Best Dispersed Camping near Benton, CA

The small town of Benton in California has a few good spots for dispersed camping if you're willing to rough it without facilities. You'll find options near Benton City Park Campground and Benton Area State Park, though you need to be completely self-sufficient since there's no water or toilets at these primitive sites. Remember to follow Leave No Trace practices and pack out everything you bring in. Stay at least 100 feet from any water sources when setting up camp, and know that you can't stay longer than 14 days in one spot. Most access roads are pretty rough—you'll want a vehicle with decent clearance to avoid getting stuck. Winter can make many of these roads completely unusable due to snow and mud. Fire restrictions are common in the area, especially during dry months, so always check current rules before planning to have a campfire. Benton Recreation Area has some good wild camping too, where you'll likely have plenty of peace and quiet. Before heading out, stock up on supplies in Bishop (about 38 miles south) since there are limited services in Benton itself. The weather here can be extreme—very hot summers and cold winters—so plan accordingly. Always check road conditions and weather reports before driving out to these remote spots to avoid problems.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Benton, California (55)

    1. Crab Cooker Hotsprings - Dispersed Camping

    11 Reviews
    Inyo National Forest, CA
    20 miles
    Website

    "4x4 or high clearance coming in. Long dirt road with dips and rocks. Water only flowing in winter months. Lots of tent camping spots along with 8 back in spots. Really amazing views 360 degrees."

    "About 8 spots at the end of the dirt road. Only one bar of service. It would be hard to access with anything thing over 22ft."

    2. Inyo National Forest Dispersed Camping

    13 Reviews
    June Lake, CA
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 873-2400

    "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."

    "We boondocked in Inyo National Forest just last weekend, September 27-29, and it felt like we had the place to ourselves."

    3. Volcanic Tableland BLM Dispersed Camping

    13 Reviews
    Bishop, CA
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 872-5000

    "This BLM land is managed by the Bishop Field Office.  

    There are many clearings where you can find a spot to camp."

    "Easy drive to Bishop for supplies, and the free dump & water fill at the Speedway at the other end of town is really nice. 

    The road in is fairly washboarded, but manageable."

    4. Mono Lake South Dispersed

    16 Reviews
    Lee Vining, CA
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 873-2400

    "All around Mono Lake is USFS and BLM land that is open for dispersed camping, as long as you stay above the 1941 water line (you will see signs marking this line, which is fairly close to the lake)."

    "The cab-over cantilever @front (facing east) also gave shade in the late afternoon heat! "

    5. Hilltop Hot Springs

    3 Reviews
    Inyo National Forest, CA
    20 miles

    "There is a small parking lot & a turn around for cars, it’s not as “dispersed” as advertised."

    "We showed up around 3 am and the main loop was taken so we slept in the little parking lot for the hot springs."

    6. BLM Road to Hot Springs

    2 Reviews
    Mammoth Lakes, CA
    21 miles

    "Winter doesn’t have as many open dispersed camping area near mammoth as summer so it’s good for that"

    7. Sage Hen Dispersed

    2 Reviews
    June Lake, CA
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 873-2400

    "The dirt road into this spot off of Hwy 120 is washboarded but doable. This spot is at an intersection of forest service road 1S158A and Sage Hen Rd."

    8. Scenic Loop - Dispersed Camping

    10 Reviews
    Mammoth Lakes, CA
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 924-5500

    "Got here on Sunday - plenty of spots to park the camper van both Sunday and Monday. Multiple turn offs on the Scenic Loop road to camp at. No bathrooms, water, electricity, or fire rings."

    "As you drive along this road, every 10 seconds you will pass a dirt road. Each dirt road has multiple campsites!"

    9. Inyo National Forest: Owens River Road

    1 Review
    Mammoth Lakes, CA
    21 miles

    "Skeet shooting area tucked back off the road. Nice quiet spot with a great view of the Milky Way. A bit dusty but manageable. Watch out for cows!"

    10. Scenic Loop Dispersed Camping - Eastside

    9 Reviews
    Mammoth Lakes, CA
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 924-5500

    "Our Tacoma made it to the campsites toward the back of the grounds just fine, but there was access closer to the main road for vehicles without high clearance."

