Top Free Dispersed Camping near Mather, CA
Searching for a dispersed campsite near Mather? Find everything from dispersed backcountry camping to boondocking with The Dyrt. Find the perfect dispersed campsite for your next adventure.
Best Dispersed Sites Near Mather, CA (30)
1. Hardin Flat Road
11 Reviews•43 Photos•331 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Group
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
2. Evergreen Rd Dispersed camping
1 Review•77 Saves- Phone Service
- RVs
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Dispersed
- Tent Cabin
3. Dewey Point Backcountry Site — Yosemite National Park
1 Review•11 Photos•46 SavesA wilderness permit is required year-round for backpacking, overnight climbing, or any other overnight stay in the Yosemite Wilderness. A wilderness permit is not required for day hikes (unless hiking to Half Dome) or for staying in lodging facilities and frontcountry campgrounds.
Wilderness permits are only issued to a limited number people for each trailhead in order to provide outstanding opportunities for solitude, as required by the Wilderness Act. Since many trails are very popular, reservations are recommended. Of each daily quota for a trailhead, 60 percent can be reserved ahead of time. Normally, 40 percent of wilderness permits are available on a first-come, first-served basis at park wilderness centers.
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Dispersed
$5 - $10 / night
4. Leavitt Lake
3 Reviews•2 Photos•125 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- RVs
- Tents
- Group
- Standard (Tent/RV)
5. Forest Route 4N39 Dispersed
2 Reviews•11 Photos•62 SavesMany people enjoy the solitude and primitive experience of camping away from developed campgrounds and other campers. Dispersed camping is the term used for camping anywhere in the National Forest OUTSIDE of a designated campground. Dispersed camping means no services like trash removal, and few or no facilities such as tables and fire pits, are provided.
Dispersed camping takes a lot more effort than camping in a developed campground, but for those with an adventurous spirit, it can be a lot of fun.
Here are some important points to remember about dispersed camping:
The maximum length of stay in a forest ranger district is 21 days per year. Please practice good outdoor ethics about camping, travel and behavior while visiting. Dispersed campers are allowed to park within one vehicle length (including any tow vehicle) of a National Forest transportation route and walk into camp. Dispersed camping is not permitted in developed campgrounds and day use areas. Other areas closed to dispersed camping include historical and archaeological sites. Also, be certain that you are within the boundaries of the National Forest before setting up camp. To prevent resource damage please keep your campsite within 150 feet from a roadway. Dispersed camping is not allowed in these areas: within one mile of Pinecrest Basin along 7N83, Clark Fork Road along Hwy 108 between Clark Fork Road and Kennedy Meadows Road Leave No Trace Camping – Camp so no one notices you while you are there, and no one even knows you were there after you leave. Please respect nature and other visitors by keeping noise to a minimum. Always pack out whatever you pack in. No permanent structures are to be constructed to an area, such as building rock-lined fire pits, trenches around tents, or carving into trees. Human waste should be deposited in a hole dug 6 - 10 inches deep and then covered with organic soil. Vehicles are not permitted off of roads, but if you can safely park your vehicle adjacent and parallel to the road and are not blocking the roadway, you may park and camp. Most sites will have a parking spot nearby while other sites may not. Because the footprint of a vehicle can have a large impact to soils, please do not create new “parking spot” for a campsite. Please park in designated or already impacted spots. If you are going to an area where others have camped before, pick a site that has been used before. Plants, soil and wildlife are impacted by new campsites so using existing ones will minimize your impact in the forest.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Equestrian
- Standard (Tent/RV)
7. Inyo National Forest Dispersed Camping
12 Reviews•34 Photos•754 SavesMany people enjoy the solitude and primitive experience of camping away from developed campgrounds and other campers. Dispersed camping is the term used for camping anywhere in the National Forest OUTSIDE of a designated campground. Dispersed camping means no services, such as trash removal, tables, or toilets. There are extra responsibilites and skills that are necessary for dispersed camping. Camping rules and regulations apply to make your experience safe, and to keep the natural resources scenic and unspoiled for other campers. Most of the land in Inyo and Mono counties is publicly owned. Dispersed camping (camping outside of designated campgrounds) is allowed throughout much of the area. If you plan to backpack into a wilderness area to camp, you will need a wilderness permit, issued at Inyo National Forest visitor centers. If you wish to camp outside of developed campgrounds/sites, there