Top Free Dispersed Camping near Lemon Cove, CA

Searching for the perfect place to dispersed camp near Lemon Cove? Here you'll find a diverse selection of places to camp, including remote dispersed camping to boondocking, and everything in-between. Whether you're looking for a quiet location in the trees or wide open spaces, The Dyrt makes it easy to find the perfect dispersed campsite.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Lemon Cove, CA (37)

    Camper-submitted photo from Forest Road 14S11 North Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Forest Road 14S11 North Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Forest Road 14S11 North Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Forest Road 14S11 North Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Forest Road 14S11 North Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Forest Road 14S11 North Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Sequoia Forest Hunting Area - FS 13597
    Camper-submitted photo from Sequoia Forest Hunting Area - FS 13597
    Camper-submitted photo from Sequoia Forest Hunting Area - FS 13597
    Camper-submitted photo from Sequoia Forest Hunting Area - FS 13597
    Camper-submitted photo from Sequoia Forest Hunting Area - FS 13597

    2. Sequoia Forest Hunting Area - FS 13597

    4 Reviews
    6 Photos
    105 Saves

    Tips and rules on dispersed camping: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/sequoia/maps-pubs/?cid=fseprd883625

    Dispersed camping is camping outside of a designated campground. It is allowed in many areas of the Sequoia National Forest and Giant Sequoia National Monument.

    There are certain areas where dispersed camping is prohibited and these areas are posted.

    Dispersed camping is free but you must have a CAMPFIRE PERMIT. These can be obtained fore free at Readyforwildfire.org. Be aware of fire restrictions, typically enforced by mid-summer, banning open fires outside of designated campgrounds. More on campfire rules here.

    The maximum length of time you may camp in dispersed areas is 14 DAYS at a time and 30 DAYS in a year.

    Each year the number of people taking advantage of dispersed recreation opportunities has increased, making it more essential that these areas be left clean and undamaged.

    The following acts are PROHIBITED on the Sequoia National Forest and Giant Sequoia National Monument and are subject to a fine:

    1. Driving off designated roads inside the Monument.

    2. Leaving campfire unattended.

    3. Leaving trash buried, stashed or left in campfire ring. Abandoning or leaving personal property. PACK IT IN-PACK IT OUT.

    4. Cutting or otherwise damaging trees for use as a lean-to or a horse corral. Do not leave anything tied to trees.

    5. Destruction of government property such as signs, posters, gates, etc.

    6. Removing forest products without a permit.

    7. Discharging any firearm within 150 yards of any building, occupied area, across forest development roads, or body of water

    Here are some tips to appropriate dispersed camping: More information on dispersed camping here.

    1. Protect standing trees from nails and scars from axes, knives and hatchets. Use only dead and down trees for firewood.

    2. Bury human waste at least six inches deep and 200 feet from any waterway or trail. DO NOT bury toilet paper–PACK IT OUT

    3. Wash at least 200 feet away from any water source using biodegradable soap.

    4. Set up camp more than 200 feet from any waterway or trail.

    5. Take a litterbag to carry out all refuse. Do not leave trash in fire rings. Do not bury trash.

    6. A campfire permits is required to have a campfire, charcoal barbeque, or camp stove. Use existig fire grates or fire rings. Gather only dead and down firewood. Firewood may not be transported off of the Forest without a permit.

    7. Avoid leveling or digging trenches around tents. Place tent on bare ground and not on vegetation.

    8. Protect your food from the bears and other animals. Keep your food and anything with a scent stored in an airtight container in your car truck. If your vehicle has no truck, put everything on the floor, cover it well and close the windows. Always, Keep a clean campsite.

