Mosquito Ridge Lookout (FR 0096-010) in CA -- Free Camping & Overnight Parking in California

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Mosquito Ridge Lookout (FR 0096-010) in CA

Tahoe NF, American River Ranger District
4,055 ft
Maps
Overnight camping allowedRUTTED
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A 4.9-mile stretch of dirt National Forest road in Placer County, CA. The road serves Big Chief Mine. The road is open seasonally, May 1 to November 1.

Tahoe National Forest, American River Ranger District allows dispersed camping here -- 14-day limit in any 365 days.

All 4.9 miles in are maintained only for high-clearance vehicles. Dirt the whole way in (4.9 miles). Climbs 560 ft over 4.9 miles -- sustained grades near 20%, with pitches to 36%. Stretches run along a shelf with a drop of up to ~160 ft on the downhill side. Dead-end road -- no mapped turnaround; expect to back out or unhitch.

North Fork of Middle Fork American River runs 0.8 mi off. The nearest town, Foresthill, is 8.8 mi off.

September normals 5881°F, 0.5″ rain. Monthly averages, PRISM 1991–2020.

Fire restrictions

Set by Tahoe National Forest, American River 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?