are a few things you need to know: Land Ownership: The three major land-owning agencies in the Eastern Sierra are the Forest Service, the Bureau of Land Management, and the City of Los Angeles. Dispersed camping is allowed on most Forest Service and BLM land. However, camping is prohibited on land owned by the City of Los Angeles. Maps: Anyone planning a dispersed camping trip should invest in a copy of the Inyo National Forest map, which depicts land ownership as well as roads, streams, trails and other features. The map also shows “restricted use areas” where dispersed camping is not allowed. Restricted Use Areas: Certain high-use recreation zones, including those along paved roads leading into the mountains, are not open to dispersed camping (see Inyo National Forest map). Dispersed camping is not allowed in the following areas: Horseshoe Meadow, Onion Valley, Big Pine Creek, Bishop Creek, Rock Creek, McGee Creek, Convict Lake, Mammoth Lakes, Reds Meadow Valley, June Lakes Loop, Lee Vining Canyon, Lundy Canyon, Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, and any research area. Owens River: All land along the Owens River is owned by the City of Los Angeles, and is closed to camping. Length of Stay: On Inyo National Forest land, you may camp up to 28 days per six months on any one ranger district (there are 4 ranger districts on the Inyo –Mt. Whitney, White Mountain, Mammoth, and Mono Lake). Always check with your local ranger station. Locating a Dispersed Campsite: Look for an area at the end of a spur road or a pullout that is clear of vegetation and has a hard, compacted surface. These sites might have a primitive fire ring. Stay on established roadways; do not drive off-road to camp. Try to select a campsite at least 100 feet from lakes and streams. Campfires and Fire Permits: If you plan to build a campfire or use a barbeque or camp stove, you must obtain a campfire permit from a Forest Service, BLM, or CalFire office. You must have a shovel and a container of water (for drowning the fire). Clear an area least 5 feet wide all the way around your fire ring down to mineral soil. During times of high fire danger, camp fires are prohibited; always check with the local fire office or ranger station for fire restrictions.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- ADA Access
- RVs
- Tents
8. Bear Valley Dispersed Camping
7 Reviews•16 Photos•403 Saves- Pets
- Tents
- Group
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Dispersed
- Drinking Water
9. Scenic Loop - Dispersed Camping
10 Reviews•18 Photos•549 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- RVs
- Tents
10. Mono Basin Dispersed Camp Site
6 Reviews•19 Photos•210 SavesDispersed camping is allowed on public land in the Mono Basin—the Jeffrey pine forest off of Highway 120 east is a recommended dispersed camping area. If you plan on having a campfire, propane stove, lantern, or any open flame, you must obtain a permit. Camping is allowed on the exposed lakebed surrounding Mono Lake by permit only. Camping on the islands in Mono Lake is allowed by permit only, except during April through August when the islands are closed to all boaters. Dispersed camping is prohibited in developed recreation areas such as South Tufa, Navy Beach, Old Marina, and County Park. Permits are available free-of-charge at the Mono Basin National Forest Scenic Area Visitor Center
- Pets
- Phone Service
- RVs
- Tents
- Dispersed
- Tent Cabin
Showing results 1-10 of 30 campgrounds
Recent Dispersed Reviews In Mather
146 Reviews of 30 Mather Campgrounds
- M
Matthew A.
Scout
Mill Creek National Forest
Calming creek noise
Pull into a spot and relax while you listen to the creek, close to the road easy access
- ccho7Scout
Kamook Staging Camp
Hidden space close to Yosemite NP
I was expecting bad conditions because of the previous comments but it was actually a good surprise. It's very close to the entrance of Yosemite, in our case it was very quiet and well isolated. There is no view or wow effect but it's great location and isolated.
Jacob T.ScoutObsidian Meadows Dispersed
Decent camp site
Pulled in here since the sun was setting and we wouldn’t make it to lone pine. Nice off road trail with some scattered sites.
Miles L.ScoutEvergreen Rd Dispersed camping
A few spots scattered along the road
Nothing fancy or too expansive, but a handful of spots on either side of the road. Certainly easier to settle in before it’s dark.
Mouni
TravelerKamook Staging Camp
Not ideal
This is more of an ATV spot, I arrived on a Sunday evening and the ATV people were set up and essentially taking up most of the spots meant for camping. They were using the many many trails meant for ATVs before I arrived and, when I parked a decent distance away from where they were set up, they opted to ride circles around my RV throwing dust everywhere and revving their engines (likely an attempt to run me off). The open space at the top of the hill where the restrooms are is meant for camping, I would NOT ADVISE taking any of the other roads as they are steep, uneven, and you will struggle to turn around.
There’s one spot at the entrance good for camping (away from most of the ATV action) but it is taken up by a permanent boondocker.
DJ M.
