Top Free Dispersed Camping near Camp Nelson, CA

Searching for a dispersed camping spot near Camp Nelson? The Dyrt can help you find the best dispersed campsites for your next trip. You're sure to find the perfect dispersed campsite for your California camping adventure.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Camp Nelson, CA (49)

Showing results 1-10 of 49 campgrounds

Recent Dispersed Reviews In Camp Nelson

200 Reviews of 49 Camp Nelson Campgrounds


  • Ryan B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Sequoia National Park Dispersed campground
    Oct. 8, 2024

    Sequoia National Park Dispersed campground

    Inaccurate Coordinates

    Arrived at the coordinates and had no place to turn off the road. Also, the area was hit by wildfires (maybe 2 years ago) so it's all pretty barren. Camped at Holey Meadows campground a few miles away.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Camping area No. 3 (dispersed)
    Sep. 30, 2024

    Camping area No. 3 (dispersed)

    Perfect.

    This campsite was fantastic. Access was easy with a 4x4, but may be a little tough for a 2WD car. Plenty of space for a small trailer to maneuver.

    Highly recommend. Perfect for an off-road trailer or overland setup.

  • G
    Camper-submitted photo from Forest Road 14S11 North Camp
    Sep. 23, 2024

    Forest Road 14S11 North Camp

    NOT Big Rig friendly

    This is a really nice area for camping on the side of the road here, but we only could've squeezed our 39ft Class A into maybe 2 of these spots.  Usually when a dispersed site is marked Big Rig Friendly, we'll find that there is a large paved or gravel area for us to pull into and setup before you get to dirt road or off-road sites. There is a large paved area at this location, but we received a warning citation the next day, stating that we weren't allowed to camp there.  It's confusing because this is the exact same setup as any other "snow play" or "sno-park" areas that have allowed camping in the gravel or paved areas area. 

    The paved area does have a couple of small stakes that say "no camping", but in our past dispersed camping experiences, those were used to mark areas where tents and vehicles couldn't pull off-road to camp.  Apparently those stakes refer to the paved area in this case?  There wasn't any reasoning provided on our citation, other than "find another area to camp."

  • Andrew P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Alabama Hills on Movie Flat Road
    Aug. 22, 2024

    Alabama Hills on Movie Flat Road

    Quiet, remote, beautiful

    I pulled in here looking for a campsite on my way up to mammoth. I was able to find a pretty dope spot surrounded by rocks, and nowhere near any other campers. I was legit, alone.

    Great place to pull off and sit on a rock to watch the sun set over the mountains. Shade was minimal, but if you hide between the rocks like they do in that scene on the fire planet in Riddick you’ll be alright til it cools off.

  • Cameron L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Camping area No. 3 (dispersed)
    Aug. 20, 2024

    Camping area No. 3 (dispersed)

    Great Spot tucked off the road

    We stopped here on our way through Sequoia Nat’l Forest and loved it. The water is super clear and nice! We were the only ones staying here, so it was very quiet and calming. A handful of camping spots around this area, well worth the stay!

  • Ciara W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Keyesville Recreation Area Dispersed
    Aug. 7, 2024

    Keyesville Recreation Area Dispersed

    Guy just sitting in trees near the end

    All the spots at the front were taken here so we had to drive almost all the way to end. Don’t go down the final steep hill, you might not make it up. It’s very tight there and you have to do a 20 point turn to turn back.

    We walked down the hill and our friend saw some random guy come out the trees and follow us as we were walking back up. He might be living there because there was so much trash

    2 stars because the area itself is nice, there’s the river nearby and internet was good

  • Erik R.
    Camper-submitted photo from Alabama Hills on Movie Flat Road
    Jul. 25, 2024

    Alabama Hills on Movie Flat Road

    Dennis H. Jackson

    Exploring Alabama Hills on Movie Flat Road is like stepping onto a film set straight out of a Western movie. This iconic location in California has been the backdrop for countless films, thanks to its stunning rock formations and dramatic landscapes. If you're planning a visit, make sure to check out Castle app for an interactive and personalized travel guide that enhances your experience with custom itineraries and insights tailored to your interests. Whether you're a film buff or an outdoor enthusiast, the combination of real-world exploration and digital tools can make your adventure in the Alabama Hills truly unforgettable.

