The Sierra Nevada foothills surrounding Cedar Ridge, California offer tent campers free primitive sites and developed tent campgrounds, ranging from open ridgelines to old-growth sequoia forest in Stanislaus National Forest. Top of Arnold Dispersed Camping on Forest Route 5N56 provides free primitive tent sites, while North Grove Campground in Calaveras Big Trees State Park offers more developed tent camping with amenities among towering sequoia trees.
Most dispersed tent sites near Cedar Ridge have minimal facilities. Forest Route 4N39 provides roadside camping with level grounds on the ridgeline, suitable for tent campers seeking solitude. Boards Crossing, while technically decommissioned, offers walk-in tent camping with swimming holes nearby. Campers should pack all water and supplies, as most areas have no potable water or restroom facilities. Fire restrictions vary seasonally, with complete bans common during summer and fall. Bear boxes are provided at established campgrounds but not at dispersed sites, making proper food storage essential for tent campers.
Tent campsites in the area range from densely forested to open ridgelines with expansive views. North Grove Campground provides a more developed experience with bear boxes, fire rings, and picnic tables, though tent sites near the highway may experience road noise. One camper noted that North Grove has "well maintained grounds, friendly rangers, and hiking trails close by." Dispersed camping areas offer greater solitude but require self-sufficiency. A visitor to Forest Route 4N39 shared that the best camping is found "at the back area for tree shade and level grounds." Most tent sites become inaccessible during winter months due to snow, with higher elevation areas sometimes seeing snow into early summer.
"The campground we chose was kind of close to the road which would have been the only real negative."
"Flush toilets, and showers available (tokens required). Our visit was late fall so not crowded at all. We were able to change to a more level campsite when we arrive - staff were very accommodating."
Campground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $25 - $70 / night
"A very secluded primitive site that is only a couple miles or less to town over paved and dirt roads. The roads are not four-wheel drive and are perfect for van lifers."
"There is no showers not for the week but for the real man not recommended for women in small kids, but absolutely amazing and beautiful place."
"Powerlines are nearby but there are a few fire pits. They seem to be logging the area and running cattle but it’s pretty quiet."
"There’s enough space for you to distance yourself from others. No bear boxes or bathrooms but very safe and easy to access."
"We had a lot of space, good amount of tree cover when I rained. There’s a bunch of different spots to choose from, the one by the creek would have been nice."
"I was lucky to find Eagle Point this spring for a simple tent set up, and boy was it perfect."
from $50 - $150 / night
"Max overnight stay = 1 night at trailhead (other nearby THs are Bell Meadow & Gianelli), and dispersed camping is allowed. Medium sized parking lot, plus a few back-in sites."
GuideThe campground is very accessible and therefore can feel busy at times (visited in October). It has flushable toilets and the general store is less than 10 min away by car. The campsites are rather close to each other, so don’t expect a lot of privacy. Our site (88C) was right in front of the restrooms, which have floodlights on all night and would not recommend. Overall, it’s a pretty good campground!
RangerNot even sure i found the exact place. Go through a little neighborhood an come to a gravel road. Found a little turn around an spent the night. Didnt see anyone. Cell coverage enough to get texts.
TravelerBeautiful. Would definitely come back.
GuideWe were able to a site that backed up to the river. Small campground, very clean and quiet. Has toilets
GuideWe camped in our tiny towable Meerkat camper. Our spot was right next to the bathroom (flush toilets but there are not any showers), site 64. The view is of 1/2 dome and there is a swimming hole near the site. Although the sites are close together, they are arranged nicely with a large picnic table and fire pit and large bear box at each at each site. There were group sites and tent sites. The camp is a stop on the bus route and it is in walking distance of Curry Village where there are restaurants and groceries available. The site puts you close to most of the things you want to see at Yosemite.
RangerRight in the middle of Yosemite! Lots of tree cover. Vault toilets and bear boxes. Fire rings and picnic tables. The spots are pretty close to each other though, not a bunch of privacy.
TravelerBeautiful area, full hookups, not parking lot camping, well maintained. New owners very friendly.
TravelerWell I guess I’m the last to leave for the season . I’m in the campground 7 miles from the entrance there is another one closest to the road . If your here to see the big trees then stay bye the road if you can
RangerSuper nice and attentive host. Bathrooms were super clean, including the shower.
