Best Dispersed Camping near Weimar, CA

Dispersed camping options near Weimar, California include several free primitive sites across El Dorado National Forest and surrounding public lands. Independence Hill Dispersed, Silver Fork Dispersed, and Bowman Lake offer varying experiences for tent and RV campers seeking no-fee alternatives to developed campgrounds. Most sites feature minimal to no amenities, with campers responsible for all supplies and waste management.

Vehicle access varies significantly between locations. Several campers noted that while main roads are typically paved, primitive dirt roads leading to actual campsites often require higher clearance vehicles. According to reviews, Bowman Lake Dispersed requires "4x4 with decent clearance" as "the trail will take you off road for quite some time." Independence Hill has been described as having a "terrifying" access road, particularly in darkness. Arrive during daylight hours to properly assess road conditions and find suitable camping spots.

Permits are required for overnight use in some areas, particularly within El Dorado National Forest. These can be obtained through Recreation.gov. Fire regulations change seasonally, with complete bans common during high fire danger periods. Established fire rings exist at many sites, but campers must bring their own firewood. Cell service is generally limited, with spotty coverage reported at most locations. As one visitor to Silver Fork noted, "Cell phone reception is very spotty, in and out of a couple of bars throughout the drive in."

Weather conditions vary dramatically by season and elevation. Winter access becomes difficult or impossible at many sites due to snow accumulation. Lake Valley Road Pullout specifically warns against winter visits, with reports of vehicles becoming stuck. Pack appropriate gear for temperature fluctuations, as mountain areas can experience significant day-to-night changes even in summer months.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Weimar, California (15)

    1. Independence Hill Dispersed

    2 Reviews
    Gold Run, CA
    9 miles

    "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...)."

    2. Lake Valley Rd Pullout

    3 Reviews
    Emigrant Gap, CA
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 587-3558

    "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."

    3. Union Valley Reservoir Dispersed Camping

    6 Reviews
    Kyburz, CA
    31 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 644-2324

    "Pulled off Union valley road and set up camp with our Rooftop tent. Little cold up here in November but made for some great pre-snowfall camping!"

    "Luckily there is a lot of Dispersed camping all the way around the lake! So beautiful, and the lake is really warm in the summer"

    4. Loch Leven Lakes

    4 Reviews
    Norden, CA
    31 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 265-4531

    "We backpacked up to the high loch levens lake where we found many available campsites."

    "We took Salmon lake trailhead which is shorter trail."

    5. Grouse Ridge Campground

    4 Reviews
    Emigrant Gap, CA
    31 miles

    6. Bowman Lake Dispersed

    4 Reviews
    Sierra City, CA
    35 miles

    "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."

    "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!"

    7. USFS Silver Fork Dispersed

    6 Reviews
    Kyburz, CA
    41 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."

    8. Iron MT. Dispersed

    10 Reviews
    Eldorado National Forest, CA
    50 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."

    9. Mormon Emigrant Trail Dispersed Pull Off

    2 Reviews
    Grizzly Flats, CA
    37 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."

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Weimar, CA

45 Reviews of 15 Weimar Campgrounds


  • 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.
  • Tim R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 5, 2024

    Packsaddle Pass - El Dorado National Forest Dispersed

    Standard Dispersed Camping

    Standard dispersed camping on national forest land. Paved main road with dirt roads and areas for camping branching off. Plenty of room. Some areas have beautiful views of strawberry valley!

  • 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!

  • 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

  • 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.

  • M
    Oct. 16, 2022

    Union Valley Reservoir Dispersed Camping

    There’s nothing here

    It’s just the boat launch. Perhaps u can get away with hanging out, not sure. The access to the dispersed camping, in the hill overlooking the water, is gated and locked.

    There seem to be plenty of spots to use enroute to the water, just not at the location.


Guide to Weimar

Dispersed camping near Weimar, California offers outdoor enthusiasts access to multiple wilderness areas across El Dorado National Forest at elevations ranging from 2,500 to 7,500 feet. The region features a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters that significantly impact camping conditions throughout the year. Snow typically blocks access to higher elevation sites from November through April, while fire restrictions become increasingly common during summer months.

