Campgrounds near Yosemite cover a stretch of this outdoor recreation wonderland. 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. #3 Cherry Valley Campground. Our community provides the best free camping information available. Surprise! Trip Routing to Yosemite National Park. Camp 4 is open on a first-come, first-served basis until May 20. Whether you’re traveling through on Highway 395 or planning a trip to Yosemite National Park, you should plan to spend at least one night dispersed camping near Mono Lake.. Difficulty level: EasyLength. The 9 Best Dispersed Camping Areas in California Kern River Dispersed Camping Joshua Tree Dispersed Camping Alabama Hills Dispersed Camping Yosemite Area Dispersed Camping South Lake Tahoe/Scotts Lake Williams Hill Dispersed Campground Eagle Lake – Rocky Point East Dispersed Camping Cowboy Camp – BLM Cache Creek Wilderness Or phone 877-270-8267 to make arrangements with our reservations team. 6 yr. ago. There are two cabins for rent, as well as a tent cabin. Choose dispersed sites that have already been camped on if possible. The area is wooded, making it an excellent option in the summer months for some shade. THIS IS ESPECIALLY TRUE FOR YOSEMITE VALLEY. RV Camping near Yosemite during the off-season is a magical experience. I believe the closest real dispersed camping will be in the Sierra National Forest surrounding the park. Located on the north-east side of Yosemite National Park. Elevation: 7,080 ft. (209) 795-1381. Forest Route 1N10. You should be fine getting a site by just showing up. The campground’s 29 campsites are available by reservation. When dispersed camping in California, campfire permits are required for open fires in California – such as campfires, barbecues and portable stoves. Get on their website and find the motor vehicle use map and you should be able to find tons of options. No person shall leave any property unattended for more than 24 hours. There is a 30-night camping limit within Yosemite National Park in a calendar year; however, from May 1 to September 15, the camping limit in Yosemite is 14 nights (this includes wilderness camping). EDIT: Link for you! Not all campgrounds in the Inyo National Forest are close to the national park, but Sawmill Walk-In Camp, Ellery Lake, Big Bend, and Tioga Lake are. There’s plenty of space for a dozen large RVs along with tree shade for everyone. Trip planning to Yosemite National Parks is essential. No dispersed camping within the Merced River corridor. Dispersed Camping. Dispersed camping is not allowed inside of Yosemite National Park. No person shall leave any property unattended for more than 24 hours. 37.41623, -119.55526 : Multiple dispersed campsites along a small creek. Forest Route 1N10. First time planning trip to Yosemite, questions about national forest camping / dispersed camping Sunrise at Merced River (Yosemite National Park). Campfire permits are required at all times whenever you plan to have a fire on public land outside of a developed campground. Directions: From Oakhurst drive 12 miles north on Highway 41 to the campground entrance. Groveland, California. Travertine Hot Springs Dispersed Camping. The NPS Yosemite site is a great source for all this. Dispersed camping is often referred to as free camping, wild camping, or primitive camping. 1. Having a permit means: That campers are “authorized to build a campfire…subject to restrictions in place at the time.”. Amenities. Camping near Yosemite National Park is endowed with golden opportunities for some of the Sierra Nevada Mountains best lower-elevation campgrounds. You can try for a reservation one day in advance (May 20 - September 30). Maximum vehicle/RV length: 24 feet. Getting a campsite at Yosemite’s famous climbing basecamp, Camp 4, is downright difficult. #5 Jerseydale Campground. Q&A - Ask the Community about Cottingham Park Campground To ask questions of the owner or manager please contact the campground directly. The “Ten Mile Dispersed Area” lies right at the intersection of Ten Mile Road and Forest Road 13S33. #1 Lumdsen Campground. #5 Jerseydale Campground. Jerseydale Campground is located close to Yosemite National Park, the 10 campsites are spacious and can accommodate RVs and trailers. First time planning trip to Yosemite, questions about national forest camping / dispersed camping Hi, I'm planning on spending three days at Yosemite with a friend during the July 22nd weekend (tentatively) and have been looking into places to stay while we're there. About: Owens River Road Dispersed Camping provides easy access to Mammoth Lakes and Yosemite National Park. Read reviews, check cell signal and find nearby dump stations, fresh water, and groceries. Pine Creek. Look straight east of the park, just at the mountains end, for an area with a site called Silver Lake. Upper Virginia Creek Campground – (Free Campground, 31 miles from Park Entrance) This is a free campground located along twisty-windy road with about 15 sites. Dispersed camping is known as driving off the main road and finding a place to camp for free without any facilities. The Yosemite summer crowds have dispersed, temperatures are low, and the lingering fall foliage proves to be a sight for sore eyes. THE OTHER KEY, … Ski Road Allenspark. For an easy and convenient option for dispersed camping near Yosemite National Park look no further than the Goat Meadow Trailhead/Snow Play parking lot just off Highway 41. It was closed for repair. 