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Top Dispersed Camping near Merced, CA

73 Reviews

If you're looking for a place to dispersed camp near Merced, look no further. Dispersed camping is an excellent way to get away from it all and to disconnect. You're sure to find the perfect dispersed campsite for your California excursion.

Best Dispersed Camping Sites Near Merced, CA (9)

  1. Camper-submitted photo from Goat Meadow - Dispersed Camp Site

    1.

    Goat Meadow - Dispersed Camp Site

    22 Reviews
    38 Photos
    690 Saves
    Fish Camp, California

    Dispersed Camping is allowed in the National Forest except in the area surrounding Huntington Lake, Shaver Lake, Bass Lake, Redinger Lake, and the Merced River Canyon. Campfire permits are required at all times whenever you plan to have a fire on public land outside of a developed campground. When building a fire please remember to only pick up down and dead wood that is no larger than wrist size and to never leave a campfire unattended.

    You can obtain a campfire permit at any Forest office or online at www.prevetnwildfireca.org. Be sure to check and see if campfire restrictions are in effect, when campfire restrictions are in place you will not be able to make a fire in dispersed camping areas (Developed Designated Campgrounds Only) but, you will be able to operate gas stoves, and lanterns with your permit.

    When camping in the Forest proper food storage is also required either using a bear box, or by the proper use of the counter balance method. While camping anywhere in the forest also keep in mind that there are other people in the forest and we advise you to respect them and their space.

    You may stay at one campsite for a limit of 14 days and you may stay on each district for a limit of 21 days before we will ask you to vacate. Please follow ENVUM maps for all designated roads and vehicle limitations.

    We ask you to always remember to pack out what you pack in. Human waste needs to be buried 6 to 8 inches deep. For any other questions about visiting and camping in the forest and in the wilderness please visit LeaveNoTrace.org.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group
  2. Camper-submitted photo from Yosemite “Boondock National” Dispersed Camping
  3. Camper-submitted photo from Hardin Flat Road
  4. Camper-submitted photo from Tumey Hills Box Canyon

    4.

    Tumey Hills Box Canyon

    5 Reviews
    15 Photos
    74 Saves
    Mendota, California

    Look closely at the ground you will find evidence of the vast inland sea that once covered the Tumey Hills. The light porous rocks are composed of diatoms, the tiny, bleached, shell-like skeletons of sea algae. Annual grasslands are lovely in springtime, with beautiful wildflower displays. Rarely seen federally-protected San Joaquin kit fox, blunt-nosed leopard lizard, and giant kangaroo rats make their homes in these hills. Visitors enjoy a day use facility with parking, shade structures, picnic benches, vault toilets and an interpretive kiosk with a map and information about the area.

    • Pets
    • Phone Service
    • Dispersed
    • Picnic Table
    • Toilets
  5. Camper-submitted photo from Momyer Creek Trail 1E06
  6. Camper-submitted photo from Summit Rd Dispersed
  7. Camper-submitted photo from Kamook Staging Camp
  8. Camper-submitted photo from Tumey Hills
  9. Camper-submitted photo from Evergreen Rd Dispersed camping

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Pet-friendly camping near Merced

Recent Dispersed Reviews In Merced

73 Reviews of 9 Merced Campgrounds