Dispersed camping options near North Fork, California include several primitive sites within Sierra National Forest. Goat Meadow offers free camping with drive-in access for both tents and RVs. According to camper Brett H., "We were the only RV here and had it to ourselves an entire week. Can't beat the proximity to Yosemite south entrance." Yosemite "Boondock National" provides similar amenities with convenient access to Yosemite National Park. Momyer Creek Trail 1E06 has limited access, with recent visitors reporting "three closed gates that all look to be private properties."
Road conditions vary significantly throughout the area. High-clearance vehicles are recommended for many sites, particularly after weather events. Several forest roads become impassable during winter months or after heavy rainfall. No drinking water is available at these dispersed sites; visitors must bring all necessary water supplies. Cell service is limited or nonexistent at most locations. Campers note that Goat Meadow has "no service" but "plenty of firewood," making it suitable for those seeking a digital detox.
California Campfire Permits are required for any fire use, including camp stoves and lanterns. These permits can be obtained online through the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection website. Fire restrictions frequently change based on seasonal conditions and wildfire risk. The standard dispersed camping stay limit is 14 days within a 30-day period. All sites operate on a strict pack-in, pack-out basis with no trash services available. Visitors should check current forest orders before departure as road closures and fire restrictions can change rapidly during fire season.
"Excellent spot 7 min from the Yosemite South Wawona Entrance. Im staying at a dispersed camping spot in late July and there is level, paved parking with tent camping spots."
"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."
"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."
"GPS will take you straight to Goat meadow snow play area (look for signs too). Once you reach the area hang right to the dirt road and pick a spot!"
"If you enter from the Tamarack trail head and go down Rock Creek Rd its easy to get to the overlook tower."
"The landscape is rocky so you will need to be careful when setting up your tents and also be aware of any fire dangers or restrictions in the area."
"Access road isn’t bad and it’s close to the park."
"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."
"Our Tacoma made it to the campsites toward the back of the grounds just fine, but there was access closer to the main road for vehicles without high clearance."
"Multiple locations near by not listed. It gets a bit dusty and windy. Lots of off road vehicles. All the camper vans rolled in after dark and it filled up quick."
"Got here on Sunday - plenty of spots to park the camper van both Sunday and Monday. Multiple turn offs on the Scenic Loop road to camp at. No bathrooms, water, electricity, or fire rings."
"As you drive along this road, every 10 seconds you will pass a dirt road. Each dirt road has multiple campsites!"
GuideThere is so many spots back here! We stayed a bit closer to 395 and it was easy to navigate with a 26’ RV. We had initially looked for a spot on the Mammoth side of the highway but found this dirt roads more level and open for the RV. Lovely minus some sort of small critter kept waking me up in the night.
TravelerThe 0.5 mile gravel road has washboards and potholes but it’s short and offers at least a handful of pullouts for flat parking/camping. There’s nothing around except high desert views of the mountains and nearby hot springs. The signs indicate a 14-day camping limit.
GuideLoads of space! Not many people here in October. Park lot had two trailers and the trail to the right is wide open with numerous pullouts. Lots of great trails around for the dogs.
GuideThis is actually a really nice free dispersed camping site. Once you get to the Goat Meadows sign if you go left you will find a large parking lot with bathrooms. There were probably ten rigs or so jst camping up on the parking lot. If you go right down the hill you will find multiple dispersed camping sites. They are a little obscure, but some have nice fire rings that let you know it’s a site. They are very well spaced so even when you have neighbors you will hardly see or hear them. At the top of the hill where you go left or right was a camp host looking site but not sure if it is actually, but there was a camper there with a bumper pull trailer who uses a very loud shop type cheap generator that you can literally hear all over the area. Luckily, he turned it off about 10pm but started it up around 8am. If it weren’t for him probably would have given this site five stars. Also, T-Mobile and ATT both had zero cell service our phones were both on SOS but that really wasn’t a problem for us.
GuideThe place is beautiful and will accommodate a large rig, but really just for one camper. When I went someone was already there. If you go further down the narrow road (I did) it ends at a private gate. If you are towing a trailer you will have to back it for a mile up a very windy and narrow road to get to a spot to turn around. No hiking trails around.
RangerNot even sure i found the exact place. Go through a little neighborhood an come to a gravel road. Found a little turn around an spent the night. Didnt see anyone. Cell coverage enough to get texts.
GuideWe came here in October and had no issues finding a spot. We stayed in the parking lot but there are also more remote spots if you continue to the right that are suitable for vans, truck campers, and tents. This area is only minutes from the west entrance to Yosemite and Mariposa Grove and 40 minutes from the valley. The parking lot is big-rig friendly but could fill up quick during the summer. There are on-site vault toilets and dumpsters.
GuideI've camped here several times in the last few months and it got real busy over holiday periods. Now, the first week of October, it is wonderful. I have a beautiful camping spot and it's really quiet, hardly anyone coming by in the day. In summer months it can get tedious with off road vehicles creating dust and noise. But there are so many places to camp here - depending on the size of your set-up and how far you're willing to leave the main road. There's no facilities here, pack it in and pack it out. Let's keep this place beautiful!
