Best Dispersed Camping near New Hogan Lake in California

Searching for a dispersed camping spot near New Hogan Lake? The Dyrt can help you find the best dispersed campsites for your next trip. You're sure to find the perfect dispersed campsite for your California camping adventure.

Best Dispersed Sites Near New Hogan Lake, CA (6)

    Camper-submitted photo from Top of Arnold - FR 5N56 Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Top of Arnold - FR 5N56 Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Top of Arnold - FR 5N56 Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Top of Arnold - FR 5N56 Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Top of Arnold - FR 5N56 Dispersed

    1. Top of Arnold - FR 5N56 Dispersed

    2 Reviews
    5 Photos
    153 Saves
    Arnold, California

    Dispersed camping takes a lot more effort than camping in a developed campground, but for those with an adventurous spirit, it can be a lot of fun.

    Here are some important points to remember about dispersed camping:

    The maximum length of stay in a forest ranger district is 21 days per year. Please practice good outdoor ethics about camping, travel and behavior while visiting. Dispersed campers are allowed to park within one vehicle length (including any tow vehicle) of a National Forest transportation route and walk into camp. Dispersed camping is not permitted in developed campgrounds and day use areas. Other areas closed to dispersed camping include historical and archaeological sites. Also, be certain that you are within the boundaries of the National Forest before setting up camp. To prevent resource damage please keep your campsite within 150 feet from a roadway. Dispersed camping is not allowed in these areas: within one mile of Pinecrest Basin along 7N83, Clark Fork Road along Hwy 108 between Clark Fork Road and Kennedy Meadows Road Leave No Trace Camping – Camp so no one notices you while you are there, and no one even knows you were there after you leave. Please respect nature and other visitors by keeping noise to a minimum. Always pack out whatever you pack in. No permanent structures are to be constructed to an area, such as building rock-lined fire pits, trenches around tents, or carving into trees. Human waste should be deposited in a hole dug 6 - 10 inches deep and then covered with organic soil. Vehicles are not permitted off of roads, but if you can safely park your vehicle adjacent and parallel to the road and are not blocking the roadway, you may park and camp. Most sites will have a parking spot nearby while other sites may not. Because the footprint of a vehicle can have a large impact to soils, please do not create new “parking spot” for a campsite. Please park in designated or already impacted spots. If you are going to an area where others have camped before, pick a site that has been used before. Plants, soil and wildlife are impacted by new campsites so using existing ones will minimize your impact in the forest. We want you to learn some of the many reasons to enjoy the quiet and solitude of dispersed camping, it’s up to you to LEAVE NO TRACE.

    • Pets
    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Equestrian
    • Dispersed
    • Alcohol
    Camper-submitted photo from Bear Valley Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Bear Valley Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Bear Valley Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Bear Valley Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Bear Valley Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Bear Valley Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Iron MT. Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Iron MT. Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Iron MT. Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Iron MT. Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Iron MT. Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Iron MT. Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Forest Route 4N39 Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Forest Route 4N39 Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Forest Route 4N39 Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Forest Route 4N39 Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Forest Route 4N39 Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Forest Route 4N39 Dispersed

    4. Forest Route 4N39 Dispersed

    2 Reviews
    11 Photos
    64 Saves
    Stanislaus National Forest, California

    Many people enjoy the solitude and primitive experience of camping away from developed campgrounds and other campers. Dispersed camping is the term used for camping anywhere in the National Forest OUTSIDE of a designated campground. Dispersed camping means no services like trash removal, and few or no facilities such as tables and fire pits, are provided.

    Dispersed camping takes a lot more effort than camping in a developed campground, but for those with an adventurous spirit, it can be a lot of fun.

    Here are some important points to remember about dispersed camping:

    The maximum length of stay in a forest ranger district is 21 days per year. Please practice good outdoor ethics about camping, travel and behavior while visiting. Dispersed campers are allowed to park within one vehicle length (including any tow vehicle) of a National Forest transportation route and walk into camp. Dispersed camping is not permitted in developed campgrounds and day use areas. Other areas closed to dispersed camping include historical and archaeological sites. Also, be certain that you are within the boundaries of the National Forest before setting up camp. To prevent resource damage please keep your campsite within 150 feet from a roadway. Dispersed camping is not allowed in these areas: within one mile of Pinecrest Basin along 7N83, Clark Fork Road along Hwy 108 between Clark Fork Road and Kennedy Meadows Road Leave No Trace Camping – Camp so no one notices you while you are there, and no one even knows you were there after you leave. Please respect nature and other visitors by keeping noise to a minimum. Always pack out whatever you pack in. No permanent structures are to be constructed to an area, such as building rock-lined fire pits, trenches around tents, or carving into trees. Human waste should be deposited in a hole dug 6 - 10 inches deep and then covered with organic soil. Vehicles are not permitted off of roads, but if you can safely park your vehicle adjacent and parallel to the road and are not blocking the roadway, you may park and camp. Most sites will have a parking spot nearby while other sites may not. Because the footprint of a vehicle can have a large impact to soils, please do not create new “parking spot” for a campsite. Please park in designated or already impacted spots. If you are going to an area where others have camped before, pick a site that has been used before. Plants, soil and wildlife are impacted by new campsites so using existing ones will minimize your impact in the forest.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Equestrian
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    Camper-submitted photo from Mormon Emigrant Trail Dispersed Pull Off
    Camper-submitted photo from Shealor Lakes Dispersed Backcountry
    Camper-submitted photo from Shealor Lakes Dispersed Backcountry
    Camper-submitted photo from Shealor Lakes Dispersed Backcountry
    Camper-submitted photo from Shealor Lakes Dispersed Backcountry
    Camper-submitted photo from Shealor Lakes Dispersed Backcountry
    Camper-submitted photo from Shealor Lakes Dispersed Backcountry

Recent Dispersed Reviews in New Hogan Lake

17 Reviews of 6 New Hogan Lake Campgrounds


  • DJ M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Bear Valley Dispersed Camping
    Aug. 20, 2024

    Bear Valley Dispersed Camping

    Crowded

    Wooded campground, cool weather, good phone reception, many spots taken with no activity probably by locals. Lake, hiking, close shopping.

