Best Tent Camping near Hathaway Pines, CA

Tent campers visiting Hathaway Pines in California can find several established and dispersed camping options among the tall trees and scenic landscapes of the Sierra Nevada foothills. Top of Arnold - FR 5N56 Dispersed offers primitive tent camping on Forest Service land, while North Grove Campground at Calaveras Big Trees State Park provides a more developed tent camping experience with access to trails among the giant sequoias. Bear Valley Dispersed Camping, located northeast of Hathaway Pines, provides additional opportunities for tent campers seeking more remote settings.

Most primitive tent sites around Hathaway Pines have dirt surfaces that can become dusty in summer months. Forest Route 4N39 offers free dispersed camping with drive-in and walk-in access, though visitors should note the dirt roads can be rutted and require careful navigation. A visitor commented, "The dirt road up is full of ruts and potholes, but my Toyota Yaris made it up." Most dispersed sites lack drinking water and toilets, requiring campers to pack in water and practice proper waste disposal techniques. Bear boxes are provided at established campgrounds but not at dispersed sites, so proper food storage is essential in this bear-active region.

Tent camping near Hathaway Pines provides access to multiple hiking trails and outdoor activities. Sites within Calaveras Big Trees State Park place campers directly among the towering sequoias with well-maintained trails accessible from the campground. Forest Service dispersed sites typically offer more solitude and fewer amenities, with campers reporting adequate cell service at some locations—a rarity for primitive tent campgrounds. According to one review, "There is sun for solar panels and enough shade to be fine mostly," though the reviewer noted the ground is "basically dust dirt" which can be challenging for tent campers. While road noise affects some established campgrounds near highways, the dispersed tent sites tend to offer greater quiet and seclusion.

Best Tent Sites Near Hathaway Pines, California (70)

    1. North Grove Campground — Calaveras Big Trees State Park

    22 Reviews
    Arnold, CA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (209) 795-2334

    $25 - $70 / night

    "The campground we chose was kind of close to the road which would have been the only real negative."

    "Beautiful site, hiking trails close by, well maintained grounds. Bear came through our camp one night hit the Bear box and walked off. Rangers were friendly and very informative about the area."

    2. Top of Arnold - FR 5N56 Dispersed

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

    "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."

    "Some noise from chainsaws in the distance one day, and some target practice, but neither lasted long. 2 bars LTE of Verizon."

    3. Boards Crossing

    1 Review
    Camp Connell, CA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (209) 795-1381

    4. Forest Route 4N39 Dispersed

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

    5. Lake Camanche

    18 Reviews
    Wallace, CA
    31 miles
    Website
    +1 (209) 763-5121

    $50 / night

    "Wicked August heat, BUT there’s the lake! 5 Stars — were it not for the SLOBS who preceded us!!"

    "I come here with my family every year around 4th of July. I would book way ahead for busy holidays like that. 
    The water level really varies on the year."

    7. Bear Valley Dispersed Camping

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

    "Wooded campground, cool weather, good phone reception, many spots taken with no activity probably by locals. Lake, hiking, close shopping."

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

    8. Stanislaus River Campground

    3 Reviews
    Bear Valley, CA
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (209) 532-3671

    $12 / night

    "Very nice campground with clean vault toilets. Along the north fork Stanislaus River. Great for trout fishing. Hike downstream for some great views of the river. Gets very dark at night."

    "About half of the sites were closed due to dangerous trees so there weren't as many people around."

    9. Utica Campgrounds

    4 Reviews
    Bear Valley, CA
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (209) 532-3671

    $16 / night

    "Or just use nature :) Please please don’t trash this place! People just don’t understand LNT rules."

