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 (415)

    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. 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."

    4. Goat Meadow - Dispersed Camp Site

    35 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"

    5. TV Tower Road Dispersed Camping

    32 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. 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."

    7. Death Valley: Dispersed Camping East Side of Park

    26 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."

    8. Williams Hill Recreation Area

    25 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."

    9. 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!"

    10. Bridgeport Travertine Hot Springs Dispersed

    22 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."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 415 campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews in California

1300 Reviews of 415 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