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Best Dispersed Camping near Stanislaus National Forest

130 Reviews

Several dispersed camping areas exist throughout Stanislaus National Forest, California, with most sites accessible via forest roads requiring moderate to high clearance vehicles. Bear Valley offers multiple primitive sites with vault toilets but no water, providing tree cover and proximity to hiking trails. Forest Route 4N39 follows power lines with several pull-off camping spots that require decent ground clearance due to rough terrain and strategically placed speed bumps. Top of Arnold (FR 5N56) provides peaceful tent and small trailer camping on a dirt road with ruts and potholes.

Leavitt Lake sits at higher elevation with approximately twelve basic sites featuring stone fire pits, though high clearance 4WD vehicles are necessary for access, especially early in the season when snowmelt can wash out portions of the road. Iron Mountain dispersed camping area occupies an abandoned ski resort with spectacular valley views and multiple OHV trails nearby. The 14-day camping limit applies throughout the forest, and campers should note that most sites lack amenities. One camper shared that at Top of Arnold, "This is real camping so there are no bathrooms, no running water, no showers." Fire restrictions vary seasonally, with permits required from Cal Fire during allowed periods.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Stanislaus National Forest (36)

    1. Bear Valley Dispersed Camping

    7 Reviews
    Sierraville, CA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 994-3401

    "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."

    2. Forest Route 4N39 Dispersed

    2 Reviews
    Stanislaus National Forest, CA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (209) 459-9238

    3. Top of Arnold - FR 5N56 Dispersed

    4 Reviews
    Arnold, CA
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (209) 532-3671

    "Be sure to obtain a fire permit from Cal fire and check fire restrictions in the area have a bucket full of water and a shovel next to your fire at all times again this place was amazing"

    "The dirt road up is full of ruts and potholes, but my Toyota Yaris made it up."

    4. Leavitt Lake

    3 Reviews
    Bridgeport, CA
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 932-7070

    "I have a truck. i got about a half mile in before the snow washed out the road. you can still hike in. high clearance and 4wd a must"

    "We visited Lake Levitte, back in June 2021. I would recommend a high clearance vehicle, ad there are some technical sections. If you watch your line, you can make it."

    5. Hardin Flat Road

    15 Reviews
    Eastman Lake, CA
    31 miles

    "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."

    6. Iron MT. Dispersed

    10 Reviews
    Eldorado National Forest, CA
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (916) 324-4442

    "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."

    7. Scotts Lake Rd Dispersed Camping

    20 Reviews
    Echo Lake, CA
    36 miles

    "Easy access and reasonably good road quality make it very RV friendly - I would say that it was at least 75% RVs/Trailers. Beautiful views of the valley and hills to the east."

    "Easy to see right off the road with plenty of campsites down either side of a nice dirt road. Rocky and steep road access to Scott’s lake, but easy camping on the edge of the valley."

    8. Bridgeport Travertine Hot Springs Dispersed

    24 Reviews
    Bridgeport, CA
    43 miles

    "The address on google maps however DOES NOT lead to the camping destination but we ended up running into a couple of ATV’ers that led us in the right direction."

    "Just pull onto one of the dirt roads on the left and find a spot! Any car or smaller RV could easily drive the road."

    9. Dispersed USFS

    3 Reviews
    Markleeville, CA
    28 miles

    "This is full wilderness camping off the main road between hope valley and the blue lakes."

    "Several areas along Blue Lakes Rd offer dispersed camping."

    10. Evergreen Rd Dispersed camping

    4 Reviews
    Eastman Lake, CA
    30 miles

    "Firstly, the spots aren’t actually on Evergreen; they’re on an easily missed dirt road near Aspen Valley Rd."

    "Great little spot within 10 minutes of one Yosemite’s entrance. Spaces for a few different campsites"

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Stanislaus National Forest

98 Photos of 36 Stanislaus National Forest Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Stanislaus National Forest

130 Reviews of 36 Stanislaus National Forest Campgrounds

  • Val C.
    Jul. 4, 2023

    Leavitt Lake

    Not Accessible by Car

    I have a truck. i got about a half mile in before the snow washed out the road. you can still hike in. high clearance and 4wd a must

  • Nora S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 4, 2020

    Bridgeport Travertine Hot Springs Dispersed

    Never seen anything like this before!

