Stanislaus National Forest offers tent camping options at elevations ranging from 3,000 to 9,000 feet, creating varied microclimates throughout the camping season. Temperatures around Long Barn typically range from 40°F at night to 85°F during summer days, while winter brings significant snowpack that can limit access to higher elevation sites until late spring.
What to do
Swimming in natural pools: Boards Crossing provides access to several swimming spots along the Stanislaus River. One camper noted that "if you walk down the hill from the campsites, you'll find a few great swimming holes—definitely worth the effort on a warm day."
Hiking through giant sequoias: North Grove Campground in Calaveras Big Trees State Park offers trails through ancient sequoia groves. A visitor mentioned, "There's lots of trails to hike here, an extensive ranger station with a Visitor Center, snack bar, and organized talks and activities. The big trees are exactly as advertised: incredibly big and awe-inspiring."
Backpacking into wilderness: Hetch Hetchy Backpacker's Campground serves as a gateway to backcountry adventures. A camper shared, "We hiked up Smith Meadows trail about three miles and found a perfect spot for the night. Perfect solitude and wilderness. All uphill to get there but the views don't disappoint."
What campers like
Proximity to Yosemite: Hardin Flat Road dispersed camping areas provide budget-friendly options near Yosemite National Park. A camper reported, "Spent (2) nights here and loved it. Enough T-Mobile service for messaging and lite web browsing. Spacious pull-out with a small rock fire pit. ~8min drive to Big Oak Entrance and ~40min drive to Yosemite Valley Welcome Center."
Solitude in dispersed sites: For the best tent camping near Long Barn, California, many campers seek out quieter locations. At Top of Arnold, a camper noted, "Super fun spot went in September. Dirt road to get to spot is pretty rough but my Taurus wagon did just fine. There are a few people on dirt bikes ripping around trails so not fully secluded but still a good spot."
Fishing opportunities: Several streams and lakes near Long Barn offer fishing. At Eagle Meadow Horse Camp, campers have access to creek-side spots. A visitor reported, "Stay to the right after the second creak and there are camping does look spots all along the creak. Very secluded and beautiful views."
What you should know
Cell service availability: While many dispersed camping areas lack connectivity, some sites have surprising coverage. At Top of Arnold, a visitor mentioned, "It's suitable enough of a campground, Verizon works. There is sun for solar panels and enough shade to be fine mostly."
Limited facilities at dispersed sites: Most tent campsites outside established campgrounds have minimal amenities. At Forest Route 4N39, a camper reported, "This road follows power lines pretty much for the entire length of the road. It would be a really nice area to disperse if they weren't there as the area is beautiful."
Vehicle clearance requirements: Many forest roads require appropriate vehicles. At Forest Route 4N39, a visitor noted, "You don't need 4x4 but you definitely will need a vehicle with some decent clearance. There are some weirdly purposefully placed speed bumps on the west end of the road approaching 4N01 and Spring Gap Rd."
Tips for camping with families
Junior Ranger programs: North Grove Campground offers educational opportunities for children. A visitor mentioned that they have a "great visitor center and junior ranger program, and swimming in the Stanislaus river (cold but refreshing!)"
Short hiking options: When tent camping near Long Barn with children, choose trails appropriate for younger hikers. At Hetch Hetchy, a camper shared, "The Hetch Hetchy dam hike didn't originally appeal to me, but we learned a ton about the water supply and explored tunnels as well. The area was easy to access and my young (5/6) children were able to easily hike."
Wildlife awareness: Bear activity is common throughout the Stanislaus Forest. At Eagle Meadow Horse Camp, a visitor reported finding "a super campground on a forest road turn off. There were a couple of other spots taken, but it was off the beaten path and very quiet."
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup options: Most dispersed camping areas near Long Barn don't provide RV amenities. At Hardin Flat Road, one RVer shared, "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."
Road conditions for larger vehicles: Forest roads can present challenges for RVs. Along Forest Route 4N39, campers noted that while the road doesn't require 4×4, "you definitely will need a vehicle with some decent clearance."
Seasonal accessibility: Winter snow can make many campgrounds inaccessible for RVs until late spring. Hardin Flat Road visitors in April reported, "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."
