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

    37 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

    11 Reviews
    Fish Camp, CA
    48 miles

    "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"

    "As previously mentioned, these coordinates are not correct, if you travel beyond the coordinates towards the South Park Entrance and pass the Springdale Campground on your left, you will see a sign shortly"

    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

    1 Review
    Groveland, CA
    37 miles

    "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

82 Reviews of 10 Merced Campgrounds



Guide to Merced

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Merced, California, where nature enthusiasts can enjoy serene landscapes and a sense of adventure. With a variety of options available, campers can find the perfect spot to unwind and connect with the great outdoors.

Scenic Retreats for Dispersed Campers

  • The Goat Meadow - Dispersed Camp Site offers a peaceful atmosphere surrounded by trees, providing privacy and shade, making it an ideal choice for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle.
  • Located near the south entrance of Yosemite, Hardin Flat Road features spacious sites that allow for a quiet camping experience, perfect for those wanting to explore the national park without the crowds.
  • For a quick getaway, Yosemite “Boondock National” Dispersed Camping is just a short drive from the park entrance, making it convenient for campers eager to start their adventures early.

Top Activities While Free Camping Near Merced

  • Campers at Tumey Hills Box Canyon can enjoy hiking through lush green hills, providing a peaceful backdrop for nature walks and photography.
  • The Kamook Staging Camp is a great spot for ATV enthusiasts, offering access to numerous trails for off-road adventures right from your camping site.
  • For those seeking a quieter experience, Evergreen Rd Dispersed Camping provides a few scattered spots along the road, perfect for settling in and enjoying the tranquility of nature.

Dispersed Campers Should Check Out Tumey Hills

  • The Tumey Hills area is known for its stunning landscapes and is a great choice for those looking to immerse themselves in nature while enjoying a peaceful camping experience.
  • With its proximity to amenities, Tumey Hills offers a convenient stop for travelers heading to San Jose, making it an easy overnight option for those on the go.
  • Campers can expect a serene environment at Tumey Hills, where the quiet nights and beautiful scenery create a perfect escape from everyday life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Merced, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Merced, CA is Goat Meadow - Dispersed Camp Site with a 4.5-star rating from 37 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Merced, CA?

TheDyrt.com has all 10 dispersed camping locations near Merced, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.