Top Free Dispersed Camping near Inyokern, CA
Looking for dispersed camping near Inyokern? The Dyrt can help you find the best dispersed campsites for your next trip. Search nearby dispersed campgrounds or find top-rated spots from other campers.
Best Dispersed Sites Near Inyokern, CA (39)
1. Wagon Wheel Staging Area
11 Reviews•39 Photos•132 SavesAccessibility is not guaranteed, always scout ahead before driving down dirt roads. Learn more: https://www.campendium.com/camping/boondocking-101/
- Pets
- Fires
- RVs
- Tents
- Group
- Standard (Tent/RV)
2. Trona Pinnacles
15 Reviews•75 Photos•388 SavesDispersed camping is allowed on for a period not to exceed 14 days within a 28 consecutive day period. The 28 day period begins when a camper initially occupies a specific location on public lands. The 14 day limit may be reached either through a number of separate visits or through 14 days of continuous overnight occupation during the 28 day period. After the 14th day of occupation, the camper must move outside of a 25 mile radius of the previous location until the 29th day since the initial occupation. There is no potable water or developed facilities other than a single vault toilet on site. Pack out all trash. There are no trash services. In the desert environment, even natural items like orange peels take years to decompose. Travel on existing roads and trails. Vegetation in this climate can take decades to recover when crushed by off road driving or parking. Camp in campgrounds if available. Using campgrounds reduces the number of vehicles, so that the great views are not blocked. Have a great time. The Trona Pinnacles are a great place to explore natural wonders and experience your public lands.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- RVs
- Tents
- Group
3. Hanning Flat Dispersed Area
6 Reviews•36 Photos•185 SavesDispersed Camping on the shore of Lake Isabella. Vault toilet available. No trash recepticals available (Pack In-Pack Out). ALL Upper Kern Dispersed Camping sites, under restrictions - No Camping or Campfires are allowed within 25 feet of the water___s edge.
- Phone Service
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
4. Jawbone Canyon OHV Area
4 Reviews•3 Photos•59 SavesAccessibility is not guaranteed, always scout ahead before driving down dirt roads. Learn more: https://www.campendium.com/camping/boondocking-101/
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Group
- Dispersed
5. Keyesville Recreation Area Dispersed
8 Reviews•34 Photos•235 SavesKeysville (formerly Keyesville) is a historic mining area that offers a wide variety of recreational opportunities. Set in rolling terrain amidst a blue oak and foothill pine woodland, Keysville is dissected by the lower Kern River. A little exploration can turn up a wealth of historic resources, including a variety of mining structures and features, a historic fort, and the famous Walker Cabin. Keysville offers commercial and noncommercial white-water rafting opportunities as well as fishing, recreational gold panning, and dispersed camping. A network of over seventy miles of trails provides for mountain biking, equestrian, and motorized recreation use.
Travel Responsibly - on designated roads and trails or in permitted areas
Respect The Rights of Others - including private property owners and all recreational trail users, campers and others to allow them to enjoy their recreational activities undisturbed. Educate Yourself - by obtaining travel maps and regulations from public agencies, planning for your trip, taking recreation skills classes and knowing how to use and operate your equipment safely. Avoid Sensitive Areas - such as meadows, lakeshores, wetlands and streams, unless on designated routes. Do Your Part - by leaving the area better than you found it, properly disposing of waste, minimizing the use of fire, avoiding the spread of invasive species, restoring degraded areas and joining a local enthusiast organization.
https://www.blm.gov/sites/blm.gov/files/documents/files/Keysville%20arch%20E%20low%20res.pdf
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- ADA Access
- Dispersed
- Trash
6. Chico Flat Dispersed Camping - Partially Closed, See Description
8 Reviews•26 Photos•164 SavesDispersed Camping on Upper Kern River approximately 4 to 5 miles north from Kernville. Ther is no water available at this location. Portable toilets and trash recepticals are available during__summer months. See Larger Picture Here.
