Best Dispersed Camping near Merced, CA

The Sierra Nevada foothills east of Merced, California feature numerous dispersed camping options, particularly near Yosemite National Park's entrances. Goat Meadow Dispersed Camp Site and Hardin Flat Road provide free, primitive camping within minutes of park boundaries. These areas primarily accommodate self-sufficient campers with minimal amenities and no hookups. Most sites are accessible via dirt roads and clearings in forested areas, offering both tent and RV camping opportunities. Tumey Hills Box Canyon, located southwest of Merced, provides BLM land camping with more desert-like terrain. The proximity to Yosemite National Park drives much of the camping activity in the region, with many sites functioning as affordable basecamps for park exploration.

Road conditions vary significantly across camping areas, with some requiring high-clearance vehicles while others remain accessible to standard passenger cars. As one camper noted about Goat Meadow, "The area is flat and any car, truck or RV/trailer can make it back here easily." Winter and early spring bring snow and ice to higher elevation sites, particularly those near Yosemite's entrances. Cell service is inconsistent throughout the region, with many campers reporting no connectivity at Goat Meadow while others found reliable service through specific carriers. Most dispersed sites lack drinking water, restrooms, and other amenities. Campers should arrive prepared with sufficient water, waste disposal plans, and bear-aware food storage, especially at sites near Yosemite where wildlife encounters are common.

Holiday weekends and summer months bring significant crowds to dispersed sites near Yosemite. One visitor to Goat Meadow observed, "This place gets CROWDED. At 5:30 it's like everyone got off work and headed home." Winter camping offers more solitude but requires cold-weather preparation. Many campers report wildlife sightings, including deer and occasionally coyotes. Tree sap can be problematic at some forested sites, with visitors noting it "was all over our car the next morning." Sites along Hardin Flat Road provide varying levels of privacy, with some campers noting the road offers "10-15 pull out spots for car campers, and at least 10 more easily accessible spots for tents." Noise levels vary by location and season, with generator use occasionally causing friction among campers at more popular sites.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Merced, California (10)

    1. Goat Meadow - Dispersed Camp Site

    40 Reviews
    Fish Camp, CA
    48 miles
    Website

    "After accidentally driving to this location following the directions of another reviewer for the “Yosemite Boondocks” campground across 41 (which we never found) we were very happy with this location."

    "Great 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"

    2. Hardin Flat Road

    15 Reviews
    Eastman Lake, CA
    47 miles

    "I stayed to car camp and had an overall nice time. 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."

    "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."

    3. Yosemite “Boondock National” Dispersed Camping

    12 Reviews
    Fish Camp, CA
    48 miles

    "Nestled amongst trees right on the edge of Yosemite. Was quite busy when I was there but managed to find a quiet spot tucked away & private."

    "Here is the correct location. You can take a dirt road from this parking lot in order to camp in the woods.

    Dropped pin https://goo.gl/maps/2gskCbuY8XRMD82x5"

    4. Tumey Hills Box Canyon

    11 Reviews
    Mendota, CA
    48 miles
    Website
    +1 (831) 582-2200

    "Took us about 15 min to drive to where we camped. There is no water or bathrooms so bring a jug from Lowe’s with a spicket!"

    "Easy overnight BLM spot, we stayed overnight on the way to San Jose - easy to navigate, find & park.

    Close by amenities gas stations, mcdonald’s & freeway about 10 mins out"

    5. Van Haven Dispersed Site Yosemite

    2 Reviews
    Groveland, CA
    37 miles

    "The road becomes increasingly rough and eroded, with deep ruts and drainages. 4WD or AWD is necessary. Site offers scenic views, unobstructed night sky, and interesting exploration.

    Leave no trace!"

    "Great views along the John Muir trail. 24 hour Public restroom .o2miles from camp site."

    6. Evergreen Rd Dispersed camping

    3 Reviews
    Eastman Lake, CA
    49 miles

    "Great little spot within 10 minutes of one Yosemite’s entrance. Spaces for a few different campsites"

    "Took us about 9 min to get to the park entrance. Now that we know about this spot we will definitely use this area again. We'll just make sure we get there earlier."

    7. Momyer Creek Trail 1E06

    4 Reviews
    Friant, CA
    44 miles
    Website
    +1 (909) 382-2882

    8. Hardin flat dispersed

    1 Review
    Mather, CA
    47 miles

    "Very nice and quiet spot, very close to Yosemite entrance, ideal if you weren't able to get a reservation."

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Merced, CA

87 Reviews of 10 Merced Campgrounds


  • HThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 24, 2025

    Yosemite “Boondock National” Dispersed Camping

    Amazing boondocking!!