    9. LEAVE YOUR CAMPSITE BETTER THAN WHEN YOU ARRIVED!

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Dispersed
    • Alcohol
    Camper-submitted photo from Forest Rd 14S29
    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed Camp near Sequoia National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed Camp near Sequoia National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed Camp near Sequoia National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed Camp near Sequoia National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed Camp near Sequoia National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed Camp near Sequoia National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Sequoia National Park Dispersed campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sequoia National Park Dispersed campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sequoia National Park Dispersed campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sequoia National Park Dispersed campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sequoia National Park Dispersed campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sequoia National Park Dispersed campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Road to Armenian Camp - Dispersed Spot
    Camper-submitted photo from Road to Armenian Camp - Dispersed Spot
    Camper-submitted photo from Road to Armenian Camp - Dispersed Spot
    Camper-submitted photo from Road to Armenian Camp - Dispersed Spot

    6. Road to Armenian Camp - Dispersed Spot

    2 Reviews
    4 Photos
    54 Saves

    Tips and rules on dispersed camping: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/sequoia/maps-pubs/?cid=fseprd883625

    Dispersed camping is camping outside of a designated campground. It is allowed in many areas of the Sequoia National Forest and Giant Sequoia National Monument.

    There are certain areas where dispersed camping is prohibited and these areas are posted.

    Dispersed camping is free but you must have a CAMPFIRE PERMIT. These can be obtained fore free at Readyforwildfire.org. Be aware of fire restrictions, typically enforced by mid-summer, banning open fires outside of designated campgrounds. More on campfire rules here.

    The maximum length of time you may camp in dispersed areas is 14 DAYS at a time and 30 DAYS in a year.

    Each year the number of people taking advantage of dispersed recreation opportunities has increased, making it more essential that these areas be left clean and undamaged.

    The following acts are PROHIBITED on the Sequoia National Forest and Giant Sequoia National Monument and are subject to a fine:

    1. Driving off designated roads inside the Monument.

    2. Leaving campfire unattended.

    3. Leaving trash buried, stashed or left in campfire ring. Abandoning or leaving personal property. PACK IT IN-PACK IT OUT.

    4. Cutting or otherwise damaging trees for use as a lean-to or a horse corral. Do not leave anything tied to trees.

    5. Destruction of government property such as signs, posters, gates, etc.

    6. Removing forest products without a permit.

    7. Discharging any firearm within 150 yards of any building, occupied area, across forest development roads, or body of water

    Here are some tips to appropriate dispersed camping: More information on dispersed camping here.

    1. Protect standing trees from nails and scars from axes, knives and hatchets. Use only dead and down trees for firewood.

    2. Bury human waste at least six inches deep and 200 feet from any waterway or trail. DO NOT bury toilet paper–PACK IT OUT

    3. Wash at least 200 feet away from any water source using biodegradable soap.

    4. Set up camp more than 200 feet from any waterway or trail.

    5. Take a litterbag to carry out all refuse. Do not leave trash in fire rings. Do not bury trash.

    6. A campfire permits is required to have a campfire, charcoal barbeque, or camp stove. Use existig fire grates or fire rings. Gather only dead and down firewood. Firewood may not be transported off of the Forest without a permit.

    7. Avoid leveling or digging trenches around tents. Place tent on bare ground and not on vegetation.

    8. Protect your food from the bears and other animals. Keep your food and anything with a scent stored in an airtight container in your car truck. If your vehicle has no truck, put everything on the floor, cover it well and close the windows. Always, Keep a clean campsite.

    9. LEAVE YOUR CAMPSITE BETTER THAN WHEN YOU ARRIVED!

    • Pets
    • Phone Service
    • Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from FS Road 13s09 Dispersed Camp - Ten Mile Road
    Camper-submitted photo from FS Road 13s09 Dispersed Camp - Ten Mile Road
    Camper-submitted photo from FS Road 13s09 Dispersed Camp - Ten Mile Road

    7. FS Road 13s09 Dispersed Camp - Ten Mile Road

    1 Review
    6 Photos
    127 Saves

    Dispersed camping is camping outside of a designated campground. It is allowed in many areas of the Sequoia National Forest and Giant Sequoia National Monument.