  • Steve M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Upper Peppermint Dispersed Area
    Jul. 20, 2024

    Upper Peppermint Dispersed Area

    Fantastic but very, very remote spot

    Not for big rigs! A very primitive but beautiful area. Tons of winding roads with lots of S curves Leading up to 9000 feet. Many great camping spots including close to Peppermint Creek. Completely dry area so no campfires until November. No services and no reception so pack it in and pack it out!

  • renee P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Sequoia Forest Hunting Area - FS 13597
    Jul. 15, 2024

    Sequoia Forest Hunting Area - FS 13597

    Tucked away from the world

    While the road to get up there is a bit nerve wracking (hoping no one comes around those corners the other direction!) It's worth taking it slow and steady. We were the only ones there and enjoyed a very peaceful night bathed in moonlight and the sounds of nature. Great place!

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Hogback Creekside Camp
    Jun. 24, 2024

    Hogback Creekside Camp

    Nice spot by a swift running creek.

    This place was pretty easy to find, right off Hogback road. There are a couple of sites here, we picked the first one. After an hour or so two vans showed up and parked on the other side of the creek. This site is so close to the road, we could see them make the turn off Hogback road. No trees, just bushes. It's okay. Pretty basic. Great views of the backside of Mount Whitney.

  • o
    Camper-submitted photo from Cherry Gap OHV Staging Area
    Jun. 23, 2024

    Cherry Gap OHV Staging Area

    Perfect camping spot

    Easy to find if you turn on that road leading to Chicago stump. Keep driving down and you’ll see dispersed camping spots. Beautiful views, quiet, peaceful & there are some fire rings already built.

  • FThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Alabama Hills on Movie Flat Road
    Jun. 6, 2024

    Alabama Hills on Movie Flat Road

    Crowded but Spectacular

    Despite mid week in May most “select” sites were taken. Many areas where you used to be able to camp have been signed “no camping.” VERY restrictive. That said, this place is special. Views are world class. Please be respectful and leave no trace so we can keep this gem open. We’ve been here several times and it never disappoints.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Sequoia National Park Dispersed campground
    May. 25, 2024

    Sequoia National Park Dispersed campground

    Definitely beautiful

    Does take about 45 mins to wind up there and i got there at 1:15am. Didn't find the campgrounds but had large side areas with forest machinery. Next to stream. Then if you continue on you will hit a 4 mile off road (my Corolla/any sedan OK) and see great views and waterfall! Nice!

  • OThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Forest Road 14S11 North Camp
    May. 25, 2024

    Forest Road 14S11 North Camp

    Super Nice

    Very good spot to camp, there were plenty of spots and most had rings. There was also a bathroom so that was nice. Right off of the main road that goes throughout the whole park

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Independence BLM Dispersed
    May. 8, 2024

    Independence BLM Dispersed

    Completely Inaccessible - May 2024

    There are rocks blocking the turn off. If you still proceed the trail is completely washed out. No way to proceed with a trailer and you will ahem have to back down the road which is approximately zero fun.

  • hamza P.
    Camper-submitted photo from Forest Road 13S02 Dispersed Site
    May. 4, 2024

    Forest Road 13S02 Dispersed Site

    Great little spot

    Secluded with very little traffic. Especially good if you're traveling with dogs to let them roam around. There's a stream and waterfall downhill that makes for great hikes.

  • Caroline D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Stine Cove Recreation Site
    May. 4, 2024

    Stine Cove Recreation Site

    the spot looked perfect, but the location didn't match

    we looked around the indicated GPS point but at this location, but house or ranch, nothing that looks like the photos posted previously. too bad the spot looked magnificent but with night falling and fatigue from the road we finally slept facing the road in the post office parking lot.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Alabama Hills Recreation Area
    May. 2, 2024

    Alabama Hills Recreation Area

    Nice spot with great views.

    Depending on the time of year, it may be hard to find a spot. You can't park anywhere, but there are designated spots to camp in. I went at the end of April and it was packed. 

    You might be able to park overnight and leave early in the morning in some areas, not sure how much they patrol the area. 