    What a brilliant place! Nestled amongst trees right on the edge of Yosemite. Was quite busy when I was there but managed to find a quiet spot tucked away & private. Bumpy roads around the actual camping area but manageable in a camper van. Actually saw a few big rigs here too. Only negative was the biting bugs which were everywhere & hungry but didn’t spoil the evening, just wish I’d taken bug spray or a citronella candle!

  • Mark L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 31, 2025

    Van Haven Dispersed Site Yosemite

    Rugged, Remote, Dusty

    Red Cloud Rd offers few viable camping sites. The road becomes increasingly rough and eroded, with deep ruts and drainages. 4WD or AWD is necessary. Site offers scenic views, unobstructed night sky, and interesting exploration.

    Leave no trace!

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 10, 2021

    Goat Meadow - Dispersed Camp Site

    Amazing off grid Location, Quiet, RV access

    After accidentally driving to this location following the directions of another reviewer for the “Yosemite Boondocks” campground across 41 (which we never found) we were very happy with this location.

    First, to tell you how to properly get here and find all the spots, drive to the end of the road (don’t pay attention to the gate and “off road” dirt road you see to the left before the parking lot. Don’t go there. Go to just before the big Snow Play parking lot and head right through the dirt. There is no paved road but the area is flat and any car, truck or rv/trailer can make it back here easily. I got nervous at first about ability to turnaround so I parked prematurely near the entrance. Keep going and you’ll find at least 4 or 5 big private areas separated by huge cut logs all with plenty of room to turnaround and not have to back up.

    If you’re nervous, we watched several cars, vans, and trailers camp overnight in the big paved parking lot right past this, and that’s fine, but you’re in a parking lot. Come out to the right and you’re in heaven.

    We were the only RV here and had it to ourselves an entire week (granted it’s early November). Can’t beat the proximity to Yosemite south entrance.

  • Caroline D.
    May. 4, 2024

    Goat Meadow - Dispersed Camp Site

    Great free camp at the exit of Yosemite park

    Great 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.

  • Mouni
    Sep. 23, 2024

    Kamook Staging Camp - PERMANENTLY CLOSED

    Not ideal

    This 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.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 8, 2025

    Momyer Creek Trail 1E06

    No access

    Tried to stop on the way to Yosemite park. This pulls up to three closed gates that all look to be private properties

  • Genesis C.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 8, 2025

    Tumey Hills Box Canyon

    Beautiful BLM land

    Took us about 15 min to drive to where we camped. There is no water or bathrooms so bring a jug from Lowe’s with a spicket!

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 7, 2024

    Hardin Flat Road

    Visited in April

    Went on 4/5/24 - 4/7/24. I stayed to car camp and had an overall nice time. 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.

    There’s enough space for you to distance yourself from others.

    No bear boxes or bathrooms but very safe and easy to access.

  • Deb F.
    May. 30, 2021

    Yosemite “Boondock National” Dispersed Camping

    Beautiful spot just outside of Yosemite

    It’s Memorial weekend and the weather is in the 70s, sun is shining through the forest trees, the birds are singing and this site is a perfect base camp for my day trips to hike in Yosemite.

    Here is the correct location. You can take a dirt road from this parking lot in order to camp in the woods.

    Dropped pin https://goo.gl/maps/2gskCbuY8XRMD82x5


Guide to Merced

Dispersed camping areas near Merced, California provide affordable access to the Sierra Nevada foothills and Yosemite National Park. Camping elevations range from 1,000 feet in the western valley sites to over 5,200 feet at higher locations near Yosemite, creating significant temperature variations throughout the year. Most free sites require vehicles to navigate unimproved forest roads that can become challenging during winter months when snow accumulates at higher elevations.

What to do

Stargazing at higher elevations: Red Cloud Road offers exceptional night sky viewing with minimal light pollution. "Site offers scenic views, unobstructed night sky, and interesting exploration," notes one visitor to Van Haven Dispersed Site Yosemite.

Visit nearby mountain lakes: Many dispersed camping areas provide access to water recreation within 45 minutes. A camper at Van Haven notes it's "45min to cherry lake and many fresh water rivers and waterfalls," making it perfect for day trips.

Off-season sledding: The Goat Meadow area doubles as a snow play area during winter months. One camper observed that "around 7am, the place filled up with people sledding (as the area is intended to be used)," showing the dual recreational purpose of this site.

What campers like

Proximity to Yosemite entrances: The convenience of free camping just minutes from park gates ranks highest among camper preferences. A visitor to Evergreen Rd Dispersed camping appreciated the "great little spot within 10 minutes of one Yosemite's entrance."

Privacy between sites: Many campers value the natural spacing between dispersed sites. A visitor to Hardin Flat Road noted it had "really spread out spots. Couldn't even see your neighbor and the vicinity to the park made it perfect."

