Top Free Dispersed Camping near Crystal Bay, NV

Planning a dispersed camping trip near Crystal Bay? Find the best information on dispersed campgrounds near Crystal Bay, including photos, reviews, and tips. From secluded to easily reachable, we offer dispersed campsites near Crystal Bay just for you.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Crystal Bay, NV (29)

    Camper-submitted photo from Scotts Lake Rd Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Scotts Lake Rd Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Scotts Lake Rd Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Scotts Lake Rd Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Scotts Lake Rd Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Scotts Lake Rd Dispersed Camping

    1. Scotts Lake Rd Dispersed Camping

    14 Reviews
    21 Photos
    518 Saves
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    Camper-submitted photo from Dog Valley
    Camper-submitted photo from Dog Valley
    Camper-submitted photo from Dog Valley
    Camper-submitted photo from Dog Valley
    Camper-submitted photo from Dog Valley
    Camper-submitted photo from Dog Valley

    2. Dog Valley

    4 Reviews
    16 Photos
    93 Saves

    There is no "campground here" Please be aware most of the Dog / Sardine Valley is private property and a working ranch. The places near the valley floor with picnic tables - those are sheep camps. The places with firepits, also sheep camps. Please respect private property and make sure you are camping in the BLM / USDA lands that rim the valley. Located in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Dog Valley provides excellent viewing of both wildflowers and flowering shrubs. Forest, meadows, and streams make up Dog Valley’s landscape, creating a cool and refreshing retreat for this popular recreation area. Dog Valley is also home to two rare plant species, Dog Valley ivesia and Webber’s ivesia. Dog Valley ivesia can only be found in Dog Valley. Other attractions include wildlife viewing and the Crystal Peak Mine, a popular spot for crystal-hounds. Dog Valley offers a variety of opportunities to view wildflowers in the Jeffery pine forests and meadows. As you enter Dog Valley from Verdi, you will see the recovery from the 1994 Crystal Fire with displays of mahala mat, silvery lupine, and chokecherry. Explore the openings in the forest with extensive displays of mule’s ear, balsamroot, buckwheats, paintbrushes, yampah, bitterbrush, bare-stem desert parsley, and manzanita. Walking around, it is easy to enjoy the smaller, less visible flowers, including collomia, prairie star flower, and blue-eyed Mary. Wetter areas have displays of shooting stars, delphinium, and Rydberg’s penstemon. Best Viewing Times: The best time to visit is June and July. Safety First: Creeks and streams can cross the road. Be careful when crossing water and watch for washed-out portions of the road. The road can be very muddy. California OHV registration is required for all vehicles. Campfire permits are also required in California and can be obtained from the Carson District Office or the campground host.

    • Pets
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Equestrian
    • Dispersed
    • No image available

      3. BLM FLATTOP

      3 Reviews
      26 Saves
      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Phone Service
      • RVs
      • Tents
      • Group
      Camper-submitted photo from Luther Pass Dispersed Camping
      Camper-submitted photo from Luther Pass Dispersed Camping
      Camper-submitted photo from BLM - Water Tank Road Dispersed
      Camper-submitted photo from BLM - Water Tank Road Dispersed
      Camper-submitted photo from BLM - Water Tank Road Dispersed
      Camper-submitted photo from BLM - Water Tank Road Dispersed
      Camper-submitted photo from BLM - Water Tank Road Dispersed
      Camper-submitted photo from BLM - Water Tank Road Dispersed
      Camper-submitted photo from USFS Silver Fork Dispersed
      Camper-submitted photo from USFS Silver Fork Dispersed
      Camper-submitted photo from USFS Silver Fork Dispersed
      Camper-submitted photo from USFS Silver Fork Dispersed
      Camper-submitted photo from USFS Silver Fork Dispersed
      Camper-submitted photo from USFS Silver Fork Dispersed

