Goat Meadow offers free dispersed camping just minutes from Yosemite National Park's south entrance. The area consists of a paved parking lot suitable for RVs and vans, plus dirt paths leading to secluded tent sites among the trees. Most vehicles can access the main area, though deeper forest sites may require higher clearance. According to one visitor, "Roads aren't too bad and there are 10-15 spots and an additional group site."
The campground provides minimal amenities, with trash service but no drinking water, toilets, or hookups. Fires are permitted when restrictions aren't in place, with fallen wood available for collection. As described in feedback on The Dyrt, "There's a huge pile of wood that's great for your fire." The location offers excellent night sky viewing due to minimal light pollution, and while the area can be busy during peak seasons, campsites are generally spaced far enough apart for privacy. Cell service is limited or non-existent, and weather conditions vary significantly by season, with potential for snow and ice during winter months.
"Excellent spot 7 min from the Yosemite South Wawona Entrance. Im staying at a dispersed camping spot in late July and there is level, paved parking with tent camping spots."
"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."
"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."
"GPS will take you straight to Goat meadow snow play area (look for signs too). Once you reach the area hang right to the dirt road and pick a spot!"
"Access road isn’t bad and it’s close to the park."
"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."
"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 !"
from $5 - $10 / night
"Did an impromptu visit for 3 days and just van camped in this forest road. Works great if you can deal with driving in and out. Good camping spots here and there, tons of overnight parking areas."
"Firstly, the spots aren’t actually on Evergreen; they’re on an easily missed dirt road near Aspen Valley Rd."
"Hard and flat Road right by a little stream where we could park our 22-ft van with a bike trailer. Our dog could run around free. We enjoyed a quiet evening."
"Very nice and quiet spot, very close to Yosemite entrance, ideal if you weren't able to get a reservation."
"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!"
"Great views along the John Muir trail. 24 hour Public restroom .o2miles from camp site."
GuideThis place was packed on a Saturday in November! We ended up parked in the lot. No cell service for ATT. Would've been really nice if we had gotten an actual site. We saw there were tables and fire pits at the sites. We didnt use the bathrooms but they were there as well as a dumpster.
GuideGreat spot near the park entrance. Lots of spots kind of clustered together and other people camping. Zero AT&T reception.
ScoutScenic overlook of Mono Lake not far off hwy 395, but very quiet and peaceful. Can be very windy though.
GuideThere is so many spots back here! We stayed a bit closer to 395 and it was easy to navigate with a 26’ RV. We had initially looked for a spot on the Mammoth side of the highway but found this dirt roads more level and open for the RV. Lovely minus some sort of small critter kept waking me up in the night.
TravelerThe 0.5 mile gravel road has washboards and potholes but it’s short and offers at least a handful of pullouts for flat parking/camping. There’s nothing around except high desert views of the mountains and nearby hot springs. The signs indicate a 14-day camping limit.
ScoutFirst spot with a 22 feet TT. No problem, amazing view
GuideLoads of space! Not many people here in October. Park lot had two trailers and the trail to the right is wide open with numerous pullouts. Lots of great trails around for the dogs.
GuideThis is actually a really nice free dispersed camping site. Once you get to the Goat Meadows sign if you go left you will find a large parking lot with bathrooms. There were probably ten rigs or so jst camping up on the parking lot. If you go right down the hill you will find multiple dispersed camping sites. They are a little obscure, but some have nice fire rings that let you know it’s a site. They are very well spaced so even when you have neighbors you will hardly see or hear them. At the top of the hill where you go left or right was a camp host looking site but not sure if it is actually, but there was a camper there with a bumper pull trailer who uses a very loud shop type cheap generator that you can literally hear all over the area. Luckily, he turned it off about 10pm but started it up around 8am. If it weren’t for him probably would have given this site five stars. Also, T-Mobile and ATT both had zero cell service our phones were both on SOS but that really wasn’t a problem for us.
RangerNot even sure i found the exact place. Go through a little neighborhood an come to a gravel road. Found a little turn around an spent the night. Didnt see anyone. Cell coverage enough to get texts.
Rustic camping near Wawona, California positions visitors just minutes from Yosemite National Park at elevations ranging from 4,000 to 5,200 feet. This Sierra Nevada foothill region experiences significant temperature fluctuations, with summer days reaching 80-90°F and nights dropping to 50°F. Winter camping requires preparation for potential snow at higher elevations, particularly from November through April.
Stargazing on clear nights: At Goat Meadow - Dispersed Camp Site, the night sky viewing is exceptional with minimal light pollution. "Coyotes and bears are active in the area—coyotes raided a bag I had hanging from a tree and stole my food!" reports Alexander Mark C., highlighting the need for proper food storage while enjoying evening skies.
