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Best Dispersed Camping near Valley Springs, CA

33 Reviews

Several dispersed camping options exist within driving distance of Valley Springs, California in the Sierra Nevada foothills. Top of Arnold on Forest Route 5N56 provides tent camping on a rough dirt road that requires careful navigation but remains accessible to standard vehicles. Reviews note the area offers good Verizon service, making it suitable for remote work, though the ground is described as "basically dust dirt."

Iron Mountain Dispersed, located at 7,500 feet elevation on an abandoned ski resort, offers spectacular sunset views and flat camping areas, some with gravel surfaces. The site provides access to OHV trails and the Mormon Emigrant Trail. Bear Valley Dispersed Camping features wooded sites with cooler temperatures and nearby lake access. Most dispersed areas permit campfires with proper permits, though restrictions apply seasonally. A review mentioned, "Be sure to obtain a fire permit from Cal Fire and check fire restrictions in the area." These primitive sites generally lack amenities—no toilets, running water, or trash service—requiring visitors to pack in supplies and pack out waste.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Valley Springs, California (10)

    1. Top of Arnold - FR 5N56 Dispersed

    4 Reviews
    Arnold, CA
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (209) 532-3671

    "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"

    "The dirt road up is full of ruts and potholes, but my Toyota Yaris made it up."

    2. Iron MT. Dispersed

    10 Reviews
    Eldorado National Forest, CA
    45 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."

    3. Bear Valley Dispersed Camping

    7 Reviews
    Sierraville, CA
    46 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."

    4. USFS Silver Fork Dispersed

    6 Reviews
    Kyburz, CA
    49 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 622-5061

    "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."

    "The area is spacious and conveniently located not too far off the main road, making it easy to access without feeling too isolated."

    5. Mormon Emigrant Trail Dispersed Pull Off

    2 Reviews
    Grizzly Flats, CA
    41 miles

    "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."

    6. Forest Route 4N39 Dispersed

    2 Reviews
    Stanislaus National Forest, CA
    42 miles
    Website
    +1 (209) 459-9238

    7. Van Haven Dispersed Site Yosemite

    2 Reviews
    Groveland, CA
    49 miles

    "The road becomes increasingly rough and eroded, with deep ruts and drainages. 4WD or AWD is necessary. Site offers scenic views, unobstructed night sky, and interesting exploration. Leave no trace!"

    "Great views along the John Muir trail. 24 hour Public restroom .o2miles from camp site."

    8. Silver Fork River Camping

    1 Review
    Kyburz, CA
    49 miles

    "We were at another location up the road that was listed on Dyrt and the Forest Service Fire Team came up and started talking and they suggested this site and its awesome."

    9. Shealor Lakes Dispersed Backcountry

    Be the first to review!
    Kit Carson, CA
    49 miles
    Website

    10. Kyburz

    Be the first to review!
    Kyburz, CA
    50 miles
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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Valley Springs, CA

30 Photos of 10 Valley Springs Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Valley Springs, CA

33 Reviews of 10 Valley Springs Campgrounds

  • Mark L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 31, 2025

    Van Haven Dispersed Site Yosemite

    Rugged, Remote, Dusty

    Red Cloud Rd offers few viable camping sites. The road becomes increasingly rough and eroded, with deep ruts and drainages. 4WD or AWD is necessary. Site offers scenic views, unobstructed night sky, and interesting exploration.

    Leave no trace!

  • 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.
  • Raymond B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 15, 2024

    USFS Silver Fork Dispersed

    Overnight stay

    We recently spent a night at this campsite and found it to be perfect for a quick overnight getaway. The area is spacious and conveniently located not too far off the main road, making it easy to access without feeling too isolated.

    There are plenty of sites to choose from, catering to different preferences. However, we recommend taking some time to survey the land before setting up camp, as some spots are slightly sloped.

    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, making it easy to grab any last-minute necessities.

    Overall, it was a delightful stay. Just remember, always practice Leave No Trace principles—pack out what you pack in!