      6. USFS Silver Fork Dispersed

      6 Reviews
      27 Photos
      217 Saves
      • Pets
      • Phone Service
      • RVs
      • Tents
      • Group
      • Standard (Tent/RV)
      Camper-submitted photo from Loch Leven Lakes
      Camper-submitted photo from Loch Leven Lakes
      Camper-submitted photo from Loch Leven Lakes
      Camper-submitted photo from Loch Leven Lakes
      Camper-submitted photo from Loch Leven Lakes
      Camper-submitted photo from Loch Leven Lakes

      7. Loch Leven Lakes

      2 Reviews
      7 Photos
      107 Saves

      The Loch Leven begins at Placer County Road Pla-9140-2 and ends at High Loch Leven Lake. At the south end of lower Loch Leven, a trail junction continues left to middle and high Lochs, or right to Salmon Lake. Fishing is generally good, and camping is dispersed throughout the basin. Campfire permits are required for campfires, backpacking stoves, BBQs, and lanterns.

      • Fires
      • Tents
      • Dispersed
      • Toilets
      • Alcohol
      Camper-submitted photo from Peavine Road Dispersed Camping
      Camper-submitted photo from Peavine Road Dispersed Camping
      Camper-submitted photo from Peavine Road Dispersed Camping
      • No image available
        • No image available

          10. Merrill Valley Dispersed Camp

          1 Review
          2 Saves
          • Pets
          • Phone Service
          • Tents
          • Group
          • Dispersed
        Showing results 1-10 of 29 campgrounds

        Recent Dispersed Reviews In Crystal Bay

        82 Reviews of 29 Crystal Bay Campgrounds


        • Tyler C.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Baldwine East Dispersed Camping
          Nov. 2, 2024

          Baldwine East Dispersed Camping

          NO CAMPING

          there was one other review that said the same, but this spot is just off the road so I thought I’d double check. it’s not only on a gas pipeline, but you’re also verging on private property.

        • Ciara W.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Echo Summit Dispersed
          Oct. 25, 2024

          Echo Summit Dispersed

          Not dispersed camping

          This spot is national forest, and overnight camping is not allowed. We had a knock from someone with the forest service the next morning who was very kind and let us know that overnight is not allowed.

          Look up lakes and forest in this area on google — not many places allow dispersed camping

        • ron R.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from BLM - Water Tank Road Dispersed
          Oct. 12, 2024

          BLM - Water Tank Road Dispersed

          Not easily accessible

          The two closest roads coming in from the West are blocked off and labeled no unauthorized vehicles. This is due to the construction of the new neighborhoods and they probably annexed the area. You could probably access it from the East but I have no idea how many miles it would be in from where you would come in.

        • ron R.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Peavine Road Dispersed Camping
          Oct. 12, 2024

          Peavine Road Dispersed Camping

          Complete trash dump

          It's sad where we have this public land to camp on and people just dump tons and tons of trash and abandoned cars and demolished cars on the property would not recommend going. There's some more BLM land about 15 to 20 minutes north on Red Rock road.

        • Paxton B.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Merrill Valley Dispersed Camp
          Sep. 30, 2024

          Merrill Valley Dispersed Camp

          The road is terrible

          Not really sure if we camped in the right spot. It isn’t great, but it got the job done to just crash for a night. Felt like we were in a construction zone

        • Anna B.
          Camper-submitted photo from Moon Rocks Camp
          Sep. 8, 2024

          Moon Rocks Camp

          Camping on Mars

          (September 28th, 2023) Got here after dark and found an empty clearing to park in for the night. The moon and the stars were so bright, it felt like we were on another planet. Got to explore the area in the morning, such a cool spot! Very quiet when we were there.

        • SThe Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Bowman Lake Dispersed
          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.

        • Stephen B.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Scotts Lake Rd Dispersed Camping
          Aug. 30, 2024

          Scotts Lake Rd Dispersed Camping

          Beautiful, popular, treacherous

          I’m motorcycle camping and the ground level was about half full, mostly RVs, so I attempted to head up Scott Lake Road.

          The dirt was manageable but there are sections of large rocks difficult to pass on two wheels. I crossed several but I dropped my bike before the second circle. Defeated and exhausted from a long day’s ride, I headed back down to set up my camp among the RV set.