    There are certain areas where dispersed camping is prohibited and these areas are posted.

    Dispersed camping is free but you must have a CAMPFIRE PERMIT. These can be obtained fore free at Readyforwildfire.org. Be aware of fire restrictions, typically enforced by mid-summer, banning open fires outside of designated campgrounds. More on campfire rules here.

    The maximum length of time you may camp in dispersed areas is 14 DAYS at a time and 30 DAYS in a year.

    Each year the number of people taking advantage of dispersed recreation opportunities has increased, making it more essential that these areas be left clean and undamaged.

    The following acts are PROHIBITED on the Sequoia National Forest and Giant Sequoia National Monument and are subject to a fine:

    1. Driving off designated roads inside the Monument.

    2. Leaving campfire unattended.

    3. Leaving trash buried, stashed or left in campfire ring. Abandoning or leaving personal property. PACK IT IN-PACK IT OUT.

    4. Cutting or otherwise damaging trees for use as a lean-to or a horse corral. Do not leave anything tied to trees.

    5. Destruction of government property such as signs, posters, gates, etc.

    6. Removing forest products without a permit.

    7. Discharging any firearm within 150 yards of any building, occupied area, across forest development roads, or body of water

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Dispersed
    • No image available

      8. Forest Road 13S02 Dispersed Site

      1 Review
      65 Saves

      Dispersed camping is camping outside of a designated campground. It is allowed in many areas of the Sequoia National Forest and Giant Sequoia National Monument.

      There are certain areas where dispersed camping is prohibited and these areas are posted.

      Dispersed camping is free but you must have a CAMPFIRE PERMIT. These can be obtained fore free at Readyforwildfire.org. Be aware of fire restrictions, typically enforced by mid-summer, banning open fires outside of designated campgrounds. More on campfire rules here.

      The maximum length of time you may camp in dispersed areas is 14 DAYS at a time and 30 DAYS in a year.

      Each year the number of people taking advantage of dispersed recreation opportunities has increased, making it more essential that these areas be left clean and undamaged.

      The following acts are PROHIBITED on the Sequoia National Forest and Giant Sequoia National Monument and are subject to a fine:

      Driving off designated roads inside the Monument.

      Leaving campfire unattended.

      Leaving trash buried, stashed or left in campfire ring. Abandoning or leaving personal property. PACK IT IN-PACK IT OUT.

      Cutting or otherwise damaging trees for use as a lean-to or a horse corral. Do not leave anything tied to trees.

      Destruction of government property such as signs, posters, gates, etc.

      Removing forest products without a permit.

      Discharging any firearm within 150 yards of any building, occupied area, across forest development roads, or body of water

      • RVs
      • Tents
      • Standard (Tent/RV)
      • Dispersed
      Camper-submitted photo from Pear Lake Campsites
      Camper-submitted photo from Pear Lake Campsites

      9. Pear Lake Campsites

      1 Review
      2 Photos
      179 Saves
      • Fires
      • Reservable
      • Tents
      • Dispersed
      • Drinking Water
      • Toilets
      Camper-submitted photo from Brush Creek Recreation Site
      Camper-submitted photo from Brush Creek Recreation Site
      Camper-submitted photo from Brush Creek Recreation Site
      Camper-submitted photo from Brush Creek Recreation Site
      Camper-submitted photo from Brush Creek Recreation Site
      Camper-submitted photo from Brush Creek Recreation Site

      10. Brush Creek Recreation Site

      7 Reviews
      15 Photos
      264 Saves

      Brush 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
    Showing results 1-10 of 37 campgrounds

    Recent Dispersed Reviews In Lemon Cove

    73 Reviews of 37 Lemon Cove 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.

    • G
      Camper-submitted photo from Forest Road 14S11 North Camp
      Sep. 23, 2024

      Forest Road 14S11 North Camp

      NOT Big Rig friendly

      This is a really nice area for camping on the side of the road here, but we only could've squeezed our 39ft Class A into maybe 2 of these spots.  Usually when a dispersed site is marked Big Rig Friendly, we'll find that there is a large paved or gravel area for us to pull into and setup before you get to dirt road or off-road sites. There is a large paved area at this location, but we received a warning citation the next day, stating that we weren't allowed to camp there.  It's confusing because this is the exact same setup as any other "snow play" or "sno-park" areas that have allowed camping in the gravel or paved areas area. 

