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Best Dispersed Camping near Elk, CA

49 Reviews

Several dispersed camping sites can be found near Sequoia National Forest, about 30-40 miles from Kings Canyon. The Sequoia Forest Hunting Area on FS 13597 offers free camping with a narrow, steep access road that requires careful navigation. Road to Armenian Camp provides another free option with paved access suitable for larger vehicles, including big rigs. Cherry Gap OHV Staging Area sits between Sequoia and Kings Canyon national parks, offering primitive sites along forest road 13S03 near the Chicago Stump.

These sites generally lack amenities, with no toilets, drinking water, or trash service. Campers should pack out all waste and bring necessary supplies. Fire regulations vary by location and season, with some sites permitting campfires while others prohibit them entirely. One camper noted, "The road was a little windy getting up here, but it was completely paved and we were able to get up here without any problem in our 11,000 pound class B plus Winnebago." Cell service is limited but present in some areas, with visitors reporting 1-2 bars of Verizon coverage at certain sites.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Elk, California (28)

    1. Sequoia Forest Hunting Area - FS 13597

    5 Reviews
    Dunlap, CA
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (559) 784-1500

    "We were lucky there was enough room to pass plus in the dark you can see what’s coming as other reviews mention, the road in is narrow in parts and around 1 mile before you get to the camp ground."

    "Everything else was a little bit of a drive away You have to get up a steep incline, right road off of the main road and the road is narrow. It was not our favorite part."

    2. Road to Armenian Camp - Dispersed Spot

    4 Reviews
    Dunlap, CA
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (559) 784-1500

    "I’ve camped here for 14 days on two different occasions. It’s very private other than the manager for the Armenian Camp who comes up and down the road everyday, a few more campers on the weekend."

    3. Cherry Gap OHV Staging Area

    11 Reviews
    Hume, CA
    30 miles
    Website

    "About 200 feet further a little area that you can pull off. I’m driving a 170 wheelbase extended Sprinter and had a little difficulty to get in. Anything larger will be difficult. But great spot."

    "Super convenient free camping between Sequoia and Kings Canyon national parks. A park ranger directed me here when all the campgrounds in the park were full."

    4. FS Road 13s09 Dispersed Camp - Ten Mile Road

    9 Reviews
    Hume, CA
    33 miles
    Website
    +1 (559) 338-2251

    "Nice big camp spot in the Sequoia National Forest, the road was really calm mid-April, we had no car during the night. The spot has firepits, a camping table and loads of bushes."

    "Nice quiet spot right outside the park!"

    5. Momyer Creek Trail 1E06

    4 Reviews
    Friant, CA
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (909) 382-2882

    6. Forest Road 14S11 North Camp

    7 Reviews
    Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, CA
    35 miles

    "Usually when a dispersed site is marked Big Rig Friendly, we'll find that there is a large paved or gravel area for us to pull into and setup before you get to dirt road or off-road sites."

    "I found a spot with good sun for my solar panels."

    7. North Fork Confluence

    1 Review
    Dunlap, CA
    22 miles

    8. Bald Mountain Lookout

    1 Review
    Shaver Lake, CA
    30 miles

    "If you enter from the Tamarack trail head and go down Rock Creek Rd its easy to get to the overlook tower."

    9. Forest Rd 14S29

    6 Reviews
    Hartland, CA
    35 miles

    "Quiet place on dirt, not really levelled but fine for a night and easily accessible with any car."

    10. Forest Road 13S02 Dispersed Site

    2 Reviews
    Hume, CA
    32 miles
    Website
    +1 (559) 338-2251

    "Plenty of shade for you, plenty of sun for you solar panel. Load road, you camp near the side, but it's not heavily trafficked even on the weekends. They are many spots nearby."

    "Especially good if you're traveling with dogs to let them roam around. There's a stream and waterfall downhill that makes for great hikes."

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Elk, CA

28 Photos of 28 Elk Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Elk, CA

49 Reviews of 28 Elk Campgrounds

  • goose10091203 The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 9, 2025

    Forest Road 13S02 Dispersed Site

    Great spot near the road

    Was a great place to stay. Plenty of shade for you, plenty of sun for you solar panel. Load road, you camp near the side, but it's not heavily trafficked even on the weekends. They are many spots nearby. Some really pretty of you walk and camp. Most are car accessible and has amazing views! Totally recommend

  • Frank N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 14, 2025

    Cherry Gap OHV Staging Area

    Great Little Hidden Spot

    Took a right off the main road (Rd 180) where you see signs for the Chicago stump. Took the road a little bit further than the pinpoint where there was a split and took a left. About 200 feet further a little area that you can pull off. I’m driving a 170 wheelbase extended Sprinter and had a little difficulty to get in. Anything larger will be difficult. But great spot.