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Group
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Dispersed
- Trash
7. Brush Creek Recreation Site
7 Reviews•15 Photos•264 SavesBrush Creek is a dispersed camping or day use site open year round. There are vault toilets available and seasonal trash bins. This is where the Brush Creek meets the Upper Kern River and is a good spot for fishing. Campfire permits are required for campfires, barbeques, and camp stoves. Permits are available at your local Ranger Station or online at preventwildfireca.org
- Pets
- Fires
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Toilets
8. Ant Canyon
4 Reviews•20 Photos•463 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- RVs
- Tents
- Group
- Standard (Tent/RV)
9. Sequoia National Park Dispersed campground
7 Reviews•23 Photos•494 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Reservable
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Dispersed
Showing results 1-10 of 39 campgrounds
Recent Dispersed Reviews In Inyokern
115 Reviews of 39 Inyokern Campgrounds
Tim W.
Scout
Keyesville Recreation Area Dispersed
Good an Quiet
Clean Spots, recommend! lot of space and different places.
- EErin V.
Guide
BLM Desert Site
BLM desert site
35.08627305276245,-117.54092669125416 Great space. Easy to find. Away from highway enough. Very windy. Great sunset and sunrise.
Ryan B.
Traveler
Sequoia National Park Dispersed campground
Inaccurate Coordinates
Arrived at the coordinates and had no place to turn off the road. Also, the area was hit by wildfires (maybe 2 years ago) so it's all pretty barren. Camped at Holey Meadows campground a few miles away.
- AAndy B.Scout
Camping area No. 3 (dispersed)
Perfect.
This campsite was fantastic. Access was easy with a 4x4, but may be a little tough for a 2WD car. Plenty of space for a small trailer to maneuver.
Highly recommend. Perfect for an off-road trailer or overland setup.
Aaron S.Guide
Trona Pinnacles
Out of this World
This place is really cool to explore. Nice star gazing too. We took our www.hitched4fun.com RZR out on the many dirt roads in the area too. Had a blast 💥.
- CChandra B.Guide
Stine Cove Recreation Site
Warm breezes, Sweet Nights
We love lake Isabella and just discovered this free camp spot right on the beach…
Cameron L.GuideCamping area No. 3 (dispersed)
Great Spot tucked off the road
We stopped here on our way through Sequoia Nat’l Forest and loved it. The water is super clear and nice! We were the only ones staying here, so it was very quiet and calming. A handful of camping spots around this area, well worth the stay!
Ciara W.GuideKeyesville Recreation Area Dispersed
Guy just sitting in trees near the end
All the spots at the front were taken here so we had to drive almost all the way to end. Don’t go down the final steep hill, you might not make it up. It’s very tight there and you have to do a 20 point turn to turn back.
We walked down the hill and our friend saw some random guy come out the trees and follow us as we were walking back up. He might be living there because there was so much trash
2 stars because the area itself is nice, there’s the river nearby and internet was good
- RRoy V.Traveler
Wagon Wheel Staging Area
Gorgeous but DON’T GO IN THE SUMMER
We arrived in the evening, when it was still 33 celcius (95f), but the whole day it was about 45 celcius (113f). So the place was as hot as it can be. But that won’t change my rating too much. Because if the weather was a bit cooler I would have loved this even more, when we woke up, we were greeted by a beautiful desert. If you have an AC that you can put on during the night, it shouldn’t be a problem!
Steve M.
RangerUpper Peppermint Dispersed Area
Fantastic but very, very remote spot
Not for big rigs! A very primitive but beautiful area. Tons of winding roads with lots of S curves Leading up to 9000 feet. Many great camping spots including close to Peppermint Creek. Completely dry area so no campfires until November. No services and no reception so pack it in and pack it out!
Bobby J.Ranger
Dispersed Camp near Sequoia National Park
Directions didn’t lead me there
Directions didn’t lead me to any dispersed camping but I did find just an ok spot along the road. Don’t know if where I camped was allowed but I did anyway
- RRoger H.Traveler
Sequoia National Park Dispersed campground
Definitely beautiful
Does take about 45 mins to wind up there and i got there at 1:15am. Didn't find the campgrounds but had large side areas with forest machinery. Next to stream. Then if you continue on you will hit a 4 mile off road (my Corolla/any sedan OK) and see great views and waterfall! Nice!
