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Best Dispersed Camping near Stateline, NV

109 Reviews

Scotts Lake Rd Dispersed Camping and Hope Valley Dispersed offer free camping opportunities west of Stateline in California. Both locations accommodate tents and RVs with drive-in access on dirt roads. Scott's Lake Road features numerous sites along a dirt road with easy access for most vehicles, including large rigs. The area gets crowded during peak periods, with visitors noting "lots of places to choose from" but recommending early arrival to secure spots.

Several campgrounds in the region operate seasonally, with some gates closing during winter months. Visitors should prepare for primitive conditions as none of these sites offer water, toilets, trash collection, or hookups. Fire restrictions vary by location and season. The area experiences significant bug activity in summer months, particularly mosquitoes. Packsaddle Pass in El Dorado National Forest provides additional dispersed camping with paved main road access and dirt offshoots, offering "beautiful views of strawberry valley" according to campers.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Stateline, Nevada (37)

    1. Scotts Lake Rd Dispersed Camping

    20 Reviews
    Echo Lake, CA
    14 miles

    "Easy access and reasonably good road quality make it very RV friendly - I would say that it was at least 75% RVs/Trailers. Beautiful views of the valley and hills to the east."

    "Easy to see right off the road with plenty of campsites down either side of a nice dirt road. Rocky and steep road access to Scott’s lake, but easy camping on the edge of the valley."

    2. Echo Summit Dispersed

    2 Reviews
    Echo Lake, CA
    11 miles

    "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."

    3. Hope Valley Dispersed

    1 Review
    Echo Lake, CA
    14 miles

    "Free camping"

    4. Packsaddle Pass - El Dorado National Forest Dispersed

    3 Reviews
    Twin Bridges, CA
    18 miles
    Website

    "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!"

    "Great location. Not sure it would be a good location if it's been raining. May hear the occasional road noise"

    5. USFS Silver Fork Dispersed

    6 Reviews
    Kyburz, CA
    23 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."

    6. Granite Chief Wilderness - Dispersed

    2 Reviews
    Tahoma, CA
    18 miles
    Website

    7. Bear Lake Rd. Dispersed

    1 Review
    Tahoma, CA
    16 miles
    Website

    8. Iron MT. Dispersed

    10 Reviews
    Eldorado National Forest, CA
    27 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. Dispersed USFS

    3 Reviews
    Markleeville, CA
    23 miles

    "This is full wilderness camping off the main road between hope valley and the blue lakes."

    "Several areas along Blue Lakes Rd offer dispersed camping."

    10. Silver Fork River Camping

    1 Review
    Kyburz, CA
    23 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."

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Stateline, NV

63 Photos of 37 Stateline Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Stateline, NV

109 Reviews of 37 Stateline Campgrounds

  • VThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 3, 2023

    Scout Camp at Fort Churchill

    Gorgeous Riparian Forest

    Scout camp is on the Carson river and within the tall cottonwoods. Camp in the shade or out in the open if it’s very windy as the trees can shed branches. Garbage collection and pit toilets. Nice trail along the River.

    As of October 2023 the access road to scout camp was washed out. But there is dispersed camping on the terrace to the south.

  • 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.
  • Jacqueline G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Dispersed USFS

    Worth the climbs to get here!!

    This is full wilderness camping off the main road between hope valley and the blue lakes. I had no problem getting in with my 30ft bus towing a jeep but the road is steep and winding for about 7 miles to the pull off. There were a lot of other campers for Labor Day weekend but the rest of the time there was no one around. Jugs of water can be filled at the campgrounds about 5 miles in each direction. PLEASE NOTE: There are prolonged climbs to get here (up to about 8% grade) but my bus did fine. Slow and steady and you’ll be fine. Also WATCH THE WEATHER! Rain can cause spots of the road in to get washed out a bit and deep puddles can appear. There are loads of rocks and fallen trees around to fill in holes if needed. If you’re moderate to high clearance rig you’ll be fine just be mindful. The Blue Lakes are just down the road for swimming, boating, kayaking etc and lots of amazing 4x4 trails. Rivers for fishing and endless hiking and biking. Elevation is 8300ft so definitely a bit high. The trees help with the air however. Not nearly as tough as the high desert of Utah (Zion or Brice) but just take it easy if you’re not used to high altitude.

  • J
    Jun. 24, 2021

    Dispersed Camping near Fort Churchill

    No Go for Class A due to rotted access roads

    We drove thru both Fort Churchill State Park Campground and Scout Camp near by. We were looking for a place to camp for the night. We have a 36ft class A with a tow. Fort Churchill Campground is not accessible if you love the paint job on your rig. For lower profile campers it would be ok. Narrow dirt roads with sage brush to scratch you and overhanging low tree branches to ruin solar and a/c.

