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Top Dispersed Camping in California

1,204 Reviews

If you're looking for a place to dispersed camp in California, look no further. Dispersed camping is an excellent way to get away from technology and disconnect. Search nearby dispersed campgrounds or find top-rated spots from other campers.

Best Dispersed Camping Sites in California (377)

  1. Camper-submitted photo from Alabama Hills Recreation Area

    1.

    Alabama Hills Recreation Area

    81 Reviews
    443 Photos
    1654 Saves
    Lone Pine, California

    The Alabama Hills are a formation of rounded rocks and eroded hills set between the jagged peaks of the Sierra Nevada and the geologically complex Inyo Mountains. Both geologic features were shaped by the same uplifting occurring 100 million years ago.

    Alabama Hills camping offers touring film sites, photography, rock climbing, exploring natural arches, and viewing the swaths of wildflowers that bloom every spring. Horseback riding and mountain biking are popular activities.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Dispersed
    • Toilets
    • Alcohol
  2. Camper-submitted photo from Joshua Tree South - BLM Dispersed
  3. Camper-submitted photo from Joshua Tree Lake Dispersed Camping
  4. Camper-submitted photo from Blair Valley Primitive Campground — Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
  5. Camper-submitted photo from Death Valley: Dispersed Camping East Side of Park
  6. Camper-submitted photo from Bridgeport Travertine Hot Springs Dispersed
  7. Camper-submitted photo from TV Tower Road Dispersed Camping

    7.

    TV Tower Road Dispersed Camping

    23 Reviews
    83 Photos
    627 Saves
    Santa Margarita, California

    Contact the Santa Lucia Ranger District for information about dispersed camping.

    • Pets
    • Phone Service
    • Dispersed
    • Alcohol
  8. Camper-submitted photo from Mojave Cross Dispersed — Mojave National Preserve
  9. Camper-submitted photo from Goat Meadow - Dispersed Camp Site

    9.

    Goat Meadow - Dispersed Camp Site

    21 Reviews
    38 Photos
    694 Saves
    Fish Camp, California

    Dispersed Camping is allowed in the National Forest except in the area surrounding Huntington Lake, Shaver Lake, Bass Lake, Redinger Lake, and the Merced River Canyon. Campfire permits are required at all times whenever you plan to have a fire on public land outside of a developed campground. When building a fire please remember to only pick up down and dead wood that is no larger than wrist size and to never leave a campfire unattended.

    You can obtain a campfire permit at any Forest office or online at www.prevetnwildfireca.org. Be sure to check and see if campfire restrictions are in effect, when campfire restrictions are in place you will not be able to make a fire in dispersed camping areas (Developed Designated Campgrounds Only) but, you will be able to operate gas stoves, and lanterns with your permit.

    When camping in the Forest proper food storage is also required either using a bear box, or by the proper use of the counter balance method. While camping anywhere in the forest also keep in mind that there are other people in the forest and we advise you to respect them and their space.

    You may stay at one campsite for a limit of 14 days and you may stay on each district for a limit of 21 days before we will ask you to vacate. Please follow ENVUM maps for all designated roads and vehicle limitations.

    We ask you to always remember to pack out what you pack in. Human waste needs to be buried 6 to 8 inches deep. For any other questions about visiting and camping in the forest and in the wilderness please visit LeaveNoTrace.org.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group
  10. Camper-submitted photo from Williams Hill Recreation Area

    10.

    Williams Hill Recreation Area

    17 Reviews
    40 Photos
    169 Saves
    Jolon, California
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • ADA Access
    • Dispersed
    • Picnic Table
Showing results 1-10 of 377 campgrounds

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1204 Reviews of 377 California Campgrounds