Best Dispersed Camping near Twain Harte, CA
Looking for dispersed camping near Twain Harte? Dispersed camping is the perfect way to get off the grid. Find dispersed campsites you've visited before, or discover new spots from other campers.
Best Dispersed Sites Near Twain Harte, California (16)
1. Hardin Flat Road
12 Reviews•44 Photos•355 SavesEastman Lake, California- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Group
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
2. Top of Arnold - FR 5N56 Dispersed
2 Reviews•5 Photos•170 SavesArnold, CaliforniaDispersed camping takes a lot more effort than camping in a developed campground, but for those with an adventurous spirit, it can be a lot of fun.
Here are some important points to remember about dispersed camping:
The maximum length of stay in a forest ranger district is 21 days per year. Please practice good outdoor ethics about camping, travel and behavior while visiting. Dispersed campers are allowed to park within one vehicle length (including any tow vehicle) of a National Forest transportation route and walk into camp. Dispersed camping is not permitted in developed campgrounds and day use areas. Other areas closed to dispersed camping include historical and archaeological sites. Also, be certain that you are within the boundaries of the National Forest before setting up camp. To prevent resource damage please keep your campsite within 150 feet from a roadway. Dispersed camping is not allowed in these areas: within one mile of Pinecrest Basin along 7N83, Clark Fork Road along Hwy 108 between Clark Fork Road and Kennedy Meadows Road Leave No Trace Camping – Camp so no one notices you while you are there, and no one even knows you were there after you leave. Please respect nature and other visitors by keeping noise to a minimum. Always pack out whatever you pack in. No permanent structures are to be constructed to an area, such as building rock-lined fire pits, trenches around tents, or carving into trees. Human waste should be deposited in a hole dug 6 - 10 inches deep and then covered with organic soil. Vehicles are not permitted off of roads, but if you can safely park your vehicle adjacent and parallel to the road and are not blocking the roadway, you may park and camp. Most sites will have a parking spot nearby while other sites may not. Because the footprint of a vehicle can have a large impact to soils, please do not create new “parking spot” for a campsite. Please park in designated or already impacted spots. If you are going to an area where others have camped before, pick a site that has been used before. Plants, soil and wildlife are impacted by new campsites so using existing ones will minimize your impact in the forest. We want you to learn some of the many reasons to enjoy the quiet and solitude of dispersed camping, it’s up to you to LEAVE NO TRACE.
- Pets
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Equestrian
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
3. Bear Valley Dispersed Camping
7 Reviews•16 Photos•407 SavesBear Valley, California- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Equestrian
- Dispersed
- Drinking Water
4. Forest Route 4N39 Dispersed
2 Reviews•11 Photos•66 SavesStanislaus National Forest, CaliforniaMany 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 like trash removal, and few or no facilities such as tables and fire pits, are provided.
Dispersed camping takes a lot more effort than camping in a developed campground, but for those with an adventurous spirit, it can be a lot of fun.
Here are some important points to remember about dispersed camping:
The maximum length of stay in a forest ranger district is 21 days per year. Please practice good outdoor ethics about camping, travel and behavior while visiting. Dispersed campers are allowed to park within one vehicle length (including any tow vehicle) of a National Forest transportation route and walk into camp. Dispersed camping is not permitted in developed campgrounds and day use areas. Other areas closed to dispersed camping include historical and archaeological sites. Also, be certain that you are within the boundaries of the National Forest before setting up camp. To prevent resource damage please keep your campsite within 150 feet from a roadway. Dispersed camping is not allowed in these areas: within one mile of Pinecrest Basin along 7N83, Clark Fork Road along Hwy 108 between Clark Fork Road and Kennedy Meadows Road Leave No Trace Camping – Camp so no one notices you while you are there, and no one even knows you were there after you leave. Please respect nature and other visitors by keeping noise to a minimum. Always pack out whatever you pack in. No permanent structures are to be constructed to an area, such as building rock-lined fire pits, trenches around tents, or carving into trees. Human waste should be deposited in a hole dug 6 - 10 inches deep and then covered with organic soil. Vehicles are not permitted off of roads, but if you can safely park your vehicle adjacent and parallel to the road and are not blocking the roadway, you may park and camp. Most sites will have a parking spot nearby while other sites may not. Because the footprint of a vehicle can have a large impact to soils, please do not create new “parking spot” for a campsite. Please park in designated or already impacted spots. If you are going to an area where others have camped before, pick a site that has been used before. Plants, soil and wildlife are impacted by new campsites so using existing ones will minimize your impact in the forest.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Equestrian
- Standard (Tent/RV)
5. Evergreen Rd Dispersed camping
1 Review•83 SavesEastman Lake, California- Phone Service
- RVs
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Dispersed
- Tent Cabin
6. Iron MT. Dispersed
6 Reviews•20 Photos•360 SavesEldorado National Forest, California- Pets
- Fires
- Dispersed
- Firewood Available
- WiFi
- Alcohol
8. Dewey Point Backcountry Site — Yosemite National Park
1 Review•11 Photos•53 SavesYosemite Valley, CaliforniaA 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
9. Dispersed USFS
2 Reviews•4 Photos•136 SavesMarkleeville, California- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- ADA Access
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
10. Obsidian Creek on Little Walker Road
1 Review•10 Photos•52 SavesBridgeport, CaliforniaOverview
Obsidian campground offers opportunity to get away from crowds amidst shade of aspens and pines. Campground is close to Molybdenite Creek and Little Walker River. The river is stocked with trout. Area trailheads offer several interesting hikes. The trail from Molybdenite Creek trailhead splits, with one branch heading south into the Hoover Wilderness, and one looping north along Wheeler Creek to connect with the trail along the Little Walker River. This can be hiked as a loop from Burt Canyon trailhead (just west of campground). The Emma Lake trailhead leads to a short but steep hike to Emma Lake on the shores of Mount Emma.
