Top Free Dispersed Camping near Johnsondale, CA

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Johnsondale, CA (31)

Showing results 1-10 of 31 campgrounds

Recent Dispersed Reviews In Johnsondale

171 Reviews of 31 Johnsondale Campgrounds


  • Ryan B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Sequoia National Park Dispersed campground
    Oct. 8, 2024

    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.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Camping area No. 3 (dispersed)
    Sep. 30, 2024

    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.

  • Andrew P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Alabama Hills on Movie Flat Road
    Aug. 22, 2024

    Alabama Hills on Movie Flat Road

    Quiet, remote, beautiful

    I pulled in here looking for a campsite on my way up to mammoth. I was able to find a pretty dope spot surrounded by rocks, and nowhere near any other campers. I was legit, alone.

    Great place to pull off and sit on a rock to watch the sun set over the mountains. Shade was minimal, but if you hide between the rocks like they do in that scene on the fire planet in Riddick you’ll be alright til it cools off.

  • Cameron L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Camping area No. 3 (dispersed)
    Aug. 20, 2024

    Camping 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.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Keyesville Recreation Area Dispersed
    Aug. 7, 2024

    Keyesville 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

  • Erik R.
    Camper-submitted photo from Alabama Hills on Movie Flat Road
    Jul. 25, 2024

    Alabama Hills on Movie Flat Road

    Dennis H. Jackson

    Exploring Alabama Hills on Movie Flat Road is like stepping onto a film set straight out of a Western movie. This iconic location in California has been the backdrop for countless films, thanks to its stunning rock formations and dramatic landscapes. If you're planning a visit, make sure to check out Castle app for an interactive and personalized travel guide that enhances your experience with custom itineraries and insights tailored to your interests. Whether you're a film buff or an outdoor enthusiast, the combination of real-world exploration and digital tools can make your adventure in the Alabama Hills truly unforgettable.

  • Steve M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Upper Peppermint Dispersed Area
    Jul. 20, 2024

    Upper 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!

  • FThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Alabama Hills on Movie Flat Road
    Jun. 6, 2024

    Alabama Hills on Movie Flat Road

    Crowded but Spectacular

    Despite mid week in May most “select” sites were taken. Many areas where you used to be able to camp have been signed “no camping.” VERY restrictive. That said, this place is special. Views are world class. Please be respectful and leave no trace so we can keep this gem open. We’ve been here several times and it never disappoints.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Sequoia National Park Dispersed campground
    May. 25, 2024

    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.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Stine Cove Recreation Site
    May. 4, 2024

    Stine 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.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Alabama Hills Recreation Area
    May. 2, 2024

    Alabama Hills Recreation Area

    Nice spot with great views.

    Depending on the time of year, it may be hard to find a spot. You can't park anywhere, but there are designated spots to camp in. I went at the end of April and it was packed. 

    You might be able to park overnight and leave early in the morning in some areas, not sure how much they patrol the area. 

    No cell coverage for T-Mobile, but I used my WeeBoost and got two bars, enough to make calls and texts.  

    Use caution when traversing though the area to find a site if you have a normal sedan or normal vehicle height. The road is bumpy and there can areas that are steep. 

    My Van got stuck through a slot canyon as I was trying to find a site. I didn't have my recovery tracks, since it was a last minute stop on the way back from Mammoth. 

    With the help of a nice nearby camper who had a wench, we were able to free my van in three hours.  It was around midnight, so I ended up just driving out and parking in Lone Pine to sleep for a few hours.

  • Fabiola T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Alabama Hills Recreation Area
    Apr. 7, 2024

    Alabama Hills Recreation Area

    BUCKET LIST SPOT

    THIS PLACE IS ABSOLUTELY AMAZING. HEAVEN ON EARTH!!! Only thing I would advise against is getting there in the dark. We got there around 9pm and it started snowing. We couldn’t see a foot ahead of us and had no idea where we were. Finding an overnight spot was almost impossible. However the view we woke up to the next morning was out of this world. We were the in April. Nights are cold (we god snow) temperature during the day is very comfortable! Cell phone service is touch and go. Garbage disposal available at entrance as wells as porta potties. The overnight spots can be hard to find and are popular. Get there before noon if you want to secure a spot. Absolutely worth the detour. Don’t hesitate. Just go!

