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Best Dispersed Camping near Cedar Ridge, CA

62 Reviews

Several dispersed camping areas dot the Stanislaus National Forest near Cedar Ridge, California. Top of Arnold on Forest Route 5N56 offers free tent camping spots with dirt road access, though reviewers note the access road has "ruts and potholes" but remains passable even in standard vehicles. Forest Route 4N39 provides big-rig friendly dispersed sites with power lines running along the road and requires "decent clearance" for vehicle access.

Hardin Flat Road provides dispersed camping approximately 10 minutes from Yosemite's entrance. Sites are spread out with good tree coverage, offering privacy from neighbors. A camper wrote, "Spacious and semi-secluded spots...about 10 mins from the gate into Yosemite." Other free camping options include Bear Valley Dispersed Camping, which features toilets and drinking water, and Evergreen Road with scattered spots that are "nothing fancy." Most sites permit campfires with proper permits, though fire restrictions vary seasonally. Cell service is limited but present at some locations, with Top of Arnold offering "2 bars LTE of Verizon."

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Cedar Ridge, California (22)

    1. Top of Arnold - FR 5N56 Dispersed

    4 Reviews
    Arnold, CA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (209) 532-3671

    "Be sure to obtain a fire permit from Cal fire and check fire restrictions in the area have a bucket full of water and a shovel next to your fire at all times again this place was amazing"

    "The dirt road up is full of ruts and potholes, but my Toyota Yaris made it up."

    2. Hardin Flat Road

    15 Reviews
    Eastman Lake, CA
    27 miles

    "I stayed to car camp and had an overall nice time. There was a good amount of ice but with 4x4 not problem. The ice was melting so if you go anytime after the snow should be a lot less."

    "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."

    3. Forest Route 4N39 Dispersed

    2 Reviews
    Stanislaus National Forest, CA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (209) 459-9238

    4. Van Haven Dispersed Site Yosemite

    2 Reviews
    Groveland, CA
    24 miles

    "The road becomes increasingly rough and eroded, with deep ruts and drainages. 4WD or AWD is necessary. Site offers scenic views, unobstructed night sky, and interesting exploration. Leave no trace!"

    "Great views along the John Muir trail. 24 hour Public restroom .o2miles from camp site."

    5. Evergreen Rd Dispersed camping

    4 Reviews
    Eastman Lake, CA
    28 miles

    "Firstly, the spots aren’t actually on Evergreen; they’re on an easily missed dirt road near Aspen Valley Rd."

    "Great little spot within 10 minutes of one Yosemite’s entrance. Spaces for a few different campsites"

    6. Bear Valley Dispersed Camping

    7 Reviews
    Sierraville, CA
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 994-3401

    "Bear valley is my favorite place to go camping, the most you get close to the top of the mountain, the most curvy the road is, so be prepare."

    "Lots of trails to ride your bike and walk."

    7. Hardin flat dispersed

    1 Review
    Mather, CA
    27 miles

    "Very nice and quiet spot, very close to Yosemite entrance, ideal if you weren't able to get a reservation."

    8. Iron MT. Dispersed

    10 Reviews
    Eldorado National Forest, CA
    39 miles
    Website
    +1 (916) 324-4442

    "The ground is very flat and many areas are paved with gravel. At 7500 feet above sea level, the view is wide and the scenery is beautiful, especially the sunset view."

    "The Mormon Emigrant Trail can be accessed from there (East side, going West to Sly Park.) You can hear the Highway a little, but nonetheless very peaceful area."

    9. Leavitt Lake

    3 Reviews
    Bridgeport, CA
    39 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 932-7070

    "I have a truck. 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"

    "We visited Lake Levitte, back in June 2021. I would recommend a high clearance vehicle, ad there are some technical sections. If you watch your line, you can make it."

    10. USFS Silver Fork Dispersed

    6 Reviews
    Kyburz, CA
    48 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 622-5061

    "The coordinates listed on the app are simply for the entrance to the dispersed camping. There are infinite amounts of primitive roads to drive down and find camp."

    "The area is spacious and conveniently located not too far off the main road, making it easy to access without feeling too isolated."

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Cedar Ridge, CA

68 Photos of 22 Cedar Ridge Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Cedar Ridge, CA

62 Reviews of 22 Cedar Ridge Campgrounds

  • Val C.
    Jul. 4, 2023

    Leavitt Lake

    Not Accessible by Car

    I have a truck. 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

  • Mark L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 31, 2025

    Van Haven Dispersed Site Yosemite

    Rugged, Remote, Dusty

    Red Cloud Rd offers few viable camping sites. The road becomes increasingly rough and eroded, with deep ruts and drainages. 4WD or AWD is necessary. Site offers scenic views, unobstructed night sky, and interesting exploration.

    Leave no trace!

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 8, 2023

    USFS Silver Fork Dispersed

    Endless Possibilities

    The coordinates listed on the app are simply for the entrance to the dispersed camping. There are infinite amounts of primitive roads to drive down and find camp. 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. At this specific sight, there are no overhead trees. Despite being primitive, the roads are well kept, even if you have a small SUV. It could get slightly tricky with a car. I stayed here for 7 days (10/31-11/6) and only saw one other person on the primivite roads. The above coordinates are about a 6 mile drive in from US50. You will see a campground on your right about 5 miles down when driving in, about a mile further down the road you will come up on the dirt road leading you up the mountain.

