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Best Dispersed Camping near Oakhurst, CA

136 Reviews

Primitive campsites can be found in Sierra National Forest near Oakhurst, California, particularly at locations like Goat Meadow and along Hardin Flat Road. These dispersed sites sit on U.S. Forest Service land, with several areas located near the southern entrance to Yosemite National Park. The "Yosemite Boondock National" area provides additional options for no-fee camping on public land. Most sites require no reservations and maintain the standard 14-day camping limit common on national forest land.

Many access roads to dispersed camping areas consist of dirt or gravel surfaces that can become challenging during wet conditions. Sites at Goat Meadow are generally accessible to most vehicles, though some campers report higher clearance is beneficial for reaching more secluded spots. Several reviewers note that while some areas accommodate larger rigs, others have narrow, uneven access routes better suited for smaller vehicles or those with four-wheel drive. Fire restrictions frequently apply during summer months, and no amenities such as toilets, water, or trash service are provided at any of these primitive sites.

These dispersed camping areas offer proximity to Yosemite while providing a more secluded experience than developed campgrounds. Campers appreciate the natural setting, with sites typically nestled among trees, providing shade and privacy. Wildlife sightings are common, though seasonal bugs can be problematic. Cell phone reception varies significantly by location, with some areas providing decent coverage while others offer complete disconnection. "What a brilliant place! Nestled amongst trees right on the edge of Yosemite. Was quite busy when I was there but managed to find a quiet spot," noted one visitor about the Yosemite Boondock area. Another camper at Goat Meadow commented, "Great location, close to Yosemite Park which allows you to sleep for free. The spot was clean."

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Oakhurst, California (41)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Oakhurst, CA

91 Photos of 41 Oakhurst Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Oakhurst, CA

136 Reviews of 41 Oakhurst Campgrounds

  • Dave V.
    Sep. 13, 2018

    Gladys Lake Backcountry, Ansel Adams Wilderness

    Breathtaking Beauty!

    RANGER REVIEW: Mountain House Spaghetti with Meat Sauce at Gladys Lake Backcountry Campsites, Ansel Adams Wilderness, CA

    CAMPGROUND REVIEW: Gladys Lake Backcountry Campsite, Ansel Adams Wilderness

    Backcountry camping often offers great hiking, epic scenery, serene solitude and otherwise missed sights. Depending on location, backcountry campsite locations can offer their own challenges, whether through the permitting process, preparation of gear and meals, logistics, or difficult terrain…but the trade offs can pay out big dividends.

    Leaving behind the din of packed campgrounds…getting unplugged from electronic encumbrances…relaxing beside an untouched alpine lake where the only sound you hear is the whir of dragonfly wings as they dart about.

    Only a set number of backcountry permits are issued daily, so crowds and impact remain minimal to nonexistent.

    Permits are necessary for all backcountry overnight stays in the Inyo National Forest. https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/inyo/passes-permits

    Whenever backcountry hiking/camping in California, do yourself a service and go online https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/inyo/passes-permits/?cid=stelprdb5139009 and take the California Campfire Permit test to acquire your certificate and possess it when in the backcountry.

    Several ways to get to Gladys Lake exist…

    1. John Muir Trail (JMT) thru-hike permits NOBO or SOBO

    2. John Muir Trail section hike permits

    3. Wilderness Permits Day hike permits

    You could enter from Reds Meadows and follow the JMT north to Gladys Lake…or better from Agnew Meadows and follow the Shadow Creek Trail (https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/inyo/recreation/hiking/recarea/?recid=21272&actid=51 ) up and around Shadow Lake and then south on the JMT past Rosalie Lake to Gladys Lake. Each access trail has a daily quota…such as Shadow Creek, which has a daily quota of 30…18 secured through reservation and 12 walk-ups. So if you are choosing to walk-up, have some flexibility of starting days.

    We had a JMT SOBO permit acquired six months in advance through the NPS permit lottery. But next visit, I will likely enter through Agnew Meadows via day permit.

    Most hikers will stop and camp at Rosalie Lake, which is a wonderful option and a much larger lake. Some would suggest a more picturesque lake than Gladys Lake…but that is all in the eye of the beholder.

    August of 2018 saw little precipitation and the winter snowfall was below expectations, so lake water levels were lower and surrounding shoreline not marshy or soggy. Which made for dry and mosquito free conditions.