  • Kent G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Alabama Hills Dispersed Site
    Apr. 2, 2024

    Alabama Hills Dispersed Site

    Alabama Hiils Dispersed site

    This site is on Horseshoe Meadow Road about 1/2 mile north of the Tuttle Creek site. There are 3 legal spots with camping signs. First two are level. Third will need leveling blocks. First site is large and was to turn around a larger trailer or rv. The SuperDrive get to spots is getting a large rut go slow and even my Subaru Forester had no issue. The second and third have better views. But the first can offer wind protection from the north. BLM. Carry in and out.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Keyesville Recreation Area Dispersed
    Mar. 25, 2024

    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

  • ZThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Hanning Flat Dispersed Area
    Dec. 22, 2023

    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.
    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed Camp near Sequoia National Park
    Dec. 22, 2023

    Dispersed 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

  • Sharyn A.
    Camper-submitted photo from Stine Cove Recreation Site
    Oct. 27, 2023

    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❤️

  • Pavla L.
    Camper-submitted photo from Alabama Hills Recreation Area
    Oct. 20, 2023

    Alabama Hills Recreation Area

    Movie road closed for overnight camping

    The main Whitney portal - Movie road crossroad was closed, we went there from the other side. Then after about 20 minutes "driving" on Movie road (very very bumby terrain) and still meeting only signs "day use only" we just turned back and eventually stayed at a place near another road nearby (Horse-something road). Wouldn't go there again.

  • Pavla L.
    Camper-submitted photo from Dome Rock Dispersed Camping
    Oct. 11, 2023

    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)

  • J
    Camper-submitted photo from Chico Flat Dispersed Camping - Partially Closed, See Description
    Aug. 29, 2023

    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.

  • J
    Camper-submitted photo from Alabama Hills Recreation Area
    Aug. 4, 2023

    Alabama Hills Recreation Area

    Crazy cool spot

    The main road to the dispersed campground was closed but there was other roads nearby. Found one close to the Tuttle Creek Campground that was super secluded and quiet. The views were amazing and there were plenty of trails around to go explore the unique terrain! No campfires in the area during summertime, but would definitely camp here again!



Guide to Johnsondale

Camping near Johnsondale, California, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, this area has something for everyone.

What to do:

  • Fishing: The Kern River is a popular spot for fishing. Many campers enjoy casting their lines here. One visitor at Rivernook Campground mentioned, "Upside great location by the river. Beautiful sites and sounds."
  • Hiking: There are numerous trails in the area, perfect for exploring the stunning landscapes. A camper at California Fossil Falls shared, "Great hiking is connected to the camp and will leave you breathless."
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. A reviewer at Stine Cove Recreation Site noted, "Watch eagles prey on ducks, pelicans gather, hear the frogs croak."

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the beautiful surroundings. One visitor at KRS RV Resort@Camp James said, "Overall nice campground," highlighting the picturesque setting.
  • Clean Facilities: Many appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A camper at California Limestone remarked, "Bathrooms are clean and well maintained."
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Campers often enjoy the peacefulness of the area. A review from Cold Springs Campground stated, "It was a very peaceful and calm campground."

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds have few amenities. A visitor at Kennedy Meadows Campground mentioned, "The campground has been abandoned for years so: no fees, busted up roads, no water."
  • Noise Levels: Be prepared for noise from other campers. One reviewer at Success Lake shared, "I was laying awake till 12:30 am when I asked them to please keep the noise down."
  • Wildlife Precautions: Bears are known to visit some campgrounds. A camper at California Limestone advised, "Bears visit at night. Keep food packed and ice chests put in vehicle."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for spots with activities for kids. A family at Sandy Flat enjoyed, "This campground is also great as it’s very close to Miracle Hot Springs."
  • Plan for Activities: Bring games and outdoor toys. A reviewer at Rivernook Campground noted, "Great location by the river," making it perfect for family fun.
  • Pack Snacks and Drinks: Keep everyone happy with plenty of food. A camper at KRS RV Resort@Camp James mentioned, "Staff is friendly and available when needed," which can help if you need anything during your stay.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A visitor at California Fossil Falls mentioned, "The sites are dry sites but are spaced out nicely."
  • Be Prepared for Limited Hookups: Some campgrounds don’t offer full hookups. A reviewer at California Limestone noted, "No water or electricity anywhere in the campground."
  • Reserve Early: Popular spots fill up fast. A camper at Kennedy Meadows Campground advised, "Pack it in pack it out," emphasizing the need to plan ahead.

Camping near Johnsondale, California, provides a great mix of nature and adventure. With the right preparation, you can enjoy everything this beautiful area has to offer!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Johnsondale, CA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Johnsondale, CA is Dispersed Camp near Sequoia National Park with a 4.6-star rating from 7 reviews.

  • What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Johnsondale, CA?

    TheDyrt.com has all 31 dispersed camping locations near Johnsondale, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.