    "Because there’s no host or ranger, there are also no reservations. It’s all first come first serve! I arrived on a Thursday to find 2 open spots."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 70 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Tent Camping Reviews near Hathaway Pines, CA

952 Reviews of 70 Hathaway Pines Campgrounds


  • Anna C.
    Sep. 28, 2017

    Hetch Hetchy Backpacker's Campground — Yosemite National Park

    Hetch Hetchy Walk-in Established Sites

    We stayed the night at one of the Hetch Hetchy reservable sites (first come, first served) before our trek through the backcountry of Yosemite. The sites were just a quick walk in from the parking lot and featured picnic tables, bear boxes, bathrooms and established fire rings. A permit is required to stay in the area as well as a $6 per person fee and you're able to check-in with your reservation right at the Hetch Hetchy entrance. The sites are well maintained and do feature scenic vistas, though it appears that the best views offered by Hetch Hetchy are found farther in the backcountry and we wish we had the time to really explore the area. The campground served as an easy spot to hike in, set up and prepare for a long trek ahead, although, if you're not pressed for time or resting up for a big hike, I'd recommend continuing on past the established sites into the more scenic backcountry. One major advantage of Hetch Hetchy is that you'll avoid the major crowds in Yosemite Valley which can't be beat in my book.

  • Quinn M.
    Sep. 23, 2019

    North Grove Campground — Calaveras Big Trees State Park

    Close to Perfect

    My brother and I hit the north grove campground for the first time this past weekend. My expectations weren’t high but this place was great.

    The campground we chose was kind of close to the road which would have been the only real negative. The campground map makes it seem like the road was further away from the sites but I woke up a couple of times from road noise.

    Our campsite had a fire ring, bbq, picnic table and bear box and still had a large flat spot for my huge tent as well as parking for my car.

    The weather was great, no bugs to be found and plenty to do. I already want to go back next year but choose a site further from the road.

  • S
    Aug. 19, 2018

    Sand Flat Campground

    No Reservations Required

    Located off highway 50 near Kyburz, CA, this campsite is a first come, first serve campsite. No reservations. Listen to the sounds of the river while sleeping. You can also play & fish in the river during the day. The river is stocked with fish. RV & tent sites which are spacious & most have nice shade coverage. No hookups, vault toilets. Dog friendly on leashes. Camp host has been there for 5 years & is super friendly. we had no problems but we followed the rules. Only 4 stars because you do hear the highway traffic. one of my fav places. $23 per day per site, $8 for extra parking. Lots of extra spaces.

  • 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!

  • Shane C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 17, 2022

    Scotts Lake Rd Dispersed Camping

    Dispersed camping with campground layout/feel

    Camped here for a night in early October. Easy access and reasonably good road quality make it very RV friendly - I would say that it was at least 75% RVs/Trailers. Beautiful views of the valley and hills to the east. Most sites are obvious, with a driveway and stone fire ring. We like a more "dispersed" feel, but felt comfortable. 

    There are no services - bring all the water you will need and practice "leave no trace." This goes for your waste (human and animal) as well. I wish I could say that we didn't see any dog waste or "TP Flowers" but we did. Not a significant amount, but any is too much.

    The place was pretty much full, but still good vibes and quiet neighbors. Very close to Hwy. 88, so road noise and campers coming in looking for a spot after dark. Gets quiet later in the evening.

    Overall, a nice spot.

  • Reese F.
    Aug. 25, 2019

    Highland Lakes Campground

    It’s a long bumpy road to get here, but you won’t want to leave.

    This place is amazing. I’ve been five times since I discovered it late last year. This campground is about an hour’s drive to any kind of amenities or cell phone service. The road in is bumpy and there is a shallow creek that you will need to drive across, but I had no problems driving a 2wd Honda Fit compact car up. This park didn’t even open until late July this year due to all the snowfall. There is 1 vault toilet and an old-school hand pump for water, which isn’t always functioning so bring plenty of water. All of the sites are first come first served, each has a fire pit with grill plate, and a picnic table. No dumpsters for trash, pack it in and pack it out.

