Mountain bikers and hikers will find multiple trail access points from Bear Valley Dispersed Camping, a free camping area within Tahoe National Forest near Sierraville. The road transitions from pavement to dirt as campers drive higher up the mountain, with increasingly winding conditions that require careful navigation.
Campers can drive as far as they want along the dirt road system and select from numerous spots to park and set up camp. The area provides tree cover and shade across most sites, though some open field areas are also available. Cell phone reception works well here, particularly for Verizon users, making it easier to stay connected than at many dispersed camping locations.
The elevation provides clear night skies for stargazing, and Josie H. calls it a "perfect spot for star gazing." Activities include rock climbing, mountain biking, and hiking on nearby trails, plus lake access for water activities. Despite being free camping, many spots may be occupied by locals who leave their setups for extended periods.
Campers should come prepared with their own water and waste disposal plans, as no facilities are provided on-site. For those exploring the broader region, campgrounds near Tahoe National Forest offer additional options with varying amenity levels.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Dispersed CampingBear Valley Dispersed Camping is located in California
Directions
From Sierraville: Drive 11 miles south on Hwy 89 to Little Truckee Summit. Drive 6 miles east of Little Truckee Summit on Cottonwood Creek Road. From Truckee: Drive 17 miles north on Hwy 89 to Little Truckee Summit. Drive 6 miles east of Little Truckee Summit on Cottonwood Creek Road.
Coordinates
38.45986961 N
120.03748036 W
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 7 usersLast on 4/2/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 16 usersLast on 4/2/26
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 7 usersLast on 4/2/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 16 usersLast on 4/2/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- Dispersed
- Equestrian
Features
For Campers
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Pull-Through Sites
- 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.
PERMIT might be REQUIRED
We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Bear Valley Dispersed Camping needs a permit.
Drive Time
- 1 hr 39 min from Carson City, NV
- 1 hr 44 min from Stockton, CA
- 2 hrs 6 min from Reno, NV
- 2 hrs 10 min from Sacramento, CA