  • Raymond M.
    Oct. 5, 2025

    Top of Arnold - FR 5N56 Dispersed

    This place is real camping

    This campground was the best campground that I’ve been to in a long time take note that this is real camping so there is no bathrooms. There is no running water. There is no showers not for the week but for the real man not recommended for women in small kids, but absolutely amazing and beautiful place. 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

  • Michael S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 12, 2022

    Top of Arnold - FR 5N56 Dispersed

    Peaceful spot

    Great spot for a tent or small trailer. The dirt road up is full of ruts and potholes, but my Toyota Yaris made it up. Some noise from chainsaws in the distance one day, and some target practice, but neither lasted long. 2 bars LTE of Verizon.

  • Damien M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 18, 2023

    Top of Arnold - FR 5N56 Dispersed

    Fun Spot

    Super fun spot went in September. Dirt road to get to spot is pretty rough but my Taurus wagon did just fine. There are a few people on dirt bikes ripping around trails so not fully secluded but still a good spot.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 26, 2023

    Bear Valley Dispersed Camping

    Great place to dispersed camping!

    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. There is a point where the paved road disappears and is only dirt road, you can keep driving as far as you want, it is easy to find a good spot to park and set your camp. The night views are amazing!

  • O
    Sep. 6, 2024

    Mormon Emigrant Trail Dispersed Pull Off

    Large dirt pull off

    Large pull off area I found and stayed at for 4 days with amazing views of the sunset and sunrise! 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. A couple of level spots and lots of room to hike around. Completely free and peaceful but 0 amenities so come prepared. Currently there is an abandoned red semi truck cab so it’s easy to find not sure if that will ever be moved in the future though!

  • Orion B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 19, 2023

    USFS Silver Fork Dispersed

    Beautiful free camping is a real thing!

    My 9 yr old son wanted to try camping in or near the snow, and the weather was favorable on this December weekend (high 56, low 39). We are pretty new to camping and not hardcore, but this was very easy and comfortable. We camped right at the entrance because nobody was there and there was plenty of flat area. Easily accessible on paved roads. Spotted a rock climber on the nearby rock face when we arrived, who later came by to pick up his car he had parked there.

    Caldor Fire damage was evident everywhere, but this made it easy for my son to chop down a small dead tree that we used for firewood. It was breezy, which made it chillier than the temps indicated, but we were fine and very toasty once in our tent cots.

    We found a few beer bottles around (which we took home to recycle), and small amounts of building waste such as concrete. But overall the setting was peaceful and beautiful. Amazing to have a resource like this that's free. We 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.

Guide to Valley Springs

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Valley Springs, California, where nature lovers can find serene spots to unwind and connect with the great outdoors. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, you'll be sure to find the perfect place to pitch your tent or park your RV.

Scenic Views for Dispersed Campers

  • Experience breathtaking sunrises and sunsets at the Mormon Emigrant Trail Dispersed Pull Off, where expansive views make for a picturesque backdrop to your camping adventure.
  • The Bear Valley Dispersed Camping area offers stunning mountain vistas and a peaceful atmosphere, perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
  • For a unique experience, check out the Iron MT. Dispersed, where you can enjoy gorgeous views even in winter, making it an ideal spot for snow enthusiasts.

Top Activities While Free Camping Near Valley Springs

  • Hiking enthusiasts will love the trails surrounding the USFS Silver Fork Dispersed, which provide access to beautiful landscapes and opportunities for exploration.
  • If you're into off-road biking, the Top of Arnold - FR 5N56 Dispersed area is popular for its dirt roads and trails, making it a fun spot for adventure seekers.
  • Fishing and swimming are great activities at nearby lakes, with the Forest Route 4N39 Dispersed offering easy access to water bodies for a refreshing dip or a relaxing day by the shore.

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Valley Springs, California

  • Always come prepared with your own water and supplies, as locations like the Mormon Emigrant Trail Dispersed Pull Off have no amenities available.
  • Be mindful of the terrain; for instance, the dirt roads leading to the Top of Arnold - FR 5N56 Dispersed can be rough, so a vehicle with good clearance is recommended.
  • Respect the environment by following Leave No Trace principles, especially in pristine areas like the USFS Silver Fork Dispersed, where maintaining cleanliness is crucial for preserving the natural beauty.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Valley Springs, CA is Top of Arnold - FR 5N56 Dispersed with a 4.5-star rating from 4 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 10 dispersed camping locations near Valley Springs, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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