    The effects of local forest fires did cover surrounding mountain views during certain times of the day, and brought with it a bit of lung burning and eye stinging. Early morning and late evening hours brought clearer skies.

    Be forewarned that seemingly every backcountry campsite brings with it a steep uphill slog, but worth it. Gladys Lake is at 9600 ft elevation.

    I believe there was one other camper at Gladys Lake the night we stayed…but we neither heard nor saw them. It was a perfectly peaceful evening!

    Amenities? Well, no showers…no toilets…no water spigots…no electricity…no picnic tables…one lonely stone fire ring but open fires are not permitted. No cell service or WiFi…no general store or local grocery store. However, Gladys Lake water was refreshing both to wade and drink (filtered). You are surrounded by fragrant conifers that buffer sound. A perfectly peaceful location to relax and dream.

    PRODUCT REVIEW: Mountain House Spaghetti With Meat Sauce

    https://www.mountainhouse.com/

    As a frequent user of Mountain House freezes dried dinners, and being a creature of habit, I often settle into a couple favorite meals and don’t deviate to new offerings. Mundane and boring?…perhaps.

    But…after winning $100 worth of Mountain House meals through an early season TheDyrt.com contest… and with my daughter as my hiking buddy, I selected several different meals to avoid mutiny.

    One of these meal pouches was Mountain House’s Spaghetti with Meat Sauce.

    I admit, I was a little suspect as to how freeze-dried spaghetti with meat sauce would taste, but we were both very pleased with the sauce flavors, seasoning and the amount of meat in the sauce. The only thing I would add is a couple slices of toasted garlic bread.

    If the next rotation of Mountain House Spaghetti with Meat Sauce was easily located in our bear canisters, we would’ve likely had a second helping…but sadly, it was not.

    In pairing down weight before our backcountry hike, I removed the contents from Mountain House’s original packaging and utilized a commercial vacuum sealer to make smaller, lighter meal packs as 11 days of food needed to fit in a bear canister. It worked, but the distinct drawback was not being able to prepare the meal in the resealable pouch. A pot was necessary to allow the freeze-dried contents to soak in the boiling water. So clean up was more extensive than it would’ve been by using the Mountain House resealable pouch. It was a trade off and we made it work.

    If you are new to Mountain House freeze dried meals, directions are printed plain and simple on the pouch.

    •Measure out the prescribed amount of water

    •boil water

    •open meal pouch and remove moisture packet

    •pour boiling water in pouch and stir contents thoroughly

    •seal pouch for prescribed time

    •open pouch and stir contents

    •serve and enjoy

    It doesn’t get any easier.

  • HThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 24, 2025

    Yosemite “Boondock National” Dispersed Camping

    Amazing boondocking!!

    What a brilliant place! 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. Bumpy roads around the actual camping area but manageable in a camper van. Actually saw a few big rigs here too. Only negative was the biting bugs which were everywhere & hungry but didn’t spoil the evening, just wish I’d taken bug spray or a citronella candle!

  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 10, 2022

    Owens River Road Dispersed

    Lots of Spots Along Owens River Rd

    There are a ton of spots to camp along Owens River Rd.  All the spots closest to 395 were taken when we went in late September, but we found this spot that I've marked here that was easily accessible in our 26ft Motorhome.  Owens River Rd itself is paved, but the offshoots are hit or miss so take it slowly and proceed at your vehicle's ability. 

    This particular spot was nice and big and is probably suitable for any size rig.  The pavement on the road heading in was partly washed out but we were easily able to drive around the pits.  See video - it's long but I recorded us leaving the spot and showed the pits in the road.

    Good cell reception, very quiet, very little traffic.  

    No amenities, no toilets, no trash service.  Area was clean! Hopefully it stays that way.

  • 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!

  • Alex P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 13, 2020

    Inyo National Forest Dispersed Camping

    Beautiful dispersed camping

    You can get maps for this area at some of the information boards at the beginning of the dirt roads, they also have an app that will show you all the roads in the area. What’s nice is the map color codes the roads so that you know what your vehicle is capable of driving on. Some of the roads can get a bit rough, so make sure you know your vehicles limits. Once you get out there, enjoy! It’s so beautiful and quiet. Please make sure you pack in and pack out your trash, there are no services for that. Also, be aware of fire restrictions!