    So I was hesitant to write a review because I didn’t want this place to have any more visitors than it already does..! It was an amazing experience overall and we can’t wait to come back. The address on google maps however DOES NOT lead to the camping destination but we ended up running into a couple of ATV’ers that led us in the right direction. It’s actually off the highway before where the maps lead you and there is a sign that says Travertine Hot Springs. Having arrived at night, we were very glad to have met the locals that were helpful in showing us the way! So once you turn off the highway, you follow a dirt road that leads you straight to the springs. We ended up turning off and heading up a pretty rough road to find a spot on top of a canyon looking hill to camp. We were looking for seclusion and we definitely got it! The view was amazing from up top, and in the morning with a quick 5 minute drive we changed into our bathing suits and went for an early morning “nature hot tub swim”. The springs are hot but not boiling, and we spent an hour soaking there with absolutely no worries in the world. Definitely an amazing stay, and absolutely no hesitation to go back!

  • S E.
    Jul. 13, 2021

    Bridgeport Travertine Hot Springs Dispersed

    Quiet & Secluded

    I loved camping here. There’s a few spots off the road that leads into the hot springs, before you hit the sign that says no camping. Just pull onto one of the dirt roads on the left and find a spot! Any car or smaller RV could easily drive the road.

    There was no one else there when I was camped there, and as a solo female traveler I felt extremely safe. It was quiet and secluded, beautiful, yet only 10 minutes off of 395, less than a mile from the hot spring, and I had full LTE cell reception (verizon).

    There are rock fire rings that previous campers have made if you’re going to be here when camp fires are allowed. There’s no other amenities such as picnic tables or a bathroom, water, or garbage collection - this is free dispersed camping, so be prepared to be self-sufficient: pack out what you bring in and leave no trace!

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 27, 2023

    Bridgeport Travertine Hot Springs Dispersed

    Incredible location, amazing views, hot springs!!

    Road was accessible for us in a Toyota Tacoma, but a Camry also made it up. It was a little crowded in the area we stayed (with 4 other caravans and trailers), as the other dirt road giving access to different campsites was more for high clearance vehicles (very steep and uneven). Hot springs in walking distance. Incredible views of the mountains. We would definitely stay here again. No waste services or restrooms, but a vault toilet was available at the hot springs less than a mile away. Would visit again!

  • 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!

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 8, 2023

    USFS Silver Fork Dispersed

    Endless Possibilities

    The coordinates listed on the app are simply for the entrance to the dispersed camping. There are infinite amounts of primitive roads to drive down and find camp. I stayed at N38.768811• W 120.238630° — on top of a peak that offered 360° views with sunrise and sunset right from my tent. At this specific sight, there are no overhead trees. Despite being primitive, the roads are well kept, even if you have a small SUV. It could get slightly tricky with a car. I stayed here for 7 days (10/31-11/6) and only saw one other person on the primivite roads. The above coordinates are about a 6 mile drive in from US50. You will see a campground on your right about 5 miles down when driving in, about a mile further down the road you will come up on the dirt road leading you up the mountain.

    A couple of notes:

    1. You are required to have a permit for any day/overnight use in Eldorado, including this area. They can be easily acquired at recreation.gov
    2. Cell phone reception is very spotty, in and out of a couple of bars throughout the drive in. — AT&T coverage. At the above coordinates, there were 2 bars of low grade coverage allowing basic texts to send. Not enough service for web browsing or sending photos via text.
    3. This area has been widely burnt by fires last year. There are still large areas unburnt. You will find yourself going in and out of them while driving.
    4. KEEP IT CLEAN — this area is immaculate and besides dug out fire pits, human trace is non-existent. Leave it cleaner than you found it, pick up your trash (and other’s if you see any), respect the area and it will respect you.
    5. NO CAMP SERVICES — There is no trash service or even dumpsters at the signed entrance; pack it in pack it out. There are no restrooms in the area either.
  • Connie H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 10, 2025

    Bridgeport Travertine Hot Springs Dispersed

    Quiet Spot Near Hot Springs

    There are No Camping signs posted at the road and farther up toward the hot springs. We did end up staying here one night with our pop-up camper, because it was late when we finally arrived. There was a little pull out loop that had a camper van and another truck camper already parked and camping when we got there. There was plenty of room to be able to pull in and park in that area as well. It’s very dusty/sandy in this area. The hot springs were a 5 min drive from this spot. There are really no facilities here! There is one vault toilet down by the hot springs, but it was pretty rough. There are no trash cans around, it is a pack it in, pack it out area, please be prepared to clean up after yourselves and remove your trash. I did clean up some remnants of others trash, but for the most part it was pretty well kept. Although it says no camping, this was a decent overnight spot with beautiful views and it was pretty awesome to be able to wake up and soak in the hot springs on a chilly morning!

