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, CA (16)

    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 Top of Arnold - FR 5N56 Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Top of Arnold - FR 5N56 Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Top of Arnold - FR 5N56 Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Top of Arnold - FR 5N56 Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Top of Arnold - FR 5N56 Dispersed

    2. Top of Arnold - FR 5N56 Dispersed

    2 Reviews
    5 Photos
    152 Saves
    Arnold, California

    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. 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
    Camper-submitted photo from Bear Valley Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Bear Valley Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Bear Valley Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Bear Valley Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Bear Valley Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Bear Valley Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Forest Route 4N39 Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Forest Route 4N39 Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Forest Route 4N39 Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Forest Route 4N39 Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Forest Route 4N39 Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Forest Route 4N39 Dispersed

    4. Forest Route 4N39 Dispersed

    2 Reviews
    11 Photos
    63 Saves
    Stanislaus National Forest, California

    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 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)
    • No image available

      5. Evergreen Rd Dispersed camping

      1 Review
      77 Saves
      Eastman Lake, California
      • Phone Service
      • RVs
      • Tents
      • Standard (Tent/RV)
      • Dispersed
      • Tent Cabin
      Camper-submitted photo from Iron MT. Dispersed
      Camper-submitted photo from Iron MT. Dispersed
      Camper-submitted photo from Iron MT. Dispersed
      Camper-submitted photo from Iron MT. Dispersed
      Camper-submitted photo from Iron MT. Dispersed
      Camper-submitted photo from Iron MT. Dispersed
      Camper-submitted photo from Leavitt Lake
      Camper-submitted photo from Leavitt Lake
      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
      Yosemite Valley, California

      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 Dispersed USFS
      Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed USFS
      Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed USFS
      Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed USFS
      Camper-submitted photo from Obsidian Creek on Little Walker Road
      Camper-submitted photo from Obsidian Creek on Little Walker Road
      Camper-submitted photo from Obsidian Creek on Little Walker Road
      Camper-submitted photo from Obsidian Creek on Little Walker Road
      Camper-submitted photo from Obsidian Creek on Little Walker Road

      10. Obsidian Creek on Little Walker Road

      1 Review
      10 Photos
      45 Saves
      Bridgeport, California

      Overview

      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.

      Facilities

      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

    Showing results 1-10 of 16 campgrounds

    Recent Dispersed Reviews in Twain Harte

    36 Reviews of 16 Twain Harte Campgrounds


    • Chris P.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Hardin Flat Road
      Nov. 9, 2024

      Hardin 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!

    • 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.

    • EThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Leavitt Lake
      Aug. 29, 2024

      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.

    • DJ M.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Bear Valley Dispersed Camping
      Aug. 20, 2024

      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.

    • 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.

    • 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.

    • Maile H.The Dyrt PRO User
      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.

    • 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.

    • MThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Hardin Flat Road
      Apr. 7, 2024

      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.

    • Kristi D.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Hardin Flat Road
      Oct. 23, 2023

      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

    • NThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Hardin Flat Road
      Sep. 29, 2023

      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

    • Carrie The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Hardin Flat Road
      Sep. 27, 2023

      Hardin 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.

    • Damien M.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Top of Arnold - FR 5N56 Dispersed
      Sep. 18, 2023

      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.

    • Serena W.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Bear Valley Dispersed Camping
      Aug. 13, 2023

      Bear 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.

    • mThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Hardin Flat Road
      Jul. 27, 2023

      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.

    • Val C.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Leavitt Lake
      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

    • CThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Bear Valley Dispersed Camping
      May. 26, 2023

      Bear Valley Dispersed Camping

      Great place to dispersed camping!

      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. There is a point where the paved road disappears and is only dirt road, you can keep driving as far as you want, it is easy to find a good spot to park and set your camp. The night views are amazing!

    • TThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Iron MT. Dispersed
      May. 24, 2023

      Iron MT. Dispersed

      Covered in snow

      The site was covered in snow, and there was a sign saying no camping in snow clearing conditions. Additionally you aren’t allowed in without a Sno-park permit from November 1st to may 31st.

      For those that can get it, I had no service with Verizon or t-mobile

    • Raven P.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Iron MT. Dispersed
      Nov. 21, 2022

      Iron MT. Dispersed

      Gorgeous Views!

      Stayed at this location when there was about a foot of snow on the ground, so I didn't feel comfortable driving into the actual camping area, instead I stayed over night on the paved round about. Nice and quite and woke up to gorgeous views! It looks like they are cutting down trees in the area that you would camp at so there are big piles of logs everywhere.

      Good place to hike around, I could see this place being perfect for the summer!

    • Michael S.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Top of Arnold - FR 5N56 Dispersed
      Sep. 12, 2022

      Top 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.

    • N
      Camper-submitted photo from Forest Route 4N39 Dispersed
      Jul. 4, 2022

      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.



    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.