Best Dispersed Camping near New Hogan Lake

Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, New Hogan Lake, CA is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are New Hogan Lake campgrounds just for you. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your California camping adventure.

Best Dispersed Sites Near New Hogan Lake (7)

    1. Top of Arnold - FR 5N56 Dispersed

    3 Reviews
    Arnold, CA
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (209) 532-3671

    "The dirt road up is full of ruts and potholes, but my Toyota Yaris made it up."

    "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."

    2. Iron MT. Dispersed

    10 Reviews
    Eldorado National Forest, CA
    46 miles
    Website
    +1 (916) 324-4442

    "The ground is very flat and many areas are paved with gravel. At 7500 feet above sea level, the view is wide and the scenery is beautiful, especially the sunset view."

    "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."

    3. Bear Valley Dispersed Camping

    7 Reviews
    Sierraville, CA
    47 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 994-3401

    "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."

    "Lots of trails to ride your bike and walk."

    4. Mormon Emigrant Trail Dispersed Pull Off

    2 Reviews
    Grizzly Flats, CA
    43 miles

    "I was there on weekdays so was pretty much alone the whole time but even if the main spot is occupied there’s a couple of dirt roads that lead to more areas to camp."

    5. Forest Route 4N39 Dispersed

    2 Reviews
    Stanislaus National Forest, CA
    42 miles
    Website
    +1 (209) 459-9238

    6. Van Haven Dispersed Site Yosemite

    2 Reviews
    Groveland, CA
    47 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."

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near New Hogan Lake

26 Reviews of 7 New Hogan Lake Campgrounds


  • 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!

  • Michael S.The Dyrt PRO User
    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.

  • Damien M.The Dyrt PRO User
    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.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    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!

  • O
    Sep. 6, 2024

    Mormon Emigrant Trail Dispersed Pull Off

    Large dirt pull off

    Large pull off area I found and stayed at for 4 days with amazing views of the sunset and sunrise! I was there on weekdays so was pretty much alone the whole time but even if the main spot is occupied there’s a couple of dirt roads that lead to more areas to camp. A couple of level spots and lots of room to hike around. Completely free and peaceful but 0 amenities so come prepared. Currently there is an abandoned red semi truck cab so it’s easy to find not sure if that will ever be moved in the future though!

  • J
    Apr. 28, 2025

    Van Haven Dispersed Site Yosemite

    Small plot of land near the forest road with great views

    Great views along the John Muir trail. 24 hour Public restroom .o2miles from camp site. Near the gas station/market in Greeley Hill,CA. 30 min from Yosemite West gate. 45min to cherry lake and many fresh water rivers and waterfalls. On a road with homes, but is at the end of the road. No water or toilet available yet.

  • N
    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.

  • goose10091203 The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 13, 2025

    Top of Arnold - FR 5N56 Dispersed

    Not bad at all

    It's suitable enough of a campground, Verizon works. There is sun for solar panels and enough shade to be fine mostly, I have a canopy so it helps make it more than fine. Only downside is the ground is basically dust dirt. My dogs love it, my bedding doesn't!

  • Esther Y.
    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.


Guide to New Hogan Lake

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near New Hogan Lake in California, where nature lovers can enjoy the great outdoors without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. With a variety of options available, you can find the perfect spot to unwind and connect with nature.

Scenic Views and Hiking Trails for Dispersed Campers

  • The Mormon Emigrant Trail Dispersed Pull Off offers stunning views of both sunrise and sunset, making it an ideal spot for photography enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
  • For those seeking adventure, the Top of Arnold - FR 5N56 Dispersed provides access to nearby trails where you can explore the rugged terrain on foot or by bike.
  • If you're looking for a peaceful retreat, the Bear Valley Dispersed Camping area features numerous trails that wind through beautiful wooded landscapes, perfect for hiking and enjoying the serene environment.

Unique Experiences While Free Camping Near New Hogan Lake

  • At Iron MT. Dispersed, you can experience the thrill of camping in a location that was once an abandoned ski resort, offering a unique backdrop for your outdoor adventures.
  • The Forest Route 4N39 Dispersed area allows for side-of-the-road camping with easy access to shaded spots, making it a convenient choice for those who want to set up quickly and enjoy the surroundings.
  • For a more secluded experience, the Bear Valley Dispersed Camping area provides a private atmosphere, allowing you to immerse yourself in nature without the distractions of modern life.

Top Activities for Dispersed Campers

  • Enjoy a variety of outdoor activities at the Top of Arnold - FR 5N56 Dispersed, where dirt biking and hiking trails are popular among visitors looking for an adrenaline rush.
  • The Mormon Emigrant Trail Dispersed Pull Off is perfect for stargazing at night, thanks to its remote location and minimal light pollution, providing a breathtaking view of the night sky.
  • If you're interested in fishing, the nearby lakes and rivers accessible from Bear Valley Dispersed Camping offer excellent opportunities to catch local fish while enjoying the tranquility of the area.

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 4.3-star rating from 3 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 7 dispersed camping locations near New Hogan Lake, with real photos and reviews from campers.