10 Best Options For Free Camping With Unforgettable Views Near The Yosemite 1. Located on the west side of Yosemite National Park, this is the most popular forest for folks looking for free camping close to the Park. Indian Flat Campground: This campground is the closest campground to Yosemite on highway 140. Here are the 10 best free campsites near Yosemite. Saddlebag Lake Campground is at 10,000 feet above sea level and has 20 RV sites, potable water and vault restrooms. #4 Lumsden Bridge Camground. Two RV Campgrounds managed by Inyo National Forest are close to Highway 395's junction with Route 120 leading into Yosemite. For an easy and convenient option for dispersed camping near Yosemite National Park look no further than the Goat Meadow Trailhead/Snow Play parking lot just off Highway 41. It is a low-lying place with pine and oak woodlands surrounding it. They allow “dispersed camping,” which means that you can camp anywhere in the park as long as you hike at least four miles away from the trailhead and pitch your tent at least 100 feet away from the trail and from water. Dispersed camping – or camping outside of a designated campground – is a great option when visiting Stanislaus National Forest. #3 Cherry Valley Campground. I can remember what the greater area was called, but it wasn't too far from the park (maybe 45 min though a mountain pass) and beautiful to camp in! Best Places to Camp for Free in California. View camping information for Hardin flat road dispersed camping in undefined, California. #2 South Fork Campground. Only equestrian, pedestrians, and bicycles are permitted beyond the Railroad Flat Campground. Forest Route 1N10. There are some great campsites east of Yosemite. To start your campervan trip, simply hit the Book Now button located on the top, right of the page. Because this is one of the more sought-after campsites in Yosemite Mariposa County, camping reservations are recommended. Find a Free Campsite. RESERVATIONS FOR THESE SITES ARE MADE UP TO 5 MONTHS IN ADVANCE AND CAN SELL OUT IN HOURS OR EVEN MINUTES. The 28 day period begins when a camper initially occupies a specific location on public lands. Summerdale Campground is located 1.4 miles from Yosemite’s South Entrance (5-minute drive). Summerdale Campground is located just 1.5 miles from Yosemite National Park, and sits in a scenic wildflower-filled meadow, surrounded by fir, cottonwood and cedar trees. Camp 4 is walk-in only, which means you cannot drive your car up to your campsite. Backcountry camping near this viewpoint provides unobstructed sunrises and sunsets over El Capitan, Ribbon Fall (the longest single-drop waterfall in North America at 1600 feet), Dewey Point and Half Dome. If you arrive at Yosemite from the west and find the … North Pines Campground is in a beautiful and fantastic location amongst granite cliff walls and towering pines. You will be hardly 19 miles away from Estes Park and close to most of the area’s most famous trailheads, among which St. Vrain Mountain is worth mentioning. Failing to do so could lead to a miserable day, or worse, injury or death. Camping Around Tioga Pass. The old Yosemite railroad grade is accessible by vehicles up to the Railroad Flat Campground. Goat Meadow Trailhead And Snow Play Dispersed Camping. Big Bend Campground: 3 miles west of Lee Vining, the campground is on the right (9 miles east of Tioga Pass). Evergreen Road Dispersed Camping. Only equestrian, pedestrians, and bicycles are permitted beyond the Railroad Flat Campground. There is a 30-night camping limit within Yosemite National Park in a calendar year; however, May 1 to September 15, the camping limit in Yosemite is 14 nights, and only seven of those nights can be in Yosemite Valley or Wawona. #4 Lumsden Bridge Camground. In this post I’ll share how to find free camping, camping conditions, what it’s like to … They also have access to an outdoor pool and a small gift shop. There are 30 sites at the campground. #2 South Fork Campground. With RV Trip Wizard you can get a much better understanding on what to expect for travel day. Sierra National Forest camping is sure-fire fun and an economical way to go. It is located near Curry Village and you just take a short time to walk to the nearby hiking trails. With over 4 million annual visitors, reservable campsites within the Yosemite