Best Dispersed Camping near Lee Vining, CA

The small town of Lee Vining sits near several dispersed camping areas throughout the Eastern Sierra. Mono Lake South Dispersed lies just seven miles away, giving campers good views of Mono Lake, but you'll need to deal with sandy ground for your tent setup. Inyo National Forest has many remote camping spots where you'll need to bring everything with you—water, food, and all supplies—since there are no facilities at all. About 42 miles from Lee Vining, Goat Meadow offers more undeveloped camping in a quiet setting. When camping on public land here, you must stay at least 100 feet from any water source or road. Most areas have fire rules that change throughout the year, so it's smart to check before heading out. You can stay up to 14 days at these basic sites before needing to move. Many of the better spots require vehicles with higher clearance, especially after rain. Following Leave No Trace practices is particularly important in these wild areas without trash service. Winter weather closes many access roads, making it crucial to check conditions if you're planning a trip between October and May. Cell phones don't work in many of these areas, adding to their remote feel. Careful planning makes a big difference when heading to these backcountry spots around Lee Vining.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Lee Vining, California (58)

    1. Mono Lake South Dispersed

    16 Reviews
    Lee Vining, CA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 873-2400

    "All around Mono Lake is USFS and BLM land that is open for dispersed camping, as long as you stay above the 1941 water line (you will see signs marking this line, which is fairly close to the lake)."

    "We stayed here for a single night while on a road trip, the drive in along CA-120 was beautiful."

    2. Mono Basin Dispersed Camp Site

    9 Reviews
    Lee Vining, CA
    5 miles
    Website

    "And an even better breeze at night. lots of bugs. bring bug spray. 4wd not required, but might help. High clearance will help."

    "Along a National Forest Service Road are 4-5 pullouts with great views of Mono Lake and the adjacent small crater.  You can walk up the crater or hike down to the South Tufa area.  "

    3. Inyo National Forest Dispersed Camping

    13 Reviews
    June Lake, CA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 873-2400

    "You can get maps for this area at some of the information boards at the beginning of the dirt roads, they also have an app that will show you all the roads in the area."

    "We boondocked in Inyo National Forest just last weekend, September 27-29, and it felt like we had the place to ourselves."

    4. Mill Creek National Forest

    5 Reviews
    Mono City, CA
    6 miles

    "This is a very cool spot the entrance is just south of Lundy Lake rd. on the 395, there's also a back way in on Lundy Lake rd. just past the first building."

    "nice shaded with creek sounds no restroom"

    5. Virginia Lake Rd. Boondocking

    6 Reviews
    Mono City, CA
    10 miles
    Website

    "Beautiful location and well secluded. Passed/saw only about 3 others during our one day stay here. Setup camp near the end of the road. A bit windy at night."

    "It was just so nice, I don’t know if it was dispersed camping cause the location takes you to Virginia creek and there is a long road with lots of space like it’s a legit campground but no one there to"

    6. Bridgeport Travertine Hot Springs Dispersed

    23 Reviews
    Bridgeport, CA
    21 miles

    "The address on google maps however DOES NOT lead to the camping destination but we ended up running into a couple of ATV’ers that led us in the right direction."

    "Just pull onto one of the dirt roads on the left and find a spot! Any car or smaller RV could easily drive the road."

    7. Highway 120 Roadside Dispersed Campsite

    1 Review
    Lee Vining, CA
    8 miles

    "I passed the place I found on here and before I could turn around, I saw this big area. It is sandy, so be cautious of that when you park. I have a Subaru so it’s not an issue."

    10. Green Lake test

    3 Reviews
    Mono City, CA
    13 miles

    "Ends at Green Lake with some phenomenal spots.

    Keep in mind, the lake is from snowmelt, so not particularly warm.

    Would get 5 stars if the bugs weren’t so bad."

    "I mean... all these little mammoth lakes are hidden gems but I loved my time hiking into green lake around thanksgiving time. A little more difficult to get to but worth it."

