Best Dispersed Camping near Fish Camp, CA

Several dispersed camping areas exist near Fish Camp, California, primarily in Sierra National Forest land. Goat Meadow Dispersed Camp Site and Yosemite "Boondock National" Dispersed Camping are the main options, both located just outside Yosemite National Park's southern entrance. These primitive sites sit on national forest land where camping is permitted without developed facilities or reservations. Hardin Flat Road also offers additional dispersed camping opportunities slightly farther from Fish Camp.

Access roads to these dispersed sites vary in quality and may require careful navigation. Goat Meadow features flat terrain accessible to most vehicles including small RVs and vans, though some sections have uneven ground. As one visitor noted, "Keep going and you'll find at least 4 or 5 big private areas separated by huge cut logs all with plenty of room to turnaround." Most areas have no amenities—no water sources, toilets, or trash service. Fire restrictions are common, particularly during summer and fall months. The standard 14-day stay limit applies to all dispersed camping in this national forest region.

These areas provide convenient bases for Yosemite exploration without park camping fees. The proximity to Yosemite's South Entrance makes these sites popular during peak season. According to a camper review, "We were the only RV here and had it to ourselves an entire week (granted it's early November). Can't beat the proximity to Yosemite south entrance." Insect activity can be significant in warmer months, with one visitor reporting, "The only negative was the biting bugs which were everywhere & hungry." Cell service ranges from nonexistent to spotty depending on the specific location. The sites offer a primitive camping experience with natural separation between camping spots provided by trees and terrain features. During busy periods, arriving early is recommended as these free sites can fill quickly, especially on summer weekends.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Fish Camp, California (53)

    1. Goat Meadow - Dispersed Camp Site

    40 Reviews
    Fish Camp, CA
    1 mile
    Website

    "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."

    "Great location, close to Yosemite Park which allows you to sleep for free. the spot was clean, impressive camper vans were present and they were parked on the tarmac. lots of pitches, vans can be placed"

    2. Yosemite “Boondock National” Dispersed Camping

    12 Reviews
    Fish Camp, CA
    1 mile

    "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."

    "Here is the correct location. You can take a dirt road from this parking lot in order to camp in the woods.

    Dropped pin https://goo.gl/maps/2gskCbuY8XRMD82x5"

    3. 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."

    4. Dewey Point Backcountry Site — Yosemite National Park

    1 Review
    Yosemite Valley, CA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (209) 372-0200

    $5 - $10 / night

    "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 !"

    7. Evergreen Rd Dispersed camping

    3 Reviews
    Eastman Lake, CA
    27 miles

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

    "Took us about 9 min to get to the park entrance. Now that we know about this spot we will definitely use this area again. We'll just make sure we get there earlier."

    8. 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."

    9. Scenic Loop - Dispersed Camping

    10 Reviews
    Mammoth Lakes, CA
    37 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 924-5500

    "Got here on Sunday - plenty of spots to park the camper van both Sunday and Monday. Multiple turn offs on the Scenic Loop road to camp at. No bathrooms, water, electricity, or fire rings."

    "As you drive along this road, every 10 seconds you will pass a dirt road. Each dirt road has multiple campsites!"

    10. Inyo National Forest Dispersed Camping

    13 Reviews
    June Lake, CA
    42 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 873-2400

    "You can get maps for this area at some of the information boards at the beginning of the dirt roads, they also have an app that will show you all the roads in the area."

    "We boondocked in Inyo National Forest just last weekend, September 27-29, and it felt like we had the place to ourselves."

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Fish Camp, CA

190 Reviews of 53 Fish Camp Campgrounds


  • Thomas K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 9, 2020

    Crab Cooker Hotsprings - Dispersed Camping

    Private hotspring with mountain views

    4x4 or high clearance coming in. Long dirt road with dips and rocks. Water only flowing in winter months. Lots of tent camping spots along with 8 back in spots. Really amazing views 360 degrees. No service with Verizon.