          No shade to the lifestyle but this is an awfully long drive to watch TV at top volume.

        • Julia H.
          Camper-submitted photo from Scotts Lake Rd Dispersed Camping
          Aug. 8, 2024

          Scotts Lake Rd Dispersed Camping

          Great

          Lots of people ! come early for a spot. nice views around. lots and lots of bugs. i sleep in my car and crack the windows a little bit and i woke up to a shit ton of bugs that got in my car. even more surrounding the cars. very quiet at night, maybe i just got lucky lol.

        • CThe Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Echo Summit Dispersed
          Jul. 23, 2024

          Echo Summit Dispersed

          Echo peak free camping

          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. There are some power lines and it might be prettier if it had some unburned trees, but it’s great in a pinch and private. Take echo summit road from El dorado and you will see several places to chose from. The road towards the cabins has a very tight turn that will not allow anyone over 25 feet- though i’d recommend smaller.

          most likely impassable after snowfall.

        • Chris N.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Bowman Lake Dispersed
          Jul. 21, 2024

          Bowman Lake Dispersed

          Great Late Spring Escape

          This place was a slice of heaven, but 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 with the adventure. 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. No running water, but there are restroom buildings, fire rings and bear boxes to use. Mosquitoes are abundant here. Don't forget your repellent. The lake is gorgeous, a great fishery, and there are plenty of inspirational views and solitude to be had.

        • Raymond B.
          Camper-submitted photo from USFS Silver Fork Dispersed
          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!

        • A
          Camper-submitted photo from BLM FLATTOP
          Jul. 6, 2024

          BLM FLATTOP

          Access Sucks

          The road kinda sucks but VC is a good time. It was nice other than the road. Please remember to pack everything out, there was a lot of trash I had to pick up that was left behind by others.

        • LThe Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Grouse Ridge Campground
          Jun. 30, 2024

          Grouse Ridge Campground

          Amazing spot for a campground.

          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. We were there last weekend in June and there was still snow on the ground. Woot! It was awesome. Quite a few sites there with fire rings, beat up, bear boxes that didn't open and picnic benches that were in bad shape. They had two pot toilets. This was a very busy campground. Lots of traffic on and out, I'm sure to beat the heat. It was 25 degrees cooler up there than in Sacramento. We loved this campground. I can't wait to go back.

        • B
          Camper-submitted photo from Scotts Lake Rd Dispersed Camping
          Jun. 21, 2024

          Scotts Lake Rd Dispersed Camping

          Burnside lake

          We went just up the road into the wildlife reserve and drove all the way up to burnside lake. Beautiful. Definitely need 4x4 and the road is super bumpy. We had a great spot that looked over the mountains. Would definitely come back. Lots of places to choose from along the way to the lake.

        • B
          Camper-submitted photo from Luther Pass Dispersed Camping
          Jun. 21, 2024

          Luther Pass Dispersed Camping

          Good in a pinch

          This place is beautiful but it’s a designated free camp ground and has minimal spots on one side. The other side was so jammed full. We ended up squeezing in a parking space and asked the ranger for permission to use our pop up there (she was super nice about it). Trash, fire pits, bathrooms are all available there. Single lane road getting in to it was a little harry with other cars. Decent place if you need a safe space to rest.

        • B
          Camper-submitted photo from Union Valley Reservoir Dispersed Camping
          Jun. 21, 2024

          Union Valley Reservoir Dispersed Camping

          It was okay

          Pretty easy to get to and lots of spaces for dispersed sites. There was trash EVERYWHERE. Broken glass, toilet trash, bottles and cans, we were really disappointed. We found a spot pretty hidden which was rad but someone was shooting litteraly all night long which was frustrating. We probably won’t come back.

        • B
          Camper-submitted photo from USFS Silver Fork Dispersed
          Jun. 21, 2024

          USFS Silver Fork Dispersed

          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.

