Within Sierra National Forest, Goat Meadow - Dispersed Camp Site provides free camping just minutes from Yosemite's south entrance. This US Forest Service area sits at approximately 5,200 feet elevation in a sugar pine forest, where campers access sites via a dirt road that branches right from the paved Snow Play parking lot.
The dispersed sites spread across flat terrain separated by large cut logs, creating natural boundaries between camping areas. Kevin C. describes the setting as a "Beautiful forested Sugar Pine Forest" where "the sigh of the breeze in the trees" creates a distinctive atmosphere. Most sites accommodate big rigs, though the bumpy access road requires careful navigation to find level ground. Cell service reaches two to three bars for Verizon users.
Established fire rings dot many sites, with abundant firewood available from fallen trees throughout the area. The forest supports active wildlife, including coyotes and bears that regularly move through campsites. Ground bee nests present a seasonal hazard for pets and children during warmer months. A trash service operates from bins located in the main parking area.
Crowds fluctuate dramatically by season and day of the week. Winter brings snow that forces some campers into the paved parking lot when dispersed sites become inaccessible. Memorial Day weekend and summer evenings see heavy traffic as day-users arrive for sledding and recreation. "This place gets CROWDED," reports Katelin M., noting that holiday weekends create traffic backups extending from the nearby park entrance.
The Summerdale Campground - Sierra National Forest offers developed facilities less than half a mile west for campers preferring reservable sites with amenities. Fish Camp's general store sits just two miles away for resupply needs.
Description
Dispersed Camping is allowed in the National Forest except in the area surrounding Huntington Lake, Shaver Lake, Bass Lake, Redinger Lake, and the Merced River Canyon. Campfire permits are required at all times whenever you plan to have a fire on public land outside of a developed campground. When building a fire please remember to only pick up down and dead wood that is no larger than wrist size and to never leave a campfire unattended.
You can obtain a campfire permit at any Forest office or online at http://www.prevetnwildfireca.org/. Be sure to check and see if campfire restrictions are in effect, when campfire restrictions are in place you will not be able to make a fire in dispersed camping areas (Developed Designated Campgrounds Only) but, you will be able to operate gas stoves, and lanterns with your permit.
When camping in the Forest proper food storage is also required either using a bear box, or by the proper use of the counter balance method. While camping anywhere in the forest also keep in mind that there are other people in the forest and we advise you to respect them and their space.
You may stay at one campsite for a limit of 14 days and you may stay on each district for a limit of 21 days before we will ask you to vacate. Please follow ENVUM maps for all designated roads and vehicle limitations.
We ask you to always remember to pack out what you pack in. Human waste needs to be buried 6 to 8 inches deep. For any other questions about visiting and camping in the forest and in the wilderness please visit LeaveNoTrace.org.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsGoat Meadow is located in California near Fish Camp
Coordinates
37.49166919 N
119.624964 W
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 8 usersLast on 6/24/26
- VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 83 usersLast on 6/24/26
- AT&TPossible CoverageVerified by 48 usersLast on 6/24/26
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 8 usersLast on 6/24/26
- VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 83 usersLast on 6/24/26
- AT&TPossible CoverageVerified by 48 usersLast on 6/24/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Dispersed
- Group
- Equestrian
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Phone Service
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Big Rig Friendly
DISPERSED CAMPING
Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.
PERMIT might be REQUIRED
We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Goat Meadow - Dispersed Camp Site needs a permit.
Drive Time
- 1 hr 3 min from Fresno, CA
- 1 hr 29 min from Merced, CA
- 1 hr 42 min from Hanford, CA
- 2 hrs 2 min from Modesto, CA













