  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 17, 2021

    Sage Hen Dispersed

    Beautiful, near Mono Lake

    The dirt road into this spot off of Hwy 120 is washboarded but doable. This spot is at an intersection of forest service road 1S158A and Sage Hen Rd. There was still snow on the dirt road at this time of year (in mid April) so be aware,  and there are also low hanging branches that might make it tough for taller rigs. 

    This spot is a large flat area with zero amenities so bring water and pack in and pack out. 

    Good for a night or two if you want to hike or bike along the plethora of forest service roads. There were signs on the way in for both free range cattle and horses, but we didn't see any.

     Cell service with Verizon, weak but usable.

  • Val C.
    Jul. 3, 2023

    Mono Basin Dispersed Camp Site

    Epic

    Came up here in July. It gets warm during the day, but there is a good breeze during the day. And an even better breeze at night. lots of bugs. bring bug spray. 4wd not required, but might help. High clearance will help.

  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 9, 2021

    Mono Lake South Dispersed

    Beautiful view of Mono Lake

    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). Note there are multiple pull out areas and forest service roads to stay in along Hwy 120 east just be mindful that the entire area is sand, as some vehicles may get stuck.

    The road into these spots is quite sandy and narrow in some places, but we did fine in our 26' Class C. There is a very large previously burned area with charred remains of plants and trees but it made for some interesting eerie photos. Very quiet place with amazing views and stunning night sky. There are no amenities so bring water and pack in and pack out all trash. Nearby are various hikes and other roads to the range of craters in the area and the tufas along Mono Lake.

    We stayed there on a Monday night and did not see anybody else around, other than a truck that drove past our camp spot in the night.  Very quiet night.

    Good cell reception from AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile.

    Note that Google Maps said that Hwy 120 is closed Oct through May and would not direct us to this area via that road, but the road was open in April 2021, probably due to the mild winter.  Check Hwy 120 conditions for yourself because without it you miss out on so much beautiful area to explore.

  • Dave V.
    Sep. 13, 2018

    Gladys Lake Backcountry, Ansel Adams Wilderness

    Breathtaking Beauty!

    RANGER REVIEW: Mountain House Spaghetti with Meat Sauce at Gladys Lake Backcountry Campsites, Ansel Adams Wilderness, CA

    CAMPGROUND REVIEW: Gladys Lake Backcountry Campsite, Ansel Adams Wilderness

    Backcountry camping often offers great hiking, epic scenery, serene solitude and otherwise missed sights. Depending on location, backcountry campsite locations can offer their own challenges, whether through the permitting process, preparation of gear and meals, logistics, or difficult terrain…but the trade offs can pay out big dividends.

    Leaving behind the din of packed campgrounds…getting unplugged from electronic encumbrances…relaxing beside an untouched alpine lake where the only sound you hear is the whir of dragonfly wings as they dart about.

    Only a set number of backcountry permits are issued daily, so crowds and impact remain minimal to nonexistent.

    Permits are necessary for all backcountry overnight stays in the Inyo National Forest. https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/inyo/passes-permits

    Whenever backcountry hiking/camping in California, do yourself a service and go online https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/inyo/passes-permits/?cid=stelprdb5139009 and take the California Campfire Permit test to acquire your certificate and possess it when in the backcountry.

    Several ways to get to Gladys Lake exist…

    1. John Muir Trail (JMT) thru-hike permits NOBO or SOBO

    2. John Muir Trail section hike permits

    3. Wilderness Permits Day hike permits

    You could enter from Reds Meadows and follow the JMT north to Gladys Lake…or better from Agnew Meadows and follow the Shadow Creek Trail (https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/inyo/recreation/hiking/recarea/?recid=21272&actid=51 ) up and around Shadow Lake and then south on the JMT past Rosalie Lake to Gladys Lake. Each access trail has a daily quota…such as Shadow Creek, which has a daily quota of 30…18 secured through reservation and 12 walk-ups. So if you are choosing to walk-up, have some flexibility of starting days.

    We had a JMT SOBO permit acquired six months in advance through the NPS permit lottery. But next visit, I will likely enter through Agnew Meadows via day permit.

