Dispersed camping areas near Friant, California offer remote outdoor experiences at elevations ranging from 4,500-6,000 feet in Sierra National Forest. These primitive sites typically sit among pine forests with seasonal temperature variations from below freezing in winter to 80°F+ summer days. Most free camping options require visitors to travel 35-50 miles northeast of Friant, particularly in areas surrounding Yosemite's southern entrance.
What to do
Visit Chicago Stump: Located near Cherry Gap OHV Staging Area, this historic site features the remains of a massive sequoia cut for the 1893 World's Fair. "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... Also a quick walk to the Chicago Stump which is a must see," notes one Cherry Gap OHV Staging Area visitor.
OHV trail riding: The forest roads connecting dispersed camping areas offer excellent off-road opportunities. "If you enter from the Tamarack trail head and go down Rock Creek Rd its easy to get to the overlook tower. If you enter from the Dinkey Creek entrance get ready for some good offroad ohv trail action," explains a Bald Mountain Lookout camper.
Wildlife watching: Dawn and dusk provide opportunities to spot local wildlife. At Goat Meadow - Dispersed Camp Site, campers report regular encounters: "Coyotes and bears are active in the area—coyotes raided a bag I had hanging from a tree and stole my food!" One camper mentioned, "a sweet deer came by as we were setting up. She wasn't afraid of us at all, just minding her business eating away."
What campers like
Proximity to Yosemite: Many dispersed sites offer quick access to the national park's southern entrance. "Great spot near Yosemite south entrance. Very quite and private," writes a Goat Meadow camper. Another adds, "It's a great spot to camp when you're in Yosemite but want a more peaceful place to stay for the night."
Stargazing opportunities: Clear mountain skies provide excellent night viewing. A visitor to Road to Armenian Camp shared, "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."
Seasonal experiences: Different times of year offer varied camping conditions. One winter visitor to Goat Meadow noted, "The elevation at the site is appx 5200, meaning it will get snow in the winter(ish) months. When I was there recently, some of the 'campsites' had 0-3", whereas other spots were about 6-8"... I was the only one in the actual snow, which was great!"
What you should know
Fire restrictions: Fire regulations change seasonally and require careful attention. A Forest Road 13s09 Dispersed Camp visitor commented, "The spot has firepits, a camping table and loads of bushes. The view is nice on the forest or a mountain top."
Road conditions: Many dispersed sites require navigating rough forest roads. A Sequoia Forest Hunting Area camper noted, "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."
Holiday crowds: Free camping areas near Yosemite can get busy during peak times. "Stayed about a week which also crossed over Memorial Day weekend. Arrived the Tuesday before. This place gets CROWDED. At 5:30 it's like everyone got off work and headed home, it's nuts," reported a Goat Meadow camper.
Tips for camping with families
Scout early for level spots: Arrive with daylight hours to find suitable tent areas. "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," notes a Forest Road 13s09 visitor.
Prepare for wildlife encounters: Take proper precautions with food storage. "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.
Bring bug protection: Insect activity varies by season and location. A visitor to Yosemite "Boondock National" Dispersed Camping mentioned, "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!"
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: Many forest roads aren't suitable for larger rigs. "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," reports a visitor to Road to Armenian Camp.
Cell coverage considerations: Reception varies significantly between sites. "We had 2 bars of Verizon and intermittent T-Mobile signal. The nearest dump station is at Sequoia RV Park in Dunlap, you just drop $20 in their box and use any available site they have," notes a Road to Armenian Camp camper.
Plan for isolation: Most free camping near Friant requires self-sufficiency. "Stayed here in my 22ft RV after leaving kings canyon and sequoia checking out general Sherman and some other trees. Had my dual sport with me so after parking for first night I unloaded and the next day I road all over the trails," writes a Sequoia Forest Hunting Area visitor.
