Best Dispersed Camping near Woodlake, CA

Looking for the best campgrounds near Woodlake, CA? There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. Find the best campgrounds near Woodlake, CA. Read reviews from campers like you and find your perfect campsite.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Woodlake, California (43)

    1. FS Road 13s09 Dispersed Camp - Ten Mile Road

    9 Reviews
    Hume, CA
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (559) 338-2251

    "Nice big camp spot in the Sequoia National Forest, the road was really calm mid-April, we had no car during the night. The spot has firepits, a camping table and loads of bushes."

    "Nice quiet spot right outside the park!"

    2. Cherry Gap OHV Staging Area

    11 Reviews
    Hume, CA
    27 miles
    Website

    "About 200 feet further a little area that you can pull off. I’m driving a 170 wheelbase extended Sprinter and had a little difficulty to get in. Anything larger will be difficult. But great spot."

    "Super convenient free camping between Sequoia and Kings Canyon national parks. A park ranger directed me here when all the campgrounds in the park were full."

    3. Forest Road 14S11 North Camp

    7 Reviews
    Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, CA
    25 miles

    "Usually when a dispersed site is marked Big Rig Friendly, we'll find that there is a large paved or gravel area for us to pull into and setup before you get to dirt road or off-road sites."

    "I found a spot with good sun for my solar panels."

    4. Sequoia Forest Hunting Area - FS 13597

    5 Reviews
    Dunlap, CA
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (559) 784-1500

    "We were lucky there was enough room to pass plus in the dark you can see what’s coming as other reviews mention, the road in is narrow in parts and around 1 mile before you get to the camp ground."

    "Everything else was a little bit of a drive away

    You have to get up a steep incline, right road off of the main road and the road is narrow. It was not our favorite part."

    5. Forest Rd 14S29

    5 Reviews
    Hartland, CA
    23 miles

    "Quiet place on dirt, not really levelled but fine for a night and easily accessible with any car."

    6. Road to Armenian Camp - Dispersed Spot

    4 Reviews
    Dunlap, CA
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (559) 784-1500

    "I’ve camped here for 14 days on two different occasions. It’s very private other than the manager for the Armenian Camp who comes up and down the road everyday, a few more campers on the weekend."

    7. Sequoia Boondock

    1 Review
    Hartland, CA
    22 miles

    "Beautiful, quiet & remote location! Very limited and spotty cell service so difficult to pin exactly."

    8. Buck Rock Campground

    3 Reviews
    Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, CA
    26 miles

    "Great variety of campsites with views of the mounatins and some sites well surrounded by trees. Large rocks provide cool comfy place to lay down."

    "Great location in Joshua Tree but 20 minutes from west entrance. Large pull through sites semi-level. Clean restrooms with flush toilets and running water."

    9. Forest Road 13S02 Dispersed Site

    2 Reviews
    Hume, CA
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (559) 338-2251

    "Plenty of shade for you, plenty of sun for you solar panel. Load road, you camp near the side, but it's not heavily trafficked even on the weekends. They are many spots nearby."

    "Especially good if you're traveling with dogs to let them roam around. There's a stream and waterfall downhill that makes for great hikes."

    10. big meadows horse camp

    1 Review
    Hume, CA
    26 miles

    "I’ve camped here before, but not since it has been taken over by the BackCountry horsemen - San Joaquin Sierra unit."

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Woodlake, CA

76 Reviews of 43 Woodlake Campgrounds


  • goose10091203 The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 9, 2025

    Forest Road 13S02 Dispersed Site

    Great spot near the road

    Was a great place to stay. Plenty of shade for you, plenty of sun for you solar panel. Load road, you camp near the side, but it's not heavily trafficked even on the weekends. They are many spots nearby. Some really pretty of you walk and camp. Most are car accessible and has amazing views! Totally recommend

  • Popeye F.
    Sep. 6, 2022

    Dispersed Camping

    San Bernardino National Forest

    Dispersed camping at a Yellow Post campsite was great. About 4 mi. of washboard dirt road past Heart Bar Campground to Yellow post site #6. No amenities other than a picnic table and a fire ring. That means, bring plenty of water and a port-a-potty. There is no fee, however, you need to go on line to get a fire permit, which is necessary even for a propane stove. Actually, the fire permit is for anything that has a flame. This trip was over Labor Day weekend of 2022 and the use of the fire pit was forbidden at that time due to high fire hazard conditions. The campsites are quite far apart so you feel a sense of privacy. However, you will see vehicles and or horses go by on the road next to the campsite. Some of the vehicles drive fast on the dirt road which can kick up dust clouds. This is only a problem if you are downwind. The temperature was about 83 for a high and 55 for a low and the wind was light and comfortable. We were glad we had our canopy. The canopy has bug screens on 4 sides but the bugs were not too bad. We used lemon grass bug spray repellent and were comfortable. This campground is away from light sources making it great for stargazing. We enjoyed the campsite so much that we just hung out and relaxed there all weekend ...no hikes or trips away from the campsite. We hung a couple of hammocks with tarps for shade but backed our teardrop under a naturally shaded area of the campsite. We will probably camp there again. If you are not into dispersed camping, there are several campgrounds nearby. Heart Bar campground is huge with amenities and South Fork Family Campground is nice with more shade and a small stream running through. The parking for rv's at South Fork is a bit short at some of the campsites. Best to check the length for a match with your gear. This area is great for camping but make sure you have everything you need as there is no grocery store at the corner. Happy camping..!

