Are you planning a dispersed camping trip to Madera? We've got you covered. Dispersed camping means that no facilities or amenities are provided, so that you can truly disconnect and get back to nature. You're sure to find the perfect dispersed campsite for your California excursion.
Sign in front with gate closed says “closed to motorized vehicles April-October”
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.
Windy Point Dispersed Picnic Site
Scout
I was expecting bad conditions because of the previous comments but it was actually a good surprise. It's very close to the entrance of Yosemite, in our case it was very quiet and well isolated. There is no view or wow effect but it's great location and isolated.
ScoutIf you aren’t sleeping in a camper or in your car, don’t waste your time. It’s a parking lot. Didn’t clearly specify
TravelerThis 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.
ScoutIt was spooky but comfortable, good places for renting, fishing,and nature.
Traveler
We got there at 5pm on a Sunday. Went all the way to the back and In my opinion got the best spot. We had plenty of trees around us for privacy and shade. Highly recommend if you’re trying to camp close to Yosemite without a reservation. Only downside were the mosquitoes were on another level. They turned off once it got dark though.
GuideA quiet, large space for setting up.
GuideThis spot is great, right outside the YNP, but the mosquitos will suck ever last drop of blood out of you! This was the very back spot but also a quiet spot.
GuideGot there late at night, around midnight. Had to find a spot but very quiet. Will stay there again!
GuideThis is a good location right near the south entrance of the park, but still about an hour from the valley. It was a little crowded and pretty bumpy road to get into the sites. But it worked well for staying for the night.
Traveler
super accessible spot right by the entrance (10 min drive max) to yosemite np !! not sure why some of these reviews are complicated lol but just go up mount raymond road like the directions tell you to then once you get to the end i just went to the turn out on the right ! super lowkey, fire pits, and beautiful scenery 🌱
TravelerSimple campground with toilets available
Tent and RV (4wd recommended, steep road)
ScoutIt’s great
TravelerGreat 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.
Traveler
This was such a beautiful spot. It had the greenest hills. It was very peaceful at night. There were people shooting in the morning. But overall the spot was really nice for one night.
ScoutAnother beautiful spot ruined by people who can’t pickup after themselves
TravelerWe stayed here when visiting Yosemite and it was a great location, easy to find in the dark, and quiet. Part of the road was closed due to the season but we were still able to find a spot and had the place to ourselves. No cell service, bathrooms, or clear fire pits but it didn’t bother us!
ScoutWas a great place to stop so we could get an early start towards Yosemite. The stars were beautiful as there is almost no light pollution. There were a few others parked around the edge of the big lot and people were friendly. Easy to find. Will keep this spot saved. It was very cold, a bit icy in the morning the second week of November.
GuideStayed Saturday and Sunday. This is the most perfect dispersed camping in the area. Just a few minutes from Yosemite NP entrance. Spots are pretty obvious which is great. Some have fire pits already established by previous campers. There’s a huge pile of wood that’s great for your fire. There’s a large paved area for RVs as well. Everyone was respectful. Some arrived closer to 10pm and still found a spot. No problem with noise after 10pm.
GuideHad a lovely evening here. Camp sites are clean and free of garbage. Spread out nicely to avoid any noisy neighbors. Beautiful way to start a cross country road trip.
GuideThis spot is located right next to the snow play area. Just off to the right hand side of the road there is a dirt trail. I even saw some Camry and a Honda deep in the woods here. Once you go deeper then the road become more bumpy and a 4x4 might be more beneficial. We enjoyed this spot. No water bathrooms or trash.Thank you.
GuideFirst Dispersed camp site, arrived at 10pm and had no problem finding a camp site. It’s super dark so arriving early would hand been best. Great experience. Were several others camped out as well. Will stay again.
ScoutBasic pull off area that is good for a nights rest. There are a couple of gas stations and fast food restaurants nearby. The parking area is relatively quite and there is a good amount of room to park and sleep.
TravelerLots of places to park a vehicle or set up a tent. Plenty of fire rings and is very close to the NP entrance. Only downside was the lack of private areas to use the bathroom, but we managed. The lead to get in wasn’t bad, and we got there after dark.
GuideStayed here on a Wednesday night, there were only a couple other people there and the sites are far apart so it felt private and very quiet. It was really hot during the day and chilly at night, probably 50°. Tons of firewood around. For RV camping there is a paved lot you can park in instead but definitely not as pretty. Pro tip- turn your vehicle off immediately upon entering your site because the exhaust attracted literal swarms of mosquitoes. Some spray, a fire and a thermocell remedies the problem quickly. Cell service was pretty good here (Verizon). It’s just a few minutes to get into the south entrance of Yosemite. Overall a really nice spot.
ScoutRoad getting there is pretty scary at night, but it’s super close to the park. There’s a parking lot to the left for rvs/vans and a dirt path that opens into an area for tents or any dispersed camping. We stayed in tents, there’s plenty of room to find a tent spot
No cell service
ScoutGreat spot for overnight car camping, no service, plenty of firewood
TravelerLiterally right outside of Yosemite! There’s still a fair amount of snow outside so camp is basically a big parking lot with some porta-potties. Great for car camping at the moment, we arrived around dusk, parked, and slept with no problems.
Camping near Madera, CA, offers a fantastic escape into nature with stunning views and plenty of outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are several campgrounds that cater to different preferences.
Camping near Madera, CA, has something for everyone, from stunning views to family-friendly activities. Just be sure to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Madera, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Madera, CA is Tumey Hills Box Canyon with a 3.8-star rating from 5 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Madera, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 6 dispersed camping locations near Madera, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
