Primitive camping near Twin Bridges, California extends throughout El Dorado National Forest at elevations ranging from 6,000 to 8,300 feet. The area experiences significant seasonal variations, with summer temperatures averaging 70-85°F during days and dropping to 40-55°F at night. Most dispersed sites lack cell service and require visitors to travel over unpaved forest roads that can become impassable after rainfall or during winter months.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: The Silver Fork River provides excellent trout fishing spots with relatively easy access. One camper at Silver Fork River Camping noted, "There are a total of 3 established sites... All the sites are on the river and have paths down to the water with a little beach... It's a popular fishing spot with the locals."
Off-road exploration: Many dispersed areas connect to OHV trails and 4WD routes. Near Iron MT. Dispersed, campers enjoy "beautiful sunsets" while exploring abandoned ski lifts. As one visitor shared, "The views from this place are amazing. The abandoned ski lifts are pretty cool to look at and hike along them as well."
Stargazing: Clear mountain nights provide excellent viewing conditions. A camper at Echo Summit Dispersed mentioned, "This location was the site of a fire several years ago, this means that many of the trees have been cleared making it a good site for starlink users like me."
Lake activities: Several sites offer access to nearby lakes for swimming and paddling. At Union Valley Reservoir Dispersed Camping, one visitor commented, "So beautiful, and the lake is really warm in the summer."
What campers like
Affordability: Most dispersed sites are free, with no reservation requirements. A camper at Mormon Emigrant Trail Dispersed Pull Off appreciated that it was "Completely free and peaceful but 0 amenities so come prepared."
Scenic views: Many sites offer mountain panoramas or water features. One visitor at Dispersed USFS described "a wildflower-filled meadow to ourselves in early August with plenty of near-by trails for dirt bikes, Jeeping, horses, mountain biking or hiking."
Privacy options: Most areas provide adequate space between campsites. A camper at Hope Valley Dispersed noted there were "lots of places" even though "there were other people but everyone has enough space."
River access: Several sites feature direct water access. At Silver Fork River Camping, a reviewer found "a little beach" at their site, noting that "when we were there in early June the water was still very cold."
What you should know
Weather considerations: High elevation means rapid temperature changes and afternoon thunderstorms in summer. A visitor to Scotts Lake Rd Dispersed Camping warned, "You follow a dirt road and have camping spots along the road. When I was here it was jammed packed RV, vans and tents all set up along the road."
Road conditions: Many sites require navigating unpaved forest roads. At Dispersed USFS, one camper noted, "There are prolonged climbs to get here (up to about 8% grade)... WATCH THE WEATHER! Rain can cause spots of the road in to get washed out a bit and deep puddles can appear."
Seasonal closures: Several areas have restricted access during winter months. A camper at Iron MT. Dispersed found "the site was covered in snow, and there was a sign saying no camping in snow clearing conditions. Additionally you aren't allowed in without a Sno-park permit from November 1st to May 31st."
Permit requirements: Some areas require free permits for overnight stays. At Packsaddle Pass, standard rules apply as one camper mentioned: "Standard dispersed camping on national forest land. Paved main road with dirt roads and areas for camping branching off."
Tips for camping with families
Site selection: Look for established areas with flat terrain. A reviewer at USFS Silver Fork Dispersed recommended, "We found a great spot about 4 miles before silver fork camp ground. Nice and flat, right next to the stream, already had some stones for a fire ring."
Nearby facilities: Some locations offer access to facilities within short driving distance. A camper at USFS Silver Fork Dispersed pointed out, "A huge plus is the gas station just about 5 minutes down the road. It's well-stocked with all the convenient store items you might have forgotten at home."
Waste management: Bring portable toilets as no facilities exist at most sites. At Packsaddle Pass, one visitor brought "a privacy shelter and portable camp toilet, and our own water. Those are really the only things you need that would normally be provided by a paid campsite."
Wildlife awareness: Bears are active in the area, requiring proper food storage. A visitor at Scotts Lake Rd Dispersed Camping mentioned, "There are herds of cows that will make their way through the area, please be respectful of them!"
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: Some roads have tight turns that restrict larger rigs. One camper at Echo Summit Dispersed warned, "The road towards the cabins has a very tight turn that will not allow anyone over 25 feet—though I'd recommend smaller."
Level parking: Look for established pull-offs with flat terrain. At Scotts Lake Rd Dispersed Camping, a camper with a large rig shared, "We are new to dispersed camping and have a 40 ft 5th wheel as well as a GMC Denali 350 dually. We need a large space to fit into... We had our choice of several places to set up."
Elevation considerations: Higher elevations mean steeper driving grades and thinner air. A visitor to Dispersed USFS noted, "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."
