Lower Bear River (FR 08N16) in CA -- Free Camping & Overnight Parking in California
Lower Bear River (FR 08N16) in CA
A 17.1-mile stretch of gravel National Forest road in Amador County, CA. The road serves Salt Springs State Game Refuge. The road is open seasonally, April 1 to December 31.
Eldorado National Forest, Amador Ranger District allows dispersed camping here -- 10-day limit in any 365 days.
14.3 of the 17.1 miles in are maintained only for high-clearance vehicles. Mostly gravel, with 7.6 miles of dirt. Climbs 1,200 ft over 17.1 miles -- sustained grades near 14%, with pitches to 30%. Stretches run along a shelf with a drop of up to ~160 ft on the downhill side. Winds through 13 switchbacks. Dead-end road -- no mapped turnaround; expect to back out or unhitch.
A well-travelled stretch -- travellers have camped along here. Exposed here -- the nearest through road is 0.1 miles off. Bear River runs 0.5 mi off. Beaver Ridge stands 1,642 ft above the site, 3.6 miles northwest. The nearest town, Amador Pines, is 14 mi off.
September normals 56–78°F, 0.6″ rain. Monthly averages, PRISM 1991–2020.
Set by Eldorado National Forest, Amador Ranger District. Stage 1 and 2 orders change within days -- check the current order before you build a fire.
fs.usda.gov