    A couple of notes:

    1. You are required to have a permit for any day/overnight use in Eldorado, including this area. They can be easily acquired at recreation.gov
    2. Cell phone reception is very spotty, in and out of a couple of bars throughout the drive in. — AT&T coverage. At the above coordinates, there were 2 bars of low grade coverage allowing basic texts to send. Not enough service for web browsing or sending photos via text.
    3. This area has been widely burnt by fires last year. There are still large areas unburnt. You will find yourself going in and out of them while driving.
    4. KEEP IT CLEAN — this area is immaculate and besides dug out fire pits, human trace is non-existent. Leave it cleaner than you found it, pick up your trash (and other’s if you see any), respect the area and it will respect you.
    5. NO CAMP SERVICES — There is no trash service or even dumpsters at the signed entrance; pack it in pack it out. There are no restrooms in the area either.
  • Jacqueline G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Dispersed USFS

    Worth the climbs to get here!!

    This is full wilderness camping off the main road between hope valley and the blue lakes. I had no problem getting in with my 30ft bus towing a jeep but the road is steep and winding for about 7 miles to the pull off. There were a lot of other campers for Labor Day weekend but the rest of the time there was no one around. Jugs of water can be filled at the campgrounds about 5 miles in each direction. PLEASE NOTE: There are prolonged climbs to get here (up to about 8% grade) but my bus did fine. Slow and steady and you’ll be fine. Also WATCH THE WEATHER! Rain can cause spots of the road in to get washed out a bit and deep puddles can appear. There are loads of rocks and fallen trees around to fill in holes if needed. If you’re moderate to high clearance rig you’ll be fine just be mindful. The Blue Lakes are just down the road for swimming, boating, kayaking etc and lots of amazing 4x4 trails. Rivers for fishing and endless hiking and biking. Elevation is 8300ft so definitely a bit high. The trees help with the air however. Not nearly as tough as the high desert of Utah (Zion or Brice) but just take it easy if you’re not used to high altitude.

  • J
    Sep. 28, 2021

    Leavitt Lake

    High Sierra Lake

    We visited Lake Levitte, back in June 2021. I would recommend a high clearance vehicle, ad there are some technical sections. If you watch your line, you can make it. This location has become too popular by many YouTube videos. When we arrived, there were at least 7 other groups there. Location is beautiful and will definitely return in the future.

  • Tim R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 5, 2024

    Packsaddle Pass - El Dorado National Forest Dispersed

    Standard Dispersed Camping

    Standard dispersed camping on national forest land. Paved main road with dirt roads and areas for camping branching off. Plenty of room. Some areas have beautiful views of strawberry valley!

  • Raymond B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 15, 2024

    USFS Silver Fork Dispersed

    Overnight stay

    We recently spent a night at this campsite and found it to be perfect for a quick overnight getaway. The area is spacious and conveniently located not too far off the main road, making it easy to access without feeling too isolated.

    There are plenty of sites to choose from, catering to different preferences. However, we recommend taking some time to survey the land before setting up camp, as some spots are slightly sloped.

    A huge plus is the gas station just about 5 minutes down the road. It’s well-stocked with all the convenient store items you might have forgotten at home, making it easy to grab any last-minute necessities.

    Overall, it was a delightful stay. Just remember, always practice Leave No Trace principles—pack out what you pack in!

  • Raymond M.
    Oct. 5, 2025

    Top of Arnold - FR 5N56 Dispersed

    This place is real camping

    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 not recommended for women in small kids, but absolutely amazing and beautiful place. Be sure to obtain a fire permit from Cal fire and check fire restrictions in the area have a bucket full of water and a shovel next to your fire at all times again this place was amazing

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 7, 2024

    Hardin Flat Road

    Visited in April

    Went on 4/5/24 - 4/7/24. I stayed to car camp and had an overall nice time. There was a good amount of ice but with 4x4 not problem. The ice was melting so if you go anytime after the snow should be a lot less.

    There’s enough space for you to distance yourself from others.

    No bear boxes or bathrooms but very safe and easy to access.

Guide to Cedar Ridge

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Cedar Ridge, California, where nature enthusiasts can find serene spots away from the crowds. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, you can enjoy the great outdoors while embracing the freedom of camping without the constraints of traditional campgrounds.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Cedar Ridge, California

  • When heading to Top of Arnold - FR 5N56 Dispersed, be prepared for a rough dirt road; a vehicle with decent clearance is recommended.
  • Always practice Leave No Trace principles, especially at Hardin Flat Road, where campers are encouraged to pack in and pack out their trash.
  • Keep an eye out for wildlife and enjoy the peaceful surroundings, as many spots like Bear Valley Dispersed Camping are pet-friendly and allow for a more immersive nature experience.

Scenic views and activities while free camping near Cedar Ridge

Dispersed campers should check out Forest Route 4N39

  • Forest Route 4N39 Dispersed is known for its accessibility, making it suitable for both drive-in and walk-in camping experiences.
  • This area allows campfires, so you can enjoy cozy evenings under the stars while staying at this well-reviewed spot.
  • Be aware that while some areas may lack tree cover, the scenic beauty and proximity to nature trails make it a worthwhile destination for dispersed camping.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Cedar Ridge, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Cedar Ridge, CA is Top of Arnold - FR 5N56 Dispersed with a 4.5-star rating from 4 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Cedar Ridge, CA?

TheDyrt.com has all 22 dispersed camping locations near Cedar Ridge, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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