    No cell coverage for T-Mobile, but I used my WeeBoost and got two bars, enough to make calls and texts.  

    Use caution when traversing though the area to find a site if you have a normal sedan or normal vehicle height. The road is bumpy and there can areas that are steep. 

    My Van got stuck through a slot canyon as I was trying to find a site. I didn't have my recovery tracks, since it was a last minute stop on the way back from Mammoth. 

    With the help of a nice nearby camper who had a wench, we were able to free my van in three hours.  It was around midnight, so I ended up just driving out and parking in Lone Pine to sleep for a few hours.

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from FS Road 13s09 Dispersed Camp - Ten Mile Road
    Apr. 26, 2024

    FS Road 13s09 Dispersed Camp - Ten Mile Road

    Rally nice spot on the Sequoia National forest

    Nice big camp spot in the Sequoia National Forest, the road was really calm mid-April, we had no car during the night. The spot has firepits, a camping table and loads of bushes. The view is nice on the forest or a mountain top. We were alone but the spot is big enough for 3 or 4 véhicules, the access is just before the U turn.



Guide to Camp Nelson

Camping near Camp Nelson, California, offers a fantastic escape into nature with stunning views and plenty of outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the beautiful trails around the area. Many campers enjoy the Topokah Falls trail, which is right inside the Lodgepole Campground — Sequoia National Park. One visitor mentioned, "It’s a stunning area of the park with the Topokah falls trail right inside the campground."
  • River Activities: Enjoy the Marble Creek River, which is perfect for cooling off on hot days. A reviewer noted, "The marble creek river is gorgeous and people come, park and spend the day cooling off."
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. Campers at Dorst Creek Campground have spotted deer and even bears during their stays. One camper shared, "We got to see two female bears walking at a distance from the campground."

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Many campers rave about the beautiful surroundings. A visitor at Sequoia RV Ranch said, "Beautiful river front site. Our 5th time here & it’s always so nice."
  • Convenience: Campgrounds like Rivernook Campground offer amenities like electric hookups and a market. One camper mentioned, "The campground was full. Our spot was okay but not very level."
  • Clean Facilities: Clean restrooms and well-maintained sites are a big plus. A reviewer at Three Rivers Hideaway noted, "Clean restrooms and showers, nice picnic tables and fire rings."

What you should know:

  • Crowded Campgrounds: Some campgrounds can get quite busy, especially during peak season. A visitor at Lodgepole Campground mentioned, "Some of the sites are a bit close together and it does get very crowded."
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. For example, Potwisha Campground lacks showers and has limited water access. A camper shared, "The camp site itself was decent. Large enough for several tents."
  • Wildlife Precautions: Bears are known to frequent the area, so it's essential to store food properly. A camper at California Limestone Campground advised, "Keep food packed and ice chests put in vehicle."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for campgrounds with amenities like picnic tables and fire rings. KRS RV Resort@Camp James is noted for its clean facilities and friendly staff. One family said, "Campground is nice overall. Sites are close together."
  • Plan Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities to keep everyone entertained. A camper at Kennedy Meadows Campground mentioned, "The fishing was great. The campground was empty and we were basically alone."
  • Pack for Comfort: Bring along games and outdoor gear to keep the kids engaged. A visitor at Three Rivers Hideaway shared, "Fantastic secluded campground with all amenities you need."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site before booking. A reviewer at Rivernook Campground noted, "Each site is so close together that you can literally hear everyone’s conversations."
  • Use Hookups Wisely: Look for campgrounds with electric and water hookups for a more comfortable stay. A camper at Sequoia RV Ranch mentioned, "Full hookups, close to everything."
  • Be Mindful of Quiet Hours: Respect the campground rules to ensure a peaceful experience. A visitor at Dorst Creek Campground shared, "The only thing negative I could say about this campground is that a lot of the campsites are very close to each other."

Camping near Camp Nelson, California, offers a mix of adventure and relaxation, making it a great choice for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Camp Nelson, CA is Dispersed Camp near Sequoia National Park with a 4.6-star rating from 7 reviews.

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

    TheDyrt.com has all 49 dispersed camping locations near Camp Nelson, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.