When I first decided to set out to California to car camp, I was surprised by the lack of information regarding car camping locations and general tips for car camping in California.
Here’s a guide for fellow campers to find free and affordable places to stay in all parts of California. Let’s begin with Southern California!
Southern California
San Diego
Although car camping on most streets in San Diego is illegal, you can either reserve a campground or take part in dispersed camping outside of the city. Dispersed camping is typically free.
Let’s go over my favorite dispersed camping sites and campgrounds in the area, starting with dispersed.
5 Dispersed Camping Spots Around San Diego (Free)
| Dispersed Camping | Reservation? | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Otay Mountain Camp (Otay Truck Trail) | No | Free |
| Cleveland National Forest (Cottonwood Falls Camp) | No | Free |
| Anza-Borrego Desert State Park | No | Free |
| Fiesta Island (Day use only) | No | Free |
| Mission Beach | No | Free |
1. Otay Mountain Camp
Coordinates: 32.61659303, -116.7840705
Located 50 minutes east of San Diego, Otay Open Space Reserve is classified as land owned by BLM which you can camp on for free.
Campers can take the Otay Mountain Truck Trail and can camp anywhere along the road.
Remember, this is a dispersed camping spot so there are zero amenities. Also be sure to pack in, pack out!
Otay Mountain Wilderness is known for its off-road and hiking trails. The area has beautiful sunsets and clear night skies. If you come at the right time, up in the mountains you will be level with the clouds, which is super dreamy.
If you get tired of the desert, Otay Lake is located on the north side of the reserve.
2. Cleveland National Forest
Cleveland National Forest has a few different spots where you can take part in dispersed camping:
- Descanso (619-445-6235)
- Palomar (760-788-0250)
- Trabuco (951-736-1811)
Download the Dispersed Camping Wilderness Permit for the Palomar and Descanso Permit and San Mateo Wilderness Permit.
You can stay on these dispersed lands for up to 14 days.
When in Cleveland National Forest, you can choose from mountains, waterfalls, and creeks.
Not to mention, the forest has its own observatory along one of its trails in the Palomar district.
U.S. National Forest says to attend the observatory you need an “Adventure Pass: To purchase a pass for this location visit a Cleveland National Forest office, find a local Adventure Pass vendor or purchase online at https://www.recreation.gov/.”
3. Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
Camping in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is only allowed on specific BLM land or designated campgrounds. Below are a few BLM areas around the park along with their coordinates.
- Coyote Mountains Wilderness (32.803753, -116.075627).
- Cottonwood Campground (32.800240, -116.338262)
- Sawtooth Mountain Wilderness (33.007513, -116.456406)
- Lark Canyon Campground (32.727884, -116.273656)
The park is known for its beautiful rugged, tall desert landscape and badlands.
While staying in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, be sure to drink tons of water as summer temperatures can reach up to 125°F.
4. Fiesta Island
While it is illegal to sleep overnight at Fiesta Island, I still wanted to share as it is one of the most popular day spots for van life in the country and happens to be located in San Diego.
You can park right along the ocean from 6 am-10 pm.
A lot of people living out of their vans will come here and make use of the fire pits, dog park, and over 20 miles of beach.
Now onto campgrounds you can car camp at in San Diego:
4 Campgrounds Around in San Diego
| Campgrounds | Reservation? | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| San Elijo State Beach | Required | $15-$75 |
| Silver Strand State Beach | Required | Starting at $50 |
| San Onofre State Beach | Required | Starting at $35 |
| South Carlsbad State Beach | Required | Starting at $35 |
Camping reservations can only be made through Reserve California at reservecalifornia.com
For a more in-depth guide on car camping in San Diego, check out my article Car Camping Near San Diego (5 Free Spots).
Los Angeles
Sadly, there are street signs banning cars from parking overnight everywhere in Los Angeles. However, you can purchase an Adventure Pass from the U.S. Forest Service which only costs $30 for a whole year and allows campers to choose from a good number of campsites in the Angeles National Forest.
