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Dispersed Camping

USFS Silver Fork Dispersed

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

USFS Silver Fork Dispersed, near Pollock Pines, California, is a fantastic spot for those looking to escape into nature without the frills of a developed campground. This area offers a variety of camping options, with plenty of flat spots to pitch your tent or park your RV, all while being just a short drive from the main road.

Visitors have praised the spaciousness and accessibility of the area, making it easy to find a site that suits your needs. One camper noted, “We found a great spot about 4 miles before Silver Fork campground, nice and flat, right next to the stream.” The serene surroundings include beautiful views and the soothing sounds of nearby creeks, perfect for unwinding after a day of adventure.

Keep in mind that this location is a true back-to-nature experience, so amenities are limited. There’s no drinking water, restrooms, or trash service, so be prepared to pack in what you need and pack out your waste. As one reviewer wisely advised, “Leave it cleaner than you found it.”

For those who enjoy exploring, the area is surrounded by primitive roads leading to various camping spots, offering endless opportunities for hiking and discovering new views. Just remember to grab a permit for your stay, as it’s required for any overnight use in the Eldorado National Forest. Whether you're a seasoned camper or just starting out, USFS Silver Fork Dispersed is a great choice for a peaceful getaway in the heart of nature.

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Location

USFS Silver Fork Dispersed is located in California

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

38.767247 N
120.290122 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Hike-In
    Backcountry sites.

Connectivity

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    No Coverage
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    Some Coverage
    Verified by 3 users
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Dispersed
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • Phone Service
  • Alcohol
  • Pets

For Vehicles

  • Big Rig Friendly

DISPERSED CAMPING

Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.

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General Info


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Reviews

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6 Reviews

Reviewed Jul. 15, 2024

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!

Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of USFS Silver Fork Dispersed by Raymond B., July 15, 2024
  • Review photo of USFS Silver Fork Dispersed by Raymond B., July 15, 2024
  • Review photo of USFS Silver Fork Dispersed by Raymond B., July 15, 2024
Reviewed Jun. 21, 2024

Great spot

Not sure if my wife and I found the right spot or went far enough, but 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. Easy road to get out there.

Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of USFS Silver Fork Dispersed by Blair K., June 21, 2024
  • Review photo of USFS Silver Fork Dispersed by Blair K., June 21, 2024
Reviewed Dec. 19, 2023

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.

SiteEntrance
Month of VisitDecember
  • Review photo of USFS Silver Fork Dispersed by Orion B., December 19, 2023
  • Review photo of USFS Silver Fork Dispersed by Orion B., December 19, 2023
  • Review photo of USFS Silver Fork Dispersed by Orion B., December 19, 2023
  • (6) View All
Reviewed Nov. 8, 2023

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.
SiteN/A — Dispersed
Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of USFS Silver Fork Dispersed by Alex , November 8, 2023
  • Review photo of USFS Silver Fork Dispersed by Alex , November 8, 2023
  • Review photo of USFS Silver Fork Dispersed by Alex , November 8, 2023
  • (10) View All
Reviewed Sep. 2, 2023

Location possibly pinned incorrectly

Showed up to pinned spot around 3pm and saw zero people. It was basically just a road to what I think was a state park? There were multiple spots off to the side where ppl had previously parked/camped w/ fire pits. But I did not feel comfortable pulling off…No service, it was rainy, and not sure how my vehicle would hold up. If planning to visit I would look to see if you need forest permit.

Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of USFS Silver Fork Dispersed by Callie C., September 2, 2023
  • Review photo of USFS Silver Fork Dispersed by Callie C., September 2, 2023
Reviewed Jul. 29, 2023

Dispersed camping

Plenty of dispersed camping spots. My flat spot that I found not too far from a Creek and I even had 2 bars on my cell phone and watch the movie.

Sitenear site 1
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of USFS Silver Fork Dispersed by Serena W., July 29, 2023

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Silver Fork Campground located near Kyburz, CA?

USFS Silver Fork Dispersed is located near Kyburz, California in the El Dorado National Forest. The campground sits along Silver Fork Road, which branches off from Highway 50. Some camping spots are positioned near a creek, while others can be found on higher elevations offering panoramic mountain views. It's situated in a wooded area that provides both streamside locations and elevated spots with 360-degree vistas of the surrounding Sierra Nevada mountains.

What dispersed camping options are available at Silver Fork?

Silver Fork offers abundant dispersed camping opportunities with multiple primitive sites spread throughout the area. You'll find established spots with existing fire rings along the main access road and down various primitive side roads. Camping options include creekside locations with water access, flat areas suitable for tents and small vehicles, and even elevated spots on peaks offering panoramic views. The area accommodates different camping preferences, from easily accessible sites near the entrance to more secluded spots deeper in the forest.

How do I access Silver Fork Campground via Silver Fork Road?

To access Silver Fork Dispersed Camping, take Silver Fork Road off Highway 50 near Kyburz. The coordinates on mapping apps mark the entrance to the dispersed camping area. From there, multiple primitive roads branch off where you can find suitable camping spots. The main access road is relatively easy to navigate and doesn't require specialized vehicles. Sites are available both near the entrance and further in along various side roads, with many spots visible from the main road.

What do reviews say about Silver Fork Campground?

Silver Fork Dispersed Camping offers spacious sites in a convenient location not far from the main road, making it accessible while still providing a sense of wilderness. Many spots feature established fire rings and flat areas ideal for setting up camp. The area is particularly appealing for its creek access, with several sites positioned near flowing water. Cell service is available in some locations, though coverage varies throughout the area. The campground works well for beginners and families, with one camper noting a successful December trip with mild winter temperatures. Visitors appreciate the variety of sites, from creekside locations to elevated spots with panoramic views.