Butcher Knife Joe (FR 12N57) in CA -- Free Camping & Overnight Parking in California

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Butcher Knife Joe (FR 12N57) in CA

Eldorado NF, Georgetown Ranger District
3,763 ft
Maps
Overnight camping allowedRUTTED
VerizonWEAK
AT&TNONE
T-MobileSTRONG
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A 6.6-mile stretch of dirt National Forest road in El Dorado County, CA. The road serves Saddle Mountain.

Eldorado National Forest, Georgetown Ranger District allows dispersed camping here -- 10-day limit in any 365 days. Camp at least 100 ft from water.

All 6.6 miles in are maintained only for high-clearance vehicles. Dirt the whole way in (6.6 miles). Climbs 1,500 ft over 6.6 miles -- sustained grades near 16%, with pitches to 26%. Stretches run along a shelf with a drop of up to ~160 ft on the downhill side. Winds through 19 switchbacks.

Saddle Mountain stands 1,400 ft above the site, 1.6 miles northeast. Brooks Creek runs 0.4 mi off. The nearest town, Pollock Pines, is 5.2 mi off.

September normals 55–84°F, 0.4″ rain. Monthly averages, PRISM 1991–2020.

Nearby Spots
FR 04N41 — Darby Knob in CADispersed Camping45.9miOak Knoll Campground in CACampground46.1miCandy Rock Road (FR 04N80) in CADispersed Camping46.5miAcorn Campground in CACampground46.5miCrescent Cove Loop (FR 04N50) in CADispersed Camping46.5mi
Fire restrictions

Set by Eldorado National Forest, Georgetown Ranger District. Stage 1 and 2 orders change within days -- check the current order before you build a fire.

fs.usda.gov
Sources checked August 2026Something wrong here?