    Most hikers will stop and camp at Rosalie Lake, which is a wonderful option and a much larger lake. Some would suggest a more picturesque lake than Gladys Lake…but that is all in the eye of the beholder.

    August of 2018 saw little precipitation and the winter snowfall was below expectations, so lake water levels were lower and surrounding shoreline not marshy or soggy. Which made for dry and mosquito free conditions.

    The effects of local forest fires did cover surrounding mountain views during certain times of the day, and brought with it a bit of lung burning and eye stinging. Early morning and late evening hours brought clearer skies.

    Be forewarned that seemingly every backcountry campsite brings with it a steep uphill slog, but worth it. Gladys Lake is at 9600 ft elevation.

    I believe there was one other camper at Gladys Lake the night we stayed…but we neither heard nor saw them. It was a perfectly peaceful evening!

    Amenities? Well, no showers…no toilets…no water spigots…no electricity…no picnic tables…one lonely stone fire ring but open fires are not permitted. No cell service or WiFi…no general store or local grocery store. However, Gladys Lake water was refreshing both to wade and drink (filtered). You are surrounded by fragrant conifers that buffer sound. A perfectly peaceful location to relax and dream.

    PRODUCT REVIEW: Mountain House Spaghetti With Meat Sauce

    https://www.mountainhouse.com/

    As a frequent user of Mountain House freezes dried dinners, and being a creature of habit, I often settle into a couple favorite meals and don’t deviate to new offerings. Mundane and boring?…perhaps.

    But…after winning $100 worth of Mountain House meals through an early season TheDyrt.com contest… and with my daughter as my hiking buddy, I selected several different meals to avoid mutiny.

    One of these meal pouches was Mountain House’s Spaghetti with Meat Sauce.

    I admit, I was a little suspect as to how freeze-dried spaghetti with meat sauce would taste, but we were both very pleased with the sauce flavors, seasoning and the amount of meat in the sauce. The only thing I would add is a couple slices of toasted garlic bread.

    If the next rotation of Mountain House Spaghetti with Meat Sauce was easily located in our bear canisters, we would’ve likely had a second helping…but sadly, it was not.

    In pairing down weight before our backcountry hike, I removed the contents from Mountain House’s original packaging and utilized a commercial vacuum sealer to make smaller, lighter meal packs as 11 days of food needed to fit in a bear canister. It worked, but the distinct drawback was not being able to prepare the meal in the resealable pouch. A pot was necessary to allow the freeze-dried contents to soak in the boiling water. So clean up was more extensive than it would’ve been by using the Mountain House resealable pouch. It was a trade off and we made it work.

    If you are new to Mountain House freeze dried meals, directions are printed plain and simple on the pouch.

    •Measure out the prescribed amount of water

    •boil water

    •open meal pouch and remove moisture packet

    •pour boiling water in pouch and stir contents thoroughly

    •seal pouch for prescribed time

    •open pouch and stir contents

    •serve and enjoy

    It doesn’t get any easier.

  • HThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 24, 2025

    Yosemite “Boondock National” Dispersed Camping

    Amazing boondocking!!

    What a brilliant place! 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. Bumpy roads around the actual camping area but manageable in a camper van. Actually saw a few big rigs here too. Only negative was the biting bugs which were everywhere & hungry but didn’t spoil the evening, just wish I’d taken bug spray or a citronella candle!

  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 10, 2022

    Owens River Road Dispersed

    Lots of Spots Along Owens River Rd

    There are a ton of spots to camp along Owens River Rd.  All the spots closest to 395 were taken when we went in late September, but we found this spot that I've marked here that was easily accessible in our 26ft Motorhome.  Owens River Rd itself is paved, but the offshoots are hit or miss so take it slowly and proceed at your vehicle's ability. 

    This particular spot was nice and big and is probably suitable for any size rig.  The pavement on the road heading in was partly washed out but we were easily able to drive around the pits.  See video - it's long but I recorded us leaving the spot and showed the pits in the road.

    Good cell reception, very quiet, very little traffic.  

    No amenities, no toilets, no trash service.  Area was clean! Hopefully it stays that way.

  • 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!