Here is a list of ALL of the campsites in the Angeles National Forest.
| Campground | Reservation? | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Oak Flat Campground | No. First come, first serve. | $ ($30/year*) |
| Sawmill Campground | No. First come, first serve. | $ ($30/year*) |
| Coldbrook Campground | No. First come, first serve. | $ ($30/year*) |
| Buckhorn Campground | No. First come, first serve. | $$ ($12/night) |
| Crystal Lake Rec Area Campground | No. First come, first serve. | $$ ($12/night) |
| Table Mountain | No. First come, first serve. | $$$ ($38/night) |
3 Campsites in Los Angeles
| Campground | Reservation? | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Leo Carrillo State Park Campground | Required | $45 |
| Point Mugu State Park Campsites | Required | $10-$35 |
| Malibu Creek State Park Campground | Required | $45 |
1. Leo Carrillo State Park Campground
Leo Carrillo State Park, located in Malibu, California, offers a distinctive coastal environment for campers and nature enthusiasts. The park encompasses both beachfront and backcountry areas, boasting rocky coves, tide pools abundant with marine life, and a canopy of sycamore trees that shade many of the campgrounds.
The park’s diverse environment also includes impressive coastal caves and craggy formations, which provide picturesque landscapes.
Amenities: 130 sites, fire rings, picnic tables restrooms and token-operated showers, lifeguard stations, extensive trail system.
2. Point Mugu State Park Campsites
Sycamore Campground
One of my favorite campsites in the Los Angeles area, Sycamore Cove Campsite offers campers another coastal escape. The campsite is nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Monica Mountains, providing a harmonious blend of sandy shores and canopied woodland areas populated by sycamore and oak trees.
Amenities: 58 sites, fire rings, picnic tables, showers, restrooms, beach-use
Thornhill Broome Campground
Thornhill Broome Campground presents a stretch of sandy beach juxtaposed against rugged rock formations, making it an ideal spot for those seeking a direct ocean view right from their cars.
Amenities: 68 sites, fire rings, picnic tables, showers, restrooms, beach-use
3. Malibu Creek State Park Campground
Malibu Creek State Park Campground is characterized by rugged terrains, oak woodlands, and the flowing waters of Malibu Creek, all of which have carved out impressive gorges and canyons over millennia.
Amenities: 63 sites, fire rings, picnic tables, and restroom facilities. Potable water sources are accessible, and token-operated showers are available for camper convenience.
Orange County
4 Dispersed Camping Spots in Orange County (Free)
| Dispersed Camping | Reservation? | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| San Mateo Canyon Wilderness | No | Free |
| Cleveland National Forest | No | Free |
| Crystal Cove State Park (hike-in only) | No | Free |
| Rest Stop 5 miles north of Oceanside | No | Free |
1. San Mateo Canyon Wilderness
San Mateo Canyon Wilderness is a part of Cleveland National Forest, meaning free camping is allowed with a permit.
San Mateo Canyon Wilderness is a protected area located in the Santa Ana Mountains of Southern California, encompassing over 37,000 acres of wild lands.
Characterized by its rugged canyons, flowing streams, and diverse ecosystems, it provides habitat for various wildlife species and offers visitors numerous recreational opportunities, including hiking, backpacking, star gazing, and camping.
2. Cleveland National Forest
Cleveland National Forest has a few different spots where you can take part in dispersed camping:
- Descanso (619-445-6235)
- Palomar (760-788-0250)
- Trabuco (951-736-1811)
Download the Dispersed Camping Wilderness Permit for the Palomar and Descanso Permit and San Mateo Wilderness Permit.
You can stay on these dispersed lands for up to 14 days.
When in Cleveland National Forest, you can choose from mountains, waterfalls, and creeks.
Not to mention, the forest has its own observatory along one of its trails in the Palomar district.
U.S. National Forest says to attend the observatory you need an “Adventure Pass: To purchase a pass for this location visit a Cleveland National Forest office, find a local Adventure Pass vendor, or purchase online at https://www.recreation.gov/.”
3. Rest Stop 5 Miles North of Oceanside
While it’s not a campsite, sometimes when we car camp, we become desperate. This rest stop is one of the only rest stops along the ocean in all of Southern California (located very close to Camp Pendleton).
There are 30 or more “campsites” and the maximum vehicle length is unlimited. You may stay up to 8 hours here!
Amenities: Drinking water, pets welcome, restrooms, trash cans.