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Lee Vining, CA

210 Reviews of 58 Lee Vining Campgrounds


  • Thomas K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 9, 2020

    Crab Cooker Hotsprings - Dispersed Camping

    Private hotspring with mountain views

    4x4 or high clearance coming in. Long dirt road with dips and rocks. Water only flowing in winter months. Lots of tent camping spots along with 8 back in spots. Really amazing views 360 degrees. No service with Verizon.

  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 17, 2021

    Sage Hen Dispersed

    Beautiful, near Mono Lake

    The dirt road into this spot off of Hwy 120 is washboarded but doable. This spot is at an intersection of forest service road 1S158A and Sage Hen Rd. There was still snow on the dirt road at this time of year (in mid April) so be aware,  and there are also low hanging branches that might make it tough for taller rigs. 

    This spot is a large flat area with zero amenities so bring water and pack in and pack out. 

    Good for a night or two if you want to hike or bike along the plethora of forest service roads. There were signs on the way in for both free range cattle and horses, but we didn't see any.

     Cell service with Verizon, weak but usable.

  • Val C.
    Jul. 4, 2023

    Leavitt Lake

    Not Accessible by Car

    I have a truck. i got about a half mile in before the snow washed out the road. you can still hike in. high clearance and 4wd a must

  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 9, 2021

    Mono Lake South Dispersed

    Beautiful view of Mono Lake

    All around Mono Lake is USFS and BLM land that is open for dispersed camping, as long as you stay above the 1941 water line (you will see signs marking this line, which is fairly close to the lake). Note there are multiple pull out areas and forest service roads to stay in along Hwy 120 east just be mindful that the entire area is sand, as some vehicles may get stuck.

    The road into these spots is quite sandy and narrow in some places, but we did fine in our 26' Class C. There is a very large previously burned area with charred remains of plants and trees but it made for some interesting eerie photos. Very quiet place with amazing views and stunning night sky. There are no amenities so bring water and pack in and pack out all trash. Nearby are various hikes and other roads to the range of craters in the area and the tufas along Mono Lake.

    We stayed there on a Monday night and did not see anybody else around, other than a truck that drove past our camp spot in the night.  Very quiet night.

    Good cell reception from AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile.

    Note that Google Maps said that Hwy 120 is closed Oct through May and would not direct us to this area via that road, but the road was open in April 2021, probably due to the mild winter.  Check Hwy 120 conditions for yourself because without it you miss out on so much beautiful area to explore.

  • Val C.
    Jul. 3, 2023

    Mono Basin Dispersed Camp Site

    Epic

    Came up here in July. It gets warm during the day, but there is a good breeze during the day. And an even better breeze at night. lots of bugs. bring bug spray. 4wd not required, but might help. High clearance will help.

  • Nora S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 4, 2020

    Bridgeport Travertine Hot Springs Dispersed

    Never seen anything like this before!

    So I was hesitant to write a review because I didn’t want this place to have any more visitors than it already does..! It was an amazing experience overall and we can’t wait to come back. The address on google maps however DOES NOT lead to the camping destination but we ended up running into a couple of ATV’ers that led us in the right direction. It’s actually off the highway before where the maps lead you and there is a sign that says Travertine Hot Springs. Having arrived at night, we were very glad to have met the locals that were helpful in showing us the way! So once you turn off the highway, you follow a dirt road that leads you straight to the springs. We ended up turning off and heading up a pretty rough road to find a spot on top of a canyon looking hill to camp. We were looking for seclusion and we definitely got it! The view was amazing from up top, and in the morning with a quick 5 minute drive we changed into our bathing suits and went for an early morning “nature hot tub swim”. The springs are hot but not boiling, and we spent an hour soaking there with absolutely no worries in the world. Definitely an amazing stay, and absolutely no hesitation to go back!

  • Dave V.
    Sep. 13, 2018

    Gladys Lake Backcountry, Ansel Adams Wilderness

    Breathtaking Beauty!

    RANGER REVIEW: Mountain House Spaghetti with Meat Sauce at Gladys Lake Backcountry Campsites, Ansel Adams Wilderness, CA

    CAMPGROUND REVIEW: Gladys Lake Backcountry Campsite, Ansel Adams Wilderness

    Backcountry camping often offers great hiking, epic scenery, serene solitude and otherwise missed sights. Depending on location, backcountry campsite locations can offer their own challenges, whether through the permitting process, preparation of gear and meals, logistics, or difficult terrain…but the trade offs can pay out big dividends.