  • Jacqueline G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Dispersed USFS

    Worth the climbs to get here!!

    This is full wilderness camping off the main road between hope valley and the blue lakes. I had no problem getting in with my 30ft bus towing a jeep but the road is steep and winding for about 7 miles to the pull off. There were a lot of other campers for Labor Day weekend but the rest of the time there was no one around. Jugs of water can be filled at the campgrounds about 5 miles in each direction. PLEASE NOTE: There are prolonged climbs to get here (up to about 8% grade) but my bus did fine. Slow and steady and you’ll be fine. Also WATCH THE WEATHER! Rain can cause spots of the road in to get washed out a bit and deep puddles can appear. There are loads of rocks and fallen trees around to fill in holes if needed. If you’re moderate to high clearance rig you’ll be fine just be mindful. The Blue Lakes are just down the road for swimming, boating, kayaking etc and lots of amazing 4x4 trails. Rivers for fishing and endless hiking and biking. Elevation is 8300ft so definitely a bit high. The trees help with the air however. Not nearly as tough as the high desert of Utah (Zion or Brice) but just take it easy if you’re not used to high altitude.

Guide to Stanislaus National Forest

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Stanislaus National Forest, California, where nature lovers can enjoy the great outdoors without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. This area offers a variety of spots for camping enthusiasts looking to immerse themselves in the wilderness.

Scenic Trails for Hiking and Biking while free camping near Stanislaus National Forest

  • Explore the numerous trails available for hiking and biking, with options like those found at Top of Arnold - FR 5N56 Dispersed, where dirt roads lead to exciting paths for outdoor adventures.
  • The Bear Valley Dispersed Camping area features trails perfect for both biking and walking, allowing campers to enjoy the serene surroundings.
  • For those seeking a more rugged experience, Forest Route 4N39 Dispersed offers access to trails that wind through beautiful landscapes, ideal for exploration.

Fishing and Relaxation for dispersed campers

  • Enjoy a peaceful day of fishing at Obsidian Creek on Little Walker Road, where the tranquil waters provide a perfect backdrop for relaxation.
  • The scenic views at Leavitt Lake make it an excellent spot for casting a line while soaking in the natural beauty of the area.
  • Campers at Eagle Meadow Horse Camp can enjoy nearby fishing streams, making it a great choice for those who love to fish and camp simultaneously.

Unique Wildlife Encounters for dispersed campers

  • Keep an eye out for local wildlife while camping at Iron MT. Dispersed, where the open areas and stunning views create an ideal environment for spotting various animals.
  • The diverse ecosystems around Carson Pass Dispersed Site provide opportunities for wildlife observation, making it a great spot for nature enthusiasts.
  • Campers at Hardin Flat Road can enjoy the sights and sounds of nature, with the chance to see deer and other wildlife in their natural habitat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find dispersed camping in Stanislaus National Forest?

Dispersed camping is available throughout Stanislaus National Forest in designated areas. Leavitt Lake offers scenic dispersed camping spots, though high clearance and 4WD vehicles are recommended as road conditions can be challenging, especially early in the season when snow may block access. For those seeking a unique experience, Bridgeport Travertine Hot Springs Dispersed provides camping opportunities along dirt roads leading to the hot springs area (note that camping at the actual hot springs is prohibited). Look for established fire rings and cleared areas throughout the forest, and remember to follow Leave No Trace principles. Most dispersed sites in Stanislaus are located along forest service roads, with many accessible spots for various vehicle types depending on the specific area.

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Stanislaus National Forest?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Stanislaus National Forest is Bear Valley Dispersed Camping with a 3.9-star rating from 7 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Stanislaus National Forest?

TheDyrt.com has all 36 dispersed camping locations near Stanislaus National Forest, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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