Best Dispersed Camping near Yosemite Valley, CA

The Sierra Nevada mountains surrounding Yosemite Valley feature numerous dispersed camping options on national forest lands, providing alternatives to the often-crowded park campgrounds. Goat Meadow Dispersed Camp Site, located near the south entrance, offers free camping with RV access and tent sites in a forested setting. Several miles northwest, Hardin Flat Road provides tent camping opportunities along forest service roads. For backcountry enthusiasts, Dewey Point within Yosemite National Park requires permits and offers more remote experiences. Most dispersed sites lack amenities but provide proximity to park attractions without reservation requirements, making them popular with self-sufficient campers seeking budget-friendly alternatives.

Road conditions vary significantly throughout the region, with many dispersed sites requiring high-clearance vehicles. As one camper noted, "The area is flat and any car, truck or RV/trailer can make it back here easily. Keep going and you'll find at least 4 or 5 big private areas separated by huge cut logs all with plenty of room to turnaround." Fire restrictions are common during summer and fall months, with complete bans during high fire danger periods. Cell service is spotty but available at higher elevations, particularly near Mono Lake viewpoints. Weather patterns change dramatically with elevation, with snow possible at higher sites well into June. Most dispersed camping areas enforce a 14-day stay limit and strict pack-in, pack-out policies.

Mountain views dominate the camping experience, with many sites offering panoramic vistas of surrounding peaks. Campers frequently mention the solitude as a primary attraction, particularly at more remote forest service sites. "We were the only RV here and had it to ourselves an entire week. Can't beat the proximity to Yosemite south entrance," reported one visitor to Goat Meadow. Early arrival is essential during peak season (May-September) as accessible sites fill quickly, especially on weekends. The eastern approach through Inyo National Forest provides additional options with distinctive landscapes and geological features. Wildlife sightings are common, with visitors reporting deer, coyotes, and various bird species. Night skies offer exceptional stargazing opportunities due to minimal light pollution in most dispersed camping areas.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Yosemite Valley, California (58)

    1. Goat Meadow - Dispersed Camp Site

    38 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

    15 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

    11 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 !"

    5. Evergreen Rd Dispersed camping

    3 Reviews
    Eastman Lake, CA
    17 miles

    "Great little spot within 10 minutes of one Yosemite’s entrance. Spaces for a few different campsites"

    "Took us about 9 min to get to the park entrance. Now that we know about this spot we will definitely use this area again. We'll just make sure we get there earlier."

    6. Hardin flat dispersed

    1 Review
    Mather, CA
    18 miles

    "Very nice and quiet spot, very close to Yosemite entrance, ideal if you weren't able to get a reservation."

    7. Mono Lake South Dispersed

    14 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. 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."

    9. 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!"

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Yosemite Valley, CA

204 Reviews of 58 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 4.4-star rating from 38 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 58 dispersed camping locations near Yosemite Valley, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.