Best Dispersed Camping near Cantil, CA
Want to go dispersed camping near Cantil? The Dyrt can help you find the best dispersed campsites for your next trip. Find dispersed campsites you've visited before, or discover new spots from other campers.
Best Dispersed Sites Near Cantil, CA (26)
1. Wagon Wheel Staging Area
Ridgecrest, California11 Reviews•39 Photos•139 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Dispersed
- Toilets
- Alcohol
2. Jawbone Canyon OHV Area — Eastern Kern County Onyx Ranch State Vehicular Recreation Area
Cantil, California4 Reviews•3 Photos•62 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Dispersed
- Market
- Toilets
3. Stine Cove Recreation Site
Weldon, California13 Reviews•27 Photos•306 SavesPOTENTIAL FIRE BANS - CHECK BEFORE CAMPING Last report - bans in effect til 11/2020 (reported 10/2020) Located on the east side of Lake Isabella off Sierra Way. Open camping; Free use area; Chemical toilets. No limit on trailer length. Open year round. Supplies at Kernville
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Dispersed
- Trash
- Toilets
4. Trona Pinnacles
Trona, California15 Reviews•75 Photos•397 SavesDispersed camping is allowed on for a period not to exceed 14 days within a 28 consecutive day period. The 28 day period begins when a camper initially occupies a specific location on public lands. The 14 day limit may be reached either through a number of separate visits or through 14 days of continuous overnight occupation during the 28 day period. After the 14th day of occupation, the camper must move outside of a 25 mile radius of the previous location until the 29th day since the initial occupation. There is no potable water or developed facilities other than a single vault toilet on site. Pack out all trash. There are no trash services. In the desert environment, even natural items like orange peels take years to decompose. Travel on existing roads and trails. Vegetation in this climate can take decades to recover when crushed by off road driving or parking. Camp in campgrounds if available. Using campgrounds reduces the number of vehicles, so that the great views are not blocked. Have a great time. The Trona Pinnacles are a great place to explore natural wonders and experience your public lands.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Dispersed
- Toilets
- Alcohol
5. Keyesville Recreation Area Dispersed
Lake Isabella, California9 Reviews•36 Photos•245 SavesKeysville (formerly Keyesville) is a historic mining area that offers a wide variety of recreational opportunities. Set in rolling terrain amidst a blue oak and foothill pine woodland, Keysville is dissected by the lower Kern River. A little exploration can turn up a wealth of historic resources, including a variety of mining structures and features, a historic fort, and the famous Walker Cabin. Keysville offers commercial and noncommercial white-water rafting opportunities as well as fishing, recreational gold panning, and dispersed camping. A network of over seventy miles of trails provides for mountain biking, equestrian, and motorized recreation use.
Travel Responsibly - on designated roads and trails or in permitted areas
Respect The Rights of Others - including private property owners and all recreational trail users, campers and others to allow them to enjoy their recreational activities undisturbed. Educate Yourself - by obtaining travel maps and regulations from public agencies, planning for your trip, taking recreation skills classes and knowing how to use and operate your equipment safely. Avoid Sensitive Areas - such as meadows, lakeshores, wetlands and streams, unless on designated routes. Do Your Part - by leaving the area better than you found it, properly disposing of waste, minimizing the use of fire, avoiding the spread of invasive species, restoring degraded areas and joining a local enthusiast organization.
https://www.blm.gov/sites/blm.gov/files/documents/files/Keysville%20arch%20E%20low%20res.pdf
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- ADA Access
- Dispersed
- Trash
6. Hanning Flat Dispersed Area
Weldon, California6 Reviews•36 Photos•186 SavesDispersed Camping on the shore of Lake Isabella. Vault toilet available. No trash recepticals available (Pack In-Pack Out). ALL Upper Kern Dispersed Camping sites, under restrictions - No Camping or Campfires are allowed within 25 feet of the water___s edge.
- Phone Service
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
7. East Mojave Camp
Mojave, California1 Review•3 Photos•29 Saves- Pets
- Phone Service
- ADA Access
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
8. BLM Desert Site
California City, California1 Review•6 Photos•5 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- RVs
- Tents
- Group
- Dispersed
9. Chico Flat Dispersed Camping - Partially Closed, See Description
Kernville, California8 Reviews•26 Photos•166 SavesDispersed Camping on Upper Kern River approximately 4 to 5 miles north from Kernville. Ther is no water available at this location. Portable toilets and trash recepticals are available during__summer months. See Larger Picture Here.
