Top Free Dispersed Camping near Edison, CA

Looking for the best Edison dispersed camping? With The Dyrt, it's easy to find peaceful dispersed camping near Edison. Each dispersed site offers quick access to one or more of Edison's most popular destinations.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Edison, CA (27)

    Camper-submitted photo from Keyesville Recreation Area Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Keyesville Recreation Area Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Keyesville Recreation Area Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Keyesville Recreation Area Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Keyesville Recreation Area Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Keyesville Recreation Area Dispersed

    1. Keyesville Recreation Area Dispersed

    8 Reviews
    34 Photos
    235 Saves

    Keysville (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
    Camper-submitted photo from Hanning Flat Dispersed Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Hanning Flat Dispersed Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Hanning Flat Dispersed Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Hanning Flat Dispersed Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Hanning Flat Dispersed Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Hanning Flat Dispersed Area

    2. Hanning Flat Dispersed Area

    6 Reviews
    36 Photos
    185 Saves

    Dispersed 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
    Camper-submitted photo from Chico Flat Dispersed Camping - Partially Closed, See Description
    Camper-submitted photo from Chico Flat Dispersed Camping - Partially Closed, See Description
    Camper-submitted photo from Chico Flat Dispersed Camping - Partially Closed, See Description
    Camper-submitted photo from Chico Flat Dispersed Camping - Partially Closed, See Description
    Camper-submitted photo from Chico Flat Dispersed Camping - Partially Closed, See Description
    Camper-submitted photo from Chico Flat Dispersed Camping - Partially Closed, See Description

    3. Chico Flat Dispersed Camping - Partially Closed, See Description

    8 Reviews
    26 Photos
    164 Saves

    Dispersed 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
    Camper-submitted photo from Sequoia National Park Dispersed campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sequoia National Park Dispersed campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sequoia National Park Dispersed campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sequoia National Park Dispersed campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sequoia National Park Dispersed campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sequoia National Park Dispersed campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Black Gulch South Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Black Gulch South Dispersed Camping

    5. Black Gulch South Dispersed Camping

    1 Review
    2 Photos
    38 Saves

    Campfire Permits required for campfires, barbeques, and camp stoves. Campfires and barbaques may be prohibited during fire restrictions, camp stoves allowed with current Califronia Campfrire Permit.

    • Tents
    • Dispersed
    • Trash
    • Toilets
    • No image available
      Camper-submitted photo from Brush Creek Recreation Site
      Camper-submitted photo from Brush Creek Recreation Site
      Camper-submitted photo from Brush Creek Recreation Site
      Camper-submitted photo from Brush Creek Recreation Site
      Camper-submitted photo from Brush Creek Recreation Site
      Camper-submitted photo from Brush Creek Recreation Site

      7. Brush Creek Recreation Site

      7 Reviews
      15 Photos
      264 Saves

      Brush Creek is a dispersed camping or day use site open year round. There are vault toilets available and seasonal trash bins. This is where the Brush Creek meets the Upper Kern River and is a good spot for fishing. Campfire permits are required for campfires, barbeques, and camp stoves. Permits are available at your local Ranger Station or online at preventwildfireca.org

      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Trash
      • Picnic Table
      • Firewood Available
      • Toilets
      Camper-submitted photo from Ant Canyon
      Camper-submitted photo from Ant Canyon
      Camper-submitted photo from Ant Canyon
      Camper-submitted photo from Ant Canyon
      Camper-submitted photo from Ant Canyon
      Camper-submitted photo from Ant Canyon

      8. Ant Canyon

      4 Reviews
      20 Photos
      463 Saves
      • Pets
      • Fires
      • RVs
      • Tents
      • Group
      • Standard (Tent/RV)
      • No image available
        • No image available

          10. HWY 178 Pullout - Dispersed

          Be the first to review!
          13 Saves

          Dispersed camping is camping outside of a designated campground. It is allowed in many areas of the Sequoia National Forest and Giant Sequoia National Monument.

          There are certain areas where dispersed camping is prohibited and these areas are posted.

          Dispersed camping is free but you must have a CAMPFIRE PERMIT. These can be obtained fore free at Readyforwildfire.org. Be aware of fire restrictions, typically enforced by mid-summer, banning open fires outside of designated campgrounds. More on campfire rules here.

          The maximum length of time you may camp in dispersed areas is 14 DAYS at a time and 30 DAYS in a year.

          Each year the number of people taking advantage of dispersed recreation opportunities has increased, making it more essential that these areas be left clean and undamaged.

          The following acts are PROHIBITED on the Sequoia National Forest and Giant Sequoia National Monument and are subject to a fine:

          1. Driving off designated roads inside the Monument.

          2. Leaving campfire unattended.

          3. Leaving trash buried, stashed or left in campfire ring. Abandoning or leaving personal property. PACK IT IN-PACK IT OUT.

