Dispersed camping options near Raymond, California extend beyond the well-known Goat Meadow and Mount Raymond areas. Most primitive camping near Raymond sits at elevations between 4,500-5,500 feet, creating distinct seasonal conditions. Summer temperatures typically reach 75-85°F during day with nighttime lows dropping to 45-55°F. During peak seasons, particularly holiday weekends, arriving early is essential as accessible sites fill quickly despite the remote setting.
What to do
Explore Yosemite's less-crowded areas: Dispersed sites near Raymond provide convenient base camps for accessing the park's southern regions. A camper at Hardin Flat Road notes, "Just a 10 minute drive from the entrance to Yosemite! We were there peak season but mid-week and spots were easy to find."
Winter snow play: Beyond summer camping, the area transforms during winter months. According to a visitor at Goat Meadow - Dispersed Camp Site, "When I was there recently, some of the 'campsites' had 0-3" of snow, whereas other spots were about 6-8". I'm glad I didn't set up in the parking lot though, as around 7am, the place filled up with people sledding."
Stargazing opportunities: The distance from urban areas provides excellent night sky viewing. A camper at Van Haven Dispersed Site Yosemite describes "scenic views, unobstructed night sky, and interesting exploration" as highlights of staying in these more remote locations.
What campers like
Natural privacy between sites: At Yosemite "Boondock National" Dispersed Camping, a visitor shared, "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."
Wildlife encounters: The area hosts diverse wildlife that frequently visits camping areas. One camper at Goat Meadow reported, "Coyotes and bears are active in the area—coyotes raided a bag I had hanging from a tree and stole my food!" This highlights the importance of proper food storage.
Seasonal variations in crowds: Camping experiences vary significantly by season. A November visitor at Evergreen Rd Dispersed camping found "quite a large level area, though it was November and not peak season so there were loads of space."
What you should know
Variable road conditions: Access roads range from maintained gravel to challenging 4x4 trails. A visitor to Van Haven noted, "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."
Limited facilities and preparation requirements: No primitive camping sites near Raymond provide restrooms or water. A camper at Hardin Flat Road advises, "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."
Cell service inconsistency: Mobile coverage varies by location and carrier. One camper at Yosemite "Boondock National" explained, "Perfect disperse site had loads of space. When we camped 1 car 2 tents on 4/11/25 there were a number of other people and plenty of spots to check out. The area felt safe and easy to access. Had great cell service through Verizon."
Tips for camping with families
Arrival timing considerations: Families should plan to arrive during daylight hours. A visitor to Evergreen Rd advised, "We got in a lil late and was a little tricky finding a spot. But once we did, it was perfect. Took us about 9 min to get to the park entrance. We'll just make sure we get there earlier."
Space for activities: The dispersed sites often provide ample room for children to explore. At Dewey Point Backcountry Site, one visitor found "beautiful views of el cap and the valley made for an iconic back country spot!"
Seasonal crowd patterns: Holiday weekends dramatically change the camping experience. One camper at Goat Meadow observed, "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."
Tips from RVers
Length and clearance limitations: Many primitive camping roads near Raymond have constraints for larger vehicles. A visitor to Yosemite "Boondock National" noted, "Bumpy roads around the actual camping area but manageable in a camper van. Actually saw a few big rigs here too."
Level parking areas: Finding suitable parking for RVs requires preparation. An RV camper at Hardin Flat Road shared, "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."
Road navigation challenges: RVers should research routes carefully. One camper cautioned, "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."