Recreation
The Obsidian campground is popular with hikers, fishermen, and campers looking for a quiet rustic campground.
Natural Features
The Obsidian campground is at an elevation of 7800 feet.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- RVs
- Tents
- Group
$18 / night
Recent Dispersed Reviews near Twain Harte, California
37 Reviews of 16 Twain Harte Campgrounds
- K
Ken J.
Traveler
Dispersed USFS
Beautiful Free Camping
Several areas along Blue Lakes Rd offer dispersed camping. We had a wildflower-filled meadow to ourselves in early August with plenty of near-by trails for dirt bikes, Jeeping, horses, mountain biking or hiking.
- Kristi D.
Legend
Hardin Flat Road
Lovely spot by the NP gate
Lovely spot if you like to boondock. Hardly anyone drove by....lodge right down the road. Mountain bike/hiking trail a quarter mile up road. Extremely peaceful, pretty level and 10 minutes from park entrance. No reception!! 20 minutes from nearest town to get food
- EElliott L.
Scout
Leavitt Lake
Great lake
This is a beautiful lake. I like visiting it and geometry dash breeze which is amazing. Upon reaching the lake, you will discover approximately twelve camping spots. These sites are fairly basic, each equipped with uncomplicated stone fire pits, though only around half of them seem to feature picnic tables based on my observation. Upon our arrival, all the Lakeview sites were occupied, prompting us to locate a pleasant spot towards the back to set up our camp. Unfortunately, there is a segment of the camping area that would typically be open for use but was closed off by the Department of Fish and Game(DFG) due to environmental concerns. It's regrettable as there were some appealing campsites situated beyond that wooden barrier.
- CCheyanne G.Scout
Bear Valley Dispersed Camping
Pin is incorrect
So disappointing this app has failed us like 5 times now on camping spots. Not the right location.
Serena W.TravelerBear Valley Dispersed Camping
Camp in Bear Valley Park
This is a nice little private camp spot for the most part, There's a campground with its own fence around it for private camping With signs posted very near it, "no camping here" in the other spots without the signs good to go.
- NNick F.Scout
Forest Route 4N39 Dispersed
Not bad if you're looking for something quick.
This road follows power lines pretty much for the entire length of the road. It would be a really nice area to disperse if they weren't there as the area is beautiful. That said, you don't need 4x4 but you definitely will need a vehicle with some decent clearance. There are some weirdly purposefully placed speed bumps? on the west end of the road approaching 4N01 and Spring Gap Rd that will let you know if you have enough clearance pretty quickly. Overall not a super terrible road to disperse off of. There are a lot more and a lot better spots nearby and it's not too far from Beardsley Lake which can get pretty busy.
- Tisha S.Traveler
Iron MT. Dispersed
This place is really cool and easy to find! Great views!
This place is really cool and easy to find! Great views
Weather isn’t to hot and very secluded.
Damien M.Traveler
Top of Arnold - FR 5N56 Dispersed
Fun Spot
Super fun spot went in September. Dirt road to get to spot is pretty rough but my Taurus wagon did just fine. There are a few people on dirt bikes ripping around trails so not fully secluded but still a good spot.
Matt S.
Guide
Dewey Point Backcountry Site — Yosemite National Park
Great Spot!
Booked a last minute permit for the Pohono trail on a recent trip and had Dewey Point as one of my camp sites! Beautiful views of el cap and the valley made for an iconic back country spot !
- OOnyx E.Guide
Mormon Emigrant Trail Dispersed Pull Off
Large dirt pull off
Large pull off area I found and stayed at for 4 days with amazing views of the sunset and sunrise! I was there on weekdays so was pretty much alone the whole time but even if the main spot is occupied there’s a couple of dirt roads that lead to more areas to camp. A couple of level spots and lots of room to hike around. Completely free and peaceful but 0 amenities so come prepared. Currently there is an abandoned red semi truck cab so it’s easy to find not sure if that will ever be moved in the future though!
