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Best Dispersed Camping near Hensley Lake

82 Reviews

Several dispersed camping options exist within an hour's drive of Hensley Lake in the Sierra National Forest region. Goat Meadow, located at the end of Mt. Raymond Road near Yosemite's south entrance, offers multiple free primitive sites suitable for tents, RVs, and larger vehicles. The large clearing accommodates numerous campers with reasonable privacy among the trees. Fire rings are present at established sites, though no toilets, trash service or water are available.

Yosemite "Boondock National" dispersed camping provides similar free accommodations approximately 10 minutes from Yosemite's entrance. Access roads are bumpy but manageable for most vehicles, including some larger rigs. Visitors should be aware that exact location coordinates can be confusing - follow Mount Raymond Road past Springdale Campground to the SnowPlay area sign. A recent visitor noted, "Only about a mile or so off the main road. Spots are a little confusing as there's no direct road through the sites, but you'll find a spot." Seasonal considerations include yellow jacket presence in late summer and persistent mosquitoes in spring months. The 14-day camping duration limit typical of national forest dispersed sites applies to these areas.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Hensley Lake (18)

    1. Goat Meadow - Dispersed Camp Site

    42 Reviews
    Fish Camp, CA
    29 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"

    2. Momyer Creek Trail 1E06

    4 Reviews
    Friant, CA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (909) 382-2882

    3. Yosemite “Boondock National” Dispersed Camping

    12 Reviews
    Fish Camp, CA
    29 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"

    4. Hardin Flat Road

    15 Reviews
    Eastman Lake, CA
    47 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."

    5. Bald Mountain Lookout

    1 Review
    Shaver Lake, CA
    37 miles

    "If you enter from the Tamarack trail head and go down Rock Creek Rd its easy to get to the overlook tower."

    6. Summit Rd Dispersed

    Be the first to review!
    Fish Camp, CA
    28 miles

    7. Evergreen Rd Dispersed camping

    4 Reviews
    Eastman Lake, CA
    48 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"

    8. Dewey Point Backcountry Site — Yosemite National Park

    1 Review
    Yosemite Valley, CA
    42 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 !"

    9. JO Pass

    1 Review
    Lakeshore, CA
    42 miles
    Website

    "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."

    10. Van Haven Dispersed Site Yosemite

    2 Reviews
    Groveland, CA
    45 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."

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Hensley Lake

60 Photos of 18 Hensley Lake Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Hensley Lake

82 Reviews of 18 Hensley Lake Campgrounds

  • 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!

  • 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.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 8, 2025

    Momyer Creek Trail 1E06

    No access

    Tried to stop on the way to Yosemite park. This pulls up to three closed gates that all look to be private properties

  • 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.

  • Deb F.
    May. 30, 2021

    Yosemite “Boondock National” Dispersed Camping

    Beautiful spot just outside of Yosemite

    It’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

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 10, 2025

    Evergreen Rd Dispersed camping

    Great little spot to boondock

    Firstly, the spots aren’t actually on Evergreen; they’re on an easily missed dirt road near Aspen Valley Rd. There are two spots at the end of the very short road - each with a fire pit and ample space. There’s tons of dead/dry wood around for fires. It’s close to the road but there isn’t much traffic and it’s very close to the Yosemite entrance.

Guide to Hensley Lake

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.

Dispersed campers should check out Kamook Staging Camp

  • Located close to Yosemite National Park, Kamook Staging Camp provides a quiet and isolated experience, perfect for those seeking tranquility.
  • While it lacks amenities like drinking water and toilets, the camp allows fires, making it a great spot for evening gatherings under the stars.
  • The access is easy with both drive-in and walk-in options, making it convenient for campers with tents or RVs.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Hensley Lake in California

  • For a beautiful and free camping experience, consider Goat Meadow - Dispersed Camp Site, which is praised for its privacy and scenic surroundings.
  • Be prepared for mosquitoes, especially during warmer months, as they can be quite bothersome in this area, but they tend to calm down after dark.
  • Arriving early can help you secure a good spot, as this area can get crowded, especially on weekends.

Enjoy outdoor activities while free camping near Hensley Lake

  • Yosemite “Boondock National” Dispersed Camping is just a short drive from the park entrance, making it ideal for hiking enthusiasts looking to explore Yosemite's stunning trails.
  • Campers can enjoy the beautiful scenery and fire pits available at this site, perfect for cooking and enjoying evenings outdoors.
  • The area is spacious enough for both tents and RVs, allowing for a comfortable stay while engaging in various outdoor activities.

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 42 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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