Best Dispersed Camping near Yosemite National Park

Looking for the best campgrounds near Yosemite National Park, CA? Yosemite National Park is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Yosemite National Park (56)

    1. Goat Meadow - Dispersed Camp Site

    36 Reviews
    Fish Camp, CA
    16 miles
    Website

    "The site is right outside Yosemite National park. It is perfect for car camping as it is a large parking lot. There is a dumpster and it’s fantastic for viewing the stars."

    "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."

    2. Yosemite “Boondock National” Dispersed Camping

    10 Reviews
    Fish Camp, CA
    16 miles

    "Here is the correct location. You can take a dirt road from this parking lot in order to camp in the woods.

    Dropped pin https://goo.gl/maps/2gskCbuY8XRMD82x5"

    "As previously mentioned, these coordinates are not correct, if you travel beyond the coordinates towards the South Park Entrance and pass the Springdale Campground on your left, you will see a sign shortly"

    3. Hardin Flat Road

    13 Reviews
    Eastman Lake, CA
    20 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."

    "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."

    4. Dewey Point Backcountry Site — Yosemite National Park

    1 Review
    Yosemite Valley, CA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (209) 372-0200

    $5 - $10 / night

    "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 !"

    6. Inyo National Forest Dispersed Camping

    12 Reviews
    June Lake, CA
    32 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 873-2400

    "You can get maps for this area at some of the information boards at the beginning of the dirt roads, they also have an app that will show you all the roads in the area."

    "We boondocked in Inyo National Forest just last weekend, September 27-29, and it felt like we had the place to ourselves."

    7. Scenic Loop - Dispersed Camping

    10 Reviews
    Mammoth Lakes, CA
    31 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 924-5500

    "Got here on Sunday - plenty of spots to park the camper van both Sunday and Monday. Multiple turn offs on the Scenic Loop road to camp at. No bathrooms, water, electricity, or fire rings."

    "As you drive along this road, every 10 seconds you will pass a dirt road. Each dirt road has multiple campsites!"

    8. Mono Lake South Dispersed

    13 Reviews
    Lee Vining, CA
    34 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 873-2400

    "All around Mono Lake is USFS and BLM land that is open for dispersed camping, as long as you stay above the 1941 water line (you will see signs marking this line, which is fairly close to the lake)."

    "We stayed here for a single night while on a road trip, the drive in along CA-120 was beautiful."

    9. Gladys Lake Backcountry, Ansel Adams Wilderness

    1 Review
    June Lake, CA
    24 miles
    Website

    "RANGER REVIEW: Mountain House Spaghetti with Meat Sauce at Gladys Lake Backcountry Campsites, Ansel Adams Wilderness, CA

    CAMPGROUND REVIEW: Gladys Lake Backcountry Campsite, Ansel Adams Wilderness"

    10. Bridgeport Travertine Hot Springs Dispersed

    22 Reviews
    Bridgeport, CA
    42 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."

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Yosemite National Park

190 Reviews of 56 Yosemite National Park Campgrounds



Guide to Yosemite National Park

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Yosemite National Park, where you can immerse yourself in nature without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. These spots offer a unique experience, allowing you to enjoy the serenity of the wilderness while being just a stone's throw away from one of America's most iconic national parks.

Scenic Views for Dispersed Campers

  • Goat Meadow - Dispersed Camp Site provides a picturesque setting with plenty of trees for privacy and shade, making it a favorite among visitors looking for a peaceful retreat. Goat Meadow - Dispersed Camp Site
  • Hardin Flat Road is known for its spacious pull-outs and proximity to Yosemite, allowing campers to enjoy stunning views while being just minutes away from park entrances. Hardin Flat Road
  • Dewey Point Backcountry Site offers breathtaking vistas of El Capitan and the valley, making it an ideal spot for those seeking iconic scenery in a backcountry setting. Dewey Point Backcountry Site — Yosemite National Park

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Yosemite National Park, California

  • Many dispersed camping areas, like Yosemite “Boondock National,” are free and do not require permits, making them accessible for spontaneous trips. Yosemite “Boondock National” Dispersed Camping
  • Be prepared for limited amenities; for instance, Kamook Staging Camp has no toilets or drinking water, so bring everything you need for a comfortable stay. Kamook Staging Camp
  • Mosquitoes can be a nuisance in some areas, such as Goat Meadow, so pack insect repellent to ensure a more enjoyable experience. Goat Meadow - Dispersed Camp Site

Top Activities While Free Camping Near Yosemite National Park

  • Hiking enthusiasts will appreciate the trails accessible from Hardin Flat Road, which lead to various scenic spots within Yosemite National Park. Hardin Flat Road
  • Fishing and swimming opportunities abound at Gladys Lake Backcountry, where you can enjoy the tranquility of the water surrounded by nature. Gladys Lake Backcountry, Ansel Adams Wilderness
  • For those looking to explore on two wheels, the trails around Kamook Staging Camp are popular for ATV riding, providing a thrilling way to experience the landscape. Kamook Staging Camp

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Yosemite National Park?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Yosemite National Park is Goat Meadow - Dispersed Camp Site with a 4.5-star rating from 36 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Yosemite National Park?

TheDyrt.com has all 56 dispersed camping locations near Yosemite National Park, with real photos and reviews from campers.