    There is plenty of hiking, both steep and moderate. Folger peak trail can be very challenging due to all the loose shale. There is an equestrian trail that is more flat going the other direction which is less steep but still a very scenic hike. Ranchers bring their cattle up to graze during the summer months so you’ll hear their cowbells all day long. There is a weather station in the valley and it’s fairly accurate so you can get the forecast before you go, just google weather Highland Lakes. I would recommend a 4 season tent, even in the summer. On my last trip it was a little to cold for my taste so we drove back down the road and camped along the creek the last few nights.

  • Patricia O.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 20, 2018

    Caples Lake Campground

    Nice location, right on the hwy though

    This is a nice location in that it's right across the road from Caples Lake. There can be a lot of road noise depending on your site as some sit right along the highway. Stayed here many times in various sites. There is a lot of hiking in the area, and several lakes. Vault toilets, picnic tables, grills, fire rings. May or may not have water. Hosts are nice and keep it quiet.

  • Raymond B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 15, 2024

    USFS Silver Fork Dispersed

    Overnight stay

    We recently spent a night at this campsite and found it to be perfect for a quick overnight getaway. The area is spacious and conveniently located not too far off the main road, making it easy to access without feeling too isolated.

    There are plenty of sites to choose from, catering to different preferences. However, we recommend taking some time to survey the land before setting up camp, as some spots are slightly sloped.

    A huge plus is the gas station just about 5 minutes down the road. It’s well-stocked with all the convenient store items you might have forgotten at home, making it easy to grab any last-minute necessities.

    Overall, it was a delightful stay. Just remember, always practice Leave No Trace principles—pack out what you pack in!

  • A
    Jul. 18, 2021

    Lower Blue Lake Campground

    Stunning views

    We arrived on a Friday afternoon with fingers crossed to get a walk-in campsite. We lucked out and got the last one! The camp host was wonderful! He sold us some wood, showed us the features of our site (we weren’t on the water, but very nearby with a great granite mound behind our site that made for some beautiful views) and told us a lot about the area. The campsite was clean, well laid out, very private, and nicely shaded. The bear box was quite large. It had a shelf, so some taller coolers might not fit well. We set up camp, grabbed our paddle boards, and headed out on the lake. It was absolutely gorgeous even at low water levels. The water was cold, but refreshing and very clear. There are granite islands to explore on the northern end that have great spots for jumping. The campsite was full, the day use area seemed full as well, but the lake wasn’t crowded anywhere. The restrooms are pit toilets, but the cleanest I’ve seen anywhere. Bugs weren’t terrible, but it was a very dry year. I think in a wetter year, mosquitoes could be an issue. All in all, I’ve been to lots of campgrounds, and I really can’t wait to go back to this one!


Guide to Hathaway Pines

Tent camping opportunities near Hathaway Pines range from secluded forest sites to developed campgrounds around mountain reservoirs. Located in Calaveras County at approximately 3,700 feet elevation, the area serves as a gateway to the Stanislaus National Forest where summer temperatures typically range from 50-85°F. Winter camping remains available at lower elevations, though higher elevation campgrounds close seasonally due to snow conditions.

What to do

Swimming in natural features: Stanislaus River Campground provides access to unique water activities beyond standard swimming. As one camper noted, "if you hike down river you find a nice moss-covered natural water slide. Stay on the lower right or there's a chance you could get pushed into rocks."

Stargazing at higher elevations: Bear Valley Dispersed Camping offers excellent night sky viewing opportunities due to minimal light pollution. A camper confirmed this benefit: "Perfect spot for star gazing!! We arrived when it was dark and had no problem finding a spot! It was open with plenty of spots & we were the only ones!"

Kayaking island-to-island: Utica Campgrounds provides non-motorized boating opportunities with unique camping options. According to a visitor, "We canoed and SUP camped here. You can find beautiful, isolated sites on the islands all around the lake. Great hammock camping!"

Fishing early morning: Several campgrounds feature good fishing access, particularly during early hours. At Stanislaus River Campground, one visitor mentioned: "Always great fishing if you get up early" while noting the campground sits "Along the north fork Stanislaus River. Great for trout fishing."