    Leaving behind the din of packed campgrounds…getting unplugged from electronic encumbrances…relaxing beside an untouched alpine lake where the only sound you hear is the whir of dragonfly wings as they dart about.

    Only a set number of backcountry permits are issued daily, so crowds and impact remain minimal to nonexistent.

    Permits are necessary for all backcountry overnight stays in the Inyo National Forest. https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/inyo/passes-permits

    Whenever backcountry hiking/camping in California, do yourself a service and go online https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/inyo/passes-permits/?cid=stelprdb5139009 and take the California Campfire Permit test to acquire your certificate and possess it when in the backcountry.

    Several ways to get to Gladys Lake exist…

    1. John Muir Trail (JMT) thru-hike permits NOBO or SOBO

    2. John Muir Trail section hike permits

    3. Wilderness Permits Day hike permits

    You could enter from Reds Meadows and follow the JMT north to Gladys Lake…or better from Agnew Meadows and follow the Shadow Creek Trail (https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/inyo/recreation/hiking/recarea/?recid=21272&actid=51 ) up and around Shadow Lake and then south on the JMT past Rosalie Lake to Gladys Lake. Each access trail has a daily quota…such as Shadow Creek, which has a daily quota of 30…18 secured through reservation and 12 walk-ups. So if you are choosing to walk-up, have some flexibility of starting days.

    We had a JMT SOBO permit acquired six months in advance through the NPS permit lottery. But next visit, I will likely enter through Agnew Meadows via day permit.

    Most hikers will stop and camp at Rosalie Lake, which is a wonderful option and a much larger lake. Some would suggest a more picturesque lake than Gladys Lake…but that is all in the eye of the beholder.

    August of 2018 saw little precipitation and the winter snowfall was below expectations, so lake water levels were lower and surrounding shoreline not marshy or soggy. Which made for dry and mosquito free conditions.

    The effects of local forest fires did cover surrounding mountain views during certain times of the day, and brought with it a bit of lung burning and eye stinging. Early morning and late evening hours brought clearer skies.

    Be forewarned that seemingly every backcountry campsite brings with it a steep uphill slog, but worth it. Gladys Lake is at 9600 ft elevation.

    I believe there was one other camper at Gladys Lake the night we stayed…but we neither heard nor saw them. It was a perfectly peaceful evening!

    Amenities? Well, no showers…no toilets…no water spigots…no electricity…no picnic tables…one lonely stone fire ring but open fires are not permitted. No cell service or WiFi…no general store or local grocery store. However, Gladys Lake water was refreshing both to wade and drink (filtered). You are surrounded by fragrant conifers that buffer sound. A perfectly peaceful location to relax and dream.

    PRODUCT REVIEW: Mountain House Spaghetti With Meat Sauce

    https://www.mountainhouse.com/

    As a frequent user of Mountain House freezes dried dinners, and being a creature of habit, I often settle into a couple favorite meals and don’t deviate to new offerings. Mundane and boring?…perhaps.

    But…after winning $100 worth of Mountain House meals through an early season TheDyrt.com contest… and with my daughter as my hiking buddy, I selected several different meals to avoid mutiny.

    One of these meal pouches was Mountain House’s Spaghetti with Meat Sauce.

    I admit, I was a little suspect as to how freeze-dried spaghetti with meat sauce would taste, but we were both very pleased with the sauce flavors, seasoning and the amount of meat in the sauce. The only thing I would add is a couple slices of toasted garlic bread.

    If the next rotation of Mountain House Spaghetti with Meat Sauce was easily located in our bear canisters, we would’ve likely had a second helping…but sadly, it was not.

    In pairing down weight before our backcountry hike, I removed the contents from Mountain House’s original packaging and utilized a commercial vacuum sealer to make smaller, lighter meal packs as 11 days of food needed to fit in a bear canister. It worked, but the distinct drawback was not being able to prepare the meal in the resealable pouch. A pot was necessary to allow the freeze-dried contents to soak in the boiling water. So clean up was more extensive than it would’ve been by using the Mountain House resealable pouch. It was a trade off and we made it work.