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Group
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Dispersed
- Trash
10. Fossil Falls dry lake bed
Little Lake, California7 Reviews•25 Photos•306 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- ADA Access
- Dispersed
- Picnic Table
Recent Dispersed Reviews in Cantil
81 Reviews of 26 Cantil Campgrounds
Ben W.
Traveler
Keyesville Recreation Area Dispersed
Great dispersed camping spot
There was no food locker or bathroom close to where I parked but there are lots of spots, and a great view, it's also very close to grocery stores. Heavy wind and some critters interested in the tent. Very immersive area. I ended up just putting all my food in a cooler in my trunk and it worked.
Wouldn't go down the last steep section, it was wet sand, I decided not to risk it, as it was night too, and parked sideways at the spot overlooking the valley, it was a great view but I couldn't really see where the river was.
Tim W.
ScoutKeyesville Recreation Area Dispersed
Good an Quiet
Clean Spots, recommend! lot of space and different places.
- EErin V.
Guide
BLM Desert Site
BLM desert site
35.08627305276245,-117.54092669125416 Great space. Easy to find. Away from highway enough. Very windy. Great sunset and sunrise.
- MMarcus K.Traveler
West Keyville Dispersed
Beautiful scenery, challenging access
I drove past a couple of camp grounds directly at the lake and was very disappointed what I found. Yes, you can camp right at the lake but only if you appreciate the charme of a Walmart parking lot. There is basically next to no trees or any nature for that matter.
So I looked a little further and was very happy to have found this site. Beautifully located right at a river, surrounded by trees, big boulders and the stunning mountain scenerey.
However, be aware that this is not serviced at all. There is no electricity, water, dump stations or anything else than the actual spot. And BEWARE: there is quite a steep and narrow entry road into the site. I drove in with a 30 feet class A camper and I am little worried if I will get out tomorrow. Also I smacked some leaves off of a tree on my way in with my 13“ clearance.
Aaron S.Guide
Trona Pinnacles
Out of this World
This place is really cool to explore. Nice star gazing too. We took our www.hitched4fun.com RZR out on the many dirt roads in the area too. Had a blast 💥.
- CChandra B.Guide
Stine Cove Recreation Site
Warm breezes, Sweet Nights
We love lake Isabella and just discovered this free camp spot right on the beach…
Ciara W.GuideKeyesville 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
- RRoy V.Traveler
Wagon Wheel Staging Area
Gorgeous but DON’T GO IN THE SUMMER
We arrived in the evening, when it was still 33 celcius (95f), but the whole day it was about 45 celcius (113f). So the place was as hot as it can be. But that won’t change my rating too much. Because if the weather was a bit cooler I would have loved this even more, when we woke up, we were greeted by a beautiful desert. If you have an AC that you can put on during the night, it shouldn’t be a problem!
Caroline D.TravelerStine 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.
- AAmina B.Guide
Keyesville Recreation Area Dispersed
Perfect to be alone
We stayed here two nights and felt so peaceful and out of sight ! Def recommend
- DDaniel H.Traveler
Keyesville Recreation Area Dispersed
Stayed a night
We pulled in at night time around 10:30PM. I was scared it would be sketchy, but turned out to be a smooth dirt road. We encountered multiple other campers as well before we found a suitable turnout. Loved the accessibility. We woke up to a beautiful little spot near the water; would definitely camp again here
Trent B.TravelerWagon Wheel Staging Area
Great quiet spot
We stayed here 1 night and had the place to ourselves. It is a very large area and quite beautiful.
- DDiana P.Traveler
Wagon Wheel Staging Area
Beautiful spot to stay
Arrived in the dark and woke up to find a beautiful spot. Quiet, plenty of space and very few people here. Be prepared for freezing temps overnight in colder months.
