45 Mile Campground (FR 11N16) in CA -- Free Camping & Overnight Parking in California
45 Mile Campground (FR 11N16) in CA
A 1.1-mile stretch of paved National Forest road in El Dorado County, CA. The road serves Ralston Trailhead. The road is open seasonally, April 1 to December 31.
Eldorado National Forest, Placerville Ranger District allows dispersed camping here -- 10-day limit. Camp at least 100 ft from water.
All 1.1 miles in are maintained only for high-clearance vehicles. Mostly paved, with 0.5 miles of dirt. Climbs 200 ft over 1.1 miles -- sustained grades near 14%, with pitches to 17%. Level ground alongside most of its length. Dead-end road -- no mapped turnaround; expect to back out or unhitch.
Ralston Peak stands 2,672 ft above the site, 2.1 miles north. South Fork American River runs 0.1 mi off. Exposed here -- the nearest through road is 0.1 miles off. Night skies measure Bortle 3 -- a dark rural sky. The nearest town, Meyers, is 5.4 mi off.
September normals 43–73°F, 0.5″ rain. Monthly averages, PRISM 1991–2020.
Set by Eldorado National Forest, Placerville Ranger District. Stage 1 and 2 orders change within days -- check the current order before you build a fire.
fs.usda.gov