Caroline D.TravelerStine Cove Recreation Site
the spot looked perfect, but the location didn't match
we looked around the indicated GPS point but at this location, but house or ranch, nothing that looks like the photos posted previously. too bad the spot looked magnificent but with night falling and fatigue from the road we finally slept facing the road in the post office parking lot.
- AAmina B.Guide
Keyesville Recreation Area Dispersed
Perfect to be alone
We stayed here two nights and felt so peaceful and out of sight ! Def recommend
- RRobert S.Guide
Sequoia National Forest Upper Peppermint Dispersed Area
Easy to find
Pretty easy to find. You can see off the main road. Any vehicle can make it. Be mindful on 3 day weekends we encountered a very large party and did not have a pleasant experience. All other times I have came, it was very quiet and relaxing.
- DDaniel H.Traveler
Keyesville Recreation Area Dispersed
Stayed a night
We pulled in at night time around 10:30PM. I was scared it would be sketchy, but turned out to be a smooth dirt road. We encountered multiple other campers as well before we found a suitable turnout. Loved the accessibility. We woke up to a beautiful little spot near the water; would definitely camp again here
Trent B.TravelerWagon Wheel Staging Area
Great quiet spot
We stayed here 1 night and had the place to ourselves. It is a very large area and quite beautiful.
- MMichael G.Ranger
Ballarat Ghost Town
I think I was in the right spot.
Campground had some nice spots for dry camping. I planned to stay on BLM land off the road but this seemed part of the ghost town private property. It was late and I was confused..I need to go back and donate $5.
- DDiana P.Traveler
Wagon Wheel Staging Area
Beautiful spot to stay
Arrived in the dark and woke up to find a beautiful spot. Quiet, plenty of space and very few people here. Be prepared for freezing temps overnight in colder months.
- ZZoe J.Traveler
Hanning Flat Dispersed Area
Nice quiet spot, 4x4 ideal
We were looking for a place to car camp on our way up toward sequoia and stopped here. Was easy to locate even at night. Would suggest 4x4 and wouldn’t recommend heavier vehicles as it’s a sandy dried up lake bed and we had to dig ourselves out in the morning. No fire pits or bathrooms.
Vanessa C.GuideDispersed Camp near Sequoia National Park
Secluded gorgeous dispersed camping
Stunning. If you want privacy this is it. You are definitely alone. We went and there was only 1 other camper there - he was kinda weird and wanted to hang out but we politely asked him for privacy (he said he is there a lot). BRING water and fill up on gas before you go. There are 0 resources for you. It’s gorgeous, we will definitely be going back
- Kristi D.
Legend
Minietta Road
Great dispersed camping spot
Great for a night or two, heading towards or leaving Death Valley between Joshua Tree..
You are literally in the middle of nowhere. No cell phone reception, amenities, nothing, not even shelter, but yet so peaceful and quiet. We saw a couple of RVs but everyone has a TON of space....I would totally camp here again.
I was able to let dog and cat out of camper and they weren't going anywhere....nothing to chase, etc.
- Sharyn A.Scout
Stine Cove Recreation Site
Camping at lake since 1957
I’ve been camping at This lake since I was 11. My favorite place caught 100’s of fish out of there. I’ve camped in all the camps over the years but I like steins cove when we had a boat. Camp right on the water and the price is right FREE. I live in Az now but when we go back we always hit the lake. Love it great memories with my mom and dad and our kids and grandkids. Enjoy❤️
- SStefan A.Scout
Dispersed Site off 190 - Ridgecrest BLM
Limited for RV
Nice place. Beware! Road ends on the half of the way. No advise to enter the road with RV.
- SSina V.Scout
Jawbone Canyon OHV Area
beautiful big place
I really liked it! The place looks beautiful, especially with sunset and sunrise and there is a lot of space. Just the toilet was hard to find. You just have to drive 2 min more on the road. It doesn‘t have water, showers or trash dispencers.
