Best Dispersed Camping near Madera, CA
Dispersed camping options near Madera, California provide free alternatives to developed campgrounds, with several sites located within an hour's drive. Goat Meadow Dispersed Camp Site ranks among the most accessible, situated just minutes from Yosemite National Park's south entrance. The area features both a paved parking lot suitable for RVs and vans, plus more secluded tent sites accessible via dirt paths. According to reviews, campers can find "4 or 5 big private areas separated by huge cut logs all with plenty of room to turnaround" when they venture beyond the main parking area.
Most dispersed sites in this region lack basic amenities. No drinking water, toilets, or hookups are available at Goat Meadow or Yosemite "Boondock National" sites. Tumey Hills Box Canyon, located on BLM land, offers primitive camping with limited facilities. Fire regulations vary seasonally; established fire rings exist at some locations, but fire bans may be implemented during high-risk periods. Visitors should pack out all trash and prepare for temperature fluctuations, as nights can drop to around 50°F even when days are hot.
Road conditions determine accessibility at these sites. Mount Raymond Road leads to Goat Meadow, where standard vehicles can navigate the main area. Several campers noted that while the entrance road is manageable for most vehicles, deeper sections become progressively rougher. The Tumey Hills area requires approximately 15 minutes of driving on unpaved roads to reach camping spots. Momyer Creek Trail access has become problematic, with recent reports indicating gates blocking entry. Wildlife encounters are common in these areas; proper food storage is essential to prevent attracting animals to campsites.
