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Best Dispersed Camping near Groveland, CA

95 Reviews

Hardin Flat Road provides dispersed camping just minutes from Yosemite National Park's Big Oak entrance. Multiple pull-out spots accommodate both car campers and tent campers along this forest route, with spacious sites offering good shade from pine and cedar trees. The area features several established camping spots with small rock fire rings, though fire permits may be required during camping season. No facilities are available—no toilets, water, or trash service.

Evergreen Road and Van Haven offer additional free camping options near Groveland. Evergreen Road contains scattered primitive sites within 10 minutes of a park entrance, while Van Haven sites provide scenic views along the John Muir trail. Road conditions vary significantly, with several areas requiring vehicles with decent clearance. According to one visitor, "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." Most dispersed sites fill up quickly, particularly during peak season, with campers noting "the best spots will be taken early."

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Groveland, California (14)

    1. Hardin Flat Road

    15 Reviews
    Eastman Lake, CA
    18 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."

    2. Van Haven Dispersed Site Yosemite

    2 Reviews
    Groveland, CA
    9 miles

    "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!"

    "Great views along the John Muir trail. 24 hour Public restroom .o2miles from camp site."

    3. Evergreen Rd Dispersed camping

    4 Reviews
    Eastman Lake, CA
    20 miles

    "Firstly, the spots aren’t actually on Evergreen; they’re on an easily missed dirt road near Aspen Valley Rd."

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

    4. Hardin flat dispersed

    1 Review
    Mather, CA
    18 miles

    "Very nice and quiet spot, very close to Yosemite entrance, ideal if you weren't able to get a reservation."

    5. Goat Meadow - Dispersed Camp Site

    41 Reviews
    Fish Camp, CA
    41 miles
    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"

    6. Top of Arnold - FR 5N56 Dispersed

    4 Reviews
    Arnold, CA
    31 miles
    Website
    +1 (209) 532-3671

    "Be sure to obtain a fire permit from Cal fire and check fire restrictions in the area have a bucket full of water and a shovel next to your fire at all times again this place was amazing"

    "The dirt road up is full of ruts and potholes, but my Toyota Yaris made it up."

    7. Forest Route 4N39 Dispersed

    2 Reviews
    Stanislaus National Forest, CA
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (209) 459-9238

    8. Yosemite “Boondock National” Dispersed Camping

    12 Reviews
    Fish Camp, CA
    41 miles

    "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"

    9. Dewey Point Backcountry Site — Yosemite National Park

    1 Review
    Yosemite Valley, CA
    33 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 !"

    10. Bear Valley Dispersed Camping

    7 Reviews
    Sierraville, CA
    44 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 994-3401

    "Bear valley is my favorite place to go camping, the most you get close to the top of the mountain, the most curvy the road is, so be prepare."

    "Lots of trails to ride your bike and walk."

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Groveland, CA

62 Photos of 14 Groveland Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Groveland, CA

95 Reviews of 14 Groveland Campgrounds

  • Val C.
    Jul. 4, 2023

    Leavitt Lake

    Not Accessible by Car

    I have a truck. i got about a half mile in before the snow washed out the road. you can still hike in. high clearance and 4wd a must

  • 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!

  • 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!

  • J
    Sep. 28, 2021

    Leavitt Lake

    High Sierra Lake

    We visited Lake Levitte, back in June 2021. I would recommend a high clearance vehicle, ad there are some technical sections. If you watch your line, you can make it. This location has become too popular by many YouTube videos. When we arrived, there were at least 7 other groups there. Location is beautiful and will definitely return in the future.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 10, 2021

    Goat Meadow - Dispersed Camp Site

    Amazing off grid Location, Quiet, RV access

    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.

    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.

  • Caroline D.
    May. 4, 2024

    Goat 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.

  • 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.

  • Raymond M.
    Oct. 5, 2025

    Top of Arnold - FR 5N56 Dispersed

    This place is real camping

    This campground was the best campground that I’ve been to in a long time take note that this is real camping so there is no bathrooms. There is no running water. There is no showers not for the week but for the real man not recommended for women in small kids, but absolutely amazing and beautiful place. Be sure to obtain a fire permit from Cal fire and check fire restrictions in the area have a bucket full of water and a shovel next to your fire at all times again this place was amazing

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 7, 2024

    Hardin Flat Road

    Visited in April

    Went on 4/5/24 - 4/7/24. 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.

    There’s enough space for you to distance yourself from others.

    No bear boxes or bathrooms but very safe and easy to access.

Guide to Groveland

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Groveland, California, where nature lovers can find serene spots away from the crowds. With stunning landscapes and a variety of outdoor activities, these locations offer a perfect escape into the wilderness.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Groveland, California

Dispersed campers should check out Hardin Flat Road

  • This location is known for its beautiful pine and cedar forest, making it a great choice for those looking to immerse themselves in nature.
  • The area allows campfires, so you can enjoy cozy evenings under the stars, but remember to bring your own firewood as it is not provided.
  • With no reservations required, Hardin Flat Road is perfect for spontaneous trips, especially for those wanting to explore Yosemite National Park nearby.

Hiking and exploring while free camping near Groveland

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find dispersed camping in Groveland, CA?

Several dispersed camping areas are available near Groveland, providing easy access to Yosemite. Goat Meadow - Dispersed Camp Site is a popular option located just outside Yosemite, with numerous spots for both tent and car camping. It features portable toilets and room for various vehicle types. Yosemite "Boondock National" Dispersed Camping offers tree-covered sites with good privacy despite being busy during peak seasons. Both locations serve as excellent base camps for Yosemite day trips. Other options include Hardin Flat Road and Evergreen Road dispersed camping areas, all offering free camping opportunities with varying levels of accessibility.

What are the regulations for dispersed camping near Groveland?

Dispersed camping near Groveland follows standard Leave No Trace principles. At Hardin Flat Road and other nearby dispersed sites, there are no bear boxes or bathroom facilities, so campers must pack out all waste and store food properly to prevent wildlife encounters. Van Haven Dispersed Site Yosemite and similar areas require proper waste management and responsible camping practices. Most sites are free but have stay limits (typically 14 days). Campfires may be restricted seasonally, especially during fire season. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip. High-clearance vehicles are recommended for many sites as roads can be rough with deep ruts and erosion.

Is dispersed camping in Groveland available year-round?

Dispersed camping availability near Groveland varies seasonally with weather conditions. Leavitt Lake access becomes difficult in winter and spring, with snow often washing out roads as late as July, requiring high clearance 4WD vehicles or hiking in. Top of Arnold - FR 5N56 Dispersed may be more accessible in shoulder seasons but can have rutted roads. Lower elevation sites generally remain accessible longer, though winter storms can create hazardous conditions. Spring brings muddy roads and potential flooding. Always check current road conditions before heading out, especially during winter months when snow and ice can make forest roads impassable even for 4WD vehicles.

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