- ZZoe J.Traveler
Hanning Flat Dispersed Area
Nice quiet spot, 4x4 ideal
We were looking for a place to car camp on our way up toward sequoia and stopped here. Was easy to locate even at night. Would suggest 4x4 and wouldn’t recommend heavier vehicles as it’s a sandy dried up lake bed and we had to dig ourselves out in the morning. No fire pits or bathrooms.
- Sharyn A.Scout
Stine Cove Recreation Site
Camping at lake since 1957
I’ve been camping at This lake since I was 11. My favorite place caught 100’s of fish out of there. I’ve camped in all the camps over the years but I like steins cove when we had a boat. Camp right on the water and the price is right FREE. I live in Az now but when we go back we always hit the lake. Love it great memories with my mom and dad and our kids and grandkids. Enjoy❤️
- SSina V.Scout
Jawbone Canyon OHV Area — Eastern Kern County Onyx Ranch State Vehicular Recreation Area
beautiful big place
I really liked it! The place looks beautiful, especially with sunset and sunrise and there is a lot of space. Just the toilet was hard to find. You just have to drive 2 min more on the road. It doesn‘t have water, showers or trash dispencers.
- JJulesScout
Chico Flat Dispersed Camping - Partially Closed, See Description
Quiet and near the river
Found this campground on a spontaneous camping trip to the Kern River. There were only two other groups there and they were far enough away that we couldn't hear them at all. Just the sounds of the river, the crickets and the birds. The stargazing at night was spectacular. The site we chose was a bit of a rocky walk from the car, but worth it to have a more private spot. The vault toilets were open and very clean and not very smelly. We could not go swimming here, had to go to another day area for that. The tent was in the sun, so the morning/afternoon was hot. But there was a tree to hang out under. Our T-Mobile and AT&T phones did not work at all. Overall great experience.
- SSawyer P.Traveler
East Mojave Camp
Very very remote
Very remote absolutely nothing out there. Definitely somewhere you need to be aware of your surroundings. You can get far enough away from the highway that you don’t need to worry about people driving by. There is nothing out here. The road to it is unmarked and very unmaintained Would definitely recommend high clearance vehicle if you want to be further away then 100 feet from the highway. Lots of wash outs. Beautiful sunrise. We were the only people there.
Marc L.Scout
Black Gulch South Dispersed Camping
I didn't make it
I'm driving a large Nissan can converted into a camper. I made it to where Forest route 26S06 meets black gulch. I might have made it the rest of the way but it was getting dark and scary. A motor home or camper trailer would surely not make it. The whole Keyesville SRMA is open for dispersed camping.
Dani E.TravelerTrona Pinnacles
Otherworldly and Windy
First time going to the desert to camp. After the abundance of rain it was surprisingly green. Several types of wildflowers in bloom right now. Truly got the desert camping experience here. Spring time was ideal, weather was pleasant and mild. The biggest downside to the whole trip was the wind. Best thing I could recommend is finding an area that creates a natural barrier to it. The gusts are strong enough to really blow your tent hard and jerk you awake. The winds starts around dinner time/dusk and really doesn't let up u til midnight. So if you are down to clown, this place is absolutely beautiful. Clear enough to see the stars and if you come with the full moon (or close to it) you can really navigate around by moonlight. There really is only one vault toilet. And makeshift fire ring dispersed around the area. All the cool/good spots to camp are pretty far away from the toilet. Additionally, bring your own TP. Pack in/out and be respectful as this is BLM land
- Shainna M.Guide
Keyesville Recreation Area Dispersed
Awesome spot!
Lots of space and lots of ppl with their toys. Pack it in, pack it out!
Melissa R.ScoutTrona Pinnacles
Peaceful and wonderful internet
We have been here for 5 days. The spot we are currently in has 3-4 bars 5G Verizon. Lots of sites with privacy with varying levels of cell signal. Vault toilet and fire pits.
Raven P.GuideKeyesville Recreation Area Dispersed
Free Camping
Access to the river is closed as of 26 January, still plenty of dispersed places down the road to camp. Bathrooms and trash dump and lots of trails to ride bikes! Some of the sites are a little rough for trailer access.
therealquaid D.GuideHanning Flat Dispersed Area
Secluded, 15min away from convenience store and dump station.
I’ve camped here multiple times, sometimes with multiple RVs in a group, it’s very private with wide vistas.
