves in the morning until around 11am when is starts to get busier. Clothing is optional at these hot springs but almost everyone was wearing something. Come sit in a hot spring and enjoy the free camping and extraordinary panoramic views.

    The road in is pretty washboarded and rutty in parts, so go slowly.

    You can hear road noise and hourly church bells :)

    Good Verizon, ATT, and T-Mobile reception.

    ** Gas here in Bridgeport is very expensive (currently $5.15/gal) so fuel up before you get here.

Guide to Topaz

Dispersed camping near Topaz, California, offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in nature without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. With stunning landscapes and a variety of outdoor activities, this area is perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle.

Scenic Views and Outdoor Adventures while free camping near Topaz

  • Enjoy breathtaking vistas at Scotts Lake Rd Dispersed Camping, where you can set up your tent or RV amidst the beauty of Hope Valley.
  • For those seeking a more rugged experience, Leavitt Lake provides access to high Sierra trails and pristine lake views, ideal for hiking and fishing.
  • If you're into off-roading, the area around Burnside Lake is known for its challenging terrain and scenic routes, perfect for adventurous spirits.

Wildlife Watching and Nature Exploration for dispersed campers

  • The Hope Valley Dispersed area is a great spot for observing local wildlife, with plenty of opportunities to see deer and various bird species.
  • At Obsidian Creek on Little Walker Road, you can explore nearby fishing streams and hiking trails, making it a prime location for nature enthusiasts.
  • The diverse ecosystems around Echo Summit Dispersed offer a chance to see unique flora and fauna, especially in the spring when wildflowers bloom.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Topaz, California

  • Arrive early at Luther Pass Dispersed Camping to secure a good spot, as these areas can fill up quickly, especially on weekends.
  • Be prepared for a lack of amenities; for instance, West Walker River Roadside Camp has no drinking water or toilets, so bring everything you need.
  • If you're camping with pets, Dispersed USFS allows pets, making it a great choice for those who want to bring their furry friends along for the adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the primitive camping spots at Topaz Lake?

Primitive camping spots at Topaz Lake can be found in several dispersed areas surrounding the lake. Similar to Twenty Mile Beach Dispersed Camping, dispersed sites are located along the shoreline away from developed recreation areas. Look for established pullouts and clearings with existing fire rings. The eastern Nevada side offers more accessible spots with high clearance vehicles, while the western California side has limited options due to steeper terrain. Most primitive sites are within a quarter-mile of the lake, providing direct water access. As with most dispersed camping in the region, sites are first-come, first-served with no formal designation or numbering system.

Are permits required for dispersed camping at Topaz Lake?

No formal permits are typically required for dispersed camping at Topaz Lake, but regulations vary by exact location and land management. Similar to Dispersed Camping near Fort Churchill, much of the dispersed camping falls under BLM management with a typical 14-day stay limit. Always check current regulations before your trip as requirements can change seasonally. Some areas around Topaz Lake may have fire restrictions during dry seasons, requiring a California campfire permit on the western side. For the most accurate information, contact the Carson City BLM Field Office (Nevada side) or Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest (California side) before your visit to verify any permit requirements and current dispersed camping regulations.

What amenities are available at Topaz Lake dispersed camping areas?

Topaz Lake dispersed camping areas are truly primitive with minimal amenities. Similar to Bridgeport Travertine Hot Springs Dispersed areas, expect no developed facilities like running water, picnic tables, or restrooms. Most sites have informal fire rings created by previous campers. The lake itself serves as your water source (filter/purify before use). Some areas may have minimal cell service depending on your carrier. Trash collection is not available, so prepare to pack out all waste. For those seeking more amenities, Obsidian Creek on Little Walker Road offers pit toilets relatively nearby. Come fully self-contained with everything you'll need, including water, waste disposal plans, and supplies.

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