Several dispersed camping options exist within 20 minutes of Yosemite National Park's entrance near El Portal. Hardin Flat Road offers multiple free sites in wooded areas approximately 10 minutes from the park gate. Sites are spread out with good privacy, though they fill quickly during peak season. The road is generally accessible for most vehicles, but some spots may require higher clearance.
Goat Meadow provides additional dispersed camping at the end of Mt. Raymond Road near the Snow Play area. The area includes a large parking lot suitable for RVs and several more secluded sites accessible via dirt tracks to the right of the main lot. One camper noted, "There is no paved road but the area is flat and any car, truck or RV/trailer can make it back easily." Evergreen Road also features dispersed camping within 10 minutes of a park entrance, though with limited sites. Most dispersed areas around El Portal lack facilities - no water, toilets or trash service - and campfires generally require permits. Cell service is spotty, with T-Mobile offering limited connectivity at some locations.
"Excellent spot 7 min from the Yosemite South Wawona Entrance. Im staying at a dispersed camping spot in late July and there is level, paved parking with tent camping spots."
"After accidentally driving to this location following the directions of another reviewer for the “Yosemite Boondocks” campground across 41 (which we never found) we were very happy with this location."
"Access road isn’t bad and it’s close to the park."
"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."
"Did an impromptu visit for 3 days and just van camped in this forest road. Works great if you can deal with driving in and out. Good camping spots here and there, tons of overnight parking areas."
"Firstly, the spots aren’t actually on Evergreen; they’re on an easily missed dirt road near Aspen Valley Rd."
"Nestled amongst trees right on the edge of Yosemite. Was quite busy when I was there but managed to find a quiet spot tucked away & private."
"GPS will take you straight to Goat meadow snow play area (look for signs too). Once you reach the area hang right to the dirt road and pick a spot!"
"Hard and flat Road right by a little stream where we could park our 22-ft van with a bike trailer. Our dog could run around free. We enjoyed a quiet evening."
"Very nice and quiet spot, very close to Yosemite entrance, ideal if you weren't able to get a reservation."
"Booked a last minute permit for the Pohono trail on a recent trip and had Dewey Point as one of my camp sites! Beautiful views of el cap and the valley made for an iconic back country spot !"
from $5 - $10 / night
"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."
"All around Mono Lake is USFS and BLM land that is open for dispersed camping, as long as you stay above the 1941 water line (you will see signs marking this line, which is fairly close to the lake)."
"The cab-over cantilever @front (facing east) also gave shade in the late afternoon heat! "
GuideThere is so many spots back here! We stayed a bit closer to 395 and it was easy to navigate with a 26’ RV. We had initially looked for a spot on the Mammoth side of the highway but found this dirt roads more level and open for the RV. Lovely minus some sort of small critter kept waking me up in the night.
ScoutFirst spot with a 22 feet TT. No problem, amazing view
GuideLoads of space! Not many people here in October. Park lot had two trailers and the trail to the right is wide open with numerous pullouts. Lots of great trails around for the dogs.
GuideThis is actually a really nice free dispersed camping site. Once you get to the Goat Meadows sign if you go left you will find a large parking lot with bathrooms. There were probably ten rigs or so jst camping up on the parking lot. If you go right down the hill you will find multiple dispersed camping sites. They are a little obscure, but some have nice fire rings that let you know it’s a site. They are very well spaced so even when you have neighbors you will hardly see or hear them. At the top of the hill where you go left or right was a camp host looking site but not sure if it is actually, but there was a camper there with a bumper pull trailer who uses a very loud shop type cheap generator that you can literally hear all over the area. Luckily, he turned it off about 10pm but started it up around 8am. If it weren’t for him probably would have given this site five stars. Also, T-Mobile and ATT both had zero cell service our phones were both on SOS but that really wasn’t a problem for us.
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.
GuideWe came here in October and had no issues finding a spot. We stayed in the parking lot but there are also more remote spots if you continue to the right that are suitable for vans, truck campers, and tents. This area is only minutes from the west entrance to Yosemite and Mariposa Grove and 40 minutes from the valley. The parking lot is big-rig friendly but could fill up quick during the summer. There are on-site vault toilets and dumpsters.
GuideI've camped here several times in the last few months and it got real busy over holiday periods. Now, the first week of October, it is wonderful. I have a beautiful camping spot and it's really quiet, hardly anyone coming by in the day. In summer months it can get tedious with off road vehicles creating dust and noise. But there are so many places to camp here - depending on the size of your set-up and how far you're willing to leave the main road. There's no facilities here, pack it in and pack it out. Let's keep this place beautiful!
TravelerA small gravel lot good for car camping. Little to no privacy as it’s more or less just a big circle. Beautiful view back down the canyon.
RangerMany spots on a very dusty and bumpy patch of forest just taking a right before the snowplay area. Many other boondockers, including one with a generator. Our spot had previously been used by horses evidenced by the pile of dung next to a tree. Smelled a bit funny. But as it is free, shouldn't complain of course - perfectly fine as a stop before or after Yosemite.
Dispersed camping opportunities abound in the forestlands surrounding El Portal, California, with multiple free sites within 20-30 minutes of Yosemite National Park entrances. Elevation in these areas typically ranges between 4,500-5,200 feet, creating cooler camping temperatures than the valley floor, particularly at night. Most sites are situated among ponderosa pines and cedars with variable road conditions depending on recent weather.