  • Megan S.
    Jul. 28, 2022

    Scenic Loop - Dispersed Camping

    Great free camping!

    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. Pretty dispersed but close enough to downtown. Would go back!

  • T
    Oct. 3, 2019

    Inyo National Forest Dispersed Camping

    Boondockers welcome!

    We boondocked in Inyo National Forest just last weekend, September 27-29, and it felt like we had the place to ourselves. The location was incredible, there were fellow boondockers around, but not too close, and it felt like we had the place to ourselves. There is no water on site that we found, but we knew that going in. Our rig was 58' long and we had no issues getting in or out. We enjoyed Jeeping on the trails in Inyo National Forest, and we enjoyed the peace and quiet. We will be back.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 27, 2023

    Scenic Loop Dispersed Camping - Eastside

    Amazing!

    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. Great location, close enough to town or Tioga Pass if you wish to visit Yosemite. A bit buggy so be aware. We stayed 2 nights, but at two separate campsites, each of them as good.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 10, 2021

    Goat Meadow - Dispersed Camp Site

    Amazing off grid Location, Quiet, RV access

    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.

    First, to tell you how to properly get here and find all the spots, drive to the end of the road (don’t pay attention to the gate and “off road” dirt road you see to the left before the parking lot. Don’t go there. Go to just before the big Snow Play parking lot and head right through the dirt. There is no paved road but the area is flat and any car, truck or rv/trailer can make it back here easily. I got nervous at first about ability to turnaround so I parked prematurely near the entrance. Keep going and you’ll find at least 4 or 5 big private areas separated by huge cut logs all with plenty of room to turnaround and not have to back up.

    If you’re nervous, we watched several cars, vans, and trailers camp overnight in the big paved parking lot right past this, and that’s fine, but you’re in a parking lot. Come out to the right and you’re in heaven.

    We were the only RV here and had it to ourselves an entire week (granted it’s early November). Can’t beat the proximity to Yosemite south entrance.

Guide to Oakhurst

Rustic camping near Oakhurst, California centers around the Sierra National Forest, where elevations range from 5,000 to 5,500 feet in most dispersed camping areas. Seasonal temperatures fluctuate dramatically, with summer highs reaching 80°F during the day while dropping to 50°F at night. Most forest roads leading to these primitive sites remain snow-covered and inaccessible from November through April, with spring conditions often bringing muddy access routes.

What to do

Snowplay in winter seasons: When camping at Goat Meadow - Dispersed Camp Site, utilize the adjacent snowplay area during winter months. "When I was there recently, some of the 'campsites' had 0-3 inches, whereas other spots were about 6-8 inches. I'm glad I didn't set up in the parking lot though, as around 7am, the place filled up with people sledding," notes Alexander Mark C.

Wildlife viewing opportunities: Pack proper food storage containers as both bears and coyotes actively seek food at campsites. "Coyotes and bears are active in the area—coyotes raided a bag I had hanging from a tree and stole my food!" warns a camper at Goat Meadow, making secure food storage essential for all overnight stays.

Day trips to Yosemite Valley: Hardin Flat Road provides convenient access for Yosemite exploration with minimal drive time. "~8min drive to Big Oak Entrance and ~40min drive to Yosemite Valley Welcome Center. Why stay at Hodgdon when you can stay here!" notes Chris P. This makes these sites practical bases for daily park visits without the expense of in-park accommodation.

What campers like

Convenient park access: Yosemite "Boondock National" Dispersed Camping sites offer extremely close proximity to park boundaries. "Only about a mile or so off the main road. Really close to the park entrance and to the less populated but still great areas of the park," writes Dylan B., highlighting the strategic location for park access.

Privacy between sites: The natural spacing between campsites allows for solitude even during busier periods. "Lots 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," reports one camper. Another adds, "There's enough space for you to distance yourself from others."

Temperature management: The forested setting provides natural temperature regulation. At Dewey Point Backcountry Site, a hike-in option requiring permits, the elevation offers cooler temperatures during summer heat. "Beautiful views of el cap and the valley made for an iconic back country spot!" shares Matt S., noting the thermal advantages of higher elevations.

What you should know

Seasonal crowds: Holiday weekends bring significantly more campers to dispersed areas. "This place gets CROWDED. At 5:30 it's like everyone got off work and headed home, it's nuts. Everyone picks up after themselves which is nice. Some spots are secluded, most are not," reports Katelin M. about Goat Meadow during Memorial Day weekend.

