Best Dispersed Camping near Friant, CA
Searching for a dispersed campsite near Friant? Dispersed camping is the perfect way to get off the grid. From secluded to easily reachable, we offer dispersed campsites near Friant just for you.
Best Dispersed Sites Near Friant, CA (24)
1. Goat Meadow - Dispersed Camp Site
Fish Camp, California29 Reviews•51 Photos•1070 SavesDispersed Camping is allowed in the National Forest except in the area surrounding Huntington Lake, Shaver Lake, Bass Lake, Redinger Lake, and the Merced River Canyon. Campfire permits are required at all times whenever you plan to have a fire on public land outside of a developed campground. When building a fire please remember to only pick up down and dead wood that is no larger than wrist size and to never leave a campfire unattended.
You can obtain a campfire permit at any Forest office or online at http://www.prevetnwildfireca.org/. Be sure to check and see if campfire restrictions are in effect, when campfire restrictions are in place you will not be able to make a fire in dispersed camping areas (Developed Designated Campgrounds Only) but, you will be able to operate gas stoves, and lanterns with your permit.
When camping in the Forest proper food storage is also required either using a bear box, or by the proper use of the counter balance method. While camping anywhere in the forest also keep in mind that there are other people in the forest and we advise you to respect them and their space.
You may stay at one campsite for a limit of 14 days and you may stay on each district for a limit of 21 days before we will ask you to vacate. Please follow ENVUM maps for all designated roads and vehicle limitations.
We ask you to always remember to pack out what you pack in. Human waste needs to be buried 6 to 8 inches deep. For any other questions about visiting and camping in the forest and in the wilderness please visit LeaveNoTrace.org.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- RVs
- Tents
- Group
2. Yosemite “Boondock National” Dispersed Camping
Fish Camp, California9 Reviews•15 Photos•643 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- ADA Access
- RVs
- Tents
3. Cherry Gap OHV Staging Area
Hume, California10 Reviews•22 Photos•220 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
4. Sequoia Forest Hunting Area - FS 13597
Dunlap, California5 Reviews•6 Photos•110 SavesTips and rules on dispersed camping: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/sequoia/maps-pubs/?cid=fseprd883625
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:
-
Driving off designated roads inside the Monument.
-
Leaving campfire unattended.
-
Leaving trash buried, stashed or left in campfire ring. Abandoning or leaving personal property. PACK IT IN-PACK IT OUT.
-
Cutting or otherwise damaging trees for use as a lean-to or a horse corral. Do not leave anything tied to trees.
-
Destruction of government property such as signs, posters, gates, etc.
-
Removing forest products without a permit.
-
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.
-
Protect standing trees from nails and scars from axes, knives and hatchets. Use only dead and down trees for firewood.
-
Bury human waste at least six inches deep and 200 feet from any waterway or trail. DO NOT bury toilet paper–PACK IT OUT
-
Wash at least 200 feet away from any water source using biodegradable soap.
-
Set up camp more than 200 feet from any waterway or trail.
-
Take a litterbag to carry out all refuse. Do not leave trash in fire rings. Do not bury trash.
-
A campfire permits is required to have a campfire, charcoal barbeque, or camp stove. Use existig fire grates or fire rings. Gather only dead and down firewood. Firewood may not be transported off of the Forest without a permit.
-
Avoid leveling or digging trenches around tents. Place tent on bare ground and not on vegetation.
-
Protect your food from the bears and other animals. Keep your food and anything with a scent stored in an airtight container in your car truck. If your vehicle has no truck, put everything on the floor, cover it well and close the windows. Always, Keep a clean campsite.
-
LEAVE YOUR CAMPSITE BETTER THAN WHEN YOU ARRIVED!