Sometimes you can go days without a single car passing by, and there are a lot of spots to just camp since it is all completely level. There are a lot of insects, birds, and the occasional cow and deer.
To swim in the lake this area connects to Stine Cove campground - via a very soft sandy road - which is also free, has a vault toilet, but is shaded by mountains and less private.
There’s a $12 dump station with potable water at Camp 9 and one at Old Isabella Recreation Site.
T-mobile was very slow but Verizon had a good connection.
Heads up that the lake is MUCH lower than anything you see on satellite view, from Stine Cove I still had to walk 30min before getting to the shore.
SJ D.
RangerTrona Pinnacles
Stunning at golden hour
Recommend entering into your GPS because there are a lot of side roads before hitting the parking lot/outhouse. Pack out pack in area.
Beautiful place to play, make sure to bring lots of water
- lliamTraveler
Chico Flat Dispersed Camping - Partially Closed, See Description
Not Great
Chico Flat Dispersed Campsite offers many areas with flat ground to tent upon, as well as a large parking lot to car camp if that’s your thing. However there aren’t loads of trees to hammock camp on. You cannot build a campfire here. There is a pit toilet. There is river access right next to the campsite. There is also spotty cell reception if you want that.
Let it be known, this campsite is not clean. The previous campers that came long before me left two things: trash, and a message. There was a menagerie of bottle caps and broken glass strewn practically everywhere for me to pick up. This can be said for dare I say everywhere in this whole campsite. Additionally, this trash acted as a proverbial “go ahead” for other people to litter and make the litter situation worse; not cool.
If you want to really get away from people, don’t come here. When I went people brought the whole kit-and-kaboodle: a suburb of tents, gas generators, bright lights, loud music, etcetera.
Perhaps this isn’t how this site always is, but man it got crowded, noisy, and annoying. I’ll spare you from the whole story.
If you’re looking for a quick spot to crash, look no further. If you’re intent on bringing generators, lights, dogs and speakers, this is unfortunately for you. If you’re looking to get away and spend time in nature like myself, this isn’t for you.
Michael D.GuideHanning Flat Dispersed Area
Decent dispersed spot just south of Sequoia NP
We stayed here in June and there were plenty of open spots we just couldnt see many since it was dark. We eventually found a spot about half a mile back. Only one other person nearby. We had a few bars of service on verizon and at&t.
Overall nice secluded spot off the road with great scenery would recommend
Guide to Cantil
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Cantil, California, where vast landscapes and serene environments await outdoor enthusiasts. This area offers a variety of spots for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle and immerse themselves in nature.
Tips for free and dispersed camping near Cantil, California
- Many dispersed camping areas, like Jawbone Canyon OHV Area — Eastern Kern County Onyx Ranch State Vehicular Recreation Area, allow for a peaceful experience, especially on weekdays when the crowds are thinner.
- Be prepared for limited amenities; for instance, East Mojave Camp has no drinking water or toilets, so plan accordingly and bring your own supplies.
- Always check the weather before heading out, as temperatures can soar in summer; the Wagon Wheel Staging Area can get extremely hot, making evening arrivals more comfortable.
Off-road adventures for dispersed campers
- The Jawbone Canyon OHV Area is a popular destination for off-road enthusiasts, featuring numerous trails suitable for all skill levels.
- If you're seeking solitude while riding, the expansive space at East Mojave Camp allows for plenty of room to explore without the worry of nearby traffic.
- For those looking to combine camping with off-roading, the Red Mountain Football Field / Spangler Hills OHV offers a drive-in option that accommodates both tents and RVs.
Scenic views and natural beauty while free camping near Cantil
- Witness breathtaking sunrises and sunsets at the BLM Desert Site, where the remote location provides stunning views away from city lights.
- The Wagon Wheel Staging Area is known for its picturesque desert landscape, making it an ideal spot for stargazing on clear nights.
- For a truly secluded experience, the Cuddeback Road Dispersed Camping offers a quiet retreat surrounded by nature, perfect for those looking to unwind and connect with the outdoors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Cantil, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Cantil, CA is Wagon Wheel Staging Area with a 4.6-star rating from 11 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Cantil, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 26 dispersed camping locations near Cantil, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.