Guide
Forest Route 4N39 Dispersed
On the mountain
Drive to the back area for tree shade and level grounds. Side of road camping. Camping on Ridgeline
- CCheyanne G.Scout
Bear Valley Dispersed Camping
Pin is incorrect
So disappointing this app has failed us like 5 times now on camping spots. Not the right location.
- EElliott L.Scout
Leavitt Lake
Great lake
This is a beautiful lake. I like visiting it and geometry dash breeze which is amazing. Upon reaching the lake, you will discover approximately twelve camping spots. These sites are fairly basic, each equipped with uncomplicated stone fire pits, though only around half of them seem to feature picnic tables based on my observation. Upon our arrival, all the Lakeview sites were occupied, prompting us to locate a pleasant spot towards the back to set up our camp. Unfortunately, there is a segment of the camping area that would typically be open for use but was closed off by the Department of Fish and Game(DFG) due to environmental concerns. It's regrettable as there were some appealing campsites situated beyond that wooden barrier.
- DJ M.Guide
Bear Valley Dispersed Camping
Crowded
Wooded campground, cool weather, good phone reception, many spots taken with no activity probably by locals. Lake, hiking, close shopping.
- DJ M.Guide
Hardin Flat Road
Pine and Cedar forest
All wheel drive, okay. Large grounds, many motorbike and trails, permit required (bikes). Camped upper level. Please pack in, pack out, don't make others clean up after you.
Adrian J.TravelerObsidian Meadows Dispersed
Lots of rocks
The road is maintained but requires high clearance.
There are many sites on the way in and then 5 or 6 once at obsidian meadows trail head.
A few rock fire rings, but cannot be used when we were there.
Good AT&T and T-Mobile coverage
- ZZaq O.Traveler
Scenic Loop Dispersed Camping - Eastside
Among trees
Great option, plenty options a dirt road
Bobby J.
RangerHardin Flat Road
Really Nice Stay close to Yosemite
This was a really nice stay close to Yosemite with really spread out spots. Couldn’t even see your neighbor and the vicinity to the park made it perfect. It’s 4 stars because you could hear the traffic from the main road from my spot
samuel C.RangerHardin Flat Road
Great spot
Awesome spot close to Yosemite, road isn’t too bad and it’s absolutely beautiful. I wasn’t bothered . I recommend arriving a little early, we didn’t have a little trouble finding the right road.
- DJ M.Guide
Mill Creek National Forest
Running stream
Cool water, a nice breeze in the evening, water sounds day and night. Quiet.
Nathan W.Traveler
Goat Meadow - Dispersed Camp Site
Close, free, and beautiful
We got there at 5pm on a Sunday. Went all the way to the back and In my opinion got the best spot. We had plenty of trees around us for privacy and shade. Highly recommend if you’re trying to camp close to Yosemite without a reservation. Only downside were the mosquitoes were on another level. They turned off once it got dark though.
Robert H.TravelerScenic Loop Dispersed Camping - Eastside
Great Access to Sierra Nevadas.
Nice flat spots along the Scenic Bypass road (not just where the map says). More secluded spots up the hill. The dirt hill road is fairly decent, but no medium+ to large rigs.
5 minutes into Mammoth town. 30 mins to Route 120 west turn, that takes you into Yosemite (tioga pass). I enjoyed a week's stay here. Negatives? Poor and spotty cell. A lot of airborne dirt when dirtbikes, and ATV's are active on weekends.
I would return to this enjoyable spot.
Matt S.Guide
Dewey Point Backcountry Site — Yosemite National Park
Great Spot!
Booked a last minute permit for the Pohono trail on a recent trip and had Dewey Point as one of my camp sites! Beautiful views of el cap and the valley made for an iconic back country spot !
joel G.Guide
Mono Lake South Dispersed
Over night stay
Stop here after coming over the mountain through Yosemite needed a place to camp on the east side before we headed home. Very different place the ground is very soft with pea gravel like granite pine trees and pine cones had to use four low with the Jeep to pull our teardrop back in to camp spot. The camp spot that's marked on the app was taken so we turned right and left the hill and found one back further in the trees
JJ D.GuideGoat Meadow - Dispersed Camp Site
Free
A quiet, large space for setting up.
- ttiffany K.Traveler
Warren Fork Trailhead
Gravel lot
Small gravel lot suitable for automobiles and vans. Fit 10 in there. Worked good for a quick stop.
Vinny D.GuideGoat Meadow - Dispersed Camp Site
Great spot, only down fall is the mosquitos!