Valley are a seriously hot commodity. In 2015 the ground everywhere there was so torn up by bulldozers and heavy equipment I was unable to find a single place to pitch a tent. While this isnt the typical dispersed camping found deep in a national forest, this trailhead parking lot is just 1.5 miles from Yosemites South Entrance. Just pop up your tent in a corner of the forest! There’s no better time than now to see why a Yosemite campervan rental is the ultimate way to go on a road trip! Whether you just need to know where to camp nearby or you want to plan a free camping road trip, we've got you covered. Captured on 6/3/22 at dusk. Any of the roads that say Hardin flat have a ton of spots for camping. These forests border Yosemite as well as providing unique and stunning scenery of its own for adventurers to explore. Summerdale Campground, which is privately operated, is approximately 1.5 miles from the south entrance to the Highway 41 park. For the most current information please call the Groveland Ranger District at (209) 962-7825, or stop by our office on Highway 120. Increase Your Odds of Getting a Spot at Camp 4. Here are the 10 best free campsites near Yosemite. Camping Around Tioga Pass A lightly used campground surrounded by cedar and pines. While National Parks such as Yosemite, Joshua Tree, and Grand Canyon tend to only offer camping within designated campgrounds, often with reservations required, dispersed camping allows for camping in areas that are all first-come first-serve. Ideal For: Tents, vans, trailers, RVs. Lumsden Camp is one of the best accessible choices to find camping near Yosemite. #1 Lumdsen Campground Forest Route 1N10 The west is known for its terrifying mountain passes and narrow roads. 30 min to Groveland. McCabe Flat is extra appealing as it boasts a large, sandy beach and designated swimming area. The old Yosemite railroad grade is accessible by vehicles up to the Railroad Flat Campground. 2. 1. Coordinates:37.737, -118.9677 About:Owens River Road Dispersed Camping provides easy access to Mammoth Lakes and Yosemite National Park. Camp 4 (Yosemite Valley) Hodgdon Meadow (Hwy 120 Entrance) All of the above, except for Camp 4, are drive-in campsites and allow RVs, so you can have a classic car camping experience. 45 min to Yosemite valley! Forest Route 1N10. Lower Yosemite Falls Trail. Find a Free Campsite. It’s a shared site, which means six people will be assigned to your campsite regardless of your group size. You might want to check if any of these were effected by the recent fires. You can simply use your smart phone's GPS to find camping near you or even use our trip planner to plan your route from coast to coast. The campground only has 36 sites which can accommodate six people in tents only. Horses are welcome and the campground sports hitching posts for your equestrian needs. These spots are usually only distinguishable by the dirt track leading to them, as many are unmarked. 7. The sights and sounds of nature are signaling that now is the perfect time pack up the RV and head to the Sierra Nevada mountains in California. North Pines Campground – Yosemite National Park Free Camping Spots Alternative. Very close to Yosemite. The campground's proximity to Yosemite, the excellent fishing at Big Creek and the cooler summer temperatures make it a very popular destination. Sierra National Forest. Watching the sunlight color the valley was... Tuolumne Meadows on Memorial Day @ Sunset. Distance to Yosemite: 1.5 miles to South Entrance Restrooms: NoMap. Although this is a dispersed camping area there are 3 obvious “sites”, the 2nd and 3rd most distant from the paved road are obvious as you near the end of the dirt road.” ... Yosemite Camping Vibes: 8.2/10 Amazing views and lots of privacy due to hard-to-access location! Our community provides the best free camping information available. 0. While National Parks such as Yosemite, Joshua Tree, and Grand Canyon tend to only offer camping within designated campgrounds, often with reservations required, dispersed camping allows for camping in areas that are all first-come first-serve. This site is a car-accessible camp located on the Tuolumne Wild & Scenic River off Forest Route 1 … Whether you just need to know where to camp nearby or you want to plan a free camping road trip, we've got you covered. (Distance): 2 miles round-trip. The Groveland Ranger District encompasses the Highway 120 corridor on the Stanislaus National Forest. THE 3 CAR CAMPGROUNDS IN YOSEMITE VALLEY ARE RESERVATION ONLY EXCEPT IN THE WINTER. There are many trees around the campsites, including sugar pines, cottonwoods, and cedars. Vault Restroom, Picnic Tables, Fire Rings, Water (river) Description. Here are the standard rules for dispersed camping on BLM land: You can camp in the Bureau of Land Management areas for 14 days before having to move at least 25 miles to another spot. Stanislaus