    "Multiple locations near by not listed. It gets a bit dusty and windy. Lots of off road vehicles.

    All the camper vans rolled in after dark and it filled up quick."

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Benton, CA

162 Reviews of 55 Benton Campgrounds


  • Thomas K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 9, 2020

    Crab Cooker Hotsprings - Dispersed Camping

    Private hotspring with mountain views

    4x4 or high clearance coming in. Long dirt road with dips and rocks. Water only flowing in winter months. Lots of tent camping spots along with 8 back in spots. Really amazing views 360 degrees. No service with Verizon.

  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 17, 2021

    Sage Hen Dispersed

    Beautiful, near Mono Lake

    The dirt road into this spot off of Hwy 120 is washboarded but doable. This spot is at an intersection of forest service road 1S158A and Sage Hen Rd. There was still snow on the dirt road at this time of year (in mid April) so be aware,  and there are also low hanging branches that might make it tough for taller rigs. 

    This spot is a large flat area with zero amenities so bring water and pack in and pack out. 

    Good for a night or two if you want to hike or bike along the plethora of forest service roads. There were signs on the way in for both free range cattle and horses, but we didn't see any.

     Cell service with Verizon, weak but usable.

  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 9, 2021

    Mono Lake South Dispersed

    Beautiful view of Mono Lake

    All around Mono Lake is USFS and BLM land that is open for dispersed camping, as long as you stay above the 1941 water line (you will see signs marking this line, which is fairly close to the lake). Note there are multiple pull out areas and forest service roads to stay in along Hwy 120 east just be mindful that the entire area is sand, as some vehicles may get stuck.

    The road into these spots is quite sandy and narrow in some places, but we did fine in our 26' Class C. There is a very large previously burned area with charred remains of plants and trees but it made for some interesting eerie photos. Very quiet place with amazing views and stunning night sky. There are no amenities so bring water and pack in and pack out all trash. Nearby are various hikes and other roads to the range of craters in the area and the tufas along Mono Lake.

    We stayed there on a Monday night and did not see anybody else around, other than a truck that drove past our camp spot in the night.  Very quiet night.

    Good cell reception from AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile.

    Note that Google Maps said that Hwy 120 is closed Oct through May and would not direct us to this area via that road, but the road was open in April 2021, probably due to the mild winter.  Check Hwy 120 conditions for yourself because without it you miss out on so much beautiful area to explore.

  • Val C.
    Jul. 3, 2023

    Mono Basin Dispersed Camp Site

    Epic

    Came up here in July. It gets warm during the day, but there is a good breeze during the day. And an even better breeze at night. lots of bugs. bring bug spray. 4wd not required, but might help. High clearance will help.

  • Nora S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 4, 2020

    Bridgeport Travertine Hot Springs Dispersed

    Never seen anything like this before!

    So I was hesitant to write a review because I didn’t want this place to have any more visitors than it already does..! It was an amazing experience overall and we can’t wait to come back. The address on google maps however DOES NOT lead to the camping destination but we ended up running into a couple of ATV’ers that led us in the right direction. It’s actually off the highway before where the maps lead you and there is a sign that says Travertine Hot Springs. Having arrived at night, we were very glad to have met the locals that were helpful in showing us the way! So once you turn off the highway, you follow a dirt road that leads you straight to the springs. We ended up turning off and heading up a pretty rough road to find a spot on top of a canyon looking hill to camp. We were looking for seclusion and we definitely got it! The view was amazing from up top, and in the morning with a quick 5 minute drive we changed into our bathing suits and went for an early morning “nature hot tub swim”. The springs are hot but not boiling, and we spent an hour soaking there with absolutely no worries in the world. Definitely an amazing stay, and absolutely no hesitation to go back!

  • Dave V.
    Sep. 13, 2018

    Gladys Lake Backcountry, Ansel Adams Wilderness

    Breathtaking Beauty!

    RANGER REVIEW: Mountain House Spaghetti with Meat Sauce at Gladys Lake Backcountry Campsites, Ansel Adams Wilderness, CA

    CAMPGROUND REVIEW: Gladys Lake Backcountry Campsite, Ansel Adams Wilderness

    Backcountry camping often offers great hiking, epic scenery, serene solitude and otherwise missed sights. Depending on location, backcountry campsite locations can offer their own challenges, whether through the permitting process, preparation of gear and meals, logistics, or difficult terrain…but the trade offs can pay out big dividends.

