Top Free Dispersed Camping near North Fork, CA

Searching for a dispersed campsite near North Fork? Find the best information on dispersed campgrounds near North Fork, including photos, reviews, and tips. Each dispersed site offers quick access to one or more of North Fork's most popular destinations.

Best Dispersed Sites Near North Fork, CA (46)

    Camper-submitted photo from Kamook Staging Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Kamook Staging Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Kamook Staging Camp

    1. Kamook Staging Camp

    3 Reviews
    5 Photos
    29 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    Camper-submitted photo from Scenic Loop - Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Scenic Loop - Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Scenic Loop - Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Scenic Loop - Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Scenic Loop - Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Scenic Loop - Dispersed Camping

    2. Scenic Loop - Dispersed Camping

    10 Reviews
    18 Photos
    549 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • RVs
    • Tents
    Camper-submitted photo from JO Pass
    Camper-submitted photo from JO Pass
    Camper-submitted photo from JO Pass
    Camper-submitted photo from JO Pass
    Camper-submitted photo from JO Pass
    Camper-submitted photo from JO Pass

    3. JO Pass

    1 Review
    7 Photos
    28 Saves

    The 10,500-acre Jennie Lakes Wilderness is a lovely mixture of lakes, meadows, forests, and streams. Mostly above 7,000 feet in elevation, this wilderness contains scenic variations of alpine and sub-alpine forest of White & Red Fir, Lodgepole Pine, Western White Pine, Jeffrey & Ponderosa Pine, with an abundance of wildflowers in the Spring and Summer. The summit of Mitchell Peak is the highest point at 10,365 feet. Four trailheads access 26 miles of trails within the wilderness. Several of these trails also connect to Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park's enormous backcountry.

    • Fires
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Dispersed
    • Alcohol
    Camper-submitted photo from Hardin Flat Road
    Camper-submitted photo from Hardin Flat Road
    Camper-submitted photo from Hardin Flat Road
    Camper-submitted photo from Hardin Flat Road
    Camper-submitted photo from Hardin Flat Road
    Camper-submitted photo from Hardin Flat Road
    Camper-submitted photo from Inyo National Forest Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Inyo National Forest Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Inyo National Forest Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Inyo National Forest Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Inyo National Forest Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Inyo National Forest Dispersed Camping

    5. Inyo National Forest Dispersed Camping

    12 Reviews
    34 Photos
    754 Saves

    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, such as trash removal, tables, or toilets. There are extra responsibilites and skills that are necessary for dispersed camping. Camping rules and regulations apply to make your experience safe, and to keep the natural resources scenic and unspoiled for other campers. Most of the land in Inyo and Mono counties is publicly owned. Dispersed camping (camping outside of designated campgrounds) is allowed throughout much of the area. If you plan to backpack into a wilderness area to camp, you will need a wilderness permit, issued at Inyo National Forest visitor centers. If you wish to camp outside of developed campgrounds/sites, there are a few things you need to know: Land Ownership: The three major land-owning agencies in the Eastern Sierra are the Forest Service, the Bureau of Land Management, and the City of Los Angeles. Dispersed camping is allowed on most Forest Service and BLM land. However, camping is prohibited on land owned by the City of Los Angeles. Maps: Anyone planning a dispersed camping trip should invest in a copy of the Inyo National Forest map, which depicts land ownership as well as roads, streams, trails and other features. The map also shows “restricted use areas” where dispersed camping is not allowed. Restricted Use Areas: Certain high-use recreation zones, including those along paved roads leading into the mountains, are not open to dispersed camping (see Inyo National Forest map). Dispersed camping is not allowed in the following areas: Horseshoe Meadow, Onion Valley, Big Pine Creek, Bishop Creek, Rock Creek, McGee Creek, Convict Lake, Mammoth Lakes, Reds Meadow Valley, June Lakes Loop, Lee Vining Canyon, Lundy Canyon, Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, and any research area. Owens River: All land along the Owens River is owned by the City of Los Angeles, and is closed to camping. Length of Stay: On Inyo National Forest land, you may camp up to 28 days per six months on any one ranger district (there are 4 ranger districts on the Inyo –Mt. Whitney, White Mountain, Mammoth, and Mono Lake). Always check with your local ranger station. Locating a Dispersed Campsite: Look for an area at the end of a spur road or a pullout that is clear of vegetation and has a hard, compacted surface. These sites might have a primitive fire ring. Stay on established roadways; do not drive off-road to camp. Try to select a campsite at least 100 feet from lakes and streams. Campfires and Fire Permits: If you plan to build a campfire or use a barbeque or camp stove, you must obtain a campfire permit from a Forest Service, BLM, or CalFire office. You must have a shovel and a container of water (for drowning the fire). Clear an area least 5 feet wide all the way around your fire ring down to mineral soil. During times of high fire danger, camp fires are prohibited; always check with the local fire office or ranger station for fire restrictions.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • ADA Access
    • RVs
    • Tents
    Camper-submitted photo from Scenic Loop Dispersed Camping - Eastside
    Camper-submitted photo from Scenic Loop Dispersed Camping - Eastside
    Camper-submitted photo from Scenic Loop Dispersed Camping - Eastside
    Camper-submitted photo from Scenic Loop Dispersed Camping - Eastside
    Camper-submitted photo from Scenic Loop Dispersed Camping - Eastside
    Camper-submitted photo from Scenic Loop Dispersed Camping - Eastside