        • Susan L.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Scotts Lake Rd Dispersed Camping
          Jun. 17, 2024

          Scotts Lake Rd Dispersed Camping

          What a beautiful place for our 40 ft 5th wheel

          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 arrived on a Monday at noon and found that the large area about 1/4 mile in was not at all crowded. We had our choice of several places to set up. It is very quiet here, not hearing any road noise. A forest ranger told us there were more spaces up near the lake, but we didn’t venture up there.

        • Jr A.
          Camper-submitted photo from Scotts Lake Rd Dispersed Camping
          Jun. 9, 2024

          Scotts Lake Rd Dispersed Camping

          Easy access and lots of spots

          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. To me it was good for a an overnight stay. No At&t service what so ever. Little highway noise.

        • V
          Camper-submitted photo from Luther Pass Dispersed Camping
          May. 31, 2024

          Luther Pass Dispersed Camping

          Good Camping Spot Near SLT

          Parked my car and walked into my campsite 50m? Not ideal if you are car camping but not terrible. Tables, bear boxes, toilets and fire ring provided. First come first serve. Adequate TMobile service.

        • EThe Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Dog Valley
          Apr. 23, 2024

          Dog Valley

          Our favorite !

          Dog Valley is a special place where we come to boondock. It’s quite and has a great creek. People come out here to camp, ride atvs, side by sides, dirt bikes, or off road. People target practice a lot and the ranger is very nice.



        Guide to Crystal Bay

        Camping near Crystal Bay, Nevada, offers a mix of stunning scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are plenty of options to enjoy the great outdoors.

        What to do:

        • Hiking: Explore the beautiful trails around the area. Many campers appreciate the access to hiking trails, with one reviewer from Fallen Leaf Campground - South Lake Tahoe noting, "Many excursions and hiking trails. Breathtakingly beautiful."
        • Water Sports: Enjoy activities like kayaking and paddleboarding. A visitor at Eagle Point Campground — Emerald Bay State Park mentioned, "We took down our inflatable kayaks and paddled to the Island. It was a huge plus that added to our trip."
        • Fishing: The lakes around Crystal Bay are great for fishing. A camper at D.L. Bliss State Park Campground shared, "The group site has a lot of privacy from other sites and plenty of space."

        What campers like:

        • Spacious Sites: Campers enjoy the roomy sites at places like Tahoe Valley Campground. One reviewer said, "Camping spots are spaced out enough that you are not right on top of your neighbor."
        • Clean Facilities: Many campgrounds, such as Washoe Lake State Park Campground, are praised for their cleanliness. A visitor remarked, "The whole campground is just so clean."
        • Friendly Staff: Campers often mention the helpful staff at various campgrounds. A reviewer at Sparks Marina RV Park noted, "The security immediately came to us and the guys helped us and explained everything."

        What you should know:

        • Bear Activity: Be aware of bear activity in the area. A camper at Fallen Leaf Campground - South Lake Tahoe warned, "Well there is a lot of bear activity, but we loved it here."
        • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may have limited amenities. A visitor at Tahoe Valley Campground mentioned, "The General Market was randomly closed for 4 days, for inventory."
        • Noise Levels: Expect some noise from nearby highways. A camper at Granite Flat Campground said, "The highway is really loud at night."

        Tips for camping with families:

        • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with activities for kids. A reviewer at Tahoe Valley Campground said, "This is a great spot if you have kids. Lots of stuff to do just at the resort."
        • Safety First: Always store food properly to avoid bear encounters. A camper at Eagle Point Campground emphasized, "It's crucial to store your food in the provided bear boxes."
        • Plan for Showers: Some campgrounds charge for showers, so be prepared. A visitor at Donner Memorial State Park Campground noted, "Showers require tokens. 1 token for three minutes."

        Tips from RVers:

        Camping near Crystal Bay, Nevada, has its perks and challenges. With the right preparation, you can enjoy a memorable outdoor experience!

        Frequently Asked Questions

        • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Crystal Bay, NV?

          According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Crystal Bay, NV is Scotts Lake Rd Dispersed Camping with a 3.9-star rating from 14 reviews.

        • What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Crystal Bay, NV?

          TheDyrt.com has all 29 dispersed camping locations near Crystal Bay, NV, with real photos and reviews from campers.