    Leaving behind the din of packed campgrounds…getting unplugged from electronic encumbrances…relaxing beside an untouched alpine lake where the only sound you hear is the whir of dragonfly wings as they dart about.

    Only a set number of backcountry permits are issued daily, so crowds and impact remain minimal to nonexistent.

    Permits are necessary for all backcountry overnight stays in the Inyo National Forest. https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/inyo/passes-permits

    Whenever backcountry hiking/camping in California, do yourself a service and go online https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/inyo/passes-permits/?cid=stelprdb5139009 and take the California Campfire Permit test to acquire your certificate and possess it when in the backcountry.

    Several ways to get to Gladys Lake exist…

    1. John Muir Trail (JMT) thru-hike permits NOBO or SOBO

    2. John Muir Trail section hike permits

    3. Wilderness Permits Day hike permits

    You could enter from Reds Meadows and follow the JMT north to Gladys Lake…or better from Agnew Meadows and follow the Shadow Creek Trail (https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/inyo/recreation/hiking/recarea/?recid=21272&actid=51 ) up and around Shadow Lake and then south on the JMT past Rosalie Lake to Gladys Lake. Each access trail has a daily quota…such as Shadow Creek, which has a daily quota of 30…18 secured through reservation and 12 walk-ups. So if you are choosing to walk-up, have some flexibility of starting days.

    We had a JMT SOBO permit acquired six months in advance through the NPS permit lottery. But next visit, I will likely enter through Agnew Meadows via day permit.

    Most hikers will stop and camp at Rosalie Lake, which is a wonderful option and a much larger lake. Some would suggest a more picturesque lake than Gladys Lake…but that is all in the eye of the beholder.

    August of 2018 saw little precipitation and the winter snowfall was below expectations, so lake water levels were lower and surrounding shoreline not marshy or soggy. Which made for dry and mosquito free conditions.

    The effects of local forest fires did cover surrounding mountain views during certain times of the day, and brought with it a bit of lung burning and eye stinging. Early morning and late evening hours brought clearer skies.

    Be forewarned that seemingly every backcountry campsite brings with it a steep uphill slog, but worth it. Gladys Lake is at 9600 ft elevation.

    I believe there was one other camper at Gladys Lake the night we stayed…but we neither heard nor saw them. It was a perfectly peaceful evening!

    Amenities? Well, no showers…no toilets…no water spigots…no electricity…no picnic tables…one lonely stone fire ring but open fires are not permitted. No cell service or WiFi…no general store or local grocery store. However, Gladys Lake water was refreshing both to wade and drink (filtered). You are surrounded by fragrant conifers that buffer sound. A perfectly peaceful location to relax and dream.

    PRODUCT REVIEW: Mountain House Spaghetti With Meat Sauce

    https://www.mountainhouse.com/

    As a frequent user of Mountain House freezes dried dinners, and being a creature of habit, I often settle into a couple favorite meals and don’t deviate to new offerings. Mundane and boring?…perhaps.

    But…after winning $100 worth of Mountain House meals through an early season TheDyrt.com contest… and with my daughter as my hiking buddy, I selected several different meals to avoid mutiny.

    One of these meal pouches was Mountain House’s Spaghetti with Meat Sauce.

    I admit, I was a little suspect as to how freeze-dried spaghetti with meat sauce would taste, but we were both very pleased with the sauce flavors, seasoning and the amount of meat in the sauce. The only thing I would add is a couple slices of toasted garlic bread.

    If the next rotation of Mountain House Spaghetti with Meat Sauce was easily located in our bear canisters, we would’ve likely had a second helping…but sadly, it was not.

    In pairing down weight before our backcountry hike, I removed the contents from Mountain House’s original packaging and utilized a commercial vacuum sealer to make smaller, lighter meal packs as 11 days of food needed to fit in a bear canister. It worked, but the distinct drawback was not being able to prepare the meal in the resealable pouch. A pot was necessary to allow the freeze-dried contents to soak in the boiling water. So clean up was more extensive than it would’ve been by using the Mountain House resealable pouch. It was a trade off and we made it work.

