Free dispersed camping along Mount Raymond Road provides access to multiple camping areas within Sierra National Forest, located about a mile from Yosemite's South Entrance. Campers navigate dirt roads to reach scattered sites among the trees, with some areas offering more open clearings and others tucked into forested sections.
The camping areas split into different zones accessible from the main dirt road. "Pretty quiet (with the right groups around you), easily accessible and comfortable," notes Dylan B.. Some campers find the layout confusing since there's no direct road connecting all sites, but multiple pullouts and clearings provide options for various rig sizes. Several reviewers mention big rigs successfully camping here, though the bumpy access roads require careful navigation.
Fire rings are scattered throughout the camping areas, and abundant fallen wood makes firewood gathering easy. Wildlife sightings include deer that wander through campsites, seemingly unbothered by human presence. Campers should be aware that certain trees produce heavy sap, which can coat vehicles and gear overnight. The area lacks restrooms and trash service, so visitors must pack out all waste.
Cell service reaches most camping spots, and the location puts campers within a 10-minute drive of Yosemite National Park. Many use this as a base camp for day trips into the park, avoiding the crowded and expensive campgrounds inside park boundaries. Spring temperatures can drop significantly at night, though conditions remain manageable for most campers. For those exploring campgrounds around Sierra National Forest, nearby Summerdale Campground - Sierra National Forest offers developed facilities just 0.3 miles away. The dispersed sites provide a free alternative for self-sufficient campers who don't mind basic conditions.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Dispersed CampingYosemite “Boondock National” Dispersed Camping is located in California
Coordinates
37.489986676664486 N
119.62644332914982 W
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 4/23/26
- VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 123 usersLast on 4/23/26
- AT&TPossible CoverageVerified by 42 usersLast on 4/23/26
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 4/23/26
- VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 123 usersLast on 4/23/26
- AT&TPossible CoverageVerified by 42 usersLast on 4/23/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Dispersed
- Group
- Tent Cabin
Features
For Campers
- ADA Access
- Trash
- 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 Yosemite “Boondock National” Dispersed Camping needs a permit.
Drive Time
- 1 hr 3 min from Fresno, CA
- 1 hr 29 min from Merced, CA
- 1 hr 42 min from Hanford, CA
- 2 hrs 2 min from Modesto, CA




