Ticks and insects: Prepare for seasonal bug activity, particularly in spring and early summer. "Lots of ticks! be prepared. other than that, our camp was wonderful," warns Leah H. at Hardin Flat Road. Others mention yellow jackets and biting insects as seasonal concerns, particularly near water sources.

Traffic considerations: Bald Mountain Lookout offers spectacular views but requires planning around Yosemite traffic patterns. "If you enter from the Tamarack trail head and go down Rock Creek Rd its easy to get to the overlook tower," advises one camper, noting that alternative routes can help avoid congestion at park entrances.

Tips for camping with families

Site selection timing: Arrive early to secure family-friendly spots. "Beautiful area surrounded by trees so lots of shade. Came on 4th of July so the crowd is a lil rowdy but I found a spot farther away which is nice!" shares Taryn R. about Goat Meadow, emphasizing the importance of timing for families seeking quieter areas.

Road condition awareness: Access routes vary significantly in quality. "The road getting there has tons of potholes and the road in the site is super super bumpy," notes Paige about Goat Meadow. For families with children prone to motion sickness, slower driving and daylight arrival are recommended.

Wildlife education opportunities: Turn wildlife encounters into learning experiences with proper preparation. A deer sighting at one campsite prompted this review: "She wasn't afraid of us at all, just minding her business eating away." Prepare children for wildlife encounters with clear rules about maintaining distance.

Tips from RVers

Size limitations: Different dispersed sites accommodate various RV sizes. "Plenty of space for all vehicle sizes. Roads are very accessible. Nice and wooded," reports Ty P. about Goat Meadow, though larger rigs should assess access before committing to narrow forest roads.

Leveling challenges: Bring leveling blocks as most dispersed sites feature uneven terrain. "Quite a large level area, though it was November and not peak season so there were loads of space," notes Kevin T., indicating that early or late season camping offers more options for finding naturally level parking.

Water conservation strategies: With no water sources at most sites, RVers should arrive with full tanks. "Great spot close to Yosemite entrance. Very quite and private," mentions Clément D., while noting the complete absence of hookups or water sources, making self-sufficiency essential for vehicle-based camping.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Oakhurst, CA?

Free dispersed camping options near Oakhurst include Goat Meadow - Dispersed Camp Site, located just off Highway 41 heading toward Yosemite. For additional options, Yosemite "Boondock National" Dispersed Camping offers free sites nestled among trees right on Yosemite's edge, though roads can be bumpy. Both locations operate on a first-come, first-served basis with a typical 14-day maximum stay. Remember that all dispersed camping requires following leave-no-trace principles, including packing out all trash. Most sites are accessible with standard vehicles, though some areas may require higher clearance for optimal spots. No reservations are needed, but arriving early is recommended to secure a good location.

Are there any seasonal closures for dispersed camping in Oakhurst?

Seasonal restrictions for dispersed camping near Oakhurst primarily revolve around fire safety and winter access. Laurel Springs Campground and other dispersed areas implement strict fire restrictions during summer months when wildfire danger is high. Winter closures affect many higher elevation roads leading to dispersed sites, especially after snowfall. Scenic Loop Dispersed Camping - Eastside remains accessible longer in shoulder seasons, but accessibility depends on current weather conditions. Always check with the Sierra National Forest office before heading out, as road closures can occur due to maintenance, adverse weather, or environmental concerns. Additionally, wildlife management may occasionally prompt temporary closures in specific areas, particularly during spring nesting seasons.

What amenities are available at primitive camping sites in Oakhurst?

Primitive camping sites around Oakhurst are truly rustic with minimal to no amenities. At Scenic Loop - Dispersed Camping, you won't find bathrooms, water, electricity, or established fire rings. Similarly, Inyo National Forest Dispersed Camping offers beautiful locations but no on-site water sources. You must be completely self-sufficient, bringing all necessary water, food, and waste disposal solutions. Most sites provide natural features like trees for shade and flat areas for tent setup. Cell service is typically unreliable or non-existent. The primary amenity is the natural setting itself—privacy, beautiful views, and night skies unobstructed by light pollution. Always plan to pack everything in and out, including human waste management solutions.

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