Best Dispersed Camping near Camp Nelson, CA

Looking for dispersed camping near Camp Nelson? Dispersed camping is an excellent way to get away from it all and to disconnect. Search dispersed campsites you've visited before, or discover new spots and read camper reviews.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Camp Nelson, CA (58)

Showing results 1-10 of 58 campgrounds

Recent Dispersed Reviews in Camp Nelson

207 Reviews of 58 Camp Nelson Campgrounds


  • mario U.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Cherry Gap OHV Staging Area
    Nov. 9, 2024

    Cherry Gap OHV Staging Area

    Very primitive spot but great views and free.

    I visited both parks and needed a place to sleep in my car, I had seen this spot on this site before so I looked and found it, it’s a dirt road but my matrix did fine driving through. Very close to the Chicago stump! Lots of wood laying around also.

  • 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.

  • GThe Dyrt PRO User
    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

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

    Alabama Hills Recreation Area

    Most amazing spot!

    Absolutely love this spot! Very cool rock formations all around you. Nice short trail nearby that takes you by a stream.

    Nearby to lone pine where I had one of the best patty melts ever. And internet is great if you need to work.

    Keep an eye out for the 4x4 roads as the other spots get filled up. Don’t go in summer with pets unless you have an AC

  • Erik R.The Dyrt PRO User
    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.

  • oThe Dyrt PRO User
    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.The Dyrt PRO User
    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.



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 Alabama Hills Recreation Area with a 4.8-star rating from 83 reviews.

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

    TheDyrt.com has all 58 dispersed camping locations near Camp Nelson, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.