Best Dispersed Camping in California

Yosemite. The redwoods. Big Sur. World-famous outdoor destinations abound in California. There are so many that you couldn’t possibly explore all the richness the state offers in one lifetime. The trick when camping in California is managing so many possibilities. Once you've visited the famous sites, try some creative approaches to camping in California.

When you think Napa Valley, you think of wine, not camping. But you can plan a wine vacation from behind the flap of your tent. Set up in one of the valley’s campgrounds then visit the many casual tasting rooms that won't mind dirt under your fingernails. When you tire of drinking wine, hike Mt. St Helena, a dormant volcano. Or walk through the Petrified Forest, a forest that was turned to stone by the last eruption of the volcano. Or visit California’s Old Faithful, a nearby geyser.

Once you have found camping in California’s Half Dome in Yosemite Valley, center yourself in Tuolumne Meadows, a more remote section of the park with its own collection of charming granite domes. Here's a secret: Instead of joining the crowds of day hikers on the meadow's most popular trails, follow the backpackers north on the famed John Muir Trail. The trail meanders through meadows, along a river below alpine peaks. And best of all, the first 8 miles of this trail out of Tuolumne are flat. Hike until you find a spot to watch the marmots, then return to your campsite. For more, backpack another 23 miles to Reds Meadow where you can catch a shuttle back up to Tuolumne.

With a little effort, you can spend the rest of your life camping in California and have a new adventure every time.

Best Dispersed Sites in California (446)

    1. Alabama Hills Recreation Area

    87 Reviews
    Lone Pine, CA
    Website
    +1 (760) 872-5000

    "Location- ALABAMA HILLS, Lone Pine- Movie Rd. CA. Tent Dry Camping. BLM Land, for disperse camping. No reservations required, unless you choose to stay at a “campground”."

    "Camped in the dispersed camping area late April. This place is beautiful! No facilities so bring your water, bathroom equipment, cooking and cleaning supplies."

    2. Joshua Tree South - BLM Dispersed

    59 Reviews
    Mecca, CA
    Website
    +1 (760) 833-7100

    "This campground (and I use the term loosely) is everything that I love about BLM land - dispersed, quiet, and FREE!"

    "This area is managed by BLM, which means it's free to use for up to 14 days at a time. 

    There are no hookups or facilities, and it's pack it in, pack it out. "

    3. Goat Meadow - Dispersed Camp Site

    40 Reviews
    Fish Camp, CA
    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"

    4. Blair Valley Primitive Campground — Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

    35 Reviews
    Julian, CA
    Website

    "Pit toilet. Pack it out - no trash service. No water. If you go left as you come in you can camp along a rock wall filled with agave, cholla and other plants."

    "Got up in the morning and went all the way until the end of the road on maps (Apple or Google) on our 2WD, was doable. 4 bars T Mobile LTE where we were.

    Campsite itself was very nice."

    5. TV Tower Road Dispersed Camping

    35 Reviews
    Santa Margarita, CA
    Website
    +1 (805) 865-0416

    "The road was a bit sketchy, any 4WD would be fine I think. I took my mini van and camped at a turn out along the road because I was a bit hesitant, but again, others would probably be fine."

    "We came up to TV tower road and found a great spot to pull the car into, with a little trail that pulls off to a spot to pitch the tent."

    6. Williams Hill Recreation Area

    30 Reviews
    Jolon, CA
    Website
    +1 (831) 582-2200

    "Amenities include one vault toilet, sometimes runs out of toilet paper on a busy weekend, picnic tables with shelter and fire pits. No water, no trash, fire bans most the dry months."

    "Sites have covered shelter with metal picnic tables with overhangs for stove and a fire ring. Sites 5 and 7 suitable for larger rigs. Site 5 is pull thru will accommodate 40ft+ rig and pull vehicle."

    7. Joshua Tree Lake Dispersed Camping

    34 Reviews
    Twentynine Palms, CA
    Website

    "Free camping just outside Joshua Tree. No amenities or designated campsites. Large open area where you can camp wherever you'd like."

    "It's free camping so be respectful and clean up after yourself. That said, there are no facilities so pack it in and pack it out."

    8. Death Valley: Dispersed Camping East Side of Park

    27 Reviews
    Amargosa Valley, CA

    "Very close to the park. Right off the highway and easy to find. No water, no restrooms and no cell service. Be careful if you tent camp off the pads."

    "A beautiful and remote area of Death Valley National Park “backcountry.” Be sure to research the Park’s rules for disperse camping."