    Scout camp access is deeply rotted so our Class A couldn't safely get in there, otherwise there would have been plenty of space for us.

  • Ciara W.The Dyrt PRO User
    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

  • 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!

  • Shane C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 17, 2022

    Scotts Lake Rd Dispersed Camping

    Dispersed camping with campground layout/feel

    Camped here for a night in early October. Easy access and reasonably good road quality make it very RV friendly - I would say that it was at least 75% RVs/Trailers. Beautiful views of the valley and hills to the east. Most sites are obvious, with a driveway and stone fire ring. We like a more "dispersed" feel, but felt comfortable. 

    There are no services - bring all the water you will need and practice "leave no trace." This goes for your waste (human and animal) as well. I wish I could say that we didn't see any dog waste or "TP Flowers" but we did. Not a significant amount, but any is too much.

    The place was pretty much full, but still good vibes and quiet neighbors. Very close to Hwy. 88, so road noise and campers coming in looking for a spot after dark. Gets quiet later in the evening.

    Overall, a nice spot.

  • 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!

  • Kailey C.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 20, 2020

    Dispersed Camping near Fort Churchill

    Alternate free camping next to the state park!

    Since COVID has closed all state and national parks to camping, we were happy to find this BLM land for an overnight. There are no services and the ground is a little bumpy/sandy but we were able to get around just fine in our camper van. There was a makeshift fire ring at our site, but it was so windy and dry brush everywhere that we didn't want to attempt to use it.

    We for service on both Verizon and Sprint! Had some coyotes track around our van over night so make sure you keep everything inside!

Guide to Stateline

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Stateline, Nevada, where nature meets adventure. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, campers can enjoy the serenity of the outdoors while exploring the stunning landscapes of the region.

Dispersed campers should check out Scotts Lake Rd Dispersed Camping

  • This spot allows for a peaceful retreat with no permits required, making it an easy choice for spontaneous trips. Check it out at Scotts Lake Rd Dispersed Camping.
  • Campers can enjoy the freedom of setting up in a big rig-friendly area, although it's important to note that there are no amenities like drinking water or toilets available.
  • The site is known for its beautiful surroundings and is a great place for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle, as it tends to be less crowded during weekdays.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Stateline, Nevada

  • Always arrive early to secure a good spot, especially at popular locations like USFS Silver Fork Dispersed, which can fill up quickly.
  • Be prepared for limited cell service in many areas, so plan accordingly if you need to stay connected while enjoying nature.
  • Remember to pack out what you pack in, as many dispersed camping areas, including Hope Valley Dispersed, do not provide trash disposal services.

Beautiful views await at Luther Pass Dispersed Camping

  • This area offers a designated free camping experience with picnic tables and toilets, making it a convenient choice for families or those new to camping. Explore it at Luther Pass Dispersed Camping.
  • The scenic beauty of the surroundings is complemented by the proximity to Lake Tahoe, providing ample opportunities for hiking and exploring after setting up camp.
  • While the area is popular, it’s essential to arrive early to find a suitable spot, as it can get crowded during peak seasons.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find free dispersed camping on the Nevada side of Lake Tahoe near Stateline?

On the Nevada side near Stateline, free dispersed camping can be found at Dispersed Camping near Fort Churchill and Peavine Road Dispersed Camping. Fort Churchill offers BLM land suitable for overnight stays with no services, but provides enough space for camping vehicles. While Peavine Road is technically free, be aware that excessive trash and abandoned vehicles have been reported, making it less desirable. Most dispersed options near Tahoe are actually on the California side, so be prepared to drive a bit if you want Nevada-side camping.

What BLM regulations apply to free dispersed camping near Stateline, Nevada?

BLM regulations for dispersed camping near Stateline generally include a 14-day stay limit within any 28-day period. At Scout Camp at Fort Churchill, camping is allowed with basic amenities like garbage collection and pit toilets. Practice Leave No Trace principles by using established fire rings where available. Some areas like Echo Summit Dispersed may have camping restrictions despite being on public land, so always check current regulations before setting up. Camp at least 200 feet from water sources, and pack out all trash. Fire restrictions vary seasonally—especially during summer and fall when wildfire danger is high.

Can I access dispersed camping sites near Stateline, Lake Tahoe with a trailer or Airstream?

Yes, several dispersed camping areas near Stateline can accommodate trailers and Airstreams. Scotts Lake Rd Dispersed Camping offers easy access and good road quality, making it very RV-friendly with about 75% of campers using RVs or trailers. Dispersed USFS between Hope Valley and Blue Lakes has been accessed with a 30-foot bus towing a Jeep, though the road is steep and winding for about 7 miles to the pull-off areas. For larger rigs, look for sites with established pull-offs and avoid narrow forest roads with low-hanging branches.

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