What to do

Hiking near alpine lakes: At Loch Leven Lakes, multiple pristine mountain lakes provide both day hiking and overnight backpacking options. "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," notes one camper at Loch Leven Lakes.

Explore abandoned structures: Iron Mountain Dispersed camping sits on an abandoned ski resort with unique exploration opportunities. One visitor shared: "The abandoned ski lifts are pretty cool to look at and hike along them as well. I camped right on the edge where the view was as far from the highway as possible."

Swimming in summer: Several dispersed sites offer water access during warmer months. At Union Valley Reservoir Dispersed Camping, campers report "the lake is really warm in the summer" and find "lots of Dispersed camping all the way around the lake."

Sunset viewing: Higher elevation sites provide spectacular sunset opportunities. At Iron Mountain, one camper reported "the sun set are awesome can see colors in the sky for a good two hour," while another noted "beautiful sunsets too."

What campers like

Privacy between sites: Many dispersed areas offer significant space between campsites. At Loch Leven Lakes, campers appreciate that "all the sites are very dispersed and you have so much privacy. We saw some people even camping on the boulders!"

Off-grid solitude: The remote nature of these sites appeals to those seeking quiet. A camper at Mormon Emigrant Trail Pull Off stayed "for 4 days with amazing views of the sunset and sunrise! I was there on weekdays so was pretty much alone the whole time."

Established fire rings: Despite being primitive sites, many areas have previous fire rings. At USFS Silver Fork Dispersed, a visitor 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."

Proximity to water: Streamside and lakeside camping ranks high among camper preferences. One Bowman Lake Dispersed visitor "found a perfect spot with easy access to water right outside of our tent."

What you should know

Vehicle requirements: Many primitive camping sites near Weimar require appropriate vehicles. At Bowman Lake Dispersed, a camper warns it's "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 worth the adventure."

Permit regulations: Forest Service permits apply to many sites. One Silver Fork camper notes: "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."

Seasonal closures: Winter access becomes difficult or impossible for many sites. At Iron Mountain, a camper reported "you aren't allowed in without a Sno-park permit from November 1st to May 31st."

Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies significantly by location. At Silver Fork, a visitor reported: "Cell phone reception is very spotty, in and out of a couple of bars throughout the drive in. At the above coordinates, there were 2 bars of low grade coverage allowing basic texts to send."

Tips for camping with families

Look for flat terrain: Some dispersed areas offer more level sites than others. At Grouse Ridge Campground, visitors found "several camping spots" with established sites, though they note some picnic benches "were in bad shape."

Consider noise factors: Natural sound barriers can help with family camping. One Silver Fork camper mentioned finding a spot "right next to the stream," while another noted the "left side of tent sites is very loud due to the rushing river."

Bring all essentials: No services means complete self-sufficiency. One Silver Fork camper advises: "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."

Emergency supplies: Road conditions can complicate family trips. For Bowman Lake, a camper recommends: "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."

Tips from RVers

Site assessment timing: Arrive during daylight hours to evaluate primitive sites. At Lake Valley Rd Pullout, a camper warns against winter visits: "Got stuck for over a day trying to get to the site. Tow truck also got stuck. Would not recommend coming until spring."

Road width challenges: Some access roads have narrow sections requiring caution. A Grouse Ridge visitor noted: "The last five miles to get to this campground was narrow and rocky. Once we got to the campground, I realized narrow and rocky are okay."

Designated pullouts: Several areas have established parking spots for larger vehicles. At Mormon Emigrant Trail, a camper describes "a large pull off area" with "a couple of dirt roads that lead to more areas to camp."

Leveling requirements: Bring leveling blocks for uneven terrain. A Silver Fork camper recommends "taking some time to survey the land before setting up camp, as some spots are slightly sloped."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Weimar, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Weimar, CA is Independence Hill Dispersed with a 3.5-star rating from 2 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 15 dispersed camping locations near Weimar, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.