Dispersed camping options near Campo Seco, California typically range from 6,500 to 7,500 feet elevation, with temperature variations of 10-20 degrees between valley and mountain sites. The region encompasses parts of Stanislaus National Forest and BLM land, where most sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis with 14-day stay limits. Rustic camping in this area requires preparation as seasonal road closures affect accessibility from late October through May at higher elevations.
What to do
Mountain biking on established trails: Near Van Haven Dispersed Site Yosemite, campers can access numerous trails along the John Muir route. "Great views along the John Muir trail. 24 hour Public restroom .02 miles from camp site," notes one camper, adding it's "30 min from Yosemite West gate. 45 min to cherry lake and many fresh water rivers and waterfalls."
Stargazing at higher elevations: The open skies at Bear Valley Dispersed Camping provide excellent night viewing conditions. "We arrived when it was dark and had no problem finding a spot! It was open with plenty of spots & we were the only ones! Perfect spot for star gazing!!" reports one camper. The area has minimal light pollution at 7,000+ feet.
Hiking abandoned infrastructure: Iron MT. Dispersed features unique terrain around an old ski resort. "The abandoned ski lifts are pretty cool to look at and hike along them as well," notes one visitor. Another camper adds, "The Mormon Emigrant Trail can be accessed from there (East side, going West to Sly Park.)" The trail connects to broader networks for day hiking.
What campers like
Proximity to Yosemite entrances: Evergreen Rd Dispersed camping sites offer exceptional access to national park attractions. "Great little spot within 10 minutes of one Yosemite's entrance. Spaces for a few different campsites," notes one reviewer. Another confirms, "Took us about 9 min to get to the park entrance. Now that we know about this spot we will definitely use this area again."
Connectivity for remote workers: Some sites maintain usable cell service despite remote locations. At Bear Valley Dispersed Camping, campers report "pretty good Verizon signal" with sufficient bandwidth for basic tasks. Another camper notes, "Wooded campground, cool weather, good phone reception," making it viable for those needing to stay connected.
Sunset viewing locations: The elevation at Iron Mountain provides remarkable vantage points. "The view from this area is spectacular. Beautiful sunsets too," writes one camper. This sentiment is echoed by another visitor who notes, "At 7500 feet above sea level, the view is wide and the scenery is beautiful, especially the sunset view." The western exposure creates particularly vivid evening colors.
What you should know
Road conditions vary dramatically: Access to many sites requires appropriate vehicles. At Leavitt Lake, "I got about a half mile in before the snow washed out the road. You can still hike in. High clearance and 4WD a must," reports one camper. Another adds, "I would recommend a high clearance vehicle, as there are some technical sections. If you watch your line, you can make it."
Site availability fluctuates seasonally: Competition for prime locations increases during summer months and weekends. "The best spots will be taken early. I ended up down a paved road on the side, but one that was closed a mile further up," notes a camper at Hardin Flat Road. Similarly, at Leavitt Lake, "This location has become too popular by many YouTube videos. When we arrived, there were at least 7 other groups there."
Fire restrictions change frequently: Fire regulations vary by season, elevation, and current conditions. Forest Route 4N39 permits fires during certain periods, though restrictions apply during high fire danger. At Van Haven Dispersed Site Yosemite, campfires are technically allowed but require current permits. Always check with the nearest ranger station for up-to-date restrictions before establishing camp.
Tips for camping with families
Select sites with designated facilities: Hardin Flat Road provides family-friendly options with existing infrastructure. "Lots of available spots along Hardin Flat Road, most with good shade. Passed 10-15 pull out spots for car campers, and at least 10 more easily accessible spots for tents," notes one camper, adding "The spots along the creek were very buggy. We found one away from the water and not at all buggy."
Consider proximity to services: Some rustic camping near Campo Seco requires planning for access to basic needs. "Near the gas station/market in Greeley Hill, CA," notes a camper at Van Haven Dispersed Site, making supply runs more manageable for families with children. Similarly, sites near Rush Creek Lodge offer access to amenities in emergencies.
Insect preparation essential: Particularly in creek-adjacent sites, insects can affect comfort. "Lots of ticks! be prepared. Other than that, our camp was wonderful," reports a Hardin Flat Road camper. Sites at higher elevations typically have fewer insect concerns but require warm clothing even in summer months.
Tips from RVers
Level parking availability: For those with camper vans or smaller RVs, Iron MT. Dispersed offers suitable terrain. "The ground is very flat and many areas are paved with gravel," reports one camper. This makes setup considerably easier than at sites with significant grade changes.
Road width considerations: Some forest routes restrict larger rigs. At Forest Route 4N39, "you don't need 4x4 but you definitely will need a vehicle with some decent clearance. There are some weirdly purposefully placed speed bumps on the west end of the road approaching 4N01 and Spring Gap Rd that will let you know if you have enough clearance pretty quickly."
Turnaround space limitations: Access planning prevents difficult situations. "I am parked across from a private drive so I can turn around with my RV if needed," notes one camper at Hardin Flat Road, highlighting the importance of identifying turning options before navigating narrow forest roads with larger vehicles.