Visit Yosemite attractions: The south entrance provides quick access to Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias. As one camper at Goat Meadow - Dispersed Camp Site noted, "It's about 1 hour from the valley visitor center. Had great cell service through Verizon."
Wildlife viewing: Dawn and dusk are prime times to spot local wildlife, though proper food storage is essential. "Coyotes and bears are active in the area—coyotes raided a bag I had hanging from a tree and stole my food!" warns a camper at Goat Meadow.
Snowplay in winter: Some dispersed areas serve dual purposes. At Yosemite "Boondock National" Dispersed Camping, one visitor explained their winter experience: "When I was there recently, some of the 'campsites' had 0-3" [of snow], whereas other spots were about 6-8". Consequently, there were about 6-8 cars/vans that ended up camping in the parking lot of the snowplay area."
Convenient Yosemite access: The short drive to park entrances remains a major draw. A visitor at Evergreen Rd Dispersed camping mentioned, "Great little spot within 10 minutes of one Yosemite's entrance. Spaces for a few different campsites."
Privacy between sites: Many dispersed areas offer good separation between campers. At Hardin Flat Road, one reviewer appreciated that it had "really spread out spots. Couldn't even see your neighbor and the vicinity to the park made it perfect."
Cell service for planning: Unlike many remote areas, some dispersed sites maintain connectivity. A Goat Meadow camper reported, "Enough T-Mobile service for messaging and lite web browsing. Spacious pull-out with a small rock fire pit."
Variable site quality: Not all sites are created equal. At Hardin Flat Road, a camper advised, "Overall solid, but the best spots will be taken early. I ended up down a paved road on the side, but one that was closed a mile further up."
Seasonal challenges: Weather conditions affect access and comfort. "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," noted a Hardin Flat Road visitor.
Holiday crowding: Free camping near El Portal becomes extremely busy during peak periods. A Van Haven Dispersed Site Yosemite reviewer observed, "This place gets CROWDED. At 5:30 it's like everyone got off work and headed home, it's nuts. Everyone picks up after themselves which is nice. Some spots are secluded, most are not."
Arrive early for flat sites: Families with children need level ground for tents and play areas. "Plenty of space for all vehicle sizes. Roads are very accessible. Nice and wooded," noted a Goat Meadow camper, but securing such sites requires early arrival.
Plan for insect protection: Certain locations have seasonal bug issues. "Lots of ticks! be prepared. other than that, our camp was wonderful," warned a Hardin Flat Road camper.
Consider noise levels: Some areas experience more activity than others. At Yosemite "Boondock National," a camper mentioned that some sites "got quiet after 9pm" while others noted certain spots were "near the intersection" with more road noise.
Road condition awareness: For free camping opportunities near El Portal, road quality varies significantly. An Mono Lake South Dispersed visitor cautioned, "There's only maybe 1 spot that wouldn't require AWD. It gets to be somewhat deep sandy/gravely roads after that."
Leveling challenges: Many dispersed sites require preparation for uneven terrain. "We have a 24ft and had a perfectly leveled spot underneath a large tree," noted an RV camper at Mono Lake South, showing the importance of scouting locations before committing.
Turnaround space: Larger vehicles need adequate space to maneuver. "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," shared one experienced RVer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find dispersed camping sites in El Portal, CA?
El Portal offers several dispersed camping opportunities in the surrounding areas. Yosemite "Boondock National" Dispersed Camping is located near the edge of Yosemite, providing tree-covered sites with some privacy despite being popular. The access roads can be bumpy but are manageable for most vehicles, including camper vans and even some larger rigs. Another option is Hardin Flat Dispersed, which offers additional sites in the vicinity. When searching for dispersed camping around El Portal, look for forest service roads and designated pull-off areas. Most sites are first-come, first-served, so arriving on weekdays or early in the day improves your chances of finding a good spot.
Are there any free dispersed camping options near El Portal, CA?
Yes, there are several free dispersed camping options near El Portal. Evergreen Rd Dispersed Camping offers free sites with drive-in access. Another excellent free option is Van Haven Dispersed Site Yosemite, accessible via Red Cloud Road, though be aware the road becomes increasingly rough with deep ruts and erosion, requiring 4WD or AWD vehicles. The site rewards campers with scenic views and unobstructed night skies. Generally, dispersed camping on National Forest land near El Portal is free, but always check for current regulations as they may change seasonally. Remember that free dispersed camping means no amenities—pack in all necessary supplies and pack out all trash.
What are the regulations for dispersed camping in El Portal?
Dispersed camping in the El Portal area follows standard National Forest Service regulations. At Laurel Springs Campground, a 14-day maximum stay is enforced, and fire restrictions are typically in place during summer months. All dispersed campers must pack out their trash and practice Leave No Trace principles. For areas around Inyo National Forest Dispersed Camping, color-coded maps are available at information boards that indicate which roads are suitable for different vehicle types. Most dispersed camping requires camping in previously used sites, staying at least 100-200 feet from water sources, and observing seasonal fire restrictions. Always check with the local ranger district office before your trip as regulations may change based on weather conditions and fire danger levels.
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