Minarets RD (FR 04S081) in CA -- Free Camping & Overnight Parking in California
Minarets RD (FR 04S081) in CA
A 104.5-mile stretch of paved National Forest road in Madera County, CA. 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.
52.1 of the 104.5 miles in are maintained only for high-clearance vehicles. Mostly paved, with 50.8 miles of dirt. Climbs 15,300 ft over 104.5 miles -- sustained grades near 14%, with pitches to 39%. Stretches run along a shelf with a drop of up to ~180 ft on the downhill side. Winds through 93 switchbacks. Dead-ends 1.9 miles in -- mapped turnaround at the end. A gate 76.1 miles in, signed private.
Castle Peak stands 1,464 ft above the site, 1.3 miles east. A body of water lies 0.2 mi off. Travellers have camped along here. The nearest town, North Fork, is 4.1 mi off.
September normals 61–90°F, 0.2″ 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