GPS Coordinates: 33.272471, -117.443862
3 Campgrounds in Orange County
| Campgrounds | Reservation? | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Doheny State Beach | Required | $40-$60/night |
| Moro Campground Crystal Cove State Park | Required | Starting at $25/night |
| San Onofre State Beach | Required | $35-$45/night |
Santa Barbara
3 Dispersed Camping Spots Around Santa Babara (Free)
| Dispersed Camping | Reservation? | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Arroyo Hondo Vista Point | No | Free |
| KCL Campground | No | Free |
| Los Padres National Forest | No | Free |
1. Arroyo Hondo Vista Point
Half an hour northwest of Santa Barbara, you can take the Pacific Highway and find yourself at an outlook overlooking the ocean. At Arroyo Hondo Vista Point, you can line up with other cars on the side road.
While you are technically not allowed to “camp” here, you are allowed to stay here for up to 8 hours. That’s a full night of sleep if you ask me!
While there are no amenities other than trash cans and good cell phone service, this place is unbeatable if you want to sleep along the coast.
Update: This campsite is currently temporarily closed due to recent storms.
2. KCL Campground
A little further a drive from the actual city of Santa Barbara, KCL Campground is located 2 hours away on BLM land on mountainous terrain.
This campground offers 12 sites, 2 of which are ADA accessible. There are limited amenities with no electricity, water, or garbage disposal service, but campers can enjoy fire pits, vault toilets, picnic tables, and even horse corals. The Dyrt
KCL campground runs on a first-come, first-served basis. You can park anywhere you’d like to set up camp in your car!
If you’re looking for a spot that is immersed in nature, here’s what you’ve been looking for.
3. Los Padres National Forest
Los Padres National Forest is a part of the U.S. Forest Service. In National Forests, you can take part in dispersed camping anywhere that is outside of a campground.
All national forests offer land that is free to be explored and camped on with limited rules and regulations compared to National Parks. Without an established campground, you can expect a lack of common amenities like a bathroom, showers, fire rings, and even phone service.
To take part in dispersed camping on national forest land, research the rules to follow beforehand. Most forests have forest roads that can be trickier to find without a map and may require an off-road or high-clearance vehicle to access.
4 Campgrounds Around Santa Barbara
| Campgrounds | Reservation? | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Carpinteria State Beach | Required | Starting at $10/night |
| El Capitan State Beach | Required | $45 on average/night |
| Refugio State Beach Campground | Required | Starting at $10/night |
| Figueroa Campground | Recommended | $20/night |
1. Carpinteria State Beach
In between Santa Barbara and Ventura, Carpinteria State Beach offers terraced bluffs, dune areas, and a mile of beach for swimming, fishing, tidepool exploring, and camping.
Carpinteria State Beach is the most popular campground in the Santa Barbara area, so it has something worth visiting.
The park provides a range of amenities for visitors, including campsites equipped with picnic tables and fire rings, restrooms with coin-operated showers, and lifeguard services during peak seasons.
2. El Capitan State Beach
El Capitán State Beach is a coastal destination located near Santa Barbara, California. Nature-wise, the area is characterized by tall, rugged cliffs, a mix of sandy beaches and rocky tide pools, and sycamore and oak tree forests providing shade in its backcountry.
Nearby hiking trails all visitors to explore the coastal terrain and connect to other regional points of interest.
The campground at El Capitán offers a variety of sites, many of which are situated directly adjacent to the shoreline.
Amenities include campfire rings, picnic tables, potable water sources, restrooms, and coin-operated hot showers. The beach is also equipped with day-use picnic areas and lifeguard stations during the summer season.
Update: Currently temporarily closed due to recent storms.
3. Refugio State Beach Campground
Less than half an hour from central Santa Barbara, Refugio State Beach Campground offers excellent coastal fishing as well as trails and picnic sites. Palm trees planted near Refugio Creek give a distinctive look to the beach and camping area.
Campers at Refugio can avail themselves of facilities such as campsites with picnic tables and fire rings, restrooms, coin-operated showers, and potable water stations. Additionally, there’s a general store on-site catering to basic camping needs.
4. Figueroa Campground
Deeper in nature and cheaper, Figueroa Campground is a part of Los Padres National Forest and is only $20 per night.