GuideCrab Cooker seems to be empty or cold about as often as it’s functioning. While I was camping nearby, I often went on to Shepard due to Crab Cooker conditions.
The parking lot is City of LA, no overnight parking. But just before you pass the property of LA sign there’s a stellar camping loop to the right.
Dispersed camping areas in Sierra National Forest provide several no-cost overnight options near North Fork, California. Located at elevations between 5,000-7,000 feet, this region experiences warm summer days and cool nights, with daytime temperatures typically 10-15°F cooler than the Central Valley. Winter access becomes limited as many forest roads close after the first significant snowfall, usually by mid-November.
Nearby hiking opportunities: Visitors staying at Goat Meadow - Dispersed Camp Site can access trails through Sierra National Forest. "Beautiful scenery, clean, close to Yosemite, and easy to reach," notes camper Derrick H. The area connects to multiple day hiking options that showcase the region's mixed conifer forests.
Wildlife observation: The forests around these sites host diverse wildlife. At Goat Meadow, camper Alexander Mark C. reports: "Coyotes and bears are active in the area—coyotes raided a bag I had hanging from a tree and stole my food!" Bring proper food storage containers and maintain awareness of local wildlife.
Winter recreation: During snow season, the Scenic Loop Dispersed Camping - Eastside area transforms for winter activities. "We came up here to escape the heat from the valley. There was plenty of space and it was accessible with our campervan," shares Stephanie S. The nearby Goat Meadow Snow Play Area becomes a popular destination for sledding and snow play from December through March.
Proximity to Yosemite: The Hardin Flat Road dispersed sites provide convenient access to Yosemite National Park. Chris P. confirms: "Spent 2 nights here and loved it. Enough T-Mobile service for messaging and lite web browsing. Spacious pull-out with a small rock fire pit. ~8min drive to Big Oak Entrance and ~40min drive to Yosemite Valley Welcome Center."
Space and privacy: Many free camping areas near North Fork offer generous spacing between sites. Kevin T. reports about his Goat Meadow experience: "Quite a large level area, though it was November and not peak season so there were loads of space. We pulled in and there were a couple of trailers with horses and a couple of other vehicles and we parked with loads of space between."
Seasonal flexibility: Scenic Loop provides options throughout different seasons. "We camped here in July of this year and it was perfect! Close enough to town but out of the way enough to be quiet. Plenty of spots too. The ones closest to the main road are taken over quick but if you have 4wd you can get back pretty far and away," notes PK930 K.
Variable road conditions: Access to dispersed sites often requires navigating unpaved roads. Regarding Hardin Flat Road, Paige notes: "So close to the park! Right in the forest, I'm surprised it's free! The road getting there has tons of potholes and the road in the site is super super bumpy."
Seasonal crowding patterns: Holiday weekends see significant increases in camper numbers. Katelin M. shares about Yosemite "Boondock National" Dispersed Camping: "Stayed about a week which also crossed over Memorial Day weekend. Arrived the Tuesday before. This place gets CROWDED. At 5:30 it's like everyone got off work and headed home, it's nuts."
Navigation challenges: Finding the correct access roads can be difficult, especially for first-time visitors. Megan A. advises about Yosemite "Boondock National": "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 afterwards that says SnowPlay area 1/2 mile and that's where you will turn onto Mount Raymond Road, which takes you to the dispersed camping about 5 minutes from the park entrance."
Wildlife awareness: Teach children about proper food storage and wildlife safety. Alexander Mark C. cautions from experience at Goat Meadow: "Coyotes and bears are active in the area—coyotes raided a bag I had hanging from a tree and stole my food!" Bring wildlife-resistant containers and discuss wildlife safety with children before arrival.
Bug preparation: Insect activity varies by season and location. At Hardin Flat Road, Leah H. warns: "Lots of ticks! be prepared. other than that, our camp was wonderful. there were many other groups camping in this area which provided a sense of comfort."
Timing arrival strategically: For families needing ideal spots, early arrival makes a difference. Jeremy P. suggests about Hardin Flat Road: "Overall solid, but the best spots will be taken early. I ended up down a paved road on the side, but one that was closed a mile further up."
Site selection for larger vehicles: RV campers should scout locations carefully. At Bald Mountain Lookout, SpentBrassOffroad B. advises: "If you enter from the Tamarack trail head and go down Rock Creek Rd it's easy to get to the overlook tower. If you enter from the Dinkey Creek entrance get ready for some good offroad ohv trail action. I was able to get my 13ft offroad camper up there but it was a struggle."
Cell service considerations: Working remotely requires strategic site selection. Crystal B. notes about Scenic Loop Dispersed Camping - Eastside: "My partner and I drove around the whole loop looking for internet and couldn't get anything better than a couple Mbps with both T-Mobile and Verizon, even with our MiFi."
Road accessibility awareness: Jeffrey F. advises about Scenic Loop: "Overall this was a pretty good place to camp for one night. There are lots of obvious spots to camp both to the east and west sides of the Scenic Loop. I've ventured in a little further and found a decent spot to camp with my teardrop trailer."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near North Fork, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near North Fork, CA is Goat Meadow - Dispersed Camp Site with a 4.5-star rating from 58 reviews.
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