Day trips to Yosemite Valley: From Hardin Flat Road, campers can reach major Yosemite attractions. "It's 4 stars because you could hear the traffic from the main road from my spot," notes Bobby J., suggesting selecting sites deeper in the forest for quieter experiences.
Winter snow activities: The Goat Meadow area doubles as a snow play area in winter months. "The elevation at the site is appx 5200, meaning it will get snow in the winter(ish) months. When I was there recently, some of the 'campsites' had 0-3", whereas other spots were about 6-8"," shares Alexander Mark C.
Proximity to Yosemite entrances: Evergreen Rd Dispersed camping provides quick park access. "Great little spot within 10 minutes of one Yosemite's entrance. Spaces for a few different campsites," writes mason M.
Privacy between sites: Many campers appreciate the spacing between sites. At Yosemite "Boondock National" Dispersed Camping, Dylan B. notes, "Pretty quiet (with the right groups around you), easily accessible and comfortable."
Year-round access options: Kevin T. mentions Goat Meadow's accessibility outside peak season: "Quite a large level area, though it was November and not peak season so there were loads of space. We pulled in and there were a couple of trailers with horses and a couple of other vehicles and we parked with loads of space between."
Seasonal crowd patterns: Holiday weekends dramatically change the camping experience. At Goat Meadow, Katelin M. explains, "Stayed about a week which also crossed over Memorial Day weekend... This place gets CROWDED. At 5:30 it's like everyone got off work and headed home, it's nuts."
Fire restrictions vary: While some areas have established fire pits, regulations change seasonally. "[There were] plenty of spots to pull off and camp out and lots of space between other campers," Mandy observed at Yosemite Boondock National.
Wildlife precautions required: Bears and coyotes actively seek food. "The area felt safe and easy to access... Had great cell service through Verizon," reports Jonathan about his stay at Goat Meadow, though other campers report varying cell coverage.
Arrival timing matters: Hardin Flat Dispersed campsites fill quickly, especially on weekends. "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," advises Melissa M.
Insect protection essential: During summer months, bugs can be problematic. Helen F. shares her experience near Yosemite: "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!"
Temperature management: Pack for significant day-to-night temperature drops. "Nights are cold but the days aren't too bad," reports Dalton B. about his primitive camping experience in the region.
Road condition awareness: Rustic camping access roads near Wawona vary significantly in quality. "Bumpy roads around the actual camping area but manageable in a camper van. Actually saw a few big rigs here too," notes Helen F. about the Yosemite Boondock National area.
Size limitations exist: Not all dispersed areas accommodate larger vehicles. Chris V. warns about one site having "limited turnarounds and would be challenging for motor homes over 24 feet and or trailers. Road is doable with a car but the grade sucks."
Seasonal road hazards: Weather significantly impacts accessibility. "Surface changes to sand half a mile from the springs, would be a risk for heavy vehicles when wet," continues Chris V., emphasizing the importance of checking current conditions before arrival.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Goat Meadow dispersed camping located near Wawona?
Goat Meadow dispersed camping is located just outside the south entrance of Yosemite National Park, near the community of Wawona. This area is similar to Yosemite "Boondock National" Dispersed Camping which is situated on the edge of Yosemite amongst trees. The area is accessible via Forest Service roads, with some sections being bumpy but generally manageable for most vehicles. It's conveniently positioned as a gateway to Yosemite Valley while offering a more secluded camping experience compared to developed campgrounds inside the park.
What permits are required for dispersed camping at Goat Meadow near Wawona?
No special permits are required specifically for dispersed camping at Goat Meadow near Wawona, as it's on National Forest land. Similar to Sage Hen Dispersed and other Sierra National Forest sites, you'll need to follow general dispersed camping regulations. During fire season, a California Campfire Permit is required for any open flame, including stoves and lanterns. These can be obtained online from the Forest Service website. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as complete fire bans are common during summer months.
What amenities are available at Goat Meadow dispersed camping near Wawona?
Goat Meadow dispersed camping offers minimal amenities, typical of dispersed camping areas. Like Laurel Springs Campground and Van Haven Dispersed Site Yosemite, you'll find no facilities such as toilets, potable water, garbage service, or designated fire rings. Cell service is typically limited or nonexistent. The appeal lies in the natural setting and privacy between sites. This is true primitive camping, so you'll need to bring everything in and pack everything out, following Leave No Trace principles. Come prepared with all necessary supplies including sufficient water for your stay.
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