New Melones Lake, CA is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of New Melones Lake. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in New Melones Lake, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"Very nice and quiet spot, very close to Yosemite entrance, ideal if you weren't able to get a reservation."
"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."
TravelerRed 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!
TravelerWent 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.
GuideGreat 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.
TravelerSuper 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.
TravelerBear 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!
ScoutGreat 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.
GuideLarge 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!
TravelerLots of available spots along Hardin Flat Road, most with good shade. Passed 10-15 pull out spots for car campers, and at least 10 more easily accessible spots for tents. We were there peak season but mid-week and spots were easy to find. Just a 10 minute drive from the entrance to Yosemite! The spots along the creek were very buggy. We found one away from the water and not at all buggy. It turned out to be near enough to Rush Creek Lodge that you could hear kid noise from the pool during the day but it got quiet after 9pm.
TravelerGreat 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.
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near New Melones Lake in California, where nature lovers can find serene spots away from the crowds. This area offers a variety of locations perfect for tent camping, hiking, and enjoying the great outdoors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find dispersed camping at New Melones Lake?
Dispersed camping at New Melones Lake is available in several nearby areas. Top of Arnold - FR 5N56 Dispersed offers sites suitable for tents or small trailers about 30-40 minutes from the lake. The dirt road has ruts and potholes but is passable with careful driving. For those seeking more options, Mormon Emigrant Trail Dispersed Pull Off provides large pull-off areas with amazing views, including several dirt roads leading to additional camping spots. Look for established pull-outs and cleared areas around the lake's perimeter, especially along forest service roads. For the best spots, arrive mid-week when competition for sites is lower.
Are there any amenities available for dispersed campers at New Melones Lake?
Dispersed camping at New Melones Lake offers very limited amenities, as is typical with most dispersed sites. Hardin Flat Road dispersed sites, while not directly at New Melones but representative of the region's dispersed camping, offer no facilities but provide good shade in many spots. Van Haven Dispersed Site Yosemite is another example where you might find a public restroom within driving distance, but not at the campsite itself. For New Melones dispersed camping, you should plan to be self-sufficient with your own water, toilet facilities, and waste disposal. Cell service varies throughout the area, with some spots offering 2-3 bars of LTE/Verizon coverage.
What are the rules and regulations for dispersed camping at New Melones Lake?
Dispersed camping at New Melones Lake follows standard public land regulations. As seen at similar sites like Bear Valley Dispersed Camping and Forest Route 4N39 Dispersed, you must practice Leave No Trace principles. This includes packing out all trash, properly disposing of human waste, and minimizing impact on vegetation. Camping is typically limited to 14 days within a 30-day period. Campfires may be restricted seasonally or prohibited entirely during fire season, so bring a camp stove for cooking. Park only in established pull-outs or previously used sites, staying at least 100 feet from water sources. No reservations are available - all sites are first-come, first-served. Check with the local ranger district for current regulations before your trip.
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