    6. Scenic Loop Dispersed Camping - Eastside

    6 Reviews
    22 Photos
    220 Saves

    Mammoth Lakes Ranger District is located in the northern half of Inyo National Forest, and is centered around the town of Mammoth Lakes, CA. While known for winter sports, it is also a mecca for mountain biking and fishing enthusiasts when the snow melts. Hiking and equestrian trails go into wilderness areas of Sierra Nevada.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    Camper-submitted photo from Sequoia Forest Hunting Area - FS 13597
    Camper-submitted photo from Sequoia Forest Hunting Area - FS 13597
    Camper-submitted photo from Sequoia Forest Hunting Area - FS 13597
    Camper-submitted photo from Sequoia Forest Hunting Area - FS 13597
    Camper-submitted photo from Sequoia Forest Hunting Area - FS 13597

    7. Sequoia Forest Hunting Area - FS 13597

    4 Reviews
    6 Photos
    106 Saves

    Tips and rules on dispersed camping: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/sequoia/maps-pubs/?cid=fseprd883625

    Dispersed camping is camping outside of a designated campground. It is allowed in many areas of the Sequoia National Forest and Giant Sequoia National Monument.

    There are certain areas where dispersed camping is prohibited and these areas are posted.

    Dispersed camping is free but you must have a CAMPFIRE PERMIT. These can be obtained fore free at Readyforwildfire.org. Be aware of fire restrictions, typically enforced by mid-summer, banning open fires outside of designated campgrounds. More on campfire rules here.

    The maximum length of time you may camp in dispersed areas is 14 DAYS at a time and 30 DAYS in a year.

    Each year the number of people taking advantage of dispersed recreation opportunities has increased, making it more essential that these areas be left clean and undamaged.

    The following acts are PROHIBITED on the Sequoia National Forest and Giant Sequoia National Monument and are subject to a fine:

    1. Driving off designated roads inside the Monument.

    2. Leaving campfire unattended.

    3. Leaving trash buried, stashed or left in campfire ring. Abandoning or leaving personal property. PACK IT IN-PACK IT OUT.

    4. Cutting or otherwise damaging trees for use as a lean-to or a horse corral. Do not leave anything tied to trees.

    5. Destruction of government property such as signs, posters, gates, etc.

    6. Removing forest products without a permit.

    7. Discharging any firearm within 150 yards of any building, occupied area, across forest development roads, or body of water

    Here are some tips to appropriate dispersed camping: More information on dispersed camping here.

    1. Protect standing trees from nails and scars from axes, knives and hatchets. Use only dead and down trees for firewood.

    2. Bury human waste at least six inches deep and 200 feet from any waterway or trail. DO NOT bury toilet paper–PACK IT OUT

    3. Wash at least 200 feet away from any water source using biodegradable soap.

    4. Set up camp more than 200 feet from any waterway or trail.

    5. Take a litterbag to carry out all refuse. Do not leave trash in fire rings. Do not bury trash.

    6. A campfire permits is required to have a campfire, charcoal barbeque, or camp stove. Use existig fire grates or fire rings. Gather only dead and down firewood. Firewood may not be transported off of the Forest without a permit.

    7. Avoid leveling or digging trenches around tents. Place tent on bare ground and not on vegetation.

    8. Protect your food from the bears and other animals. Keep your food and anything with a scent stored in an airtight container in your car truck. If your vehicle has no truck, put everything on the floor, cover it well and close the windows. Always, Keep a clean campsite.