          4. Cutting or otherwise damaging trees for use as a lean-to or a horse corral. Do not leave anything tied to trees.

          5. Destruction of government property such as signs, posters, gates, etc.

          6. Removing forest products without a permit.

          7. Discharging any firearm within 150 yards of any building, occupied area, across forest development roads, or body of water

          Here are some tips to appropriate dispersed camping: More information on dispersed camping here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/sequoia/maps-pubs/?cid=fseprd883625

          • Dispersed
        Showing results 1-10 of 27 campgrounds

        Recent Dispersed Reviews In Edison

        69 Reviews of 27 Edison Campgrounds


        • Ryan B.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Sequoia National Park Dispersed campground
          Oct. 8, 2024

          Sequoia National Park Dispersed campground

          Inaccurate Coordinates

          Arrived at the coordinates and had no place to turn off the road. Also, the area was hit by wildfires (maybe 2 years ago) so it's all pretty barren. Camped at Holey Meadows campground a few miles away.

        • AThe Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Camping area No. 3 (dispersed)
          Sep. 30, 2024

          Camping area No. 3 (dispersed)

          Perfect.

          This campsite was fantastic. Access was easy with a 4x4, but may be a little tough for a 2WD car. Plenty of space for a small trailer to maneuver.

          Highly recommend. Perfect for an off-road trailer or overland setup.

        • Cameron L.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Camping area No. 3 (dispersed)
          Aug. 20, 2024

          Camping area No. 3 (dispersed)

          Great Spot tucked off the road

          We stopped here on our way through Sequoia Nat’l Forest and loved it. The water is super clear and nice! We were the only ones staying here, so it was very quiet and calming. A handful of camping spots around this area, well worth the stay!

        • Ciara W.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Keyesville Recreation Area Dispersed
          Aug. 7, 2024

          Keyesville 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

        • RThe Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Sequoia National Park Dispersed campground
          May. 25, 2024

          Sequoia National Park Dispersed campground

          Definitely beautiful

          Does take about 45 mins to wind up there and i got there at 1:15am. Didn't find the campgrounds but had large side areas with forest machinery. Next to stream. Then if you continue on you will hit a 4 mile off road (my Corolla/any sedan OK) and see great views and waterfall! Nice!

        • Caroline D.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Stine Cove Recreation Site
          May. 4, 2024

          Stine 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.

        • DThe Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Keyesville Recreation Area Dispersed
          Mar. 25, 2024

          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

        • ZThe Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Hanning Flat Dispersed Area
          Dec. 22, 2023

          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.

        • Vanessa C.
          Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed Camp near Sequoia National Park
          Dec. 22, 2023

          Dispersed Camp near Sequoia National Park

          Secluded gorgeous dispersed camping

          Stunning. If you want privacy this is it. You are definitely alone. We went and there was only 1 other camper there - he was kinda weird and wanted to hang out but we politely asked him for privacy (he said he is there a lot). BRING water and fill up on gas before you go. There are 0 resources for you. It’s gorgeous, we will definitely be going back

        • Sharyn A.
          Camper-submitted photo from Stine Cove Recreation Site
          Oct. 27, 2023

          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❤️

        • SThe Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Jawbone Canyon OHV Area
          Oct. 20, 2023

          Jawbone Canyon OHV 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.

        • J
          Camper-submitted photo from Chico Flat Dispersed Camping - Partially Closed, See Description
          Aug. 29, 2023

          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.

        • Marc L.
          Camper-submitted photo from Black Gulch South Dispersed Camping
          May. 15, 2023

          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.

        • Raven P.
          Camper-submitted photo from Keyesville Recreation Area Dispersed
          Feb. 9, 2023

          Keyesville 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.
          Camper-submitted photo from Hanning Flat Dispersed Area
          Nov. 3, 2022

          Hanning 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.

        • Popeye F.
          Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed Camping
          Sep. 6, 2022

          Dispersed Camping

          San Bernardino National Forest

          Dispersed camping at a Yellow Post campsite was great. About 4 mi. of washboard dirt road past Heart Bar Campground to Yellow post site #6. No amenities other than a picnic table and a fire ring. That means, bring plenty of water and a port-a-potty. There is no fee, however, you need to go on line to get a fire permit, which is necessary even for a propane stove. Actually, the fire permit is for anything that has a flame. This trip was over Labor Day weekend of 2022 and the use of the fire pit was forbidden at that time due to high fire hazard conditions. The campsites are quite far apart so you feel a sense of privacy. However, you will see vehicles and or horses go by on the road next to the campsite. Some of the vehicles drive fast on the dirt road which can kick up dust clouds. This is only a problem if you are downwind. The temperature was about 83 for a high and 55 for a low and the wind was light and comfortable. We were glad we had our canopy. The canopy has bug screens on 4 sides but the bugs were not too bad. We used lemon grass bug spray repellent and were comfortable. This campground is away from light sources making it great for stargazing. We enjoyed the campsite so much that we just hung out and relaxed there all weekend ...no hikes or trips away from the campsite. We hung a couple of hammocks with tarps for shade but backed our teardrop under a naturally shaded area of the campsite. We will probably camp there again. If you are not into dispersed camping, there are several campgrounds nearby. Heart Bar campground is huge with amenities and South Fork Family Campground is nice with more shade and a small stream running through. The parking for rv's at South Fork is a bit short at some of the campsites. Best to check the length for a match with your gear. This area is great for camping but make sure you have everything you need as there is no grocery store at the corner. Happy camping..!

