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Several free dispersed camping areas exist near the southern entrance of Yosemite National Park, roughly 40 miles northeast of Friant. Goat Meadow offers the most highly-rated sites, with Mount Raymond Road providing access to multiple camping spots. Both areas feature level clearings for tents and RVs with existing fire rings, though fire regulations vary seasonally. These primitive sites lack facilities—no water, toilets or trash service.
Forest Roads 13S02 and 13S09 provide additional dispersed camping options further south in Sequoia National Forest. These areas allow pets and campfires (when permitted) but require appropriate vehicles for access. A camper wrote, "If you enter from the Dinkey Creek entrance get ready for some good offroad ohv trail action." Roads can be challenging, particularly for larger vehicles, with another visitor noting, "The roads were very difficult for an RV to drive." The 14-day camping limit typically applies to all dispersed sites in the region.
"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"
"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!"
"If you enter from the Tamarack trail head and go down Rock Creek Rd its easy to get to the overlook tower."
"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."
"Keep going: coordinates lead to the last spot which is spacious and serene."
"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."
"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."
"The landscape is rocky so you will need to be careful when setting up your tents and also be aware of any fire dangers or restrictions in the area."
"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!"
GuideWas 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
GuideWhat 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!
TravelerAfter 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.
First, to tell you how to properly get here and find all the spots, drive to the end of the road (don’t pay attention to the gate and “off road” dirt road you see to the left before the parking lot. Don’t go there. Go to just before the big Snow Play parking lot and head right through the dirt. There is no paved road but the area is flat and any car, truck or rv/trailer can make it back here easily. I got nervous at first about ability to turnaround so I parked prematurely near the entrance. 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 and not have to back up.
If you’re nervous, we watched several cars, vans, and trailers camp overnight in the big paved parking lot right past this, and that’s fine, but you’re in a parking lot. Come out to the right and you’re in heaven.
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.
TravelerGreat 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.
ScoutTook 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.
ScoutGPS 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! Plenty of space between camps and endless firewood options. Absolutely beautiful and peaceful. Before we parked we filled up with potable water at Wawona Campground.
TravelerThis 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.
ScoutTried to stop on the way to Yosemite park. This pulls up to three closed gates that all look to be private properties
RangerBeautiful forested Sugar Pine Forest. The sigh of the breeze in the trees is enough to make this a paradise. Two to three bars verizon, no other services, though there is a trash can in the parking lot. Fish Camp is only a couple miles away with its General store. Plenty of relatively level sites, fire rings, easy in and easy out. The road is paved up to the parking lot and the Boondock sites on the dirt access road are to the right of the parking lot and meadow. There's nothing negative to say about these sites.
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.
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."
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!"
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.
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!"
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.
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 4.5-star rating from 52 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Friant, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 26 dispersed camping locations near Friant, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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