Primitive camping near Cedar Ridge, California offers multiple dispersed sites within the Stanislaus National Forest at elevations ranging from 3,000-7,500 feet. The area experiences warm, dry summers with temperatures averaging 75-85°F and cold winters with significant snowfall that often limits access to higher elevation sites from November through April. Most dispersed areas require visitors to pack out all trash and bring their own water supply.
What to do
Mountain biking on forest trails: Bear Valley Dispersed Camping provides easy access to numerous mountain biking trails. A camper noted, "There is a point where the paved road disappears and is only dirt road, you can keep driving as far as you want, it is easy to find a good spot to park and set your camp."
Stargazing from higher elevations: Clear mountain air makes for exceptional night sky viewing at many sites. At Iron MT. Dispersed, one visitor reported, "The view from this area is spectacular. Beautiful sunsets too. It is a pretty open area with lots of room to camp. It is now an abandoned ski resort."
Fishing in nearby alpine lakes: Several dispersed camping areas provide access to fishing opportunities. A camper at Leavitt Lake mentioned, "This is a beautiful lake. Upon reaching the lake, you will discover approximately twelve camping spots. These sites are fairly basic, each equipped with uncomplicated stone fire pits."
What campers like
Privacy and seclusion: USFS Silver Fork Dispersed offers campsites with minimal crowding. One camper shared, "I stayed at N38.768811• W 120.238630° — on top of a peak that offered 360° views with sunrise and sunset right from my tent. I stayed here for 7 days (10/31-11/6) and only saw one other person on the primitive roads."
Quick access to Yosemite: Hardin flat dispersed provides convenient proximity to the national park. As one visitor noted, "Very nice and quiet spot, very close to Yosemite entrance, ideal if you weren't able to get a reservation."
Flat camping surfaces: Many dispersed sites offer level ground for setting up camp. A visitor to Van Haven Dispersed Site Yosemite mentioned, "Great views along the John Muir trail. 24 hour Public restroom .02miles from camp site. Near the gas station/market in Greeley Hill, CA. 30 min from Yosemite West gate."
What you should know
Road conditions vary significantly: Many forest routes require vehicles with appropriate clearance. On Forest Route 4N39 Dispersed, a camper observed, "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."
Fire restrictions change seasonally: Fire permits are required for most areas, and complete bans are common in summer and fall. At Evergreen Rd Dispersed camping, a visitor mentioned, "Firstly, the spots aren't actually on Evergreen; they're on an easily missed dirt road near Aspen Valley Rd. There are two spots at the end of the very short road - each with a fire pit and ample space."
Cell service is inconsistent: Network coverage varies by location and carrier. At Top of Arnold, campers report, "Deep in the woods surrounded by forests and undergrowth nice flat spots to park and set up camp. 2 to three bars Verizon no facilities of any kind."
Tips for camping with families
Arrive during daylight hours: Finding suitable spots can be challenging after dark. At Evergreen Rd Dispersed camping, one camper advised, "We got in a lil late and was a little tricky finding a spot. But once we did, it was perfect. Took us about 9 min to get to the park entrance."
Scout for hazards: Many primitive sites have natural obstacles that require attention. At Top of Arnold, a visitor cautioned, "This campground was the best campground that I've been to in a long time take note that this is real camping so there is no bathrooms. There is no running water. There is no showers not for the week but for the real man."
Consider wildlife activity: The area is home to bears and other wildlife requiring proper food storage. A camper at Hardin Flat Road mentioned, "Lots of ticks! be prepared. other than that, our camp was wonderful. there were many other groups camping in this area which provided a sense of comfort."
Tips from RVers
Know your vehicle limitations: Forest roads can present challenges for larger vehicles. At Top of Arnold, a camper warned, "The dirt road up is full of ruts and potholes, but my Toyota Yaris made it up. Some noise from chainsaws in the distance one day, and some target practice, but neither lasted long."
Look for established pull-outs: Some areas have previously used sites that accommodate larger vehicles. A visitor to Hardin Flat Road noted, "Great spot a little farther up Hardin Flat Rd. I am parked across from a private drive so I can turn around with my RV if needed."
Power accessibility considerations: Some dispersed areas have nearby power infrastructure. Along Forest Route 4N39, a camper observed, "This road follows power lines pretty much for the entire length of the road. It would be a really nice area to disperse if they weren't there as the area is beautiful."