Nestled in a grove of beautiful red Manzanita and a variety of oaks and pines, lies Figueroa Campground with its 35 campsites fully equipped with fire rings, pedestal barbeques, and a picnic table at every site. Hard-packed soil makes several of the sites accessible to the three, double vault, wheelchair-accessible bathrooms.
There are many hiking trails right by the campsite and in the spring, there are beautiful wildflowers.
Joshua Tree National Park
| Dispersed Camping | Reservation? | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Joshua Tree Lake Dispersed Camping | No | Free |
| Joshua Tree North BLM | No | Free |
| Gold Park Road Camp | No | Free |
3 Dispersed Camping Spots in Joshua Tree (Free)
1. Joshua Tree Lake Dispersed Camping
Joshua Tree Lake Dispersed Camping is just north of Joshua Tree National Park, in between Yucca Valley and Twentynine Palms. The camping spot is on land classified as BLM, meaning you can camp here for free.
Don’t be fooled by the name, the area is a giant, dusty, dry lake bed with not much vegetation. However, it’s one of the most spacious dispersed camping areas I’ve seen with gorgeous night skies. Not to mention, you are in perfect viewing distance from Copper Mountain and other surrounding mountains.
They also have fire pits, water hookups, sewer hookups, and decent cell service.
Coordinates: 34.164145256417584 N, -116.21387550484383 W
2. Joshua Tree North BLM
This dispersed camping area is just a few miles west of Joshua Tree Lake Dispersed Camping and has just a little more vegetation, but seems to be a little less popular. The area is super flat and large, making it easy to set up camp.
Unlike Joshua Tree Lake Dispersed Camping, there are no hookups.
Tip: It is recommended to arrive before sundown to scout out a good spot and see the beautiful sunset here.
Coordinates: 34.1648 N, -116.2202 W
3. Gold Park Road Camp
Gold Park Road Camp is known more as an off-roading area than a dispersed camping area but the government allows dispersed camping here on the sides of the road.
Remember to pack it in, pack it out and leave no trace!
This road is located north of the national park right below Twentynine Palms.
Coordinates: 34.0889882 N, -116.0140737 W
4 Campgrounds in Joshua Tree
| Campgrounds | Reservation? | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Jumbo Rocks Campground | Required | $20/night |
| Ryan Campground | Required | $20/night |
| Indian Cove Campground | Required | $20/night |
| Black Rock Campground | Required | $25/night |
Reserve a campground at Joshua Tree or check out the other campgrounds here.
Central California
Carpinteria State Beach
Amenities: Picnic tables, fire rings, restrooms
Cost: Starting at $45/night
In between Santa Barbara and Ventura, Carpinteria State Beach offers terraced bluffs, dune areas, and a mile of beach for swimming, fishing, tidepool exploring, wildlife viewing, and camping.
Carpinteria State Beach is the most popular campground in the Santa Barbara area, so it has something worth visiting.
Reservations: Here
El Capitan State Beach
Amenities: Campfire rings, picnic tables, potable water sources, restrooms, and coin-operated hot showers. The beach is also equipped with day-use picnic areas and lifeguard stations during the summer season.
Cost: Starting at $45/night
El Capitán State Beach is a coastal destination located near Santa Barbara, California. Nature-wise, the area is characterized by tall, rugged cliffs, a mix of sandy beaches and rocky tide pools, and sycamore and oak tree forests providing shade in its backcountry.
Nearby hiking trails allows visitors to explore the coastal terrain and connect to other regional points of interest.
The campground at El Capitán offers a variety of sites, many of which are situated directly adjacent to the shoreline.
Reservations: Here
Big Sur
| Dispersed Camping | Reservation? | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Los Padres National Forest | No | Free |
| Prewitt Ridge Campground | No. First-come, first serve. | Free |
| Plaskett Ridge Road | No | Free |
| Los Burros Road (Will Creek Road) | No | Free |
| Monterey Ranger District | No | Free |
| Campgrounds | Reservation? | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Pfeiffer Big Sur Campground | Yes | $35 to $50/night |
| Ventana Campground | Yes | Cost varies |
| Andrew Molera State Park | Strongly Encouraged | $30/night |
Dispersed car camping is essentially camping without a reservation or payment, and on land where there is no established campground. It is often referred to as stealth camping or boondocking because it can be done in a hidden and less environmentally impactful way if done properly.
