Free dispersed camping in Sequoia National Forest comes with a catch here: the access road is narrow, steep in sections, and runs about a mile of tight corners before the site opens up. Campers in larger rigs should know that the turnout at this spot is reportedly the last wide-enough pull-off before the road narrows further toward the Millwood OHV area. Plan the drive-in during daylight when possible. Oncoming headlights do provide some warning in the dark, but the road leaves little margin.
The site itself is flat and open, with room for at least two big rigs according to multiple reviewers. Cell coverage is confirmed on both T-Mobile and Verizon. Hunters use the surrounding area during season, and at least one reviewer noted shooting activity close to camp, so timing matters if that's a concern.
Nearby, Millwood Road (FR 13S97) Dispersed — Sequoia NF sits along the same forest road corridor and gives OHV riders additional staging options. Riders with dual-sport bikes or dirt bikes have used this location as a base for exploring the surrounding trail network, with the Delilah fire lookout tower noted as a worthwhile destination. Ray S. called it "a great place for a 2 night stay especially if you have a dirtbike/enduro."
No fees, no reservations, and no facilities on-site, so arrive self-contained. Fall hunting season brings more activity to the area, and early mornings can see other vehicles passing through on their way to OHV trails.
Description
Tips and rules on dispersed camping: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/sequoia/maps-pubs/?cid=fseprd883625
Dispersed camping is camping outside of a designated campground. It is allowed in many areas of the Sequoia National Forest and Giant Sequoia National Monument.
There are certain areas where dispersed camping is prohibited and these areas are posted.
Dispersed camping is free but you must have a CAMPFIRE PERMIT. These can be obtained fore free at Readyforwildfire.org. Be aware of fire restrictions, typically enforced by mid-summer, banning open fires outside of designated campgrounds. More on campfire rules here.
The maximum length of time you may camp in dispersed areas is 14 DAYS at a time and 30 DAYS in a year.
Each year the number of people taking advantage of dispersed recreation opportunities has increased, making it more essential that these areas be left clean and undamaged.
The following acts are PROHIBITED on the Sequoia National Forest and Giant Sequoia National Monument and are subject to a fine:
-
Driving off designated roads inside the Monument.
-
Leaving campfire unattended.
-
Leaving trash buried, stashed or left in campfire ring. Abandoning or leaving personal property. PACK IT IN-PACK IT OUT.
-
Cutting or otherwise damaging trees for use as a lean-to or a horse corral. Do not leave anything tied to trees.
-
Destruction of government property such as signs, posters, gates, etc.
-
Removing forest products without a permit.
-
Discharging any firearm within 150 yards of any building, occupied area, across forest development roads, or body of water
Here are some tips to appropriate dispersed camping: More information on dispersed camping here.
-
Protect standing trees from nails and scars from axes, knives and hatchets. Use only dead and down trees for firewood.
-
Bury human waste at least six inches deep and 200 feet from any waterway or trail. DO NOT bury toilet paper–PACK IT OUT
-
Wash at least 200 feet away from any water source using biodegradable soap.
-
Set up camp more than 200 feet from any waterway or trail.
-
Take a litterbag to carry out all refuse. Do not leave trash in fire rings. Do not bury trash.
-
A campfire permits is required to have a campfire, charcoal barbeque, or camp stove. Use existig fire grates or fire rings. Gather only dead and down firewood. Firewood may not be transported off of the Forest without a permit.
-
Avoid leveling or digging trenches around tents. Place tent on bare ground and not on vegetation.
-
Protect your food from the bears and other animals. Keep your food and anything with a scent stored in an airtight container in your car truck. If your vehicle has no truck, put everything on the floor, cover it well and close the windows. Always, Keep a clean campsite.
-
LEAVE YOUR CAMPSITE BETTER THAN WHEN YOU ARRIVED!
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsSequoia Forest Hunting Area is located in California near Dunlap
Dispersed CampingCoordinates
36.753146 N
119.052149 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 20 usersLast on 9/15/26
VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 9/15/26
AT&T5GGood CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 9/15/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 20 usersLast on 9/15/26
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 9/15/26
- AT&T5GGood CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 9/15/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Dispersed
Features
For Campers
- Phone Service
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Big Rig Friendly
DISPERSED CAMPING
Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.
PERMIT might be REQUIRED
We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Sequoia Forest Hunting Area - FS 13597 needs a permit.
Drive Time
- 48 min from Fresno, CA
- 1 hr 1 min from Visalia, CA
- 1 hr 13 min from Hanford, CA
- 1 hr 34 min from Merced, CA
