Cold Springs (FR 05S036) in CA -- Free Camping & Overnight Parking in California
Cold Springs (FR 05S036) in CA
A 4.2-mile stretch of dirt National Forest road in Madera County, CA. The road serves Quartz Mountain Trailhead. The road is open seasonally, April 15 to December 15.
Sierra National Forest, Bass Lake Ranger District allows dispersed camping here -- 14-day limit in any 30 days.
All 4.2 miles in are maintained only for high-clearance vehicles. Dirt the whole way in (4.2 miles). Climbs 130 ft over 4.2 miles -- sustained grades near 12%, with pitches to 22%. Winds through 6 switchbacks. Dead-end road -- no mapped turnaround; expect to back out or unhitch.
Private here -- the nearest through road is 1.1 miles off. A body of water lies 1.2 mi off. Iron Mountain stands 1,206 ft above the site, 2.4 miles south. The nearest town, Oakhurst, is 14 mi off.
September normals 44–68°F, 0.4″ rain. Monthly averages, PRISM 1991–2020.
Set by Sierra National Forest, Bass Lake Ranger District. Stage 1 and 2 orders change within days -- check the current order before you build a fire.
fs.usda.gov