You can choose from any of the above areas in the table. These locations are in the Los Padres National Forest and allow campers to pay no fee.
Here are more details about the dispersed camping options in Big Sur:
5 Dispersed Camping Spots in Big Sur (Free)
1. Los Padres National Forest
Los Padres National Forest is a part of the U.S. Forest Service. In National Forests, you can take part in dispersed camping anywhere that is outside of a campground.
All national forests offer land that is free to be explored and camped on with limited rules and regulations compared to National Parks. Without an established campground, you can expect a lack of common amenities like a bathroom, showers, fire rings, and even phone service.
To take part in dispersed camping on national forest land, research the rules to follow beforehand. Most forests have forest roads that can be trickier to find without a map and may require an off-road or high-clearance vehicle to access.
2. Prewitt Ridge Campground
Located in the Los Padres National Forest, Prewitt Ridge is a campground along the Big Sur coast, over 3,000 feet above sea level, making this campground one of the most amazing views in Big Sur.
Prewitt Ridge is a first come first serve dispersed camping, with no reservations or payment needed. To get there, campers take the Nacimiento-Fergusson Road and take the side road Coast Ridge Trail which finally ends up on Prewitt Ridge Road.
Just a heads up, Prewitt Ridge Campground is occasionally closed. I’d recommend having a backup campsite.
3. Plaskett Ridge Road
Plaskett Ridge Road is a windy, dirt road up mountains that eventually reaches ocean views. Campers can drive to any spot and make camp. This dispersed camping area is also in the Los Padres National Forest and requires no reservation or payment.
4. Los Burros Road (Willow Creek Road)
Tucked away in the Los Padres National Forest, Los Burros Road is an off-road drive, with several dispersed “campsites” located right off the sides of the road.
Meaning, you can just pull to the side of this forestry road and set up camp.
Like Prewitt Ridge Campground, this road has views above the Big Sur coastline. Los Burros Road is not only known for dispersed camping but is home to many different hiking trails. This road also has a view of San Martin Rock.
Here’s a video by Free Campsites:
5. Monterey Ranger District
Although this site is about an hour east of Big Sur, the U.S. Forest Service recommends this spot for dispersed camping in Los Padres National Forest on their website.
Monterey Ranger District offers camping, day hiking, backpacking, beaches, ocean swimming, surfing, fishing, hunting, scenic driving on Highway 1, wildflower displays in the spring and early summer, and nature viewing.
If you’d like more information and more spots to car camp in Big Sur, check out my article Car Camping in Big Sur (Where, How Much, & Is it Legal)?.
San Luis Obispo
| Dispersed Camping | Reservation? | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Baja Campground | No | Free |
| TV Tower Road Dispersed Camping | No | Free |
| Los Padres National Forest | No | Free |
| Campgrounds | Reservation? | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Oceano Campground | Required | Starting at $10 |
| Islay Creek Campground | Required | Starting at $10 |
| Cerro Alto Campground | First-come, first-served | $25/night |
| Santa Margarita Lake Recreation & Natural Area | Required | Starting at $27 |
| Lopez Lake Recreation & Natural Area | Required | Starting at $27 |
Below is some information about my favorite campsite in San Luis Obispo!
Oceano Campground
Amenities: Restrooms, coin-operated showers, hiking trails
Cost: Starting at $20/ night
My favorite campground in all of San Luis Obispo, Oceano Campground is a 5-minute walk from the beach!
Oceano Campground has 24 campsites and each site will accommodate up to 8 people. Each campsite is equipped with full hook-ups (electricity, sewer, and water).
When I went here to car camp, I was amazed at everything this campsite had to offer. Not only could you easily walk to the beach, but they also had trails surrounding the campsite and a visitor center with a little museum.
To find more spots to car camp in San Luis Obispo, check out my article Car Camping Near San Luis Obispo!
Northern California
Yosemite National Park
Car camping is not legal inside Yosemite National Park with the exception of established campgrounds. However, you can camp outside of the park in National Forests and take part in dispersed camping. Dispersed car camping refers to camping outside of a designated campground.
