Best Dispersed Camping near Hanford, CA
Searching for a dispersed campsite near Hanford? The Dyrt can help you find the best dispersed campsites for your next trip. Find the perfect dispersed campsite for your next adventure.
Best Dispersed Sites Near Hanford, CA (10)
2. Cherry Gap OHV Staging Area
Hume, California10 Reviews•22 Photos•220 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
3. 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:
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Driving off designated roads inside the Monument.
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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.
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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
-
4. 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
-
Recent Dispersed Reviews in Hanford
22 Reviews of 10 Hanford 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
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.
- TTanner C.
ScoutBoondocking - Coalinga
Waste of time
If you aren’t sleeping in a camper or in your car, don’t waste your time. It’s a parking lot. Didn’t clearly specify
Kkkautzky K.ScoutBoondocking - Coalinga
Free army base
It was spooky but comfortable, good places for renting, fishing,and nature.
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!
- 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.
- 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.
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
Iris A.GuideCherry Gap OHV Staging Area
could not find it
the coordinates didn't lead me there
- JJackson D.Scout
Boondocking - Coalinga
Solid Stay off the interstate
Basic pull off area that is good for a nights rest. There are a couple of gas stations and fast food restaurants nearby. The parking area is relatively quite and there is a good amount of room to park and sleep.
- RRay S.Scout
Sequoia Forest Hunting Area - FS 13597
Great little spot for a couple nights close to lots of OHV trails
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. The coolest thing was the fire tower calledDelilah lookout. Highly recommend! Great place for a 2 night stay especially if you have a dirtbike/enduro
- Shainna M.Guide
Road to Armenian Camp - Dispersed Spot
Ok for smaller vehicles
Curvy, narrow road. No great pull outs for larger vehicles.
therealquaid D.GuideSequoia Forest Hunting Area - FS 13597
Nice spot with reception
This spot is flat, large (fits 2 big rigs at least) and has T-mobile and Verizon reception. In a 2 week period I did have some hunters come by and start shooting very close to the RV but other than that everyone just passes by on the road towards Millwood OHV.
To get here make a right when you get to an intersection pointing towards sequoia lake. This spot is the last turnout wide enough for big rigs afterwards the road gets too narrow.
- therealquaid D.Guide
Road to Armenian Camp - Dispersed Spot
Free camping away from hunters
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.
Heads up to warm afternoons as they get a lot of flies.
Follow signs to the Armenian Campground, the road is fully paved and the campground keeps snow off the entrance forest road in the winter. Big rigs can make it okay. I’ve actually seen a semi drive down this spot.
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.
- CCraig E.Traveler
Cherry Gap OHV Staging Area
Solid spot in a pinch
It’s a great spot considering it’s inside the parks. Had a little trouble pinpointing exactly where it was even with the coordinates but once I found it and set up it was a nice quiet camp spot.
- Kristian W.Guide
Cherry Gap OHV Staging Area
Good dispersed camping, big enough for an RV
I was directed to these sites by a park ranger when all the campgrounds in the national parks were full. Great sites, with the first being big enough for a small RV. Also a quick walk to the Chicago Stump which is a must see.
- Kristian W.Guide
Cherry Gap OHV Staging Area
Nice dispersed camping, big enough for an RV
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. There are sites all along the road, but the first at the junction is great and big enough for a small RV. Also a quick walk to the Chicago Stump which is a must see.
- ooliviaScout
Boondocking - Coalinga
Free boondocking
The street ends and there is a dirt lot past it. You see other trucks, like two, not many at all, that are here resting. I personally pulled into the dirt lot but the trucks are on the sides of the end of the road. You can hear a highway close but honestly, not bad. I feel pretty relaxed and safe here. You have like three fast food places within walking distance so you’re not in a sketchy, middle of nowhere place and not many people come all the way to the end of the road.
- WWinnie K.Guide
Boondocking - Coalinga
Quiet boondock spot
Got tired and needed a place to sleep for the night; this area is popular with semi drivers and safe and quiet, with 24-hour bathrooms nearby.
Robert S.
RangerCherry Gap OHV Staging Area
Good camping if you don’t mind roughing it.
This is a good spot if you go deer hunting or like roughing it.
- Andy H.Ranger
Cherry Gap OHV Staging Area
Good if you didn’t have a camping reservation in Sequoia...
Nice open spaces with tree cover near Hume Lake off the 180. This is a dispersed camping and OHV staging area that is first come first served for camping. Great for those who are backpacking and need a free place to camp before heading off into the Sierras! Most Parks have “backpacker camps” which allow you to camp 1 night before or after a backpacking trip, but Sequoia does not. This dispersed camping area is perfect for staging your next big hike, or simply camping for free in one of the most popular National Parks.
Guide to Hanford
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Hanford, California, where nature lovers can find serene spots away from the hustle and bustle. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, there's something for everyone looking to escape into the wild.
Scenic Views for Dispersed Campers
- The Sequoia Forest Hunting Area - FS 13597 offers breathtaking views and a peaceful atmosphere, perfect for those seeking solitude in nature.
- At the Cherry Gap OHV Staging Area, campers can enjoy beautiful landscapes while having access to nearby trails for off-road adventures.
- For a truly remote experience, the Road to Armenian Camp - Dispersed Spot provides a tucked-away location where you can immerse yourself in the sounds of nature.
Top Activities While Free Camping Near Hanford
- Fishing enthusiasts will appreciate the opportunities available at the Cherry Gap Camp, where you can cast a line in nearby waters and enjoy a relaxing day outdoors.
- Hiking is a must at the Sequoia Lake - Westside, where trails lead you through stunning scenery and diverse wildlife.
- For those with off-road vehicles, the Sequoia Forest Hunting Area - FS 13597 is a great spot to explore various trails and enjoy the thrill of adventure.
Unique Experiences for Dispersed Campers
- The Boondocking - Coalinga offers a convenient stop for travelers, with nearby amenities like gas stations and fast food, making it a practical choice for a quick overnight stay.
- If you're looking for a quiet retreat, the North Fork Confluence is a lesser-known spot that provides a tranquil environment for relaxation and reflection.
- For a blend of adventure and comfort, the Cherry Gap OHV Staging Area features established fire rings and easy access to off-highway vehicle trails, making it ideal for thrill-seekers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Hanford, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Hanford, CA is Boondocking - Coalinga with a 3.4-star rating from 5 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Hanford, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 10 dispersed camping locations near Hanford, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.