National Forest. If you want to camp in or near Yosemite and you don't already have a reservation, here are two options to try: Camp 4 is open on a first-come, first-served basis from late fall through winter. A quick guide to reserving a campsite in Yosemite or relying on dispersed camping nearby. Yosemite National Park has some of my favorite rules for backcountry camping of the entire National Park System. Along Ski Rd/CR 107, just outside of the tiny village of Allenspark, there is a wonderful dispersed camping spot. On one of the campground’s sides, you can find a river. The most popular dispersed camping near Yosemite is likely Hardin Flat Road, located just a short drive from the Big Oak Entrance Station on the west side of the park. Description. The area is wooded, making it an excellent option in … This is to minimize damage on sensitive areas due to prolonged human impact. The first camping available is at the Little Yosemite Valley Campground: camping is not permitted between Yosemite Valley and Little Yosemite Valley. Coordinates: 37.737, -118.9677. If not, see Dispersed Camping Rules below. Luckily, there are a number of free campgrounds located in Stanislaus, Sierra, Eldorado, Sequoia and Inyo National Forests. #1 Lumdsen Campground. Mono Lake camping near Lee Vining is a great way to enjoy the eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains. If you want to get up into the high Sierras on the east side of Yosemite, the Inyo National Forest is the place to go. Highway 120 (East of Yosemite) All campgrounds on this side of the Sierras near Yosemite are all first-come-first-serve. Popular developed campgrounds in the area include Railroad Flat, McCabe Flat, Willow Placer, Summerdale Campground, Yosemite Dry Gulch, and Dirt Flat. It has a wide range of camping sites, for both Rv's and tent sights. It is a space where you can camp, as long as you bring everything you need to be self-sufficient. Elevation: 5,000 feet (1,520 meters) What used to be excellent dispersed camping on Evergreen Road has been decimated by salvage logging in the wake of the 2013 "Rim Fire." Here are some possibilities south of Yosemite near the Nelder Grove and Bass Lake. The area rests on either side of Ten Mile Road. Length (Time): 2 … Dispersed camping is camping in an area designated for camping that has no services or amenities, like bathrooms or potable water. California Campfire Permit is required to have fire in a dispersed campsite. If you would like to camp in a dispersed wilderness setting, you must camp at or beyond the Half Dome/John Muir Trail junction or beyond Moraine Dome on the trail toward Merced Lake. Hartley Springs Campground. This campground more closely resembles a dispersed camping area than a developed campground. Camping here reaches the Park through the town of Lee Vining and up Tioga Pass Road. Reservations are required for all other open campgrounds in 2022. Dispersed camping is allowed on public land for a period not to exceed 14 days within a 28 consecutive day period. It’s all about supply and demand and in this case there is massive demand and a very limited supply. Here are the 10 best free campsites near Yosemite. Paved road. No dispersed camping within the Merced River corridor. This is a great place to camp as there are many sites the further back on Hardin Road you head. Lumsden Campground. A helpful ranger at a full campground gave me a handout for dispersed camping just outside the Big Oak Flat Entrance on the 120. Last year on the day after Memorial Day weekend we tried to go to Yosemite to Crane Flats ( a campground that is first come first serve). Hermit Valley Campground is located in a large, open area with scattered timber and rock outcrops. 218-631-7650 You can simply use your smart phone's GPS to find camping near you or even use our trip planner to plan your route from coast to coast. Groveland, California. A reservation is required to drive into Yosemite National Park during peak hours (6 am – 4 pm) from May 20 through September 30, 2022. You can get a permit – which is free – at the following link. Here’s some of the difficulty levels for the three most popular hikes in Yosemite National Park: 1. SO ONE KEY TO CAMPING IN YOSEMITE IS TO PLAN FAR IN ADVANCE. 37.41631, -119.58420 : Semi-developed campsite but looked pretty nice when we drove by. Along the way are numerous dispersed camping sites, in addition to the developed “Ten Mile Campground”. It provides the opportunity to venture off the beaten path and enjoy the surrounding nature fully. These spots are usually only distinguishable by the dirt track leading to them, as many are unmarked. Imagine yourself after a long day of hiking in Yosemite National Park. Yosemite Camping Vibes: 6.7/10 Farthest from visitor center, but good basecamp for larger rigs. There are a lot of hiking trails that you can get to right from the camping area.