In this article, I’ll go over the best spots to camp out of your car, whether you’d like to camp for free outside the park, or at an established campground in the park with amenities.
For starters, here are some free dispersed campsites around Yosemite:
| Dispersed Campsites | Reservation? | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Hardin Flat Road | First-come, first-served | Free |
| Goat Meadow | First-come, first-served | Free |
| Summit Road | First-come, first-served | Free |
| Owen’s River Road | First-come, first-served | Free |
| Evergreen Road | First-come, first-served | Free |
| Mammoth Scenic Loop | First-come, first-served | Free |
| Tioga Pass and Warren Creek Parking | No | Free |
| Stanislaus National Forest | No | Free |
| Sierra National Forest | No | Free |
| Inyo National Forest | No | Free |
Here are some established campsites inside of the park:
| Campgrounds | Reservation? | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Upper Pines | Required | $36/night |
| Lower Pines | Required | $36/night |
| Camp 4 | First-come, first-served | $10/night |
| Wawona | Required most of the year | $28-$36/night |
| Hodgdon Meadow | Required most of the year | $28-$36/night |
For a complete guide on car camping in Yosemite National Park, check out my article Car Camping in Yosemite (10 Free Spots).
10 Dispersed Camping Spots Around Yosemite (Free)
1. Hardin Flat Road Dispersed Camping
Distance from Yosemite National Park: 10 minutes
Amenities: None
Map:https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m17!1m12!1m3!1d3111.2999449559743!2d-119.92497220000001!3d37.8053611!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m2!1m1!2zMzfCsDQ4JzE5LjMiTiAxMTnCsDU1JzI5LjkiVw!5e1!3m2!1sen!2sus!4v1695490869676!5m2!1sen!2sus
Only 10 minutes from the park entrance and less than an hour from Yosemite Valley, Hardin Flat is a great place to stay in close proximity to Yosemite if you’re looking for a free spot in the middle of the woods.
There are around 10 pull-out spots and some are even large enough to accommodate trailers.
The campsite itself is located inside of Stanislaus National Forest and is full of Ponderosa Pine trees with mountain views. Most campsites are partially shaded.
Due to Hardin Flat being one of the most popular and closest dispersed camping sites to Yosemite, if you are planning on coming here during peak season (especially on the weekends), I would recommend getting there early in the morning to reserve a spot.
It’s also important to note that Hardin Flat Road is closed from December to April due to snow. Not that I personally would want to risk driving up there in the winter anyway.
2. Goat Meadow Dispersed Camping
Distance from Yosemite National Park: 5 minutes
Amenities: None
Located only 5 minutes from Yosemite’s South Entrance, Goat Meadow Dispersed Camping is a beautiful site. To me, it looks exactly like an established campground that many would pay for.
The roads are not too bad and the campsite has around 10-15 sites total.
If you aren’t wanting to set up camp on the dirt, there is even a paved camping area where larger vehicles typically go.
Here’s more information on Goat Meadow Dispersed Camping site by the U.S. Forest Service.
Here’s a video of a traveler at the site:
3. Summit Road Dispersed Camping
Distance from Yosemite National Park: 30 minutes
Amenities: Picnic table, rock fire ring
Map:https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m18!1m12!1m3!1d3164.9615046180998!2d-119.69717792417725!3d37.508826072053544!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x809690cb192dd69d%3A0x2cc5d298a8951bf7!2sSummit%20Campground!5e0!3m2!1sen!2sus!4v1695490711591!5m2!1sen!2sus
Located southwest of the park’s south entrance, Summit Campground is a part of the Sierra National Forest and is known to be a quiet campsite.
As for scenery at the campsite, there are towering redwoods providing ample shade for all of the campsites. The campsites themselves aren’t established so you set up camp wherever you’d like.
Here’s more information on Summit Road Dispersed campsite by the U.S. Forest Service.
4. Owen’s River Road
Distance from Yosemite National Park: 45 minutes
Amenities: Fire rings
Map:https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m18!1m12!1m3!1d3155.002657910748!2d-118.87061822416622!3d37.74308187199338!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x80961003281f8b93%3A0x3e0e84e8d0a99134!2sOwens%20River%20Rd%2C%20California!5e0!3m2!1sen!2sus!4v1695574755892!5m2!1sen!2sus
Owen’s River Road is a road that offers free dispersed camping, located inside of Inyo National Forest.