        • l
          Camper-submitted photo from Chico Flat Dispersed Camping - Partially Closed, See Description
          Sep. 6, 2022

          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.
          Camper-submitted photo from Hanning Flat Dispersed Area
          Aug. 9, 2022

          Hanning 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

        • Kristina W.
          Camper-submitted photo from Sequoia National Park Dispersed campground
          Jul. 10, 2022

          Sequoia National Park Dispersed campground

          Secluded

          This place was beautiful! We found a spot right next to the water and fell asleep to the sound of it.

          Where we found was a very large pull off, minimal road traffic. It was perfect for the night before we continued our road trip.

        • therealquaid D.
          Camper-submitted photo from Keyesville Recreation Area Dispersed
          May. 4, 2022

          Keyesville Recreation Area Dispersed

          Plenty of sites and beautiful nature

          You can park RVs right next to the water but it gets very busy, there are more secluded spots accessible to even Class A rigs further down. My Class C was able to make it through a few of the dirt roads no problem. Best part is the nature, trails, river, fire rings almost everywhere you need, dumpster and vault toilet near the main road. Worst part was the dirt bikes passing by my campsite on the weekends but it wasn’t loud honestly. The busiest spot is the one down next to the river , easily 20+ vehicles on an April weekend.

        • Louis G.
          Camper-submitted photo from Keyesville Recreation Area Dispersed
          May. 1, 2022

          Keyesville Recreation Area Dispersed

          Keyesville Recreation Area

          dispersed camping along keyesville rd. big open areas for group or big rig camping, lots of pullouts with fire rings. vault toilets and dumpsters at staging areas. this recreation area has lots of trash, easily could spend days picking litter. keyesville rd. has plenty of traffic though from 2200hrs til morning is fairly quiet. it’s a rec area, so with that in mind the weekends are getting busy. a lot of motocross, ohv and atv traffic from late thurs to sunday. other than that it is a wonderful free camping.



        Guide to Edison

        Camping near Edison, California, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and well-maintained campgrounds. Whether you're looking for a cozy spot for your RV or a place to pitch a tent, there are options that cater to all kinds of campers.

        What to do:

        • Fishing and tubing: The Kern River Campground is perfect for those who love water activities. One camper shared, "We had a blast here... tubing, fishing... a great time still."
        • Explore orange groves: At the Orange Grove RV Park, you can pick your own oranges. A visitor mentioned, "The pick your own oranges was a fun touch and the security made it feel further from the city than it is."
        • Hiking: The Tehachapi Mountain Park offers trails surrounded by tall trees. One reviewer noted, "Beautiful spot. Old school mountainside camping in the tall trees."

        What campers like:

        • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the Bakersfield River Run RV Park. A review stated, "Everything in this campground is 5 stars... Clean, grassy, bath houses and laundry."
        • Spacious sites: Many enjoy the generous space at the Orange Grove RV Park. One camper said, "Sites were generous size, facilities and grounds clean, staff friendly, and it was quiet."
        • Friendly staff: The welcoming atmosphere at the Kern River Campground is a highlight. A visitor mentioned, "Collin our camp host was fantastic."

        What you should know:

        • Noise levels: Some campgrounds, like the Orange Grove RV Park, can have minor highway noise. A camper noted, "I would give it a 5 except for some minor highway noise and the occasional train."
        • Bathroom access: At the Mountain Valley RV Park, bathrooms are locked overnight. One visitor pointed out, "Bathrooms are locked between 10 pm and 7:30 am... not good for those of us with early mornings."
        • Limited amenities: The Stine Cove Recreation Site has no drinking water or showers. A review mentioned, "It was a big open dirt area with not much more than some scrub grass."

        Tips for camping with families:

        • Choose spacious sites: Look for campgrounds like the Kern River Campground that offer large, private sites. A family shared, "The sites are spacious and private."
        • Plan for activities: The Buena Vista Aquatic Recreational Area is great for fishing and water sports. One camper said, "Good for fishing and water sports... the symphony of frogs singing you to sleep at night is great!"
        • Pack for comfort: Bring bug repellent and river shoes for places like the Sandy Flat. A visitor advised, "Be sure to bring river/water shoes and some decent bug repellent."

        Tips from RVers:

        • Check site sizes: Make sure to verify the size of your site at the Bakersfield River Run RV Park. One reviewer mentioned, "The spaces are a little tight but ok."
        • Book in advance: Popular spots like the Orange Grove RV Park can fill up quickly. A camper noted, "They have a waiting list for monthly rates."
        • Be mindful of noise: If you're sensitive to noise, consider campgrounds like the Mountain Valley RV Park where the highway noise is minimal. A visitor said, "Best thing - highway noise is minimal."

        Camping around Edison, CA, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

        Frequently Asked Questions

        • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Edison, CA?

          According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Edison, CA is Keyesville Recreation Area Dispersed with a 4.5-star rating from 8 reviews.

        • What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Edison, CA?

          TheDyrt.com has all 27 dispersed camping locations near Edison, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.