DJ M.GuideForest Route 4N39 Dispersed
On the mountain
Drive to the back area for tree shade and level grounds. Side of road camping. Camping on Ridgeline
Michael S.GuideTop of Arnold - FR 5N56 Dispersed
Peaceful spot
Great spot for a tent or small trailer. The dirt road up is full of ruts and potholes, but my Toyota Yaris made it up. Some noise from chainsaws in the distance one day, and some target practice, but neither lasted long. 2 bars LTE of Verizon.
- mmirandaScout
Hardin Flat Road
Great Yosemite option
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. We were there peak season but mid-week and spots were easy to find. Just a 10 minute drive from the entrance to Yosemite! The spots along the creek were very buggy. We found one away from the water and not at all buggy. It turned out to be near enough to Rush Creek Lodge that you could hear kid noise from the pool during the day but it got quiet after 9pm.
CarrieTravelerHardin Flat Road
Spacious and semi secluded spots
I liked this spot! It was about 10 mins from the gate into Yosemite. We had a lot of space, good amount of tree cover when I rained. There’s a bunch of different spots to choose from, the one by the creek would have been nice.
- NNathan G.Scout
Hardin Flat Road
Perfect for car campers
Was ideal for the one night and a ten minute drive from the park entrance. Quite and tranquil setting
- MMartin A.Traveler
Hardin Flat Road
Visited in April
Went on 4/5/24 - 4/7/24. 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.
There’s enough space for you to distance yourself from others.
No bear boxes or bathrooms but very safe and easy to access.
Caroline D.TravelerHardin 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.
- BBrad C.Traveler
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.
Maile H.TravelerHardin 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
- DJ M.Guide
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.
Chris P.GuideHardin Flat Road
Dispersed Camping MINUTES from Yosemite NP
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. I believe fires are allowed as long as you have a permit.
~8min drive to Big Oak Entrance and ~40min drive to Yosemite Valley Welcome Center. Why stay at Hodgdon when you can stay here!
Bobby J.
RangerHardin 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.RangerHardin 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.
Miles L.ScoutEvergreen 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.
Esther Y.RangerBear Valley Dispersed Camping
Group event camping
Stayed here for 2 nights during the 2019 Pursuit Norcal Event (outdoor adventure camp for adults). Due to the nature of the event, we were very close to other campers but the site itself had a lot of tree cover, shade and probably awesome camping at any other time. There is open field adjacent that was used as the event hub. Location was near trails to rock climbing, mountain biking, hiking.
- Josie H.Traveler
Bear Valley Dispersed Camping
Great overnight camping spot!
We arrived when it was dark and had no problem finding a spot! It was open with plenty of spots & we were the only ones! Perfect spot for star gazing!!
- DJ M.Guide
Bear Valley Dispersed Camping
Crowded
Wooded campground, cool weather, good phone reception, many spots taken with no activity probably by locals. Lake, hiking, close shopping.
Guide to Twain Harte
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Twain Harte, California, where nature's tranquility meets adventure. With a variety of spots to choose from, you can enjoy the great outdoors while soaking in stunning landscapes.
Top Activities While Free Camping Near Twain Harte
- Hiking enthusiasts will appreciate the proximity to Dewey Point Backcountry Site — Yosemite National Park, which offers breathtaking views of El Capitan and the valley, making it an ideal stop for those exploring the iconic park.
- For those who enjoy motorbiking, Hardin Flat Road features extensive trails and large grounds, perfect for a thrilling ride through the scenic pine and cedar forest.
- Fishing and relaxing by the water can be enjoyed at Leavitt Lake, where you can find basic camping spots and enjoy the serene lake views.
Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Twain Harte, California
- Arriving early is recommended at Top of Arnold - FR 5N56 Dispersed to secure a good spot, as the dirt road can be rough, and the area tends to fill up quickly.
- Be prepared for limited amenities; for instance, Forest Route 4N39 Dispersed has no drinking water or toilets, so plan accordingly and pack out what you pack in.
- If you're looking for a peaceful retreat, Evergreen Rd Dispersed Camping offers scattered spots along the road, making it easier to find a quiet place to settle in before dark.
Scenic Views for Dispersed Campers
- The views from Iron MT. Dispersed are spectacular, especially during sunset, providing a perfect backdrop for a memorable camping experience.
- Campers at Bear Valley Dispersed Camping can enjoy wooded surroundings and cool weather, making it a great spot for those who appreciate nature's beauty.
- For a unique experience, visit Shealor Lakes Dispersed Backcountry, where you can hike in and enjoy the tranquility of the lakeside while surrounded by stunning mountain views.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Twain Harte, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Twain Harte, CA is Hardin Flat Road with a 4.6-star rating from 12 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Twain Harte, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 16 dispersed camping locations near Twain Harte, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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