Inyo National Forest Dispersed Camping, near Yosemite National Park, offers a serene escape into nature with its vast, undeveloped areas perfect for setting up camp. Visitors often rave about the beautiful forest surroundings and the abundance of spots to choose from, making it a great choice for those seeking solitude.

This location allows campfires, so you can enjoy cozy evenings under the stars. However, be prepared for a rustic experience—there are no amenities like drinking water or toilets, so plan accordingly. As one camper noted, “We felt really secluded when we found our spot,” highlighting the peaceful atmosphere that many appreciate.

For adventure seekers, the area is a gateway to stunning trails and breathtaking views, especially with its proximity to Yosemite's east entrance. Reviewers have mentioned the thrill of exploring nearby dirt roads and the joy of discovering hidden gems in the wilderness. Just remember, some roads can be rough, so a vehicle with good clearance is recommended.

Whether you're looking to unwind in a quiet spot or embark on outdoor adventures, Inyo National Forest Dispersed Camping provides a unique opportunity to connect with nature. Just be sure to pack in what you pack out, as this area relies on visitors to keep it pristine.

Many 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.

Inyo National Forest Dispersed Camping

Searching for the best camping near June Lake, CA? Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near June Lake, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your June Lake camping trip.

June Lake

The Best Camping Near June Lake, California

We spent a total of 6 days out in the Inyo national forrest, outside of mammoth lakes. There are hot springs scattered through out the forrest. Clothing optional. If your clever and or smart enough to find them your in for a real treat. The driving can get rough on some of the roads but for the most part our mini van handled it well. We met all kinds of people in different springs while camping. It was great fun.

The dispersed camping is all over the place. No amenities. Well a hot spring is the ultimate amenity if you ask me. Carry in carry out. Use only existing fire pits. Good luck on the hot spring hunt.

Cheers!

Excellent...got our hot spring on!

Without a doubt one of the best boondocks of the trip. The exact coordinates are: 37.924790, -119.033893\. There is a large pullout (soft gravel) that loops around. Excellent view of mono lake and the east entry into Yosemite. There are no fire rings at this spot and the conditions are dry, dry, dry so caution is in order. We lit no fires, only the stove in the rig. Wild life abounds and the evenings are super quiet. We boondocked several sites and found this one to be the one to pass on info about as it is just too cool. Happy dispersed site hunting!

Inyo/Lee Vining Boondocking 

We boondocked in Inyo National Forest just last weekend, September 27-29, and it felt like we had the place to ourselves. The location was incredible, there were fellow boondockers around, but not too close, and it felt like we had the place to ourselves. There is no water on site that we found, but we knew that going in. Our rig was 58' long and we had no issues getting in or out. We enjoyed Jeeping on the trails in Inyo National Forest, and we enjoyed the peace and quiet. We will be back.

Boondockers welcome!

You can get maps for this area at some of the information boards at the beginning of the dirt roads, they also have an app that will show you all the roads in the area. What’s nice is the map color codes the roads so that you know what your vehicle is capable of driving on. Some of the roads can get a bit rough, so make sure you know your vehicles limits. Once you get out there, enjoy! It’s so beautiful and quiet. Please make sure you pack in and pack out your trash, there are no services for that. Also, be aware of fire restrictions!

Beautiful dispersed camping

A gorgeous spot for the middle of the woods! The creator site up the scenic route is 10x better! 

Beautiful 

We were near where the coordinates take you and we didn’t see another person the entire time we were here!  We saw a few fellow campers on our way in but felt really secluded when we found our spot.  Expected to see more obvious pull in spots for camping but we did not, so you might have to go a ways in.  All the obvious camping spots close to the highway were taken when we got here on Friday afternoon. Some soft gravel, soft sand and rough roads but we managed in our truck + trailer.  Weather was beautiful with afternoon storms which we loved.  Would absolutely come back! 

Beautiful, secluded spot 

Awesome spot, I guess they filmed the movie tremors somewhere out here along with a bunch of cowboy flicks. Great access to mount Whitney trails and close to lone pine in case you gotta restock.

Live like a king

I dispersed camped on both both owens river rd and bald mountain. Both sites were beautiful but the one on bald mountain rd seemed to have more bugs. Both roads were decent to drive on and are spaced well from other sites. Didn't see another person from either site. Alot of nice dirt roads to take walks on too.

Owens river rd and bald mountain rd.

There is lots of area to disperse camp. I personally would recommend not going as far as the GPS coordinates. I came up in my truck towing my teardrop trailer, and I probably should’ve stopped about a mile before it. There were plenty of spaces down lower that were just as nice. There weren’t as many higher up.￼ once I found my spot it was really quiet. I found some nice trees to be in. Wasn’t very busy even though it was the Fourth of July.￼ two bars with Verizon Wireless. 

Lots of area and very secluded

We followed the coordinates and it didnt take us to any camp spots, however there were a lot of open areas that looked like you could camp there but we didn't see any fire pits or any signs. 

  

We kept driving father down multiple dirt roads and eventually found a big open area where we set up camp. This spot was very sandy and we would've been stuck without 4wd. Overall a very nice, quiet, and secluded spot only 15 minutes away from the east entrance of Yosemite. 

  

Here are the coordinates for the exact spot we were at (37.786569, -118.990848)

Amazing secluded spot right outside Yosemite

The site was absolutely beautiful, very cold when we went but some of the trails are breathtaking.

Photos of Inyo National Forest Dispersed Camping

Real photos from real campers