Dispersed camping near Cedar Ridge, California provides access to Stanislaus National Forest with elevations ranging from 3,000 to 7,000 feet. The region experiences hot, dry summers with temperatures often exceeding 85°F and cold winters with significant snowfall at higher elevations, typically closing most unpaved forest roads from November through April. Forest Route 5N56 offers multiple primitive camping spots within 15 minutes of Arnold.
Water recreation: Swimming holes near Boards Crossing provide cooling relief during summer months. Though the campground is decommissioned, a visitor notes you can "walk down the hill from the campsites" to find "a few great swimming holes—definitely worth the effort on a warm day."
Hiking with sequoias: Calaveras Big Trees State Park offers multiple trail options ranging from easy 1-mile interpretive walks to more challenging 4-mile loops. A camper mentions there are "lots of trails to hike here, an extensive ranger station with a Visitor Center, snack bar, and organized talks and activities."
Mountain biking: Forest trails around Top of Arnold accommodate various skill levels. One visitor observed "people on dirt bikes ripping around trails" in September, making this area suitable for both motorized and non-motorized trail activities.
Solitude and space: Many dispersed sites offer privacy not found at established campgrounds. A camper at Forest Route 4N39 recommends you "drive to the back area for tree shade and level grounds" for the best camping experience on the ridgeline.
Accessibility to nature: Most tent camping spots near Cedar Ridge provide immediate access to forest environments. At Crabtree TH, a visitor noted "3 mi RT to Camp Lake, 8 to Bear Lake" with "good places for swimming," making it convenient for day hiking.
Wildlife encounters: Bears are active throughout the area. A camper at North Grove Campground reported, "Bear came through our camp one night hit the Bear box and walked off."
Road conditions: Many forest roads leading to the best tent camping near Cedar Ridge, California become rutted after winter. At Top of Arnold, a camper warned "the dirt road up is full of ruts and potholes," though noted their "Toyota Yaris made it up" despite the challenges.
Limited facilities: Most dispersed sites have no amenities. Boards Crossing "used to be a fully operational campground, but it's now decommissioned" with only worn wooden picnic tables at some sites. The visitor advises "no toilets, no running water" so preparation is essential.
Seasonal considerations: Camping conditions vary dramatically by season. A visitor to Eagle Point appreciated the "ton of space, peace and quiet, and true wilderness" in spring before summer crowds arrive.
Fire restrictions: Regulations change frequently based on conditions. At Top of Arnold, fires are typically prohibited during peak fire season (July-October), while some established campgrounds maintain designated fire rings with seasonal allowances.
Pack extra water: With no reliable water sources at dispersed sites, family groups should bring 1-2 gallons per person per day. The dusty conditions at Top of Arnold can increase water needs, as one camper noted "the ground is basically dust dirt" which affects comfort.
Wildlife precautions: Proper food storage is critical in all Cedar Ridge area camping. A family camping at North Grove Campground appreciated that "bear boxes are provided" at established sites, making food management easier with children.
Choose established campgrounds for amenities: Families often prefer North Grove Campground where a camper found "campsites are clean and spacious with large trees surrounding everywhere and the bathrooms at the campsites were well kept (which is a huge plus!)."
Size restrictions: Many forest roads near Cedar Ridge have limited clearance and turning radius. A reviewer at Forest Route 4N39 noted "you don't need 4x4 but you definitely will need a vehicle with some decent clearance" due to "weirdly purposefully placed speed bumps" that challenge larger vehicles.
Limited hookups: RV campers seeking services should note most dispersed areas offer no facilities. North Grove Campground provides more options but "no trailer hookups," though "every site has a water but can't connect it with the trailer," and "the park does have a dump station" included with space rent.
Seasonal access: Winter conditions severely limit RV camping opportunities. Most unpaved roads become impassable from November through April, restricting the best tent camping near Cedar Ridge, California primarily to summer and early fall for larger vehicles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Cedar Ridge, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Cedar Ridge, CA is North Grove Campground — Calaveras Big Trees State Park with a 4.7-star rating from 23 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Cedar Ridge, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 66 tent camping locations near Cedar Ridge, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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