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
-
5. Kamook Staging Camp
Fish Camp, California3 Reviews•5 Photos•30 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- RVs
- Tents
- Group
- Standard (Tent/RV)
6. Momyer Creek Trail 1E06
Be the first to review!Friant, California•16 Saves- Pets
- Reservable
- Dispersed
- Picnic Table
- Alcohol
7. JO Pass
Lakeshore, California1 Review•7 Photos•28 SavesThe 10,500-acre Jennie Lakes Wilderness is a lovely mixture of lakes, meadows, forests, and streams. Mostly above 7,000 feet in elevation, this wilderness contains scenic variations of alpine and sub-alpine forest of White & Red Fir, Lodgepole Pine, Western White Pine, Jeffrey & Ponderosa Pine, with an abundance of wildflowers in the Spring and Summer. The summit of Mitchell Peak is the highest point at 10,365 feet. Four trailheads access 26 miles of trails within the wilderness. Several of these trails also connect to Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park's enormous backcountry.
- Fires
- Reservable
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
8. Road to Armenian Camp - Dispersed Spot
Dunlap, California2 Reviews•4 Photos•55 SavesTips and rules on dispersed camping: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/sequoia/maps-pubs/?cid=fseprd883625
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:
-
Driving off designated roads inside the Monument.
-
Leaving campfire unattended.
-
Leaving trash buried, stashed or left in campfire ring. Abandoning or leaving personal property. PACK IT IN-PACK IT OUT.
-
Cutting or otherwise damaging trees for use as a lean-to or a horse corral. Do not leave anything tied to trees.
-
Destruction of government property such as signs, posters, gates, etc.
-
Removing forest products without a permit.
-
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.
-
Protect standing trees from nails and scars from axes, knives and hatchets. Use only dead and down trees for firewood.
-
Bury human waste at least six inches deep and 200 feet from any waterway or trail. DO NOT bury toilet paper–PACK IT OUT
-
Wash at least 200 feet away from any water source using biodegradable soap.
-
Set up camp more than 200 feet from any waterway or trail.
-
Take a litterbag to carry out all refuse. Do not leave trash in fire rings. Do not bury trash.
-
A campfire permits is required to have a campfire, charcoal barbeque, or camp stove. Use existig fire grates or fire rings. Gather only dead and down firewood. Firewood may not be transported off of the Forest without a permit.
-
Avoid leveling or digging trenches around tents. Place tent on bare ground and not on vegetation.
-
Protect your food from the bears and other animals. Keep your food and anything with a scent stored in an airtight container in your car truck. If your vehicle has no truck, put everything on the floor, cover it well and close the windows. Always, Keep a clean campsite.
-
LEAVE YOUR CAMPSITE BETTER THAN WHEN YOU ARRIVED!
- Pets
- Phone Service
- Dispersed
-
9. FS Road 13s09 Dispersed Camp - Ten Mile Road
Hume, California3 Reviews•6 Photos•131 SavesDispersed 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:
-
Driving off designated roads inside the Monument.
-
Leaving campfire unattended.
-
Leaving trash buried, stashed or left in campfire ring. Abandoning or leaving personal property. PACK IT IN-PACK IT OUT.
-
Cutting or otherwise damaging trees for use as a lean-to or a horse corral. Do not leave anything tied to trees.
-
Destruction of government property such as signs, posters, gates, etc.
-
Removing forest products without a permit.
-
Discharging any firearm within 150 yards of any building, occupied area, across forest development roads, or body of water
- Pets
- Fires
- RVs
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Dispersed
-
10. Forest Road 13S02 Dispersed Site
Hume, California1 Review•68 SavesDispersed 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:
Driving off designated roads inside the Monument.
Leaving campfire unattended.
Leaving trash buried, stashed or left in campfire ring. Abandoning or leaving personal property. PACK IT IN-PACK IT OUT.
Cutting or otherwise damaging trees for use as a lean-to or a horse corral. Do not leave anything tied to trees.
Destruction of government property such as signs, posters, gates, etc.
Removing forest products without a permit.
Discharging any firearm within 150 yards of any building, occupied area, across forest development roads, or body of water
- RVs
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Dispersed
Recent Dispersed Reviews in Friant
64 Reviews of 24 Friant Campgrounds
- K
Kevin T.
