Pilot Peak (FR 05S012) in CA -- Free Camping & Overnight Parking in California
Pilot Peak (FR 05S012) in CA
A 23.5-mile stretch of dirt National Forest road in Mariposa County, CA. The road is open seasonally, March 1 to January 15.
Sierra National Forest, Bass Lake Ranger District allows dispersed camping here -- 14-day limit in any 30 days.
All 23.5 miles in are maintained only for high-clearance vehicles. 21.2 of the 23.5 miles in are dirt. Climbs 3,400 ft over 23.5 miles -- sustained grades near 16%, with pitches to 26%. Stretches run along a shelf with a drop of up to ~150 ft on the downhill side. Winds through 54 switchbacks. Dead-end road -- no mapped turnaround; expect to back out or unhitch.
Crow Peak stands 3,234 ft above the site, 3.1 miles north. East Fork Chowchilla River runs 0.4 mi off. Night skies measure Bortle 3 -- a dark rural sky. Travellers have camped along here. The nearest town, Ahwahnee, is 6.8 mi off.
September normals 61–86°F, 0.3″ 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