  • E
    Jun. 1, 2021

    Dispersed Camp near Sequoia National Park

    Quiet & Nice Camping Site

    This camping site is a nice free area super close to the Giants Trail entrance (5 minute drive). As you head in you go thru a little dirt road and at the end you see an opening for this site. There is one site located right at the start of the access road but with no views. The main area is cleared to pitch your camping tent. There are no trash cans around or toilets (closest is entrance of Giants trail) but trash may be near at the other camp sites. I did have to put my trash in the tree with a rope about 20-50ft away just for safety. Make sure you don’t keep anything smelly in your tent or around your truck because there is a local bear that comes by in the middle of the night when everyone’s sleeping. The Bear didn’t tamper with my ground tent but I ended up sleeping in my camper due to it being too cold. Although, I did hear the next campers yell out bear for safety. But nothing to worry about if you pack in and pack out and are respectful. The stream and meadow is beautiful. I would recommend this to anyone looking to have a secluded quite area that some ppl may not come to due to the friendly bear wink.

  • Les R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 31, 2018

    Dome Rock Dispersed Camping

    Convenient access for rock climbing

    This camping area is at the end of dirt road Route 21S69, there is a sign for Dome Rock. It's very close to Ponderosa, a small town(?) with a general store and lodges, so that makes it super convenient if you need to buy some standard supplies.

    At the end of the dirt road there is a parking area. You can camping anywhere in this area, no fee. Just make sure to apply for a fire permit ahead of time. There are NO facilities at this campground - no bathrooms or trash even. That said, it is a beautiful area, especially if you want to rock climb or hike with great views, including The Needles. Rock climbing info for the area can be found here.

    Keep in mind that this location is at ~7,000ft elevation, so the temperatures will be cooler here, and you should plan accordingly.

  • Hayley K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 20, 2020

    Johnsondale Dispersed Camping

    Next to a small creek and secluded.

    We stopped here after we found that all the sites along the Kern were full. It is just North of Johnsondale and just South of the National Forest. Easy driving access to Trail of a Thousand Giants, Moro Rock, and views of the Needles. 

    We camped out under the stars just after sundown and got up right after Sunrise. No one else camp out near our spot. The road is littered with turn offs for easy and free dispersed camping.

    Closest bathrooms are either on the Trail of a Hundred Giants (there is a campground there too but it is closed in Winter) or down in Johnsondale.

  • Frank N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 14, 2025

    Cherry Gap OHV Staging Area

    Great Little Hidden Spot

    Took a right off the main road (Rd 180) where you see signs for the Chicago stump. Took the road a little bit further than the pinpoint where there was a split and took a left. About 200 feet further a little area that you can pull off. I’m driving a 170 wheelbase extended Sprinter and had a little difficulty to get in. Anything larger will be difficult. But great spot.

  • Steve M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 20, 2024

    Upper Peppermint Dispersed Area

    Fantastic but very, very remote spot

    Not for big rigs! A very primitive but beautiful area. Tons of winding roads with lots of S curves Leading up to 9000 feet. Many great camping spots including close to Peppermint Creek. Completely dry area so no campfires until November. No services and no reception so pack it in and pack it out!

  • Jessica P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 20, 2020

    Camping area No. 3 (dispersed)

    Great for fishing

    This is one of my go to campgrounds when you want to do it all. Camping, fishing, swimming. At the moment it is closed for camping, it’s been closed for 2 years but I just heard it will be opening again in November. Yay. Please make sure to pack all your trash that is the reason it’s been closed so many people leaving toilet paper everywhere. Dig a hole and do your business in that hole only lol. This is a dispersed campground so no toilets or water anywhere besides the creek. It’s so nice hearing the creek at night. There is trout in the middle creek and they are a descent size. Great catch to BBQ some fresh trout. If you walk across you will come across a beautiful waterfall. You can use a donut floaty and slide right down. So much fun times here. This are is a descent size in a first come first serve basis. Once open you will have a lot of people camping next to you. Also wear bug spray, many mosquitoes and flies here.


Guide to Woodlake

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Woodlake, California, where nature lovers can find serene spots away from the crowds. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, this area is perfect for those seeking adventure and tranquility.

Dispersed campers should check out Forest Road 14S11 North Camp

  • Forest Road 14S11 North Camp offers a peaceful environment with plenty of space for camping along the forest road, making it ideal for those who enjoy a bit of privacy.
  • Campers have noted the presence of fire pits, enhancing the experience for those who love to gather around a fire at night.
  • Keep in mind that this area is not big rig friendly, so it's best suited for smaller vehicles or tents.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Woodlake, California

  • For those looking for a remote experience, the Sequoia Forest Hunting Area - FS 13597 is a great choice, offering a secluded atmosphere perfect for unwinding in nature.
  • Be prepared for limited amenities, as many spots, including this one, do not provide drinking water or toilets, so plan accordingly.
  • The access road can be steep and narrow, so take your time driving to ensure a safe arrival.

Great views and trails for dispersed campers at Cherry Gap OHV Staging Area

  • Located near Hume, the Cherry Gap OHV Staging Area provides beautiful views and is a great starting point for off-highway vehicle trails.
  • Campers have reported that the area is quiet and peaceful, making it a perfect spot for relaxation after a day of exploring.
  • Fire rings are available, allowing for cozy evenings under the stars, enhancing the overall camping experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Woodlake, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Woodlake, CA is FS Road 13s09 Dispersed Camp - Ten Mile Road with a 5-star rating from 9 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Woodlake, CA?

TheDyrt.com has all 43 dispersed camping locations near Woodlake, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.