    9. Bridgeport Travertine Hot Springs Dispersed

    23 Reviews
    Bridgeport, CA

    "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. Mojave Cross Dispersed — Mojave National Preserve

    22 Reviews
    Cima, CA
    Website

    "Wonderful dispersed free camping in Mojave National Preserve. Find the first road adjacent to the white cross memorial."

    "Great place for desert boondocking! Very quiet and amazing stars! Joshua Trees all around. Coyotes howling at night. Watch out for cacti which are enormous!"

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Showing results 1-10 of 446 campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews in California

1426 Reviews of 446 California Campgrounds



Guide to California

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping in California, where nature lovers can find serene spots away from the crowds, offering a unique outdoor experience.

Tips for free and dispersed camping in California

Activities for dispersed campers

  • At Trona Pinnacles, enjoy incredible stargazing and explore the unique tufa formations that make this area a must-visit for outdoor enthusiasts.
  • Bridgeport Travertine Hot Springs Dispersed allows for easy access to natural hot springs, providing a relaxing soak after a day of hiking.
  • Mojave Cross Dispersed offers a chance to camp among the iconic Joshua trees, with opportunities for hiking and photography in a stunning desert landscape.

Essential features for a great camping experience

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best locations for dispersed camping in California?

California offers exceptional dispersed camping across diverse landscapes. The Alabama Hills Recreation Area near Lone Pine provides breathtaking scenery with unique rock formations and Sierra Nevada views - perfect for tent camping with no reservations required. For forest settings, the South Ridge Yellow Post Sites in San Bernardino National Forest offer secluded, free sites with fire rings and picnic tables. Other prime locations include Death Valley's eastern boundary, Joshua Tree's BLM areas, Los Padres National Forest, and Williams Hill Recreation Area. Most dispersed sites require self-sufficiency with no amenities - pack water, pack out trash, and check fire restrictions before visiting. High-clearance vehicles are recommended for accessing many of these remote areas.

What BLM land in California allows free dispersed camping?

California has extensive BLM lands offering free dispersed camping with a typical 14-day stay limit. The Amboy Crater Dispersed area provides surreal desert landscapes with open camping areas accessible to most vehicles. Death Valley: Dispersed Camping East Side of Park offers large spaces with level pads right off the highway, though tent campers should be careful of sharp rocks. Other notable free BLM camping areas include Monarch-Rand Mine, Williams Hill Recreation Area, Joshua Tree South, and Crab Cooker Hotsprings (requiring high clearance vehicles). Most BLM sites lack amenities - no water, toilets, or trash service - so come prepared with supplies and follow Leave No Trace principles. Always check for seasonal fire restrictions before visiting.

Is dispersed camping allowed on the California coast?

Dispersed camping directly on California beaches is generally prohibited, with most coastal areas strictly regulated through established campgrounds requiring reservations and fees. The Laurel Springs Campground offers a dispersed option in the coastal mountains rather than directly on the shore, accessible via narrow paths better suited for small vehicles than large RVs. For legal coastal dispersed camping, look to national forests near the coast like Los Padres, which has sites within driving distance of beaches. TV Tower Road Dispersed Camping near Santa Margarita provides free camping within reasonable driving distance to coastal areas. Always check local regulations, as coastal areas have stricter enforcement due to high visitation and environmental sensitivity.

Do I need permits for dispersed camping in California?

Permit requirements for dispersed camping in California vary by location. Many areas like Williams Hill Recreation Area and Monarch-Rand Mine don't require specific camping permits, but do have stay limits (typically 14 days). However, you'll often need a California Campfire Permit for any fire or stove use, available online for free. Some wilderness areas and popular regions require additional permits - especially during high fire danger seasons. National forests may require a free or low-cost Adventure Pass for parking. For BLM lands, permits are generally not needed, but seasonal fire restrictions may apply. Always check the specific land management agency's website before your trip, as requirements change seasonally and enforcement has increased in popular areas.

What are the differences between dispersed camping in Northern versus Southern California?

Northern California dispersed camping typically features dense forests, mountain meadows, and coastal redwoods with more seasonal limitations due to snow at higher elevations. The Los Padres National Forest dispersed camping exemplifies central/northern areas with dirt road access and moderate traffic from locals and OHV enthusiasts. Southern California offers desert landscapes with year-round accessibility. The Joshua Tree North BLM represents typical southern sites with vast open spaces and minimal shade. Northern areas generally have more water sources but stricter seasonal fire restrictions, while southern regions provide winter warmth but require carrying all water. Cell service is typically better near northern population centers, while southern desert camping offers more solitude but requires greater self-sufficiency.