  • Mouni
    Sep. 23, 2024

    Kamook Staging Camp - PERMANENTLY CLOSED

    Not ideal

    This is more of an ATV spot, I arrived on a Sunday evening and the ATV people were set up and essentially taking up most of the spots meant for camping. They were using the many many trails meant for ATVs before I arrived and, when I parked a decent distance away from where they were set up, they opted to ride circles around my RV throwing dust everywhere and revving their engines (likely an attempt to run me off). The open space at the top of the hill where the restrooms are is meant for camping, I would NOT ADVISE taking any of the other roads as they are steep, uneven, and you will struggle to turn around.

    There’s one spot at the entrance good for camping (away from most of the ATV action) but it is taken up by a permanent boondocker.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 8, 2025

    Momyer Creek Trail 1E06

    No access

    Tried to stop on the way to Yosemite park. This pulls up to three closed gates that all look to be private properties

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 5, 2025

    Forest Rd 14S29

    Alright place

    We actually didn’t stay primarily because this spot absolutely did not have any cell coverage whatsoever (this app said it had some coverage for Verizon. It did 100% not. We couldn’t find a suitable place for tent and some of it looked like private property and/or reserved camping areas. Definitely more suitable if you have a RV or a built out van.

  • GThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 23, 2024

    Forest Road 14S11 North Camp

    NOT Big Rig friendly

    This is a really nice area for camping on the side of the road here, but we only could've squeezed our 39ft Class A into maybe 2 of these spots.  Usually when a dispersed site is marked Big Rig Friendly, we'll find that there is a large paved or gravel area for us to pull into and setup before you get to dirt road or off-road sites. There is a large paved area at this location, but we received a warning citation the next day, stating that we weren't allowed to camp there.  It's confusing because this is the exact same setup as any other "snow play" or "sno-park" areas that have allowed camping in the gravel or paved areas area. 

    The paved area does have a couple of small stakes that say "no camping", but in our past dispersed camping experiences, those were used to mark areas where tents and vehicles couldn't pull off-road to camp.  Apparently those stakes refer to the paved area in this case?  There wasn't any reasoning provided on our citation, other than "find another area to camp."

  • Kristian W.
    May. 19, 2022

    Cherry Gap OHV Staging Area

    Nice dispersed camping, big enough for an RV

    Super convenient free camping between Sequoia and Kings Canyon national parks. A park ranger directed me here when all the campgrounds in the park were full. There are sites all along the road,  but the first at the junction is great and big enough for a small RV. Also a quick walk to the Chicago Stump which is a must see.

  • L
    Apr. 26, 2024

    FS Road 13s09 Dispersed Camp - Ten Mile Road

    Rally nice spot on the Sequoia National forest

    Nice big camp spot in the Sequoia National Forest, the road was really calm mid-April, we had no car during the night. The spot has firepits, a camping table and loads of bushes. The view is nice on the forest or a mountain top. We were alone but the spot is big enough for 3 or 4 véhicules, the access is just before the U turn.

Guide to Elk

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Elk, California, where nature enthusiasts can find serene spots away from the crowds. With a variety of locations to choose from, you can enjoy the great outdoors while soaking in the stunning landscapes.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Elk, California

Dispersed campers should check out Sequoia Lake - Westside

  • While the Sequoia Lake - Westside may not be a traditional campground, it offers a unique experience for those looking to explore the area.
  • This location is known for its stunning views, making it a great spot for photography and nature walks.
  • Keep in mind that this area has strict regulations, including no fires allowed, so be sure to follow the rules to preserve the natural beauty.

Great spots for off-road adventures near Elk

  • The Cherry Gap OHV Staging Area is an excellent choice for those looking to combine camping with off-highway vehicle activities, offering easy access to trails.
  • Many campers have reported enjoying the beautiful views and peaceful atmosphere at this location, making it a perfect base for outdoor adventures.
  • Be sure to bring your own firewood, as this area does not provide firewood, but you can find established fire rings for your convenience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Elk, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Elk, CA is Sequoia Forest Hunting Area - FS 13597 with a 4.8-star rating from 5 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 28 dispersed camping locations near Elk, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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