What campers like

Off-season solitude: Lake Camanche sees significantly fewer visitors during non-summer months. A camper reported: "We stayed at the lake for one night, mid-week, off season. We were only one of a few handful of RVs in the RV section of the campground... in the early spring, it was full of bird songs and a gorgeous sunset."

Private wooded sites: North Grove Campground — Calaveras Big Trees State Park offers forested camping with adequate spacing between sites. A visitor remarked: "Not a lot of privacy (wide open so you can see everyone around you) but individual sites have room between them."

Cellular connectivity: Unlike many remote camping areas, several dispersed sites maintain usable cell service. At Forest Route 4N39 Dispersed, campers can expect moderate connectivity, while a Bear Valley Dispersed Camping visitor noted: "Wooded campground, cool weather, good phone reception, many spots taken with no activity probably by locals."

Clean facilities: Stanislaus River Campground maintains well-kept basic amenities despite its remote setting. A camper observed: "Very nice campground with clean vault toilets. Along the north fork Stanislaus River."

What you should know

Access roads can be challenging: Many dispersed camping areas require navigating unpaved roads. A visitor to Top of Arnold explained: "The dirt road up is full of ruts and potholes, but my Toyota Yaris made it up. Some noise from chainsaws in the distance one day, and some target practice, but neither lasted long."

Seasonal crowds: Boards Crossing and other sites experience significant visitor pressure during peak season. A camper advised: "I absolutely adore this dispersed site because of the fond memories that I had growing up using the site while it was fully operational (for 28 years). It used to be a fully operational campground, but it's now decommissioned and only accessible by walking in."

Dust conditions: Many tent sites in the area have dry, dusty surfaces that can affect gear and comfort. A Top of Arnold camper noted: "Only downside is the ground is basically dust dirt. My dogs love it, my bedding doesn't!"

Insect activity: Depending on season, stinging insects may be present. At Lake Camanche, campers are advised to "beware of the bees!" Similar warnings appear for Stanislaus River Campground: "The only downfall is bees, lots of them. They want your food."

Tips for camping with families

Junior Ranger programs: North Grove Campground offers structured educational activities for children. A visitor praised the "great visitor center and junior ranger program."

Shallow water access: For families with young children, Lake Camanche provides appropriate swimming areas. According to a regular visitor: "We've been camping here for 10 years now. Always 4+ campsites for 4-5 days around July 4th weekend... Water is really nice!!"

Low-traffic weekdays: For family camping with fewer neighbors, timing matters significantly. One Lake Camanche camper advised: "Weekends are filled up and busy, but during the week days it's nice and quiet."

Wildlife education opportunities: Calaveras Big Trees State Park provides bear safety lessons through real experiences. A camper reported: "Bear came through our camp one night hit the Bear box and walked off. Rangers were friendly and very informative about the area."

Tips from RVers

Limited hookup information: While many campgrounds accommodate RVs, full-service sites are rare. At Lake Camanche, a visitor noted: "No trailer hookups, but very site has a water but can't connect it with the trailer. Park does have a dump station and is included in the space rent."

Clearance requirements: Forest roads often present challenges for larger vehicles. On Forest Route 4N39, a camper advised: "You don't need 4x4 but you definitely will need a vehicle with some decent clearance. There are some weirdly purposefully placed speed bumps on the west end of the road... that will let you know if you have enough clearance pretty quickly."

Entertainment considerations: Some campgrounds attract visitors seeking different camping experiences. One Lake Camanche visitor observed: "Paved roads, no trees but clean bathrooms. There was a family 'camping' with a generator and flat screen TV watching a boxing match."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Hathaway Pines, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Hathaway Pines, CA is North Grove Campground — Calaveras Big Trees State Park with a 4.6-star rating from 22 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Hathaway Pines, CA?

TheDyrt.com has all 70 tent camping locations near Hathaway Pines, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.