Searching for the best camping near Hensley Lake, CA? There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Hensley Lake. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.
"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."
"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"
"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."
"If you enter from the Tamarack trail head and go down Rock Creek Rd its easy to get to the overlook tower."
"Great little spot within 10 minutes of one Yosemite’s entrance. Spaces for a few different campsites"
"Took us about 9 min to get to the park entrance. Now that we know about this spot we will definitely use this area again. We'll just make sure we get there earlier."
$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 !"
"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."
"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."
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!
TravelerRed 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!
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.
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
TravelerWent 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.
TravelerIt’s Memorial weekend and the weather is in the 70s, sun is shining through the forest trees, the birds are singing and this site is a perfect base camp for my day trips to hike in Yosemite.
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
ScoutGreat spot for overnight car camping, no service, plenty of firewood
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Hensley Lake in California, where nature lovers can find secluded spots away from the crowds. This area offers a variety of options for those looking to immerse themselves in the great outdoors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Hensley Lake?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Hensley Lake is Goat Meadow - Dispersed Camp Site with a 4.5-star rating from 40 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Hensley Lake?
TheDyrt.com has all 18 dispersed camping locations near Hensley Lake, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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