While driving down Owen’s River Road, you will find many different pull-out spots on the sides of the road. Once you pass Big Springs Campground, you will find many small offshoots where the more “established” dispersed sites are.
The rules on how long you can stay are extremely generous as you can stay for up to 28 days.
This area also happens to be super close to Mammoth Lakes if you are looking to check them out!
5. Evergreen Road Dispersed Camping
Distance from Yosemite National Park: 10 minutes
Amenities: None
Also located inside Stanislaus National Forest, Evergreen Road intersects with Highway 120 and goes further up into the forest.
After 3 miles along the road, you will begin to find multiple pull-off sites after you pass Forest Service Road 1S03. If you have the time and courage to trek further up some of the side dirt roads, you can find even more campsites that are a bit more secluded.
As this campsite is higher in elevation than some others, I would recommend not towing trailers or heavy vehicles.
6. Mammoth Scenic Loop Dispersed Camping
Distance from Yosemite National Park: 40 minutes
Amenities: Fire rings
Map:https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m18!1m12!1m3!1d6463.277060571529!2d-118.99584412551876!3d37.67849624784669!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x80960dedbe51fa91%3A0xbec64bb1edca4878!2sDispersed%20Campground!5e0!3m2!1sen!2sus!4v1695575319163!5m2!1sen!2sus
Also located in Inyo National Forest near Mammoth Lakes, Mammoth Scenic Loop Dispersed Camping is a popular, clean, beautiful forest-shaded site.
There are tons of spots to choose and has a ton of tree coverage without being too far out in the woods.
7. Tioga Pass and Warren Creek Parking Lot
Distance from Yosemite National Park: 5 minutes
Amenities: None
Less than 5 minutes from Yosemite National Park, there is a side road that you can park at. This location is on NFS land so you can park overnight. Trees provide a natural screen from the road for several parking spaces!
If you’re approaching from the east, you’ll find an unofficial overnight parking spot near a sharp bend in the Tioga Rd at Warren Creek, approximately 2/3 miles before reaching Ellery Lake. For those traveling eastbound, this will be about 2/3 miles past Ellery Lake. This parking area is to the left when traveling westward, and to the right if you’re heading east.
Sequoia National Park
| Dispersed Camping | Reservation? | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Sequoia National Park Dispersed Campground | No | Free |
| Dome Rock Dispersed Camping | No | Free |
| Brush Creek Dispersed Camping | No | Free |
| Ant Canyon Dispersed Area | No | Free |
| Kern River Dispersed Camping | No | Free |
| Ten Mile Road Dispersed Camping | No | Free |
| Hanning Flat Dispersed Camping Area | No | Free |
| Chico Flat Dispersed Camping | No | Free |
| Calkins Flat Dispersed | No | Free |
For more dispersed camping sites in Sequoia visit the U.S. Forest Service website here.
Stanislaus National Forest, Sierra National Forest, and Inyo National Forest
Stanislaus National Forest, Sierra National Forest, and Inyo National Forest are all a part of the U.S. Forest Service. In National Forests, you can take part in dispersed camping anywhere that is outside of a campground.
All national forests offer land that is free to be explored and camped on with limited rules and regulations compared to National Parks. Without an established campground, you can expect a lack of common amenities like a bathroom, showers, fire rings, and even phone service.
To take part in dispersed camping on national forest land, research the rules to follow beforehand. Most forests have forest roads that can be trickier to find without a map and may require an off-road or high-clearance vehicle to access.
Wright’s Beach Campground at Sonoma Coast State Park
Amenities: Toilets, dump station, fire pits, picnic tables
Cost: $35/ night
Wright’s Beach Campground is located inside Sonoma Coast State Park on over a mile of beach land. There are 27 available sites that you can reserve and a few first-come, first-served sites. These sites are literally 50 steps from the water.
Reservations: Here
Bodega Dunes at Sonoma Coast State Park
Amenities: Toilets, dump station, fire pits, picnic tables
Cost: $35/ night
Also located inside Sonoma Coast State Park, Bodega Dunes Campground offers campsites where you can car camp situated under trees just steps away from the beach.