Best Dispersed Camping near Ahwahnee, CA

Searching for a dispersed campsite near Ahwahnee? Dispersed camping is an excellent way to get away from it all and to disconnect. You're sure to find the perfect dispersed campsite for your California excursion.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Ahwahnee, CA (32)

    Camper-submitted photo from Goat Meadow - Dispersed Camp Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Goat Meadow - Dispersed Camp Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Goat Meadow - Dispersed Camp Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Goat Meadow - Dispersed Camp Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Goat Meadow - Dispersed Camp Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Goat Meadow - Dispersed Camp Site

    1. Goat Meadow - Dispersed Camp Site

    28 Reviews
    51 Photos
    1064 Saves
    Fish Camp, California

    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.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group
    Camper-submitted photo from Yosemite “Boondock National” Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Yosemite “Boondock National” Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Yosemite “Boondock National” Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Yosemite “Boondock National” Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Yosemite “Boondock National” Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Yosemite “Boondock National” Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Hardin Flat Road
    Camper-submitted photo from Hardin Flat Road
    Camper-submitted photo from Hardin Flat Road
    Camper-submitted photo from Hardin Flat Road
    Camper-submitted photo from Hardin Flat Road
    Camper-submitted photo from Hardin Flat Road
    Camper-submitted photo from Kamook Staging Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Kamook Staging Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Kamook Staging Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Dewey Point Backcountry Site — Yosemite National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Dewey Point Backcountry Site — Yosemite National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Dewey Point Backcountry Site — Yosemite National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Dewey Point Backcountry Site — Yosemite National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Dewey Point Backcountry Site — Yosemite National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Dewey Point Backcountry Site — Yosemite National Park

    5. Dewey Point Backcountry Site — Yosemite National Park

    1 Review
    11 Photos
    47 Saves
    Yosemite Valley, California

    A 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

    Camper-submitted photo from Scenic Loop - Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Scenic Loop - Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Scenic Loop - Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Scenic Loop - Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Scenic Loop - Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Scenic Loop - Dispersed Camping

    6. Scenic Loop - Dispersed Camping

    10 Reviews
    18 Photos
    550 Saves
    Mammoth Lakes, California

    Regulations governing campfires can change with weather conditions and the seasons. To protect yourself and the forest, before each visit, check with the Forest Service office nearest to your destination for current restrictions.

    You can help protect the National Forests from wildfires by knowing and following the rules for the safe use of fire. You must have a California Campfire Permit to use a stove or lantern outside a Developed Recreation Area such as a campground. The permit is your agreement to follow restrictions and regulations in effect.

    Your California Campfire Permit is valid until the end of the calendar year; it may be used in any National Forest in California.

    Go to any Forest Service, CALFIRE, or Bureau of Land Management office during business hours and a receptionist will issue you a permit. You may also go to this website to get a campfire permit online (please note you will need a printer to print it off).

    Campfires - Campfires when permitted, you need to follow five conditions:

    Campfire Permits are required. Clear all flammable material away from the fire for a minimum of five feet in all directions to prevent escape of the fire. Have a shovel available at the campfire site for preparing and extinguishing campfires. Have a responsible person in attendance at all times. Extinguish campfire with water, using the drown, stir and feel method. Take Responsibility... It is your responsibility to know the current conditions and restrictions for the area you intend to visit.

    Details here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/inyo/recreation/ohv/?cid=stelprdb5362150

    • Pets
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Inyo National Forest Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Inyo National Forest Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Inyo National Forest Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Inyo National Forest Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Inyo National Forest Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Inyo National Forest Dispersed Camping

    7. Inyo National Forest Dispersed Camping

    12 Reviews
    34 Photos
    755 Saves
    June Lake, California

    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.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • ADA Access
    • Dispersed
    • Alcohol
    • No image available

      8. Evergreen Rd Dispersed camping

      1 Review
      77 Saves
      Eastman Lake, California
      • Phone Service
      • RVs
      • Tents
      • Standard (Tent/RV)
      • Dispersed
      • Tent Cabin
      Camper-submitted photo from Scenic Loop Dispersed Camping - Eastside
      Camper-submitted photo from Scenic Loop Dispersed Camping - Eastside
      Camper-submitted photo from Scenic Loop Dispersed Camping - Eastside
      Camper-submitted photo from Scenic Loop Dispersed Camping - Eastside
      Camper-submitted photo from Scenic Loop Dispersed Camping - Eastside
      Camper-submitted photo from Scenic Loop Dispersed Camping - Eastside

      9. Scenic Loop Dispersed Camping - Eastside

      6 Reviews
      22 Photos
      220 Saves
      Mammoth Lakes, California

      Mammoth Lakes Ranger District is located in the northern half of Inyo National Forest, and is centered around the town of Mammoth Lakes, CA. While known for winter sports, it is also a mecca for mountain biking and fishing enthusiasts when the snow melts. Hiking and equestrian trails go into wilderness areas of Sierra Nevada.

