Best Dispersed Camping near Yosemite Valley, CA

Looking for the best campgrounds near Yosemite Valley, CA? Yosemite Valley is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your California camping adventure.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Yosemite Valley, California (56)

    1. Goat Meadow - Dispersed Camp Site

    37 Reviews
    Fish Camp, CA
    17 miles
    Website

    "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."

    "Great location, close to Yosemite Park which allows you to sleep for free. the spot was clean, impressive camper vans were present and they were parked on the tarmac. lots of pitches, vans can be placed"

    2. Hardin Flat Road

    14 Reviews
    Eastman Lake, CA
    18 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."

    "~8min drive to Big Oak Entrance and ~40min drive to Yosemite Valley Welcome Center. Why stay at Hodgdon when you can stay here!"

    3. Yosemite “Boondock National” Dispersed Camping

    10 Reviews
    Fish Camp, CA
    17 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"

    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
    33 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. 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."

    8. Scenic Loop - Dispersed Camping

    10 Reviews
    Mammoth Lakes, CA
    32 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!"

    9. Bridgeport Travertine Hot Springs Dispersed

    22 Reviews
    Bridgeport, CA
    41 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."

    10. Mono Basin Dispersed Camp Site

    7 Reviews
    Lee Vining, CA
    32 miles
    Website

    "And an even better breeze at night. lots of bugs. bring bug spray. 4wd not required, but might help. High clearance will help."

    "Along a National Forest Service Road are 4-5 pullouts with great views of Mono Lake and the adjacent small crater.  You can walk up the crater or hike down to the South Tufa area.  "

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Yosemite Valley, CA

195 Reviews of 56 Yosemite Valley Campgrounds



Guide to Yosemite Valley

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Yosemite Valley, California, where nature lovers can find serene spots away from the crowds. This area offers a variety of locations that cater to different camping styles, from tent setups to RV accommodations.

Dispersed campers should check out Goat Meadow - Dispersed Camp Site

  • Located close to Yosemite, Goat Meadow - Dispersed Camp Site provides a peaceful environment surrounded by trees, perfect for privacy and shade.
  • Campers have noted the convenience of this site, especially for those looking to avoid reservations while still enjoying the beauty of the national park.
  • Be prepared for mosquitoes during the warmer months, as they can be quite bothersome, but they tend to disappear after dark.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Yosemite Valley, California

  • When visiting Hardin Flat Road, arrive early to secure a good spot, as the area can get crowded, especially on weekends.
  • This location is known for its spacious sites, allowing campers to enjoy a sense of solitude while still being close to the park entrance.
  • Remember to pack out what you pack in, as there are no trash facilities available at this site.

Enjoy outdoor activities while free camping near Yosemite Valley

  • Yosemite “Boondock National” Dispersed Camping is ideal for those looking to engage in outdoor activities like hiking and exploring the nearby national park.
  • Campers appreciate the accessibility of this site, which is just a short drive from the park entrance, making it easy to start your adventures early in the day.
  • With plenty of fire pits available, this spot is perfect for evening gatherings under the stars after a day of exploration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Yosemite Valley, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Yosemite Valley, CA is Goat Meadow - Dispersed Camp Site with a 4.5-star rating from 37 reviews.

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

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