    9. LEAVE YOUR CAMPSITE BETTER THAN WHEN YOU ARRIVED!

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Dispersed
    • Alcohol
    Camper-submitted photo from Dewey Point Backcountry Site — Yosemite National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Dewey Point Backcountry Site — Yosemite National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Dewey Point Backcountry Site — Yosemite National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Dewey Point Backcountry Site — Yosemite National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Dewey Point Backcountry Site — Yosemite National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Dewey Point Backcountry Site — Yosemite National Park

    8. Dewey Point Backcountry Site — Yosemite National Park

    1 Review
    11 Photos
    46 Saves

    A wilderness permit is required year-round for backpacking, overnight climbing, or any other overnight stay in the Yosemite Wilderness. A wilderness permit is not required for day hikes (unless hiking to Half Dome) or for staying in lodging facilities and frontcountry campgrounds.

    Wilderness permits are only issued to a limited number people for each trailhead in order to provide outstanding opportunities for solitude, as required by the Wilderness Act. Since many trails are very popular, reservations are recommended. Of each daily quota for a trailhead, 60 percent can be reserved ahead of time. Normally, 40 percent of wilderness permits are available on a first-come, first-served basis at park wilderness centers.

    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Dispersed

    $5 - $10 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Marie Lake, John Muir Trail
    Camper-submitted photo from Marie Lake, John Muir Trail
    Camper-submitted photo from Marie Lake, John Muir Trail
    Camper-submitted photo from Marie Lake, John Muir Trail
    Camper-submitted photo from Marie Lake, John Muir Trail
    Camper-submitted photo from Marie Lake, John Muir Trail
    Camper-submitted photo from Sawmill cut off
    Camper-submitted photo from Sawmill cut off
    Camper-submitted photo from Sawmill cut off
    Camper-submitted photo from Sawmill cut off

    10. Sawmill cut off

    4 Reviews
    4 Photos
    132 Saves
    • Pets
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs
    • Dispersed
Showing results 1-10 of 46 campgrounds

Recent Dispersed Reviews In North Fork

126 Reviews of 46 North Fork Campgrounds


  • c
    Camper-submitted photo from Kamook Staging Camp
    Oct. 18, 2024

    Kamook Staging Camp

    Hidden space close to Yosemite NP

    I was expecting bad conditions because of the previous comments but it was actually a good surprise. It's very close to the entrance of Yosemite, in our case it was very quiet and well isolated. There is no view or wow effect but it's great location and isolated.

  • Jacob T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Obsidian Meadows Dispersed
    Oct. 12, 2024

    Obsidian Meadows Dispersed

    Decent camp site

    Pulled in here since the sun was setting and we wouldn’t make it to lone pine. Nice off road trail with some scattered sites.

  • Miles L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Evergreen Rd Dispersed camping
    Sep. 25, 2024

    Evergreen Rd Dispersed camping

    A few spots scattered along the road

    Nothing fancy or too expansive, but a handful of spots on either side of the road. Certainly easier to settle in before it’s dark.

  • Mouni The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Kamook Staging Camp
    Sep. 23, 2024

    Kamook Staging Camp

    Not ideal

    This is more of an ATV spot, I arrived on a Sunday evening and the ATV people were set up and essentially taking up most of the spots meant for camping. They were using the many many trails meant for ATVs before I arrived and, when I parked a decent distance away from where they were set up, they opted to ride circles around my RV throwing dust everywhere and revving their engines (likely an attempt to run me off). The open space at the top of the hill where the restrooms are is meant for camping, I would NOT ADVISE taking any of the other roads as they are steep, uneven, and you will struggle to turn around.

    There’s one spot at the entrance good for camping (away from most of the ATV action) but it is taken up by a permanent boondocker.

  • DJ M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Hardin Flat Road
    Aug. 11, 2024

    Hardin Flat Road

    Pine and Cedar forest

    All wheel drive, okay. Large grounds, many motorbike and trails, permit required (bikes). Camped upper level. Please pack in, pack out, don't make others clean up after you.

  • Adrian J.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Obsidian Meadows Dispersed
    Jul. 29, 2024

    Obsidian Meadows Dispersed

    Lots of rocks

    The road is maintained but requires high clearance.

    There are many sites on the way in and then 5 or 6 once at obsidian meadows trail head.

    A few rock fire rings, but cannot be used when we were there.

