Dispersed camping near Wallace, California offers remote forest experiences at elevations between 3,800-4,200 feet in the Sierra Nevada foothills. The area experiences warm summer days with temperatures averaging 75-85°F and cool nights dropping to 45-55°F. Winter conditions can make access challenging with snowfall common from November through March, requiring advance planning and appropriate vehicles.
What to do
Hiking on unmaintained trails: Forest Route 4N39 Dispersed camping provides access to several unmarked hiking paths that follow ridgelines with minimal elevation gain. "Drive to the back area for tree shade and level grounds. Side of road camping. Camping on Ridgeline," notes camper DJ M. at Forest Route 4N39 Dispersed.
Wildlife observation: Early mornings at Mormon Emigrant Trail offer opportunities to spot deer, various bird species, and occasional black bears from a safe distance. According to Onyx E., "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 hike around."
Night sky viewing: The lack of light pollution makes Top of Arnold an excellent location for stargazing between May and September. Clear nights reveal the Milky Way and meteor showers. "Super fun spot went in September. Dirt road to get to spot is pretty rough but my Taurus wagon did just fine," shares Damien M.
What campers like
Isolation during weekdays: The Mormon Emigrant Trail dispersed area provides significant solitude Monday through Thursday. "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," reports one camper at Mormon Emigrant Trail Dispersed Pull Off.
Cell service reliability: Despite the remote location, campers appreciate that Top of Arnold maintains usable cell connections. Goose10091203 mentions, "It's suitable enough of a campground, Verizon works. There is sun for solar panels and enough shade to be fine mostly, I have a canopy so it helps make it more than fine."
Solar charging opportunities: Many sites at Top of Arnold offer partial clearing with sufficient sunlight for solar panels while maintaining shade for comfort. "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," notes Michael S. at Top of Arnold.
What you should know
Ground conditions: The soil at dispersed sites around Wallace consists primarily of dusty, loose dirt that may affect camping comfort. "Only downside is the ground is basically dust dirt. My dogs love it, my bedding doesn't!" cautions Goose10091203.
Noise considerations: Occasional recreational activities like target shooting and dirt bikes create intermittent noise at certain sites. Damien M. reports, "There are a few people on dirt bikes ripping around trails so not fully secluded but still a good spot."
Power line proximity: Some camping areas follow utility corridors that impact the wilderness experience. Nick F. explains, "This road follows power lines pretty much for the entire length of the road. It would be a really nice area to disperse if they weren't there as the area is beautiful," regarding camping at Forest Route 4N39.
Tips for camping with families
Safety considerations: Choose Mormon Emigrant Trail for family dispersed camping as it offers multiple level spots and better vehicle access. "Large dirt pull off area I found and stayed at for 4 days with amazing views of the sunset and sunrise!" mentions Onyx E.
Animal awareness: Keep food properly stored in hard-sided containers as bears and smaller wildlife frequent the area. The dusty ground at Top of Arnold may require additional groundsheets or tent footprints to maintain cleanliness for children.
Activity planning: Bring portable entertainment options as established recreation facilities are nonexistent. Temporary noise from recreational users can occasionally disturb afternoon naps or quiet activities at certain sites.
Tips from RVers
Clearance requirements: While 4WD isn't strictly necessary for most access roads, adequate ground clearance helps navigate deliberately placed obstacles. "You don't need 4x4 but you definitely will need a vehicle with some decent clearance. There are some weirdly purposefully placed speed bumps on the west end of the road approaching 4N01 and Spring Gap Rd," advises Nick F. at Forest Route 4N39 Dispersed.
Space considerations: Mormon Emigrant Trail dispersed area provides adequate turning radius for larger vehicles with multiple level parking spots. The area features an easily identifiable landmark according to Onyx E.: "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!"
Solar dependency: With no hookups available, RVers should arrive with fully charged batteries and solar capabilities. Multiple campers note adequate sun exposure at most sites for maintaining basic power needs.