  • Damien M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Top of Arnold - FR 5N56 Dispersed
    Sep. 18, 2023

    Top of Arnold - FR 5N56 Dispersed

    Fun Spot

    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.

  • Serena W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Bear Valley Dispersed Camping
    Aug. 13, 2023

    Bear Valley Dispersed Camping

    Camp in Bear Valley Park

    This is a nice little private camp spot for the most part, There's a campground with its own fence around it for private camping With signs posted very near it, "no camping here" in the other spots without the signs good to go.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Bear Valley Dispersed Camping
    May. 26, 2023

    Bear Valley Dispersed Camping

    Great place to dispersed camping!

    Bear valley is my favorite place to go camping, the most you get close to the top of the mountain, the most curvy the road is, so be prepare. There is a point where the paved road disappears and is only dirt road, you can keep driving as far as you want, it is easy to find a good spot to park and set your camp. The night views are amazing!

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Iron MT. Dispersed
    May. 24, 2023

    Iron MT. Dispersed

    Covered in snow

    The site was covered in snow, and there was a sign saying no camping in snow clearing conditions. Additionally you aren’t allowed in without a Sno-park permit from November 1st to may 31st.

    For those that can get it, I had no service with Verizon or t-mobile

  • Raven P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Iron MT. Dispersed
    Nov. 21, 2022

    Iron MT. Dispersed

    Gorgeous Views!

    Stayed at this location when there was about a foot of snow on the ground, so I didn't feel comfortable driving into the actual camping area, instead I stayed over night on the paved round about. Nice and quite and woke up to gorgeous views! It looks like they are cutting down trees in the area that you would camp at so there are big piles of logs everywhere.

    Good place to hike around, I could see this place being perfect for the summer!

  • Michael S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Top of Arnold - FR 5N56 Dispersed
    Sep. 12, 2022

    Top of Arnold - FR 5N56 Dispersed

    Peaceful spot

    Great spot for a tent or small trailer. The dirt road up is full of ruts and potholes, but my Toyota Yaris made it up. Some noise from chainsaws in the distance one day, and some target practice, but neither lasted long. 2 bars LTE of Verizon.

  • N
    Camper-submitted photo from Forest Route 4N39 Dispersed
    Jul. 4, 2022

    Forest Route 4N39 Dispersed

    Not bad if you're looking for something quick.

    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. That said, 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 that will let you know if you have enough clearance pretty quickly. Overall not a super terrible road to disperse off of. There are a lot more and a lot better spots nearby and it's not too far from Beardsley Lake which can get pretty busy.

  • Tisha S.
    Camper-submitted photo from Iron MT. Dispersed
    Aug. 12, 2021

    Iron MT. Dispersed

    This place is really cool and easy to find! Great views!

    This place is really cool and easy to find! Great views

    Weather isn’t to hot and very secluded.

  • Caroline U.
    Camper-submitted photo from Iron MT. Dispersed
    Jun. 23, 2021

    Iron MT. Dispersed

    Great dispersed camping area

    The view from this area is spectacular. Beautiful sunsets too. It is a pretty open area with lots of room to camp. It is now an abandoned ski resort. The Mormon Emigrant Trail can be accessed from there (East side, going West to Sly Park.) You can hear the Highway a little, but nonetheless very peaceful area. We had 3 bars of AT&T connection there. Will be back

  • Josie H.
    Camper-submitted photo from Bear Valley Dispersed Camping
    Oct. 18, 2020

    Bear Valley Dispersed Camping

    Great overnight camping spot!

    We arrived when it was dark and had no problem finding a spot! It was open with plenty of spots & we were the only ones! Perfect spot for star gazing!!

  • A
    Camper-submitted photo from Iron MT. Dispersed
    Sep. 25, 2020

    Iron MT. Dispersed

    Amazing views

    The views from this place are amazing. The abandoned ski lifts are pretty cool to look at and hike along them as well. I camped right on the edge where the view was as far from the highway as possible. The only downfall is that you can hear the highway. I went on a Tuesday. But I could tell the place gets busy at some point. I would go again.

  • Esther Y.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Bear Valley Dispersed Camping
    Sep. 6, 2020

    Bear Valley Dispersed Camping

    Group event camping

    Stayed here for 2 nights during the 2019 Pursuit Norcal Event (outdoor adventure camp for adults). Due to the nature of the event, we were very close to other campers but the site itself had a lot of tree cover, shade and probably awesome camping at any other time. There is open field adjacent that was used as the event hub. Location was near trails to rock climbing, mountain biking, hiking.



Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near New Hogan Lake?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near New Hogan Lake is Top of Arnold - FR 5N56 Dispersed with a 4.5-star rating from 2 reviews.

  • What is the best site to find dispersed camping near New Hogan Lake?

    TheDyrt.com has all 6 dispersed camping locations near New Hogan Lake, with real photos and reviews from campers.