Camper submitted image from Yosemite “Boondock National” Dispersed Camping - 1
View All
Camper submitted image from Yosemite “Boondock National” Dispersed Camping - 2
Nature
Camper submitted image from Yosemite “Boondock National” Dispersed Camping - 3
Roads
Camper submitted image from Yosemite “Boondock National” Dispersed Camping - 4
People
Camper submitted image from Yosemite “Boondock National” Dispersed Camping - 5
Buildings

Free Camping Collection

Dispersed Camping

Yosemite “Boondock National” Dispersed Camping

Yosemite “Boondock National” Dispersed Camping, near Yosemite National Park, offers a laid-back camping experience just a stone's throw from one of America’s most iconic parks. This area is perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle, with ample space for tents and RVs, and a few fire rings scattered about for cozy evenings under the stars.

Visitors rave about the accessibility of this spot, with one camper noting it’s “super accessible” and only a short drive from the park entrance. The scenery is stunning, with towering trees and a peaceful atmosphere that invites you to unwind. Just be mindful of the sap from nearby trees if you park underneath them; it can be a sticky situation!

While there are no amenities like drinking water or toilets, the freedom to camp without a permit and the ability to bring your pets makes it a popular choice. Campers appreciate the low-key vibe and the chance to connect with nature, with one reviewer mentioning a friendly deer that wandered by while they set up camp.

If you’re planning to explore Yosemite, this location serves as a great base for day trips into the park. Just remember to bring your own supplies and enjoy the simplicity of camping in this beautiful area.

Suggest an Edit

Location

Yosemite “Boondock National” Dispersed Camping is located in California

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

37.489986676664486 N
119.62644332914982 W

Open in Google Maps

The Dyrt Alerts

Get reservations at sold-out campgrounds.

Learn More

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Unknown
  • Verizon
    Available
  • AT&T
    Unknown
  • T-Mobile
    Good

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.


Reviews

Add Review

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

56%
12%
12%
12%
12%

4.0

out of 5

9 Reviews

Reviewed May. 28, 2024

amazing & accesible spot !

super accessible spot right by the entrance (10 min drive max) to yosemite np !! not sure why some of these reviews are complicated lol but just go up mount raymond road like the directions tell you to then once you get to the end i just went to the turn out on the right ! super lowkey, fire pits, and beautiful scenery 🌱

Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Yosemite “Boondock National” Dispersed Camping by Alexis O., May 28, 2024
  • Review photo of Yosemite “Boondock National” Dispersed Camping by Alexis O., May 28, 2024
  • Review photo of Yosemite “Boondock National” Dispersed Camping by Alexis O., May 28, 2024
Reviewed Jul. 20, 2023

Great and close to NP

Lots of places to park a vehicle or set up a tent. Plenty of fire rings and is very close to the NP entrance. Only downside was the lack of private areas to use the bathroom, but we managed. The lead to get in wasn’t bad, and we got there after dark.

Month of VisitJuly
Reviewed Sep. 2, 2022

Overnight camp

Didn’t pull in until 9pm ish. But when I can in there was two ways you could have gone. To the left which was a parking lot possibly with sites(could not see) or to the right, which was a very large cleared space. I saw the remains of a few fires so I assumed I was in the right spot. Not a whole lot of trees from what I could tell. Also only about 1/4 mile from the main road that you come up on.

Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Yosemite “Boondock National” Dispersed Camping by Lil R., September 2, 2022
  • Review photo of Yosemite “Boondock National” Dispersed Camping by Lil R., September 2, 2022
  • Review photo of Yosemite “Boondock National” Dispersed Camping by Lil R., September 2, 2022
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Nov. 10, 2021

Couldn’t find, Hannah gives wrong location

Note: drove to “end of Mt Raymond Rd / Goat Meadow Ttailhead” following Hannah’s review as the directions. That is not the directions to this campground. It’s the directions to the Meadow campground across the 41. So, unfortunately never found this location. Leaving proper review of Meadow dispersed camping on that campground across the street so head over to that one, irs super easy to find, not busy, tons of great spots.

Month of VisitNovember
Reviewed Sep. 23, 2021

Yellow Jacket Season

Good spots, found one to fit our trailer. People kept parking at the entrance of the dirt path.

Month of VisitSeptember
Reviewed May. 30, 2021

Beautiful spot just outside of Yosemite

It’s Memorial weekend and the weather is in the 70s, sun is shining through the forest trees, the birds are singing and this site is a perfect base camp for my day trips to hike in Yosemite.

Here is the correct location. You can take a dirt road from this parking lot in order to camp in the woods.

Dropped pin https://goo.gl/maps/2gskCbuY8XRMD82x5

Sitenestled in the trees
Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Yosemite “Boondock National” Dispersed Camping by Deb F., May 30, 2021
  • Review photo of Yosemite “Boondock National” Dispersed Camping by Deb F., May 30, 2021
Reviewed May. 23, 2021

Correct Location Below

As previously mentioned, these coordinates are not correct, if you travel beyond the coordinates towards the South Park Entrance and pass the Springdale Campground on your left, you will see a sign shortly afterwards that says SnowPlay area 1/2 mile and that’s where you will turn onto Mount Raymond Road, which takes you to the dispersed camping about 5 minutes from the park entrance. Plenty of spots available.

Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Yosemite “Boondock National” Dispersed Camping by Megan A., May 23, 2021
Reviewed Sep. 23, 2020

“Boondock National” - Yosemite

My friend and I decided to go on a camping/road trip with no plans or reservations. Little did we know that due to COVID, Yosemite was only allowing people in the park with a printed reservation. There was no getting passed these ladies. We asked if there was dispersed camping nearby and they directed us to a street less than a mile south of the southern entrance to Yosemite. The street was Mount Raymond. There were plenty of spots to pull off and camp out and lots of space between other campers. It was quiet and a sweet deer came by as we were setting up. She wasn’t afraid of us at all, just minding her business eating away.

***Only downfall: We were in an area near trees that produced a lot of sap. It was all over our car the next morning and it stuck to the bottom of our shoes pretty bad. We took sticks and really had to dig out all the gunk. Be aware of the trees you park your car under or set your tent up near.

Stopped at Bass Lake on the way up - Great spot for day picnics (pics)

  • Review photo of Yosemite “Boondock National” Dispersed Camping by Mandy , September 23, 2020
  • Review photo of Yosemite “Boondock National” Dispersed Camping by Mandy , September 23, 2020
  • Review photo of Yosemite “Boondock National” Dispersed Camping by Mandy , September 23, 2020
  • (4) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the elevation of Yosemite “Boondock National” Dispersed Camping?

    Yosemite “Boondock National” Dispersed Camping is located at 4895 feet.

  • Are fires allowed at Yosemite “Boondock National” Dispersed Camping?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Yosemite “Boondock National” Dispersed Camping, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Is there cell phone reception at Yosemite “Boondock National” Dispersed Camping?

    According to campers on TheDyrt.com, Verizon signal is available, AT&T is unknown, and T-Mobile is good.