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Best Dispersed Camping near La Grange, CA

86 Reviews

Several free dispersed camping options surround La Grange, California, with sites concentrated near Yosemite National Park. Hardin Flat Road offers numerous pull-off spots with good shade and creek access, located just 10 minutes from Yosemite's entrance. Evergreen Road provides similar proximity to the park, though spots are limited and situated on an easily missed dirt road near Aspen Valley Road. Both areas require no permits for camping but may require fire permits when fires are allowed.

Road conditions vary significantly across sites. Van Haven requires 4WD or AWD as Red Cloud Road becomes increasingly rough with deep ruts. Top of Arnold features dirt roads full of potholes, though visitors report even small cars can navigate carefully. Most sites lack facilities completely - no toilets, water, or trash service exists at any location. According to one camper, "Please pack in, pack out, don't make others clean up after you." Campsite availability follows typical 14-day limits for national forest boondocking, with reviewers recommending early arrival as "the best spots will be taken early."

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Best Dispersed Sites Near La Grange, California (11)

    1. Van Haven Dispersed Site Yosemite

    2 Reviews
    Groveland, CA
    20 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."

    2. Hardin Flat Road

    15 Reviews
    Eastman Lake, CA
    33 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."

    3. Goat Meadow - Dispersed Camp Site

    42 Reviews
    Fish Camp, CA
    47 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"

    4. Evergreen Rd Dispersed camping

    4 Reviews
    Eastman Lake, CA
    35 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"

    5. Yosemite “Boondock National” Dispersed Camping

    12 Reviews
    Fish Camp, CA
    47 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"

    6. Hardin flat dispersed

    1 Review
    Mather, CA
    33 miles

    "Very nice and quiet spot, very close to Yosemite entrance, ideal if you weren't able to get a reservation."

    7. Top of Arnold - FR 5N56 Dispersed

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

    "Be sure to obtain a fire permit from Cal fire and check fire restrictions in the area have a bucket full of water and a shovel next to your fire at all times again this place was amazing"

    "The dirt road up is full of ruts and potholes, but my Toyota Yaris made it up."

    8. Forest Route 4N39 Dispersed

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

    9. Dewey Point Backcountry Site — Yosemite National Park

    1 Review
    Yosemite Valley, CA
    45 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 !"

    10. Summit Rd Dispersed

    Be the first to review!
    Fish Camp, CA
    44 miles
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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near La Grange, CA

57 Photos of 11 La Grange Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near La Grange, CA

86 Reviews of 11 La Grange 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.

  • Raymond M.
    Oct. 5, 2025

    Top of Arnold - FR 5N56 Dispersed

    This place is real camping

    This campground was the best campground that I’ve been to in a long time take note that this is real camping so there is no bathrooms. There is no running water. 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. Be sure to obtain a fire permit from Cal fire and check fire restrictions in the area have a bucket full of water and a shovel next to your fire at all times again this place was amazing

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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

Guide to La Grange

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near La Grange, California, where nature lovers can find serene spots away from the crowds. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, this area is perfect for those seeking adventure and tranquility.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near La Grange, California

  • Arrive early to secure a good spot, especially at places like Hardin Flat Road, which is popular for its proximity to Yosemite National Park.
  • Be prepared to pack in and pack out all your supplies, as many areas, including Evergreen Rd Dispersed camping, do not provide trash services.
  • Familiarize yourself with the local regulations regarding fires, as some spots allow them while others do not, like Top of Arnold - FR 5N56 Dispersed.

Scenic views and natural attractions for dispersed campers

Top activities while free camping near La Grange

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near La Grange, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near La Grange, CA is Van Haven Dispersed Site Yosemite with a 4.5-star rating from 2 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near La Grange, CA?

TheDyrt.com has all 11 dispersed camping locations near La Grange, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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