    If you are new to Mountain House freeze dried meals, directions are printed plain and simple on the pouch.

    •Measure out the prescribed amount of water

    •boil water

    •open meal pouch and remove moisture packet

    •pour boiling water in pouch and stir contents thoroughly

    •seal pouch for prescribed time

    •open pouch and stir contents

    •serve and enjoy

    It doesn’t get any easier.

  • S E.
    Jul. 13, 2021

    Bridgeport Travertine Hot Springs Dispersed

    Quiet & Secluded

    I loved camping here. There’s a few spots off the road that leads into the hot springs, before you hit the sign that says no camping. Just pull onto one of the dirt roads on the left and find a spot! Any car or smaller RV could easily drive the road.

    There was no one else there when I was camped there, and as a solo female traveler I felt extremely safe. It was quiet and secluded, beautiful, yet only 10 minutes off of 395, less than a mile from the hot spring, and I had full LTE cell reception (verizon).

    There are rock fire rings that previous campers have made if you’re going to be here when camp fires are allowed. There’s no other amenities such as picnic tables or a bathroom, water, or garbage collection - this is free dispersed camping, so be prepared to be self-sufficient: pack out what you bring in and leave no trace!

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 27, 2023

    Bridgeport Travertine Hot Springs Dispersed

    Incredible location, amazing views, hot springs!!

    Road was accessible for us in a Toyota Tacoma, but a Camry also made it up. It was a little crowded in the area we stayed (with 4 other caravans and trailers), as the other dirt road giving access to different campsites was more for high clearance vehicles (very steep and uneven). Hot springs in walking distance. Incredible views of the mountains. We would definitely stay here again. No waste services or restrooms, but a vault toilet was available at the hot springs less than a mile away. Would visit again!

  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 10, 2022

    Owens River Road Dispersed

    Lots of Spots Along Owens River Rd

    There are a ton of spots to camp along Owens River Rd.  All the spots closest to 395 were taken when we went in late September, but we found this spot that I've marked here that was easily accessible in our 26ft Motorhome.  Owens River Rd itself is paved, but the offshoots are hit or miss so take it slowly and proceed at your vehicle's ability. 

    This particular spot was nice and big and is probably suitable for any size rig.  The pavement on the road heading in was partly washed out but we were easily able to drive around the pits.  See video - it's long but I recorded us leaving the spot and showed the pits in the road.

    Good cell reception, very quiet, very little traffic.  

    No amenities, no toilets, no trash service.  Area was clean! Hopefully it stays that way.


Guide to Benton

Primitive camping near Benton, California sits at elevations between 5,300-7,000 feet in the high desert terrain where the Great Basin meets the Sierra Nevada. Temperature extremes can range from over 90°F in summer to well below freezing in winter, with significant day-to-night temperature fluctuations. Several dispersed sites offer views of the White Mountains to the east and volcanic formations to the west.

What to do

Hot springs exploration: Several natural hot springs exist near Benton where temperatures can vary significantly. At Crab Cooker Hotsprings, "The crab cooker hot spring was a little confusing to find. Once you find it... it's TINY. 3 people comfortably. And HOT HOT HOTTTT!" according to Rachel W.

Stargazing opportunities: The remote location provides exceptional night sky viewing with minimal light pollution. Issac V. from Crab Cooker Hotsprings shares: "The moon was bright but still being able to sit back and watch the stars in a hot spring in the middle of the night was unreal. Not to mention the friendly cows who came to say hello and decided to hang out."

Explore volcanic areas: The region features unique geological formations from ancient volcanic activity. Laura M. notes at Volcanic Tableland BLM Dispersed Camping: "Sad Boulders is a rock climber's playground. There are petroglyphs to be found on some of the boulders in the area, as well as rattle snakes, only saw one baby though."

What campers like

Natural isolation: Most sites provide significant space between campers despite being accessible. At Mono Lake South Dispersed, Laura M. notes: "We stayed there on a Monday night and did not see anybody else around, other than a truck that drove past our camp spot in the night. Very quiet night."

Diverse landscapes: The area transitions between several ecological zones. Deacon J. found at Inyo National Forest Dispersed Camping: "Without a doubt one of the best boondocks of the trip. 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."