Guide
Sequoia Forest Hunting Area - FS 13597
Worth the drive in
We arrived in the dark and met one vehicle who was coming down. 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. We had the place to ourselves in our campervan, there was room for a few more vehicles. Great views coming down in the morning
- KKevin T.Guide
Goat Meadow - Dispersed Camp Site
Ideal
Quite a large level area, though it was November and not peak season so there were loads of space. We pulled in and there were a couple of trailers with horses and a couple of other vehicles and we parked with loads of space between. When we left early in the morning a handful more of vehicles had joined.
mario U.
Traveler
Cherry Gap OHV Staging Area
Very primitive spot but great views and free.
I visited both parks and needed a place to sleep in my car, I had seen this spot on this site before so I looked and found it, it’s a dirt road but my matrix did fine driving through. Very close to the Chicago stump! Lots of wood laying around also.
- ccho7
Scout
Kamook Staging Camp
Hidden space close to Yosemite NP
I was expecting bad conditions because of the previous comments but it was actually a good surprise. It's very close to the entrance of Yosemite, in our case it was very quiet and well isolated. There is no view or wow effect but it's great location and isolated.
MouniTravelerKamook Staging Camp
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.
renee P.TravelerSequoia Forest Hunting Area - FS 13597
Tucked away from the world
While the road to get up there is a bit nerve wracking (hoping no one comes around those corners the other direction!) It's worth taking it slow and steady. We were the only ones there and enjoyed a very peaceful night bathed in moonlight and the sounds of nature. Great place!
Nathan W.TravelerGoat Meadow - Dispersed Camp Site
Close, free, and beautiful
We got there at 5pm on a Sunday. Went all the way to the back and In my opinion got the best spot. We had plenty of trees around us for privacy and shade. Highly recommend if you’re trying to camp close to Yosemite without a reservation. Only downside were the mosquitoes were on another level. They turned off once it got dark though.
Matt S.Guide
Dewey Point Backcountry Site — Yosemite National Park
Great Spot!
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 !
- oolivia C.Scout
Cherry Gap OHV Staging Area
Perfect camping spot
Easy to find if you turn on that road leading to Chicago stump. Keep driving down and you’ll see dispersed camping spots. Beautiful views, quiet, peaceful & there are some fire rings already built.
JJ D.GuideGoat Meadow - Dispersed Camp Site
Free
A quiet, large space for setting up.
Vinny D.GuideGoat Meadow - Dispersed Camp Site
Great spot, only down fall is the mosquitos!
This spot is great, right outside the YNP, but the mosquitos will suck ever last drop of blood out of you! This was the very back spot but also a quiet spot.
- Vinny D.Guide
Goat Meadow - Dispersed Camp Site
Great spot
Got there late at night, around midnight. Had to find a spot but very quiet. Will stay there again!
Aidan D.GuideGoat Meadow - Dispersed Camp Site
Decent spot
This is a good location right near the south entrance of the park, but still about an hour from the valley. It was a little crowded and pretty bumpy road to get into the sites. But it worked well for staying for the night.
Alexis O.Traveler
Yosemite “Boondock National” Dispersed Camping
amazing & accesible spot !
super accessible spot right by the entrance (10 min drive max) to yosemite np !! not sure why some of these reviews are complicated lol but just go up mount raymond road like the directions tell you to then once you get to the end i just went to the turn out on the right ! super lowkey, fire pits, and beautiful scenery 🌱
- MMo H.Traveler
Kamook Staging Camp
Simple Campground
Simple campground with toilets available
Tent and RV (4wd recommended, steep road)
- EEric W.Scout
Goat Meadow - Dispersed Camp Site
Love
It’s great
hamza P.ScoutForest Road 13S02 Dispersed Site
Great little spot
Secluded with very little traffic. 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.
Caroline D.TravelerGoat Meadow - Dispersed Camp Site
Great free camp at the exit of Yosemite park
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 under the trees with the tents.
- LLeenTraveler
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.
