Mckinstry Lake (FR 14N05) in CA -- Free Camping & Overnight Parking in California

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Mckinstry Lake (FR 14N05) in CA

Eldorado NF, Pacific Ranger District
6,439 ft
Maps
Overnight camping allowedRUTTED
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AT&TNONE
T-MobileUSABLE
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A 7.7-mile stretch of dirt National Forest road in Placer County, CA. The road serves Jerrett Peak. The road is open seasonally, April 1 to December 31.

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

All 7.7 miles in are maintained only for high-clearance vehicles. Dirt the whole way in (7.7 miles). Climbs 1,400 ft over 7.7 miles -- sustained grades near 14%, with pitches to 18%. Winds through 4 switchbacks.

Secluded here -- the nearest through road is 2.5 miles off. McKinstry Peak stands 1,484 ft above the site, 1.9 miles northeast. Joes Spring lies 1.1 mi off. The nearest town, Tahoma, is 12 mi off.

September normals 46–70°F, 0.5″ rain. Monthly averages, PRISM 1991–2020.

Nearby Spots
Cottage Springs Picnic Area (FR 06N74) in CADispersed Camping48.2miFR 06N17 — Liberty Vista Point in CAForest Road Road48.4miFR 06N82 — Cottage Spring in CADispersed Camping48.4miFR 06N80 — Black Spring in CADispersed Camping48.9miFR 06N58 — Poison Spring in CAForest Road Road48.9mi
Fire restrictions

Set by Eldorado National Forest, Pacific 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?