This spot is great, right outside the YNP, but the mosquitos will suck ever last drop of blood out of you! This was the very back spot but also a quiet spot.
- Vinny D.Guide
Goat Meadow - Dispersed Camp Site
Great spot
Got there late at night, around midnight. Had to find a spot but very quiet. Will stay there again!
- mmonet K.Traveler
Virginia Lake Rd. Boondocking
breathtaking views. bear scat too!
such a lovely spot. have bear spray and bear canisters for peace of mind. sunset here was incredible. some snow on the peaks and ground still!
- SSarah J.Traveler
Virginia Lake Rd. Boondocking
The road was still closed on June 5th
The road was still closed, so we found another spot to camp. I’m still putting 5 stars, as this area is so beautiful!
Aidan D.GuideGoat Meadow - Dispersed Camp Site
Decent spot
This is a good location right near the south entrance of the park, but still about an hour from the valley. It was a little crowded and pretty bumpy road to get into the sites. But it worked well for staying for the night.
Maile H.Traveler
Scenic Loop - Dispersed Camping
So close to resort and beautiful and popular
GREAT SPOT. so so close to the mountain. If you want to real dispersed camping you kind of just have to drive off the road there are some obvious adjacent roads to sites and also some not so obvious clearing that people just literally drive off the road into. If you are just looking to spend the night close the resort for parking you are not alone and will probably see everyone parked along the road on the side. Everyone gets up at 5:30 and drives to mountain and goes back to sleep. Great spot so beautiful. Drive the west half of the scenic loop road and keep an eye out. Day light helps for finding road turnoffs !
Guide to Mather
Camping near Mather, California, offers a fantastic way to enjoy the great outdoors, with stunning views and plenty of activities. Whether you're looking for a cozy tent spot or a more comfortable RV site, there are options that cater to all kinds of campers.
What to do:
- Hiking: Explore the beautiful trails in Yosemite National Park. Many campers rave about the access to trails right from their campsites. One reviewer at Upper Pines Campground said, "Great camp experience with trail heads outside your door."
- Wildlife Viewing: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. Campers at Wawona Campground enjoyed the peaceful surroundings, with one stating, "You wouldn’t really notice other people were there unless you looked around."
- River Activities: Enjoy the nearby rivers for swimming or tubing. A camper at North Pines Campground mentioned, "We had a fire pit, bear locker, picnic table and two tents! ... hop into the river float back down."
What campers like:
- Scenic Views: Campers love the breathtaking views. One visitor at Tuolumne Meadows Campground shared, "The access to the JMT is only a 1/4 mile from our site. Airy, clean and plenty of water access points."
- Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites. A reviewer at Wawona Campground said, "The sites are relatively spacious and provide a mix of shade and sun."
- Quiet Atmosphere: Campers appreciate the tranquility. One camper at Camp 4 noted, "Very quiet and peaceful. You wouldn’t really notice other people were there unless you looked around."
What you should know:
- Booking Challenges: Reservations can be tough to secure. A camper at Upper Pines Campground mentioned, "Great place, amazing position with astonishing views, but almost impossible to book."
- Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds lack certain facilities. A visitor at Hodgdon Meadow Campground pointed out, "No showers though, but the bathrooms were clear and okay."
- Wildlife Safety: Be cautious about food storage. A camper at Camp 4 warned, "The rangers are very serious about bear/wildlife safety in Yosemite."
Tips for camping with families:
- Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for sites that offer activities for kids. One family at Yosemite Lakes RV Resort enjoyed, "The petting farm was a big hit too with the kids."
- Plan for Space: Make sure your site can accommodate your family comfortably. A reviewer at North Pines Campground mentioned, "The site was actually really large. We didn't set up tents but it would've fit several."
- Pack Games and Activities: Bring along games to keep everyone entertained. A camper at Wawona Campground said, "With my family, I may come here and play games."
Tips from RVers:
- Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Yosemite Lakes RV Resort noted, "The sites were large and the scenery beautiful."
- Be Prepared for Limited Services: Some campgrounds may have poor Wi-Fi or cell service. A camper at Yosemite Pines RV Resort mentioned, "Cell service was non-existent - but such is life in the mountains."
- Plan for Dump Stations: Know where the nearest dump stations are located. A visitor at North Pines Campground shared, "The showers are across the way at upper pines as well as dump station and water station for RV."
Camping near Mather, California, is a great way to connect with nature and enjoy quality time with family and friends. With a little planning, you can have a memorable outdoor experience!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Mather, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Mather, CA is Hardin Flat Road with a 4.5-star rating from 11 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Mather, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 30 dispersed camping locations near Mather, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.