    Good AT&T and T-Mobile coverage

  • Bobby J.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Hardin Flat Road
    Jul. 18, 2024

    Hardin Flat Road

    Really Nice Stay close to Yosemite

    This was a really nice stay close to Yosemite with really spread out spots. Couldn’t even see your neighbor and the vicinity to the park made it perfect. It’s 4 stars because you could hear the traffic from the main road from my spot

  • samuel C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Hardin Flat Road
    Jul. 16, 2024

    Hardin Flat Road

    Great spot

    Awesome spot close to Yosemite, road isn’t too bad and it’s absolutely beautiful. I wasn’t bothered . I recommend arriving a little early, we didn’t have a little trouble finding the right road.

  • renee P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Sequoia Forest Hunting Area - FS 13597
    Jul. 15, 2024

    Sequoia Forest Hunting Area - FS 13597

    Tucked away from the world

    While the road to get up there is a bit nerve wracking (hoping no one comes around those corners the other direction!) It's worth taking it slow and steady. We were the only ones there and enjoyed a very peaceful night bathed in moonlight and the sounds of nature. Great place!

  • Nathan W.
    Camper-submitted photo from Goat Meadow - Dispersed Camp Site
    Jul. 3, 2024

    Goat Meadow - Dispersed Camp Site

    Close, free, and beautiful

    We got there at 5pm on a Sunday. Went all the way to the back and In my opinion got the best spot. We had plenty of trees around us for privacy and shade. Highly recommend if you’re trying to camp close to Yosemite without a reservation. Only downside were the mosquitoes were on another level. They turned off once it got dark though.

  • Robert H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Scenic Loop Dispersed Camping - Eastside
    Jun. 27, 2024

    Scenic Loop Dispersed Camping - Eastside

    Great Access to Sierra Nevadas.

    Nice flat spots along the Scenic Bypass road (not just where the map says). More secluded spots up the hill. The dirt hill road is fairly decent, but no medium+ to large rigs.

    5 minutes into Mammoth town. 30 mins to Route 120 west turn, that takes you into Yosemite (tioga pass). I enjoyed a week's stay here. Negatives? Poor and spotty cell. A lot of airborne dirt when dirtbikes, and ATV's are active on weekends.

    I would return to this enjoyable spot.

  • o
    Camper-submitted photo from Cherry Gap OHV Staging Area
    Jun. 23, 2024

    Cherry Gap OHV Staging Area

    Perfect camping spot

    Easy to find if you turn on that road leading to Chicago stump. Keep driving down and you’ll see dispersed camping spots. Beautiful views, quiet, peaceful & there are some fire rings already built.

  • Vinny D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Goat Meadow - Dispersed Camp Site
    Jun. 13, 2024

    Goat Meadow - Dispersed Camp Site

    Great spot, only down fall is the mosquitos!

    This spot is great, right outside the YNP, but the mosquitos will suck ever last drop of blood out of you! This was the very back spot but also a quiet spot.

  • Aidan D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Goat Meadow - Dispersed Camp Site
    Jun. 2, 2024

    Goat Meadow - Dispersed Camp Site

    Decent spot

    This is a good location right near the south entrance of the park, but still about an hour from the valley. It was a little crowded and pretty bumpy road to get into the sites. But it worked well for staying for the night.

  • Maile H.
    Camper-submitted photo from Scenic Loop - Dispersed Camping
    May. 29, 2024

    Scenic Loop - Dispersed Camping

    So close to resort and beautiful and popular

    GREAT SPOT. so so close to the mountain. If you want to real dispersed camping you kind of just have to drive off the road there are some obvious adjacent roads to sites and also some not so obvious clearing that people just literally drive off the road into. If you are just looking to spend the night close the resort for parking you are not alone and will probably see everyone parked along the road on the side. Everyone gets up at 5:30 and drives to mountain and goes back to sleep. Great spot so beautiful. Drive the west half of the scenic loop road and keep an eye out. Day light helps for finding road turnoffs !

  • Maile H.
    Camper-submitted photo from Hardin Flat Road
    May. 29, 2024

    Hardin Flat Road

    Unlabeled road and awesome

    Kind of hard to find the road i just had to guess based on the pin point but i guessed right and immediately saw spots. i turned left and there were a few spots didn't explore to the right.

    So beautiful great place to stop in order to get into the park early if you don't have a reservation

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Hardin Flat Road
    May. 29, 2024

    Hardin Flat Road

    Beautiful & Convenient BUT

    May 28, 2024

    Convenient to park entrance & beautiful landscape BUT finding a spot late at night was very difficult.