Pavla L.Guide
Dome Rock Dispersed Camping
Great dispered camping with a nice view
There are about five spots for disperesed camping, we stayed at an upper spot with great view and wonderful night sky. We felt very safe here. Road is bumpy, so drive very carefully, but we saw RVs to get there. (October 2023)
- JJulesScout
Chico Flat Dispersed Camping - Partially Closed, See Description
Quiet and near the river
Found this campground on a spontaneous camping trip to the Kern River. There were only two other groups there and they were far enough away that we couldn't hear them at all. Just the sounds of the river, the crickets and the birds. The stargazing at night was spectacular. The site we chose was a bit of a rocky walk from the car, but worth it to have a more private spot. The vault toilets were open and very clean and not very smelly. We could not go swimming here, had to go to another day area for that. The tent was in the sun, so the morning/afternoon was hot. But there was a tree to hang out under. Our T-Mobile and AT&T phones did not work at all. Overall great experience.
Guide to Inyokern
Camping near Inyokern, California, offers a mix of stunning landscapes and unique experiences. Whether you’re looking for a quiet retreat or an adventurous getaway, there are several campgrounds to explore.
What to do
- Hiking: There are great trails nearby, like those at Ricardo Campground — Red Rock Canyon State Park. One camper mentioned, “The nature trail is accessible directly from the campground and the views are jaw-dropping.”
- Fishing: The Kern River Campground is perfect for fishing enthusiasts. A visitor shared, “Fishing is always good, and the sightseeing is great.”
- Stargazing: The clear desert skies make for excellent stargazing. A camper at Wildrose Campground — Death Valley National Park noted, “The night sky is breathtaking.”
What campers like
- Scenic Views: Campers rave about the beautiful vistas. One reviewer at Fossil Falls Campground said, “The stars were amazing and the sunrise was on point too.”
- Quiet Atmosphere: Many appreciate the peacefulness of the campgrounds. A visitor at Trona Pinnacles remarked, “It was very quiet and secluded.”
- Wildlife Encounters: Campers enjoy spotting wildlife. At Stine Cove Recreation Site, one camper mentioned, “Watch eagles prey on ducks, pelicans gather, hear the frogs croak.”
What you should know
- Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Ricardo Campground — Red Rock Canyon State Park, don’t have drinking water or electric hookups. A camper noted, “No drinking water, no electric hookups, but fires are allowed.”
- Windy Conditions: Be prepared for strong winds, especially at places like Trona Pinnacles. One camper advised, “The wind woke me up at 3 am and kept me up all night.”
- Road Conditions: Some campgrounds have rough access roads. A visitor at Fossil Falls Campground mentioned, “Rough road depending on rain washout - I managed to navigate in my low clearance station wagon.”
Tips for camping with families
- Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for spots like Kern River Campground, which has spacious sites. A camper said, “The sites are spacious and private.”
- Plan for Activities: Bring games and outdoor activities. One family at Camp James enjoyed, “So many things to do and the campground resort is run well.”
- Pack for Comfort: Ensure you have enough supplies for comfort. A visitor at Rivernook Campground mentioned, “Restrooms and showers were very well kept.”
Tips from RVers
- Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Tehachapi Mountain Park warned, “This is not a place for large RVs or trailers.”
- Use Full Hookups: Look for campgrounds with full hookups, like KRS RV Resort@Camp James. A visitor said, “Full hookups, close to everything.”
- Be Mindful of Noise: Some campgrounds can get noisy. A camper at Rivernook Campground noted, “People drive way too fast through the campground.”
Camping near Inyokern, California, offers a variety of experiences, from serene landscapes to family-friendly activities. Whether you're in a tent or an RV, there's something for everyone to enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Inyokern, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Inyokern, CA is Wagon Wheel Staging Area with a 4.6-star rating from 11 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Inyokern, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 39 dispersed camping locations near Inyokern, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.