      The paved area does have a couple of small stakes that say "no camping", but in our past dispersed camping experiences, those were used to mark areas where tents and vehicles couldn't pull off-road to camp.  Apparently those stakes refer to the paved area in this case?  There wasn't any reasoning provided on our citation, other than "find another area to camp."

    • 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!

    • 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!

    • renee P.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Sequoia Forest Hunting Area - FS 13597
      Jul. 15, 2024

      Sequoia Forest Hunting Area - FS 13597

      Tucked away from the world

      While the road to get up there is a bit nerve wracking (hoping no one comes around those corners the other direction!) It's worth taking it slow and steady. We were the only ones there and enjoyed a very peaceful night bathed in moonlight and the sounds of nature. Great place!

    • o
      Camper-submitted photo from Cherry Gap OHV Staging Area
      Jun. 23, 2024

      Cherry Gap OHV Staging Area

      Perfect camping spot

      Easy to find if you turn on that road leading to Chicago stump. Keep driving down and you’ll see dispersed camping spots. Beautiful views, quiet, peaceful & there are some fire rings already built.

    • 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!

    • OThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Forest Road 14S11 North Camp
      May. 25, 2024

      Forest Road 14S11 North Camp

      Super Nice

      Very good spot to camp, there were plenty of spots and most had rings. There was also a bathroom so that was nice. Right off of the main road that goes throughout the whole park

    • hamza P.
      Camper-submitted photo from Forest Road 13S02 Dispersed Site
      May. 4, 2024

      Forest Road 13S02 Dispersed Site

      Great little spot

      Secluded with very little traffic. Especially good if you're traveling with dogs to let them roam around. There's a stream and waterfall downhill that makes for great hikes.

    • LThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from FS Road 13s09 Dispersed Camp - Ten Mile Road
      Apr. 26, 2024

      FS Road 13s09 Dispersed Camp - Ten Mile Road

      Rally nice spot on the Sequoia National forest

      Nice big camp spot in the Sequoia National Forest, the road was really calm mid-April, we had no car during the night. The spot has firepits, a camping table and loads of bushes. The view is nice on the forest or a mountain top. We were alone but the spot is big enough for 3 or 4 véhicules, the access is just before the U turn.

    • 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

    • Jan N.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Forest Rd 14S29
      Nov. 13, 2023

      Forest Rd 14S29

      Small, but good for one night

      Since it's offseason and the Campgrounds were closed, we quickly needed to find an alternative and were happy to stay a quiet night at this spot. There is space for maximum 4 small RVs. Large RVs should avoid this place!

    • Kristi D.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Sequoia Forest Hunting Area - FS 13597
      Oct. 24, 2023

      Sequoia Forest Hunting Area - FS 13597

      Private remote campsite

      I found this last minute after digging through many campspots on the north side of Sequoia National Park, but most were closed for the season. Everything else was a little bit of a drive away

      You have to get up a steep incline, right road off of the main road and the road is narrow. It was not our favorite part.

    • 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)

    • Pavla L.
      Camper-submitted photo from Forest Road 14S11 North Camp
      Oct. 11, 2023

      Forest Road 14S11 North Camp

      Plenty of space in the forest

      We stayed here in October 2023 for two nights. There are many spaces alongside this forest road, there are lots of trees, so you feel private though there were quite many people camping alongside the road. We found our own space easily both nights. Great view on the night sky.