      • Pets
      • Phone Service
      • RVs
      • Tents
      • Equestrian
      • Standard (Tent/RV)
      Camper-submitted photo from JO Pass
      Camper-submitted photo from JO Pass
      Camper-submitted photo from JO Pass
      Camper-submitted photo from JO Pass
      Camper-submitted photo from JO Pass
      Camper-submitted photo from JO Pass

      10. JO Pass

      1 Review
      7 Photos
      28 Saves
      Lakeshore, California

      The 10,500-acre Jennie Lakes Wilderness is a lovely mixture of lakes, meadows, forests, and streams. Mostly above 7,000 feet in elevation, this wilderness contains scenic variations of alpine and sub-alpine forest of White & Red Fir, Lodgepole Pine, Western White Pine, Jeffrey & Ponderosa Pine, with an abundance of wildflowers in the Spring and Summer. The summit of Mitchell Peak is the highest point at 10,365 feet. Four trailheads access 26 miles of trails within the wilderness. Several of these trails also connect to Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park's enormous backcountry.

      • Fires
      • Reservable
      • Dispersed
      • Alcohol
    Showing results 1-10 of 32 campgrounds

    Recent Dispersed Reviews in Ahwahnee

    102 Reviews of 32 Ahwahnee Campgrounds


    • Chris P.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Hardin Flat Road
      Nov. 9, 2024

      Hardin Flat Road

      Dispersed Camping MINUTES from Yosemite NP

      Spent (2) nights here and loved it. Enough T-Mobile service for messaging and lite web browsing. Spacious pull-out with a small rock fire pit. I believe fires are allowed as long as you have a permit.

      ~8min drive to Big Oak Entrance and ~40min drive to Yosemite Valley Welcome Center. Why stay at Hodgdon when you can stay here!

    • cThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Kamook Staging Camp
      Oct. 18, 2024

      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.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Obsidian Meadows Dispersed
      Oct. 12, 2024

      Obsidian 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.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Evergreen Rd Dispersed camping
      Sep. 25, 2024

      Evergreen 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 The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Kamook Staging Camp
      Sep. 23, 2024

      Kamook 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.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Hardin Flat Road
      Aug. 11, 2024

      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.

    • Ciara W.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Scenic Loop - Dispersed Camping
      Aug. 6, 2024

      Scenic Loop - Dispersed Camping

      Plenty of spots (few for starlink)

      Plenty of spots either in this area or the one down the road. If you work remote keep searching and you’ll find a spot where starlink isn’t blocked by trees.

      10 minutes from town. About 25 minutes the famous mobil gas station. They sure did treat us good. Expensive gas but 2 water spigots, easy to access bathrooms and delicious meatloaf

    • CThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Scenic Loop - Dispersed Camping
      Aug. 1, 2024

      Scenic Loop - Dispersed Camping

      too hot in summer, beware large trailers

      this site has limited turnarounds and would be challenging for motor homes over 24 feet and or trailers. Road is doable with a car but the grade sucks. Surface changes to sand half a mile from the springs, would be a risk for heavy vehicles when wet

    • Adrian J.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Obsidian Meadows Dispersed
      Jul. 29, 2024

      Obsidian 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

    • Bobby J.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Hardin Flat Road
      Jul. 18, 2024

      Hardin 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.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Hardin Flat Road
      Jul. 16, 2024

      Hardin 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.

    • Nathan W.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Goat Meadow - Dispersed Camp Site
      Jul. 3, 2024

      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.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Scenic Loop Dispersed Camping - Eastside
      Jun. 27, 2024

      Scenic 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.

    • Vinny D.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Goat Meadow - Dispersed Camp Site
      Jun. 13, 2024

      Goat 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.

    • Aidan D.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Goat Meadow - Dispersed Camp Site
      Jun. 2, 2024

      Goat 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.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Scenic Loop - Dispersed Camping
      May. 29, 2024

      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 !

    • Maile H.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Hardin Flat Road
      May. 29, 2024

      Hardin Flat Road

      Unlabeled road and awesome

      Kind of hard to find the road i just had to guess based on the pin point but i guessed right and immediately saw spots. i turned left and there were a few spots didn't explore to the right.

      So beautiful great place to stop in order to get into the park early if you don't have a reservation

    • BThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Hardin Flat Road
      May. 29, 2024

      Hardin Flat Road

      Beautiful & Convenient BUT

      May 28, 2024

      Convenient to park entrance & beautiful landscape BUT finding a spot late at night was very difficult.

      However, I noticed that the temperature over night here was about 10 degrees warmer that other areas nearby (we were at about 51 degrees at night but areas closer to Rush Creek Lodge and on Evergreen Road were in the 40’s.

    • Alexis O.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Yosemite “Boondock National” Dispersed Camping
      May. 28, 2024

      Yosemite “Boondock National” Dispersed Camping

      amazing & accesible spot !

      super accessible spot right by the entrance (10 min drive max) to yosemite np !! not sure why some of these reviews are complicated lol but just go up mount raymond road like the directions tell you to then once you get to the end i just went to the turn out on the right ! super lowkey, fire pits, and beautiful scenery 🌱

    • Caroline D.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Hardin Flat Road
      May. 4, 2024

      Hardin Flat Road

      Few locations along the road

      we arrived at night, the pitches were already occupied. we tried to join a van already parked, but the man was not very friendly and asked us to leave. so we took the road further down and slept near the intersection.



    Frequently Asked Questions

    • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Ahwahnee, CA?

      According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Ahwahnee, CA is Goat Meadow - Dispersed Camp Site with a 4.4-star rating from 28 reviews.

    • What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Ahwahnee, CA?

      TheDyrt.com has all 32 dispersed camping locations near Ahwahnee, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.