    However, I noticed that the temperature over night here was about 10 degrees warmer that other areas nearby (we were at about 51 degrees at night but areas closer to Rush Creek Lodge and on Evergreen Road were in the 40’s.

  • Alexis O.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Yosemite “Boondock National” Dispersed Camping
    May. 28, 2024

    Yosemite “Boondock National” Dispersed Camping

    amazing & accesible spot !

    super accessible spot right by the entrance (10 min drive max) to yosemite np !! not sure why some of these reviews are complicated lol but just go up mount raymond road like the directions tell you to then once you get to the end i just went to the turn out on the right ! super lowkey, fire pits, and beautiful scenery 🌱

  • hamza P.
    Camper-submitted photo from Forest Road 13S02 Dispersed Site
    May. 4, 2024

    Forest Road 13S02 Dispersed Site

    Great little spot

    Secluded with very little traffic. Especially good if you're traveling with dogs to let them roam around. There's a stream and waterfall downhill that makes for great hikes.

  • Caroline D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Hardin Flat Road
    May. 4, 2024

    Hardin Flat Road

    Few locations along the road

    we arrived at night, the pitches were already occupied. we tried to join a van already parked, but the man was not very friendly and asked us to leave. so we took the road further down and slept near the intersection.

  • Caroline D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Goat Meadow - Dispersed Camp Site
    May. 4, 2024

    Goat Meadow - Dispersed Camp Site

    Great free camp at the exit of Yosemite park

    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 under the trees with the tents.



Guide to North Fork

Camping near North Fork, California, offers a fantastic escape into nature with stunning views and plenty of outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are several campgrounds that cater to different needs and preferences.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the beautiful trails in the area. Many campers rave about the nearby hiking opportunities, with one reviewer from Upper Pines Campground saying, "We camped here late February to capture the firefall."
  • Fishing: The lakes and rivers around North Fork are great for fishing. A visitor at Wawona Campground mentioned, "We brought some river tubes, walked upstream a bit to tube through the mini streams."
  • Wildlife Viewing: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. A camper at Camp 4 noted, "Absolutely love the views and the animals running around smells so fresh."

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers appreciate the breathtaking scenery. One happy camper at North Pines Campground said, "Beautiful campground with a view. The sites are big and although it is a big campground it never felt like it."
  • Spacious Campsites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites. A visitor at Dorabelle Campground shared, "The campgrounds are immaculate and near the water."
  • Friendly Hosts: Campground hosts often receive praise for their helpfulness. A reviewer at Dinkey Creek mentioned, "The hosts were very helpful and friendly."

What you should know:

  • Reservations: Booking a spot can be tricky. A camper at Upper Pines Campground said, "Great place, amazing position with astonishing views, but almost impossible to book."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds lack certain facilities. A visitor at Wawona Campground expressed frustration, stating, "Not a fan of this place, had to pay $35 upon entry to Yosemite park and then another $28 to stay at the only open campground."
  • Wildlife Safety: Be cautious about food storage. A camper at Camp 4 warned, "The rangers are very serious about bear/wildlife safety in Yosemite."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for sites that offer amenities for kids. A family at Camp Edison enjoyed, "Amazing weather and amazing views. Short walk to the lake from our campsite."
  • Plan Activities: Bring games or activities to keep everyone entertained. A reviewer at Wawona Campground mentioned, "I can come here and play online games with my family."
  • Safety First: Always keep an eye on kids near water. A camper at Lower Pines Campground noted, "We enjoy our stay and will be back next Summer!"

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A visitor at Dinkey Creek found, "The paved lots were so far from level that we didn't have enough leveling blocks."
  • Look for Hookups: Some campgrounds offer electric hookups, which can be a game-changer. A reviewer at Camp Edison said, "The bathroom facilities are clean and stocked well."
  • Plan for Crowds: Expect busy campgrounds during peak season. A camper at North Pines Campground mentioned, "The campground was expectedly crowded."

Camping near North Fork, California, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors with family and friends. With a little planning and the right campground, you can have an unforgettable experience!

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 Kamook Staging Camp with a 2.7-star rating from 3 reviews.

  • What is the best site to find dispersed camping near North Fork, CA?

    TheDyrt.com has all 46 dispersed camping locations near North Fork, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.