    • Pavla L.
      Camper-submitted photo from Cherry Gap OHV Staging Area
      Oct. 11, 2023

      Cherry Gap OHV Staging Area

      Fine safe spot

      We stayed here in October 2023 for our first night in the forest, we stayed at a place near the main road since we arrived late in the night. More place are further the road. It was a safe fine spot with a nice morning view over the canyon.

    • 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.

    • R
      Camper-submitted photo from Sequoia Forest Hunting Area - FS 13597
      Jun. 27, 2023

      Sequoia Forest Hunting Area - FS 13597

      Great little spot for a couple nights close to lots of OHV trails

      Stayed here in my 22ft RV after leaving kings canyon and sequoia checking out general Sherman and some other trees. Had my dual sport with me so after parking for first night I unloaded and the next day I road all over the trails. The coolest thing was the fire tower calledDelilah lookout. Highly recommend! Great place for a 2 night stay especially if you have a dirtbike/enduro



    Guide to Lemon Cove

    Camping near Lemon Cove, California, offers a fantastic escape into nature with stunning views and plenty of outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to hike, fish, or just relax by the river, there are several campgrounds that cater to all kinds of campers.

    What to do

    • Hiking: Explore the beautiful trails in the area. Many campers rave about the proximity to trails like the Topokah Falls trail, which is right inside the Lodgepole Campground — Sequoia National Park. One reviewer mentioned, "It’s a stunning area of the park with the Topokah falls trail right inside the campground."
    • Fishing: The rivers around Sequoia RV Ranch are great for fishing. A camper shared, "The relaxing sounds of the river are great and the full hook-ups RV site loops are right on the river."
    • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for deer and other wildlife. One happy camper at Azalea Campground — Kings Canyon National Park noted, "Deer pass by your camper in the morning."

    What campers like

    What you should know

    • Crowded Campgrounds: Some campgrounds can get busy, especially during peak seasons. A visitor at Lodgepole Campground — Sequoia National Park noted, "Some of the sites are a bit close together and it does get very crowded."
    • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have showers or electric hookups. A camper at Potwisha Campground — Sequoia National Park mentioned, "The camp site itself was decent. Large enough for several tents."
    • Wildlife Precautions: Bears are known to roam in the area, so it's important to store food properly. A camper at Sequoia RV Ranch advised, "Make sure you store ALL food and coolers in the bear box."

    Tips for camping with families

    • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for campgrounds with amenities like picnic tables and fire pits. A reviewer at Princess Campground said, "The sites are spacious, offer plenty of privacy, and have large tables and firepits."
    • Plan Activities: Make sure to have a list of family-friendly activities. One camper at Hume Lake Campground mentioned, "The hiking and swimming around Hume Lake was great."
    • Pack Snacks and Games: Keep kids entertained with snacks and games. A parent at Azalea Campground — Kings Canyon National Park noted, "Plenty of spots to choose from and was first come, first serve."

    Tips from RVers

    • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Lodgepole Campground — Sequoia National Park mentioned, "Spot 198 is the best for RVs in my opinion, but it only accommodates up to 22ft."
    • Use Dump Stations: Take advantage of dump stations for convenience. A visitor at Sequoia RV Ranch said, "The dump station is very nice and free to use."
    • Stay Hydrated: Bring plenty of water, especially during hot months. A reviewer at Potwisha Campground — Sequoia National Park noted, "There’s a 6-mile hike starting from the campground that leads to some waterfalls."

    Camping near Lemon Cove, California, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors with family and friends. With beautiful campgrounds and plenty of activities, you're sure to have a memorable experience!

    Frequently Asked Questions

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

      According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Lemon Cove, CA is Forest Road 14S11 North Camp with a 4.6-star rating from 5 reviews.

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

      TheDyrt.com has all 37 dispersed camping locations near Lemon Cove, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.