Top Free Dispersed Camping near Ahwahnee, CA

Searching for the perfect place to dispersed camp near Ahwahnee? Dispersed camping gets you off the grid so you can disconnect from the hecticness of everyday life. Find the perfect dispersed campsite for your next adventure.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Ahwahnee, CA (27)

    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

    2. Kamook Staging Camp

    3 Reviews
    5 Photos
    29 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    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

    3. Dewey Point Backcountry Site — Yosemite National Park

    1 Review
    11 Photos
    46 Saves

    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

    4. Scenic Loop - Dispersed Camping

    10 Reviews
    18 Photos
    549 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • RVs
    • Tents
    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

    5. Inyo National Forest Dispersed Camping

    12 Reviews
    34 Photos
    754 Saves

    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
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • No image available

      6. Evergreen Rd Dispersed camping

      1 Review
      77 Saves
      • 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

      7. Scenic Loop Dispersed Camping - Eastside

      6 Reviews
      22 Photos
      220 Saves

      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
      • Fires
      • Phone Service
      • Tents
      • Group
      • 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

      8. JO Pass

      1 Review
      7 Photos
      28 Saves

      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
      • Tents
      • Group
      • Dispersed
      • Alcohol
      • No image available
        Camper-submitted photo from Sawmill cut off
        Camper-submitted photo from Sawmill cut off
        Camper-submitted photo from Sawmill cut off
        Camper-submitted photo from Sawmill cut off

        10. Sawmill cut off

        4 Reviews
        4 Photos
        132 Saves
        • Pets
        • Phone Service
        • Reservable
        • RVs
        • Dispersed
      Showing results 1-10 of 27 campgrounds

      Recent Dispersed Reviews In Ahwahnee

      96 Reviews of 27 Ahwahnee Campgrounds


      • c
        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.

      • 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.
        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.
        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.
        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.

      • Caroline D.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Goat Meadow - Dispersed Camp Site
        May. 4, 2024

        Goat Meadow - Dispersed Camp Site

        Great free camp at the exit of Yosemite park

        Great location, close to Yosemite Park which allows you to sleep for free. the spot was clean, impressive camper vans were present and they were parked on the tarmac. lots of pitches, vans can be placed under the trees with the tents.

      • M
        Camper-submitted photo from Hardin Flat Road
        Apr. 7, 2024

        Hardin Flat Road

        Visited in April

        Went on 4/5/24 - 4/7/24. I stayed to car camp and had an overall nice time. There was a good amount of ice but with 4x4 not problem. The ice was melting so if you go anytime after the snow should be a lot less.

        There’s enough space for you to distance yourself from others.

        No bear boxes or bathrooms but very safe and easy to access.

      • ZThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Goat Meadow - Dispersed Camp Site
        Dec. 24, 2023

        Goat Meadow - Dispersed Camp Site

        Great quiet campsite

        We stayed here when visiting Yosemite and it was a great location, easy to find in the dark, and quiet. Part of the road was closed due to the season but we were still able to find a spot and had the place to ourselves. No cell service, bathrooms, or clear fire pits but it didn’t bother us!



      Guide to Ahwahnee

      Camping near Ahwahnee, California, offers a fantastic way to experience the beauty of the Sierra Nevada mountains. With several campgrounds nearby, you can enjoy stunning views, outdoor activities, and a chance to connect with nature.

      What to do:

      • Hiking: There are numerous trails around the campgrounds. For example, at Upper Pines Campground, one camper mentioned, "We camped here late February to capture the firefall," highlighting the great hiking opportunities nearby.
      • Wildlife Viewing: Many campers enjoy spotting wildlife. One review from Wawona Campground noted, "You wouldn’t really notice other people were there unless you looked around," indicating a peaceful environment to observe nature.
      • Fishing: If you’re into fishing, Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes is a great spot. A visitor shared, "We ended up moving spots to have more space and better Starlink reception," suggesting that the area is popular for fishing and relaxing by the water.

      What campers like:

      • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the breathtaking scenery. A review for North Pines Campground said, "We were surrounded amongst the giant granite cliffs," showcasing the stunning backdrop.
      • Quiet Atmosphere: Many appreciate the tranquility of the campgrounds. One camper at Camp 4 mentioned, "You wouldn’t really notice other people were there unless you looked around," emphasizing the peacefulness of the area.
      • Access to Amenities: Campers enjoy the convenience of nearby facilities. A review for Hodgdon Meadow Campground noted, "The bathrooms were clear and okay," indicating that basic amenities are well-maintained.

      What you should know:

      • Booking Challenges: Reservations can be tough to secure. A camper at Upper Pines Campground said, "Great place, amazing position with astonishing views, but almost impossible to book."
      • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds lack certain facilities. A review for Wawona Campground mentioned, "It does not offer showers or hookups for RVs," so be prepared for basic camping conditions.
      • Mosquitoes: Be ready for bugs, especially in warmer months. One camper at Goat Meadow - Dispersed Camp Site warned, "The mosquitoes will suck every last drop of blood out of you!"

      Tips for camping with families:

      • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for spots with spacious sites. A review for Azalea Campground noted, "Larger vehicles welcome," making it a good choice for families with RVs.
      • Plan Activities: Bring games and outdoor gear. One family at Wawona Campground mentioned, "I can come here and play games with my family," highlighting the fun you can have together.
      • Safety First: Keep an eye on kids, especially near water. A camper at North Pines Campground shared, "The water was too swift to swim while we were there," reminding families to prioritize safety.

      Tips from RVers:

      • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A review for Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes mentioned, "We have about a 25-foot trailer... and my husband's F250 hooked up still pretty much fit in the spot."
      • Be Prepared for Limited Hookups: Many campgrounds don’t have full hookups. A camper at Camp 4 noted, "There are no electrical or water connections at individual campsites."
      • Plan for Generators: If you need power, check generator rules. A review for Hodgdon Meadow Campground mentioned, "Generators going quite late," indicating that noise can be an issue.

      Camping near Ahwahnee, California, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, but it’s essential to plan ahead and know what to expect. Whether you're hiking, fishing, or just soaking in the views, there's something for everyone in this beautiful area.

      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 Hardin Flat Road with a 4.5-star rating from 11 reviews.

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

        TheDyrt.com has all 27 dispersed camping locations near Ahwahnee, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.