  • Alex P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 13, 2020

    Inyo National Forest Dispersed Camping

    Beautiful dispersed camping

    You can get maps for this area at some of the information boards at the beginning of the dirt roads, they also have an app that will show you all the roads in the area. What’s nice is the map color codes the roads so that you know what your vehicle is capable of driving on. Some of the roads can get a bit rough, so make sure you know your vehicles limits. Once you get out there, enjoy! It’s so beautiful and quiet. Please make sure you pack in and pack out your trash, there are no services for that. Also, be aware of fire restrictions!


Guide to Fish Camp

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Fish Camp, California, where nature meets adventure. With stunning landscapes and a variety of camping options, this area is perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Fish Camp, California

  • Many dispersed camping spots, like Goat Meadow - Dispersed Camp Site, offer a serene environment with plenty of trees for privacy and shade, making it an ideal choice for a peaceful getaway.
  • Be prepared for mosquitoes, especially in the warmer months; campers at Yosemite “Boondock National” Dispersed Camping have noted their presence but found that they tend to disappear after dark.
  • Arriving early can help you secure a great spot, as some areas can get crowded, particularly on weekends.

Scenic views and accessibility for dispersed campers

  • For breathtaking views, consider Dewey Point Backcountry Site — Yosemite National Park, which offers stunning vistas of El Capitan and the valley, perfect for those who appreciate natural beauty.
  • If you're looking for convenience, Hardin Flat Road is just minutes from Yosemite National Park, making it easy to explore the park while enjoying a quiet camping experience.
  • Campers at Kamook Staging Camp have found it to be a hidden gem close to the park entrance, providing a peaceful atmosphere away from the crowds.

Dispersed campers should check out unique features

  • The Windy Point Dispersed Picnic Site is a great option for those seeking a simple spot without the hassle of reservations or amenities, allowing for a true back-to-nature experience.
  • At Evergreen Rd Dispersed camping, you'll find several scattered spots along the road, making it easy to settle in before dark and enjoy the tranquility of the area.
  • For those who enjoy off-road adventures, Kamook Staging Camp is popular among ATV enthusiasts, offering access to numerous trails while still providing a camping experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Fish Camp dispersed camping located?

Fish Camp dispersed camping is generally located near Yosemite National Park in California. The area is situated along the southern entrance to Yosemite, close to Highway 41. Similar to Yosemite "Boondock National" Dispersed Camping, Fish Camp sites are nestled among trees right on the edge of Yosemite, offering convenient access to the park. The area is primarily surrounded by Sierra National Forest land where dispersed camping is permitted on forest service roads, following proper regulations.

Do I need a permit for dispersed camping at Fish Camp?

Typically, no special permit is required for dispersed camping at Fish Camp, but standard dispersed camping regulations apply. Similar to Inyo National Forest Dispersed Camping, you should follow maximum stay limits, which are typically 14 days within a 30-day period. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as they're common in summer months. While permits aren't usually needed for dispersed camping, you should still check with the Sierra National Forest office for any seasonal restrictions or fire permit requirements if you plan to have a campfire.

What amenities are available at Fish Camp dispersed camping?

Fish Camp dispersed camping offers very minimal amenities, similar to most dispersed sites. Like Scenic Loop - Dispersed Camping, there are no bathrooms, water sources, electricity, or established fire rings. At Laurel Springs Campground, another dispersed area, campers note there's typically no cell phone signal. You'll need to pack in all necessary supplies including water and pack out all trash. These sites are truly primitive, focusing on natural surroundings rather than facilities. Remember to practice Leave No Trace principles during your stay.

When is the best time of year to camp at Fish Camp?

The best time to camp at Fish Camp is late spring through early fall (May-October), when weather conditions are most favorable. Similar to Sage Hen Dispersed, snow can still be present on roads in mid-April, making access challenging. At Mono Basin Dispersed Camp Site, summer brings warm days with good breezes, though insects can be abundant (bring bug spray). Fall offers pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds, while winter camping is possible but requires preparation for snow and cold conditions. Always check road conditions before heading out, especially in shoulder seasons.