Unparalleled views: Many campsites offer panoramic vistas. Randel M. at Mono Lake South Dispersed reports: "I found a clearing suitable for my camper, @1/2 mile from the shore. In another 3 miles, there is a very nice cul-de-sac turn-around, which, @50' x 100', looks large enough to accommodate a half-dozen vehicles."

What you should know

Road conditions vary dramatically: Many access roads require careful planning. At Scenic Loop Dispersed Camping - Eastside, Robert H. explains: "The dirt hill road is fairly decent, but no medium+ to large rigs. Negatives? Poor and spotty cell. A lot of airborne dirt when dirtbikes, and ATV's are active on weekends."

Wildlife encounters: The region supports diverse wildlife that may interact with campsites. At Crab Cooker Hotsprings, Thomas K. reports: "4x4 or high clearance coming in. Long dirt road with dips and rocks. Water only flowing in winter months. Lots of tent camping spots along with 8 back in spots."

Pack extra water: No reliable water sources exist at most sites. Alex P. advises about Inyo National Forest Dispersed Camping: "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."

Tips for camping with families

Choose accessible sites: Some areas offer easier access for families with young children. Leonie D. from Mono Lake South Dispersed suggests: "Easy to drive in but don't pass that sign that says '4 wheeled only' with an RV. We have a 24ft and had a perfectly leveled spot underneath a large tree. You can see the lake from there."

Consider insect protection: Several sites report significant insect activity. Rachel W. at Crab Cooker Hotsprings noted: "No shade. Lots of flies and red ants. Found this spot just driving side roads off of Benton Crossing Rd which is off the 395. Amazing sunsets and sunrises."

Plan for temperature swings: The high desert environment means significant temperature variations. Crystal B. shares about Scenic Loop: "The scenic loop dispersed camping was great a couple of weeks ago. Quite a few spots even though Mammoth was open for snow."

Tips from RVers

Choose appropriate sites: Not all dispersed areas accommodate larger vehicles. Laura M. about Volcanic Tableland BLM Dispersed Camping explains: "The road in, Casa Diablo, is gravel and heavily washboarded. We did fine in our 26' Class C. There is a very large previously burned area with charred remains of plants and trees."

Cell service considerations: Signal varies greatly by location. Jeffrey F. reports from Scenic Loop: "I've ventured in a little further and found a decent spot to camp with my teardrop trailer. Decent Verizon signal off of the Inyo Crater road."

Leveling challenges: Many sites require careful positioning. Samantha L. at Inyo National Forest: Owens River Road notes: "Skeet shooting area tucked back off the road. Nice quiet spot with a great view of the Milky Way. A bit dusty but manageable. Watch out for cows!"

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there free hot springs in Benton for dispersed campers?

Yes, there are free hot springs in and around the Benton area for dispersed campers. Bridgeport Travertine Hot Springs Dispersed offers natural hot springs with multiple pools and amazing 360-degree views. The springs are accessible via dirt roads that most vehicles can navigate, though high clearance is helpful. Another option is Crab Cooker Hotsprings - Dispersed Camping, which features thermal waters, though water flow is typically better during winter months. This area requires 4x4 or high clearance vehicles to access via a long dirt road with dips and rocks. Both locations offer free camping and soaking, but follow posted regulations regarding camping boundaries and respect 'no camping' signs near some of the springs.

Where can I find dispersed camping areas near Benton?

Benton and the surrounding Eastern Sierra region offer numerous dispersed camping opportunities. Mono Lake South Dispersed provides camping options around Mono Lake on USFS and BLM land, with the requirement that you stay above the marked 1941 water line. Multiple pull-out areas and forest service roads along Highway 120 east provide access to these sites. Owens River Road Dispersed offers numerous camping spots along a paved main road with various offshoots suitable for different vehicle types. For those seeking more remote options, Sage Hen Dispersed off Highway 120 provides sites accessible via washboarded but manageable dirt roads, though be aware of seasonal conditions and low-hanging branches.

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Benton, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Benton, CA is Crab Cooker Hotsprings - Dispersed Camping with a 4.5-star rating from 11 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 55 dispersed camping locations near Benton, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.