Sweetwater (FR 05S024) in CA -- Free Camping & Overnight Parking in California

A 22.7-mile stretch of dirt National Forest road in Mariposa County, CA. The road serves Sweetwater Mine.

Sierra National Forest, Bass Lake Ranger District allows dispersed camping here -- 14-day limit in any 30 days.

All 22.7 miles in are maintained only for high-clearance vehicles. Dirt the whole way in (22.7 miles). Climbs 3,500 ft over 22.7 miles -- sustained grades near 16%, with pitches to 32%. Stretches run along a shelf with a drop of up to ~140 ft on the downhill side. Little level ground alongside -- few of the stretches measured have a flat spot to pull onto. Winds through 55 switchbacks. Dead-end road -- no mapped turnaround; expect to back out or unhitch.

Sweetwater Point stands 1,320 ft above the site, 1.0 miles northeast. Private here -- the nearest through road is 0.7 miles off. The nearest town, Mariposa, is 6.3 mi off.