    If you are new to Mountain House freeze dried meals, directions are printed plain and simple on the pouch.

    •Measure out the prescribed amount of water

    •boil water

    •open meal pouch and remove moisture packet

    •pour boiling water in pouch and stir contents thoroughly

    •seal pouch for prescribed time

    •open pouch and stir contents

    •serve and enjoy

    It doesn’t get any easier.

  • S E.
    Jul. 13, 2021

    Bridgeport Travertine Hot Springs Dispersed

    Quiet & Secluded

    I loved camping here. There’s a few spots off the road that leads into the hot springs, before you hit the sign that says no camping. Just pull onto one of the dirt roads on the left and find a spot! Any car or smaller RV could easily drive the road.

    There was no one else there when I was camped there, and as a solo female traveler I felt extremely safe. It was quiet and secluded, beautiful, yet only 10 minutes off of 395, less than a mile from the hot spring, and I had full LTE cell reception (verizon).

    There are rock fire rings that previous campers have made if you’re going to be here when camp fires are allowed. There’s no other amenities such as picnic tables or a bathroom, water, or garbage collection - this is free dispersed camping, so be prepared to be self-sufficient: pack out what you bring in and leave no trace!

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 27, 2023

    Bridgeport Travertine Hot Springs Dispersed

    Incredible location, amazing views, hot springs!!

    Road was accessible for us in a Toyota Tacoma, but a Camry also made it up. It was a little crowded in the area we stayed (with 4 other caravans and trailers), as the other dirt road giving access to different campsites was more for high clearance vehicles (very steep and uneven). Hot springs in walking distance. Incredible views of the mountains. We would definitely stay here again. No waste services or restrooms, but a vault toilet was available at the hot springs less than a mile away. Would visit again!


Guide to Lee Vining

Primitive camping near Lee Vining, California provides opportunities for tent and RV camping within Inyo National Forest and other public lands. The region sits at elevations ranging from 6,400 to 8,000 feet, creating crisp nights even during summer months when daytime temperatures average 75-85°F. Ground conditions vary considerably from sandy lakeside spots to packed forest soil depending on location and proximity to water sources.

What to do

Hiking to Green Lake: Access the 3-mile trail gaining 1,000 feet elevation for a moderate backpacking destination. "A little more difficult to get to but worth it. From the parking location it's not too much of a hike to get to Green Lake. Day hike the north facing lake if you'd like as well," notes Daniel M.

Kayaking Mono Lake: Launch from Navy Beach Road for peaceful morning paddling. "I was close enough to Navy Beach to launch my kayak at sunrise, when the water is dead-calm. Ocean-type squalls can flare up with no warning, because of the wide-open desert terrain," warns Randel M. at Mono Lake South Dispersed.

Soaking in hot springs: Visit Travertine Hot Springs north of Lee Vining. "We swam in the small spring pools as the sun was setting and got to watch the stars come out. Some of the pools are super hot and others not much, also they are very muddy," explains Lauren B.

What campers like

Solitude and privacy: Many campers value the isolation. "We were near where the coordinates take you and we didn't see another person the entire time we were here! We saw a few fellow campers on our way in but felt really secluded when we found our spot," reports Kylee M. about Inyo National Forest Dispersed Camping.

Night sky viewing: The area offers exceptional stargazing. "Stargazing from the hot springs was awesome!" shares Nick O. who camped at Bridgeport Travertine Hot Springs Dispersed.

Convenient lake access: Spots near Mono Lake provide quick water access. "We took a bicycle ride in to the 'south Tufa' which is only 2 miles away. Watched the sunset there, magical!" says Leonie D. who stayed at Mono Lake South Dispersed.

What you should know

Vehicle clearance requirements: Many sites need high-clearance vehicles. "It gets to be somewhat deep sandy/gravely roads after that. But otherwise, close to the lake, beautiful, and peaceful," warns Mouni about Mono Lake South Dispersed.