Accessibility for standard vehicles: Several areas provide camping access without requiring specialized vehicles. "The area is flat and spacious. When we camped 1 car 2 tents on 4/11/25 there were a number of other people and plenty of spots to check out," reported one camper at Goat Meadow.

What you should know

Wildlife encounters: Bears and coyotes are active near Yosemite boundary campsites. One camper at Goat Meadow - Dispersed Camp Site warned "Coyotes and bears are active in the area- coyotes raided a bag I had hanging from a tree and stole my food!"

Limited amenities: Virtually all free sites lack basic facilities. "No bear boxes or bathrooms but very safe and easy to access," noted one camper about Hardin Flat Road.

Cell service variability: Connectivity fluctuates dramatically between locations. A Goat Meadow visitor reported "Had great cell service through Verizon," while others found no service with different carriers.

Weather conditions: Higher elevation sites experience significant seasonal changes. "When I was there recently, some of the 'campsites' had 0-3" [of snow], whereas other spots were about 6-8"," observed a Goat Meadow camper in March.

Tips for camping with families

Avoid target shooting areas: Some BLM lands permit shooting which creates noise issues. A visitor to Tumey Hills Box Canyon warned "If you're in to target practice you'd give it a five. It is a shooting range," suggesting families seek quieter alternatives.

Arrive before dark: Finding suitable sites becomes challenging after sunset. "Get in a lil late and was a little tricky finding a spot. But once we did, it was perfect," advised a camper at Evergreen Road.

Plan for insects: Prepare for seasonal bug activity. A Hardin Flat visitor cautioned, "Lots of ticks! be prepared," emphasizing the need for insect repellent during warmer months.

Choose sites away from water: Some waterside locations experience increased bug activity. A visitor to Hardin Flat Road noted "The spots along the creek were very buggy. We found one away from the water and not at all buggy."

Tips from RVers

Road condition research: Forest road quality varies dramatically between sites. A visitor to Yosemite "Boondock National" Dispersed Camping noted "Bumpy roads around the actual camping area but manageable in a camper van. Actually saw a few big rigs here too."

Arrive mid-week: Holiday weekends bring significant crowds to sites near Yosemite. "I will say if it's a holiday weekend and you leave camp headed into town be prepared for at least an hour in traffic due to backup from the park entrance," warned one Goat Meadow visitor.

Level site selection: Many dispersed areas offer naturally flat parking. "It was perfectly flat and level. We didn't even unhook the trailer," reported an RVer at Tumey Hills Box Canyon.

Plan for temperature fluctuations: Higher elevation sites experience significant day-to-night changes. "Gets a little cold at night (April) but not unbearable by any means," reported a camper at Yosemite "Boondock National".

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Tumey Hills Box Canyon a good location for off-grid camping near Merced?

Tumey Hills Box Canyon is an excellent choice for off-grid camping near Merced. It takes about 15 minutes to drive to the camping area from the main road, making it accessible yet remote enough for a true off-grid experience. The site is on BLM land, providing a straightforward overnight stop. There's no water or bathroom facilities, so you'll need to bring your own supplies, including water jugs. The location is relatively convenient, with amenities like gas stations and fast food about 10 minutes away, making it easy to stock up before heading to camp. This balance of accessibility and isolation makes Tumey Hills particularly appealing for those wanting to disconnect without venturing too far from civilization.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Merced, CA?

Several free dispersed camping options exist near Merced. Yosemite "Boondock National" Dispersed Camping offers sites nestled among trees near Yosemite's edge. While popular, you can find quiet, private spots despite the bumpy access roads. Another option is Hardin Flat Road, which provides enough space to distance yourself from other campers and serves as a great base for Yosemite day trips. The area may have seasonal conditions like ice or snow, so check weather reports before heading out. Both locations require you to pack in all necessities and follow leave-no-trace principles, as they lack formal facilities. These sites typically operate on a first-come, first-served basis, so arriving early, especially during peak seasons, is recommended.

What amenities are available at primitive camping sites near Merced?

Primitive camping sites near Merced offer minimal amenities, consistent with their dispersed nature. Goat Meadow - Dispersed Camp Site provides basic facilities including porta-potties and a dumpster, making it suitable for car camping. It's essentially a large parking lot near Yosemite's entrance with space for tents and vehicles. Meanwhile, Van Haven Dispersed Site Yosemite on Red Cloud Road offers no formal amenities but compensates with scenic views and clear night skies for stargazing. Most dispersed sites in the area require visitors to be completely self-sufficient - bring your own water, food, and waste disposal solutions. Cell service is typically limited or nonexistent, so prepare for a truly unplugged experience and pack out all trash.