- ZZoe J.Traveler
Goat Meadow - Dispersed Camp Site
Great quiet campsite
We stayed here when visiting Yosemite and it was a great location, easy to find in the dark, and quiet. Part of the road was closed due to the season but we were still able to find a spot and had the place to ourselves. No cell service, bathrooms, or clear fire pits but it didn’t bother us!
Amanda H.ScoutGoat Meadow - Dispersed Camp Site
Perfect place to stop
Was a great place to stop so we could get an early start towards Yosemite. The stars were beautiful as there is almost no light pollution. There were a few others parked around the edge of the big lot and people were friendly. Easy to find. Will keep this spot saved. It was very cold, a bit icy in the morning the second week of November.
- Kristi D.
LegendSequoia Forest Hunting Area - FS 13597
Private remote campsite
I found this last minute after digging through many campspots on the north side of Sequoia National Park, but most were closed for the season. 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.
Samantha M.GuideGoat Meadow - Dispersed Camp Site
As good as it gets
Stayed Saturday and Sunday. This is the most perfect dispersed camping in the area. Just a few minutes from Yosemite NP entrance. Spots are pretty obvious which is great. Some have fire pits already established by previous campers. There’s a huge pile of wood that’s great for your fire. There’s a large paved area for RVs as well. Everyone was respectful. Some arrived closer to 10pm and still found a spot. No problem with noise after 10pm.
Erich J.GuideGoat Meadow - Dispersed Camp Site
Great stop!
Had a lovely evening here. Camp sites are clean and free of garbage. Spread out nicely to avoid any noisy neighbors. Beautiful way to start a cross country road trip.
Pavla L.GuideCherry Gap OHV Staging Area
Fine safe spot
We stayed here in October 2023 for our first night in the forest, we stayed at a place near the main road since we arrived late in the night. More place are further the road. It was a safe fine spot with a nice morning view over the canyon.
- Ondra M.Scout
Cherry Gap OHV Staging Area
Great camp
We had a problem to find this place. You have to turn onto the road 13s03 direction Chicago stump
NoSleep F.GuideGoat Meadow - Dispersed Camp Site
Awesome spot
This spot is located right next to the snow play area. Just off to the right hand side of the road there is a dirt trail. I even saw some Camry and a Honda deep in the woods here. Once you go deeper then the road become more bumpy and a 4x4 might be more beneficial. We enjoyed this spot. No water bathrooms or trash.Thank you.
Guide to Friant
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Friant, California, where nature meets tranquility. With a variety of options available, outdoor enthusiasts can find the perfect spot to unwind and connect with the great outdoors.
Tips for free and dispersed camping near Friant, California
- Look for secluded spots like Goat Meadow - Dispersed Camp Site, which offers plenty of trees for privacy and shade, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a peaceful retreat.
- Be prepared for mosquitoes, especially in areas like Goat Meadow - Dispersed Camp Site, where they can be quite bothersome during the day but tend to disappear at night.
- Always check for fire restrictions before setting up camp; many locations, including Yosemite “Boondock National” Dispersed Camping, allow fires but may have specific guidelines to follow.
Enjoying outdoor activities while free camping near Friant
- For those who love hiking, JO Pass provides access to challenging trails with stunning views, perfect for adventurous spirits looking to explore the backcountry.
- If you're into ATV riding, Kamook Staging Camp is a popular spot where you can enjoy the thrill of off-roading while still having the option to camp nearby.
- Fishing enthusiasts will appreciate the proximity of spots like North Fork Confluence, where you can cast a line and enjoy the serene waters.
Dispersed campers should check out Goat Meadow
- Goat Meadow - Dispersed Camp Site is a well-reviewed location that offers a quiet atmosphere, making it a great choice for families or groups looking to relax.
- This site is also big rig friendly, allowing for larger vehicles to access the area comfortably, which is a plus for those traveling with RVs.
- With no permit required, Goat Meadow - Dispersed Camp Site makes it easy for spontaneous camping trips without the hassle of reservations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Friant, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Friant, CA is Goat Meadow - Dispersed Camp Site with a 4.4-star rating from 29 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Friant, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 24 dispersed camping locations near Friant, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.