Best Dispersed Camping near Clovis, CA
Dispersed camping options near Clovis, California include several free primitive sites in the Sierra National Forest and Sequoia National Forest. Goat Meadow Dispersed Camp Site, located minutes from Yosemite's south entrance, provides accessible camping for both tents and RVs. Cherry Gap OHV Staging Area offers convenient free camping between Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. Other options include Buck Rock Campground, Forest Road 14S11 North Camp, and Bald Mountain Lookout, which features panoramic views of the surrounding wilderness.
Most dispersed sites require campers to be fully self-contained. No drinking water, toilets, or hookups are available at the majority of locations. According to reviews, Goat Meadow has trash receptacles but no bathroom facilities. Fire permits are required for all campfires and stoves in Sequoia National Forest areas. Several campers noted that during peak seasons and holidays, popular sites like Goat Meadow become extremely crowded, particularly in the late afternoon when "it's like everyone got off work and headed home."
Road conditions vary significantly between sites. Forest Road 13S09 is accessible to standard vehicles during dry weather, while Buck Rock area roads may become rutted after rain. High-clearance 4WD vehicles are recommended for accessing the more remote sites. The Road to Armenian Camp features a curvy, narrow road with limited pull-outs for larger vehicles. Weather at higher elevations remains cool even during hot seasons, with temperatures typically dropping significantly at night. Wildlife encounters are common; campers should store food properly and maintain appropriate distance from animals. Practice Leave No Trace principles by packing out all trash and minimizing impact on these natural areas.