Wind conditions: Strong winds affect the region frequently. "It also got super windy during the night but our tent held up fine," notes Lauren B. about camping near Travertine Hot Springs.

Soft ground challenges: Sandy soil creates driving and tent stability issues. "When camping on Mono Basin Dispersed Camp Site, bring bug spray. July1st," advises Lucas.

Tips for camping with families

Choose sites with creek access: The sound of flowing water adds to the experience. "Cool water, a nice breeze in the evening, water sounds day and night. Quiet," recommends DJ M. about Mill Creek National Forest.

Plan for varied temperatures: Pack layers for significant day-to-night temperature swings. "It gets warm during the day, but there is a good breeze during the day. And an even better breeze at night. lots of bugs. bring bug spray," advises Val C.

Consider first-time backpacking: Green Lake works well for novice backpackers. "Easy backpacking trip - if you're not sure if you want to try backpacking, this would be a good one to get you hooked. 2.5-3.0 mile hike in, gaining about 1000' of elevation," suggests Ron G.

Tips from RVers

Park strategically on uneven terrain: Undeveloped camping requires careful positioning. "Very different place the ground is very soft with pea gravel like granite pine trees and pine cones had to use four low with the Jeep to pull our teardrop back in to camp spot," explains Joel G. about camping near Mono Lake.

Bring extra water: No services means planning for all needs. "I brought two additional tanks of water, allowing for refreshing showers in this arid desert environment," shares Randel M. who camped at Mono Lake South Dispersed.

Air down tires for sandy roads: Reduce tire pressure to navigate soft terrain. "Beware of very soft sand I encountered beyond my campsite. Some sections were like 'quicksand', forcing me to air-down to 15 PSI. It challenged my 'Limited Slip' Tundra, so an AWD car could get in serious trouble," warns Randel M.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is dispersed camping allowed at Mono Lake?

Yes, dispersed camping is allowed around Mono Lake, but with important restrictions. Mono Lake South Dispersed is located on USFS and BLM land surrounding the lake. You must camp above the 1941 water line, which is marked by signs relatively close to the lake. Multiple pull-out areas and forest service roads along Highway 120 east provide camping opportunities. The land north of the lake offers additional dispersed camping possibilities, but always observe posted regulations to protect this sensitive ecosystem. Remember to practice Leave No Trace principles, as this area has no facilities or services.

Where can I find dispersed camping near Lee Vining?

Several dispersed camping options exist near Lee Vining. Sage Hen Dispersed is accessible via a washboarded dirt road off Highway 120, though be cautious of snow in early spring and low-hanging branches. Mono Basin Dispersed Camp Site offers camping with good breezes to offset summer heat, though bugs can be prevalent. Additional options include Forest Service roads along Highway 120 east of Lee Vining. Most dispersed sites in the area have a 14-day maximum stay, require pack-in/pack-out practices, and may have seasonal fire restrictions. Many areas are accessible with standard vehicles, though high clearance is beneficial for some locations.

What amenities are available at Lee Vining dispersed camping areas?

Dispersed camping around Lee Vining offers minimal to no amenities - that's the nature of dispersed camping. At Laurel Springs Campground, you'll find no cell signal, and sites are accessible via narrow grassy paths (not recommended for big rigs). Bridgeport Travertine Hot Springs Dispersed offers natural hot springs as the main attraction, with accessible dirt roads for most vehicles. Generally, dispersed sites in the area have no toilets, no water sources, no trash services, and no designated fire rings. You must pack out all waste, bring your own water, and observe seasonal fire restrictions. Cell service is typically limited or non-existent.

Are there free camping options in Lee Vining?

Yes, several free dispersed camping options exist near Lee Vining. Highway 120 Roadside Dispersed Campsite offers convenient free camping spots. For a unique experience, Crab Cooker Hotsprings - Dispersed Camping provides free camping with amazing 360-degree views, though it requires 4x4 or high clearance vehicles to navigate the long dirt road with dips and rocks. Free camping in the area typically follows standard dispersed camping rules: no facilities, pack out all trash, observe fire restrictions, and adhere to the typical 14-day stay limit. Most sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis.