Dispersed Camping in Tuolumne County, California
Showing 195 locations in Tuolumne County.
Adit 8/9 Access Road & Forest Spurs
Located in the Stanislaus National Forest near Buck Meadows, this dispersed camping zone consists of several forest spurs and pullouts branching off Highway 120 and Adit 8/9 Access Road. The area offers a mix of shaded pine settings and open, sunny flats with scenic mountain views. Roads are mostly dirt and gravel, which can become muddy when wet, and seasonal gates are closed during winter months. It provides an excellent base camp for exploring the surrounding region, though campers should remain mindful of grazing cattle in the vicinity.
Arco Sonora
A paved commercial parking area at an Arco service station in Sonora. Overnight stays are permissible with explicit clerk permission, providing basic access to restrooms and water.
Barrett Recreation Camp
A developed lakeside campground offering tent and RV sites along with access to local trails and recreational water activities.
Beardsley Dam Campground
Beardsley Dam Campground is a quiet, 16-site developed USFS facility located at the south end of Beardsley Reservoir. The campground features paved parking pads, vault toilets, fire rings, and potable water, making it a comfortable base camp for fishing and boating. While the main access road across the dam is paved, walk-in tent sites feature gravel pads. Extra vehicle fees apply, and the facility operates seasonally from mid-spring to early winter.
Beardsley Day Use Area Road
A paved access road winding through the scenic Stanislaus National Forest near the reservoir. While the immediate day-use facilities prohibit overnight stays, dispersed camping is permitted along the road corridor in accordance with forest service guidelines.
Beardsley Road Dispersed Corridor
A scenic corridor along Beardsley Road and nearby spurs offering dispersed camping pull-offs near Beardsley Reservoir. The terrain provides shaded pine forest settings with steep, direct paths down to the water, ideal for self-contained rigs.
Bell Meadow Road Dispersed
Bell Meadow Road provides rustic dispersed camping access within the scenic pine forests of the Stanislaus National Forest. This dirt route leads toward several trailhead areas and is generally accessible to most standard vehicles in dry conditions.
Bennett Juniper Road Dispersed Area
A scenic dispersed camping corridor along Bennett Juniper Road in the Stanislaus National Forest, offering secluded sites among the pines on native dirt spurs.
Boulder Flat Campground
Boulder Flat Campground is a developed forest service campground nestled in the Stanislaus National Forest. Shaded by mature pines, the area offers basic amenities in a quiet mountain setting with paved access roads. It serves as an excellent base for exploring nearby natural landmarks.
Brightman Flat Campground
Brightman Flat Campground is situated in a scenic mixed conifer forest along the banks of the Stanislaus River, just off Highway 108. The facility offers 33 dirt-pad sites equipped with picnic tables and fire rings, with vault toilets available on-site.
Buchanan Road Dispersed
This corridor along Buchanan Road within the Stanislaus National Forest provides dispersed camping opportunities. The environment is typical of the Sierra foothills, characterized by mixed pine and oak forest. The main road transitions from bituminous treatment to native dirt, while adjacent spurs offer secluded pull-offs. Some forest spurs may have seasonal closures from mid-December to mid-April, though the main corridor is generally accessible year-round depending on snow depth.
Buchanan Road Dispersed
A quiet dispersed camping corridor along Buchanan Road and its surrounding forest spurs in the Stanislaus National Forest. The area offers peaceful wooded settings typical of the Sierra Nevada foothills.
Camp Blue and Gold Dispersed
A scenic dispersed camping corridor along Camp Blue and Gold Road within the Stanislaus National Forest. Wooded, shaded sites are nestled among mature pine trees, offering a quiet forest experience within driving distance of Strawberry peak and local reservoirs.
Cascade Creek Campground
A primitive developed campground situated in a mixed conifer forest along Highway 108. It offers 14 rustic sites with picnic tables and fire rings, but lacks potable water.
Cherry Lake Road Dispersed Camping
A corridor along Cherry Lake Road in the Stanislaus National Forest offering dispersed camping opportunities on roadside pull-offs. Nestled in a pine forest, these spots provide quick access to nearby swimming holes and the scenic wilderness areas bordering Yosemite National Park.
Cherry Lake Road Dispersed
This scenic forest corridor provides accessible dispersed camping within the Stanislaus National Forest. It offers a dense pine canopy and asphalt main access suitable for most rigs.
Cherry Valley Campground
Situated in the central Sierra Nevada within the Stanislaus National Forest, Cherry Valley Campground offers paved family sites surrounded by a forest of mixed conifers. Located 1.5 miles northeast of the Cherry Valley Dam, visitors can access the lake via a hiking trail for water sports, swimming, and fishing.
Columbia Airport Campground
A unique county-operated campground situated adjacent to the Columbia Airport runway, offering convenient access for both fly-in visitors and vehicle campers.
Cottonwood Road Dispersed
A gravel-surfaced dispersed camping corridor winding through the Stanislaus National Forest. The road is well-maintained and offers several pull-offs suitable for standard passenger vehicles.
Cottonwood Road Dispersed
Quiet dispersed camping corridor along Cottonwood Road in Stanislaus National Forest, located near the Lake Eleanor Trailhead. The road offers several pullouts suitable for various rigs, surrounded by tall pine forest.
Cottonwood Road Dispersed
A forested dispersed camping corridor along Cottonwood Road in the Stanislaus National Forest. This area provides quiet roadside pullouts suitable for self-contained rigs looking for easy access to the surrounding pine woods.
Cottonwood Road Dispersed
A quiet dispersed camping pull-off located along Cottonwood Road in the Stanislaus National Forest, offering a rustic boondocking experience close to nature.
Crabtree Camp
This rustic developed campground at the Crabtree Trailhead serves as a primary staging area for backpackers entering the Emigrant Wilderness.
Dardanelle Campground
Dardanelle Campground is situated in a mixed conifer forest along the banks of the Stanislaus River in the Stanislaus National Forest. It features 28 campsites, including double sites and walk-in options, set along a paved main loop with access to vault toilets and piped drinking water.
Diamond Gulch Camp
Diamond Gulch Camp offers a primitive camping option nestled in the wooded foothills of Tuolumne County.
Don Pedro Campground
A developed campground situated on the shores of Don Pedro Reservoir. It offers designated sites with hot showers, flushing restrooms, and a boat launch nearby.
Donnell Reservoir Road Dispersed
Rustic dispersed camping along Donnell Reservoir Road and its adjacent spurs. Located within Stanislaus National Forest, this corridor offers scenic spots tucked under dense pine canopies with straightforward access to pristine mountain wilderness.
Donnell Vista Corridor
A scenic overlook and corridor located along Highway 108 in the Stanislaus National Forest, featuring an asphalt parking lot, vault toilets, and a short interpretive trail to views of the Dardanelles. While the paved loop itself is primarily suited for day-use parking, several unpaved forest spurs in the immediate vicinity provide opportunities for seasonal dispersed camping.
Eureka Valley Campground
Eureka Valley Campground is situated along the scenic banks of the Stanislaus River, off Highway 108. It offers 28 campsites with dirt parking pads, vault toilets, and hand-pumped well water, providing direct access to the river.
Fence Creek Campground
Fence Creek Campground is nestled in a scenic conifer forest high above the Clark Fork of the Stanislaus River. It features 38 dirt-surfaced sites equipped with tables and fire rings, but does not provide potable water.
Forest Road Spur 5058A
A quiet dirt spur road branching off into the pine woods, providing peaceful dispersed camping spots. It features a native material surface suitable for dry weather access.
Forest Road Spur D5F2
A rustic forest spur road nestled in the Stanislaus National Forest, offering standard dispersed camping pull-offs in a dense pine forest setting.
Forest Road Spur Dispersed
A quiet dirt spur road nestled within the Stanislaus National Forest. This area offers secluded dispersed camping surrounded by pine forest, located near the Tuolumne State Game Refuge.
Forest Route 1N19 Dispersed
Secluded dispersed camping situated along Forest Route 1N19 within Stanislaus National Forest, offering incredible panoramic views from high vantage points. The native-dirt access road is generally passable for standard two-wheel-drive vehicles in dry conditions, though the final spur to the hilltop can be technically challenging and tight for larger rigs. It provides a peaceful, quiet escape with excellent opportunities for dispersed camping.
Forest Route 4N09 Dispersed
Forest Route 4N09 offers quiet dispersed camping opportunities within the Stanislaus National Forest, featuring shaded pine forest pull-outs.
Forest Route 4N42 Dispersed
Scenic dispersed camping spots located along the paved Forest Route 4N42, situated just up the hill from the official Fraser Flat Campground. The area features scenic views of the surrounding Stanislaus National Forest.
Forest Route 5N32 Spur
A quiet dirt spur road branching off Forest Route 5N32 in the Stanislaus National Forest, offering dispersed camping in a dense pine setting.
Forest Route 6N24 & Spurs
A scenic dispersed camping corridor winding along Forest Route 6N24 and its adjacent spurs. The entrance sites close to the highway are flat, spacious, and easily accessible for larger rigs. Venturing further down the spurs leads to highly private, rugged creekside campsites near Niagara Creek and Donnell Lake, requiring high-clearance or 4WD vehicles.
Forest Spur - Stanislaus National Forest
A quiet forest spur located in the Stanislaus National Forest near Twain Harte, offering dispersed camping opportunities along a graded gravel corridor.
Forest Spur - Stanislaus National Forest
This quiet Forest Service spur road in the Stanislaus National Forest provides rustic dispersed camping along a native dirt surface. Accessible primarily from mid-spring through mid-winter, it is a peaceful retreat suitable for self-contained rigs.
Forest Spur (0757f9c8)
This gravel forest spur in the Stanislaus National Forest offers convenient dispersed camping just off the highway. It provides a peaceful setting within a dense pine forest suitable for various rig sizes.
Forest Spur (c7f341dd)
A rustic dirt road spur winding through the pines of the Stanislaus National Forest. It is ideal for those seeking a quiet forest camp, though wet conditions may require extra caution on the native soil surface.
Forest Spur (FR-1a46e954)
Located in the Stanislaus National Forest, this dirt spur provides a secluded spot for dispersed camping. It is open seasonally from spring through autumn.
Forest Spur (FR-3fc791ec)
This designated National Forest spur offers seasonal dispersed camping opportunities on a native dirt surface. Accessible to most standard vehicles during the dry season, it provides a quiet setting among the pines.
Forest Spur (Stanislaus National Forest)
A seasonal forest spur located within Stanislaus National Forest offering dispersed camping opportunities on a native dirt surface.
Forest Spur (Stanislaus National Forest)
A quiet dirt forest spur located within the Stanislaus National Forest offering dispersed camping opportunities on native dirt surfaces suitable for passenger vehicles.
Forest Spur (Stanislaus National Forest)
A scenic National Forest spur road corridor within the Stanislaus National Forest, offering peaceful dispersed camping options close to the Beardsley Reservoir.
Forest Spur (Stanislaus National Forest)
A scenic dirt forest spur within the Stanislaus National Forest, offering quiet dispersed camping in a wooded setting.
Forest Spur 485d Dispersed
Dispersed camping corridor along a quiet forest spur road in Stanislaus National Forest, surrounded by dense pine woods.
Forest Spur 6C7
An unpaved forest spur off Highway 108 offering quiet dispersed camping on native dirt. Ideal for smaller rigs seeking a rustic pull-off near the scenic canyon.
Forest Spur 899
A peaceful dirt road pull-out located deep within the forest. Provides a simple, secluded option for self-contained campers during the dry season.
Forest Spur d568 Dispersed
Dispersed camping along a gravel forest spur in Stanislaus National Forest. Excellent option for standard vehicles wanting solid ground.
Forest Spur Dispersed (Stanislaus National Forest)
This quiet forest spur in the Stanislaus National Forest offers primitive dispersed camping along a native dirt road. It provides immediate access to peaceful, wooded surroundings suitable for those seeking a secluded experience.
Forest Spur Dispersed (Stanislaus National Forest)
A quiet Forest Service spur road within the Stanislaus National Forest, offering primitive dispersed camping options along its length. The corridor features a native dirt surface and is generally open to standard vehicles under dry conditions.
Forest Spur Dispersed (Stanislaus National Forest)
A quiet network of dirt roads branching off the main forest spur in the Stanislaus National Forest near Twain Harte. This area offers multiple dispersed camping options within a classic pine forest. Ideal for finding a peaceful, wooded site away from crowded campgrounds, though native dirt roads require cautious driving when wet.
Forest Spur Dispersed (Stanislaus National Forest)
This forest spur in the Stanislaus National Forest offers quiet, dispersed camping opportunities along a native-material dirt road. It provides a peaceful retreat suitable for small to mid-sized rigs during the dry season.
Forest Spur Dispersed Camping
This quiet dirt spur road offers basic dispersed camping opportunities within the Stanislaus National Forest.
Forest Spur Dispersed Camping
A quiet forest spur located in the Stanislaus National Forest near Tuolumne City, offering dispersed camping opportunities along a native dirt and gravel road.
Forest Spur Dispersed Camping
A quiet forest road corridor nestled in the Stanislaus National Forest, providing dispersed camping opportunities. The surrounding area features pine trees and a peaceful setting, located only a short distance from the main highway.
Forest Spur Dispersed Camping
This forest spur in the Stanislaus National Forest offers secluded dispersed camping opportunities near Duckwall Mountain. The native material road is generally accessible to standard vehicles during dry conditions.
Forest Spur Dispersed Camping
This forest spur in the Stanislaus National Forest offers accessible dispersed camping opportunities along a graded road. Located near Tuolumne City, it provides a quiet wooded setting suitable for most rig sizes.
Forest Spur Dispersed Camping
This forest spur in the Stanislaus National Forest offers opportunities for dispersed camping along an improved dirt and gravel road. The area is surrounded by pine forest and provides a quiet, rustic setting.
Forest Spur Dispersed Camping
This forest spur in the Stanislaus National Forest offers quiet, wooded dispersed camping along a dirt road with a native material surface. It is accessible to most standard vehicles during dry weather, with seasonal vehicle access typically from mid-April to mid-December.
Forest Spur Dispersed Camping
A quiet Forest Service spur road within Stanislaus National Forest offering dispersed camping opportunities along a native dirt surface.
Forest Spur Dispersed Corridor
A short National Forest road spur located in the Stanislaus National Forest, offering standard dispersed camping options. The road features a gravel surface that is easily passable for passenger vehicles and offers a rustic camping environment.
Forest Spur Dispersed
Peaceful dispersed camping opportunities along a dirt forest spur within Stanislaus National Forest. The road features a native material surface suitable for passenger vehicles during dry conditions, offering a quiet escape into the pine forest.
Forest Spur Dispersed
A quiet dispersed camping corridor located along an unpaved forest spur in the Stanislaus National Forest. It offers a rustic, forested setting suitable for small to mid-sized rigs.
Forest Spur Dispersed
This secluded dirt spur road within the Stanislaus National Forest offers quiet dispersed camping opportunities. Best suited for smaller self-contained rigs, the corridor is seasonally open from mid-April to mid-December.
Forest Spur Dispersed
A scenic forest corridor located in Stanislaus National Forest, offering dispersed camping options. Positioned near the Rainbow Pool Swimming Hole, this area provides straightforward access for various rigs during the open season.
Forest Spur Dispersed
This forest spur in the Stanislaus National Forest offers peaceful dispersed camping along a native dirt road. The area is typical wooded public land, providing basic rustic access for small to medium rigs during the dry season.
Forest Spur Dispersed
This forest road spur offers dispersed camping options within the Stanislaus National Forest, accessed via a native-material dirt road suitable for most vehicles.
Forest Spur Dispersed
A quiet dirt forest spur in the Stanislaus National Forest offering dispersed camping.
Forest Spur Dispersed
This forest road spur in the Stanislaus National Forest offers dispersed camping opportunities in a pine-forested area near Twain Harte.
Forest Spur Dispersed
This quiet Forest Service spur offers secluded dispersed camping within the pine-covered hills of Stanislaus National Forest. Accessible by standard passenger vehicles under dry conditions, it provides a rustic retreat near Cedar Ridge.
Forest Spur Dispersed
Dispersed camping corridor located along Forest Spur in Stanislaus National Forest, offering standard primitive sites surrounded by pine woods.
Forest Spur Dispersed
A quiet dirt forest spur within the Stanislaus National Forest offering dispersed camping opportunities. Suitable for most vehicles, this area provides direct access to scenic pine-wooded surroundings near Cedar Ridge.
Forest Spur Dispersed
A quiet, forested dispersed camping corridor situated along an unpaved forest spur road within the Stanislaus National Forest. The area provides a serene setting under the pines with basic pull-offs. Accessible during dry, snow-free months.
Forest Spur Dispersed
A secluded native-surface forest spur within the Stanislaus National Forest offering quiet dispersed camping spots.
Forest Spur Dispersed
Scenic dispersed camping sites located along Forest Spur and Frasier Flat Road next to the river. The road can be rough but is manageable for standard vehicles in dry conditions, offering a peaceful wooded setting.
Forest Spur Dispersed
This scenic forest road spur in Stanislaus National Forest offers primitive dispersed camping opportunities near Herring Creek Dam and Reservoir. The native dirt road is seasonally open and leads through a shaded pine forest with typical 14-day stay limits.
Forest Spur Dispersed
A quiet forest spur located within the Stanislaus National Forest, offering primitive dispersed camping along a native-surface dirt road.
Forest Spur Dispersed
A quiet Forest Service spur road in the Stanislaus National Forest offering dispersed camping options. Access is via an unpaved native dirt road that is seasonally closed during winter months.
Forest Spur Dispersed
This native-material forest spur offers remote dispersed camping opportunities within Stanislaus National Forest. It is generally accessible to standard passenger vehicles during the dry season.
Forest Spur
Located within the Stanislaus National Forest, this dirt spur offers quiet dispersed camping opportunities. Standard national forest rules apply, with seasonal motorhome access typically permitted from spring through autumn.
Forest Spur Road Dispersed
Quiet dispersed camping opportunities along a scenic Forest Service spur road in the Stanislaus National Forest, surrounded by pine forests.
Fraser Flat Campground
Forested developed site situated directly on the South Fork Stanislaus River. Excellent for fishing and relaxing in a quiet mountain environment.
Fraser Flat Campground Road
A gravel forest road running through the Stanislaus National Forest near Fraser Flat Campground, providing access to dispersed camping pullouts. The surrounding area features pine trees and is in close proximity to the South Fork Stanislaus River.
Fraser Flat Road Dispersed Camping
A scenic pine-forested corridor along Fraser Flat Road (Forest Route 4N13) in the Stanislaus National Forest. This area offers numerous flat turnouts and dirt spurs suitable for standard dispersed camping. It provides a peaceful setting within walking distance of the South Fork Stanislaus River.
Fraser Flat Road Dispersed
A dirt road corridor within Stanislaus National Forest offering dispersed forest camping. It is easily reached by standard vehicles during dry weather.
Gianelli Cabin Trailhead Road Dispersed
Secluded dispersed camping sites nested along the access road to Gianelli Cabin and trailhead in the Stanislaus National Forest. This area offers quiet boondocking sites tucked into dense pine forests with convenient access to wilderness trails.
Gianelli Trailhead Dispersed Area
A quiet dispersed camping area located at the end of Forest Route 4N12 near the Gianelli Trailhead, offering immediate access to the Emigrant Wilderness.
Grapevine Point Dispersed Camping
A dispersed camping corridor situated along Grapevine Point and its branching spurs within the Stanislaus National Forest. The main route is gravel, while the various spurs transition to native dirt tracks, providing excellent privacy and shade under the pine canopy.
Greeley Hill Road Dispersed
A dispersed camping corridor running along Greeley Hill Road in Stanislaus National Forest, offering quiet, shaded pull-offs on a native dirt surface.
Groveland District, Stanislaus National Forest
Spot
Hamby Trail Head Road Dispersed
Dispersed camping corridor located along Hamby Trail Head Road and its adjacent spurs in the Stanislaus National Forest. The area offers quiet, wooded pullouts close to Hamby Trailhead, suitable for small to mid-sized rigs looking for rustic dry-camping options near historic hiking areas.
Hells Half Acre Road Dispersed Camping
A scenic dispersed camping corridor along Hells Half Acre Road within the Stanislaus National Forest. The dirt and native-material road winds through dense pine forest, offering secluded spots with high privacy. This area is seasonally accessible from mid-April through mid-December, and standard 14-day Forest Service stay limits apply.
Herring Creek Campground
A rustic campground offering standard sites in a mixed conifer forest near Herring Creek, complete with vault toilets but no potable water.
Herring Creek Reservoir Campground
A primitive developed campground situated near the Herring Creek Reservoir, offering basic lakeside camping in a scenic woodland setting.
Herring Creek Road Dispersed Corridor
Scenic dispersed camping along Herring Creek Road within the Stanislaus National Forest. Camping options are located along the asphalt main corridor and dirt spurs, providing easy access to the nearby Strawberry area.
Herring Creek Road Dispersed
This scenic corridor along Herring Creek Road provides access to dispersed camping sites within the Stanislaus National Forest. It is located near Herring Creek Reservoir, offering a peaceful forest setting with seasonal access.
Highway 108 SNO-Park
A paved staging area and SNO-Park situated near the winter closure gate on Highway 108 east of Strawberry. This site features flat, paved parking and vault toilets, serving as an ideal base for winter recreation.
Horseshoe Bend Recreation Area
A spacious lakeside developed campground located along the shores of Lake McClure. The recreation area features standard dry sites as well as utility hookup loops with scenic views overlooking the surrounding ravines. Facilities include bathhouses, picnic tables, shade structures, and central dump stations. Water levels in the reservoir fluctuate seasonally, occasionally leaving boat ramps and shores high and dry, but the campground remains a reliable, peaceful staging area for exploring the surrounding foothills. Staff maintain regular patrols, and the setting is known for abundant local wildlife.
Hull Creek Campground
Located in Stanislaus National Forest, this quiet developed campground offers secluded campsites alongside a small stream. It is popular with off-highway vehicle (OHV) enthusiasts but offers standard camping amenities.
Jamestown Urban Stealth Parking
An urban roadside parking option along Rawhide Road in Jamestown. While some vehicles have attempted overnight stays in the gravel pullouts, municipal codes strictly prohibit vehicle habitation and local authorities actively enforce overnight parking restrictions.
Lake Eleanor Campground
A primitive, walk-in campground situated on the shores of Lake Eleanor in Yosemite National Park. Access requires a wilderness permit and a hike from the nearby trailhead, offering a secluded wilderness experience.
Long Barn Station Driveway (Stanislaus National Forest)
An asphalt-surfaced forest access road providing seasonal dispersed camping sites close to the main highway.
Lost Claim Campground
A developed Forest Service campground with ten shaded sites set in a mixed conifer forest, situated roughly 15 miles from the Yosemite National Park boundary. It features standard amenities including vault toilets, drinking water, campfire rings, and bear-safe food storage boxes, making it an excellent basecamp for exploring the surrounding Stanislaus National Forest.
Lumsden Bridge Campground
A remote, rustic developed campground situated in a pine and oak forest along the Tuolumne Wild and Scenic River. It features basic amenities like picnic tables, fire pits, and a vault toilet, but lacks drinking water.
Lumsden Campground
Lumsden Campground is a rustic developed campground situated deep within the Tuolumne River canyon in Stanislaus National Forest. The site provides standard amenities including picnic tables, fire pits, bear-proof storage lockers, and vault toilets directly along the scenic river. Access requires navigating a steep, narrow canyon dirt road that is seasonally closed during the winter and unsuitable for trailers or large rigs.
Lumsden Road Dispersed Camping
This corridor offers quiet forest dispersed camping along the upper, flatter portions of Lumsden Road and its adjacent spurs in Stanislaus National Forest. It provides a convenient alternative for travelers wishing to avoid the steep, narrow cliff-side descent down to the Tuolumne River. The pull-offs are situated in a peaceful mixed pine setting, though seasonal access may occasionally be affected by forestry maintenance or road work.
Lyon's Reservoir Road Dispersed
This scenic corridor along Lyon's Reservoir Road offers dispersed camping opportunities within the Stanislaus National Forest. The gravel road provides straightforward access to forested pullouts near the reservoir.
Meadowview Campground
A shaded U.S. Forest Service campground set in a dense pine forest near Pinecrest Lake. The facility features paved parking spurs, picnic tables, and fire rings, with easy access to a swimming beach, amphitheater, marina, and hiking trails. All campsites require advance reservations during the peak summer season.
Merrill Springs Road Dispersed Area
An expansive network of dispersed camping options along Forest Roads 3N01 and 3N96 in Stanislaus National Forest. The area features numerous large dirt pull-offs suitable for a variety of rig sizes, surrounded by pine forest. While easily accessible, the roads can become dusty and rough, especially on the final stretches.
Merrill Springs Road Dispersed
A corridor of dispersed camping opportunities along Merrill Springs Road and its connecting forest spurs in the Stanislaus National Forest. This area offers quiet, wooded settings suitable for off-grid camping within easy reach of regional natural landmarks like Rackerby Jack Spring. Roads are mostly dirt and gravel, which are generally passable for standard passenger vehicles during dry seasonal conditions.
Merrill Springs Road Dispersed
Located in the Stanislaus National Forest, Merrill Springs Road and its connected spurs offer peaceful dispersed camping under a thick canopy of pines. The primary paved route provides easy access for all vehicle types, while the dirt spurs lead to more secluded sites suitable for smaller rigs. Be aware that while the main corridor remains open, dirt spur roads are subject to seasonal winter closures.
Merrill Springs Road Dispersed
A dispersed camping corridor running along Merrill Springs Road and its adjacent forest spurs in the Stanislaus National Forest. The main route is gravel-surfaced, while spur roads branch off into native dirt tracks offering secluded pullouts in a dense pine forest setting.
Mi-Wok District, Stanislaus National Forest
Spot
Mill Creek Campground
A scenic U.S. Forest Service campground nestled in a mixed conifer forest with beautiful stands of aspens. Located near Highway 108, it features 17 dirt-pad sites equipped with picnic tables and fire rings, but lacks potable water.
Mill Creek Road
Wooded dispersed camping areas situated along Mill Creek Road in the Stanislaus National Forest.
Mother Lode Fairgrounds
A convenient, year-round RV and camper parking area located at the county fairgrounds in historic Sonora. The facility features full hookups, spacious single-room hot showers, and restrooms, managed by an on-site camp host.
Mount Elizabeth Drive Dispersed
A quiet forest road corridor offering dispersed camping in the Stanislaus National Forest, with forested sites nestled near Elizabeth Peak. Ideal for quiet stays under the pines.
Niagara Creek Campground
Niagara Creek Campground is a rustic developed campground nestled in a scenic mixed conifer forest. Situated off Highway 108 along Forest Road 5N01, it features ten dirt-surfaced campsites equipped with picnic tables and fire rings. Vault toilets are on-site, but campers must bring their own water as potable water is not available.
Niagara Creek Forest Roads
A network of quiet forest spurs located in Stanislaus National Forest near Niagara Creek, providing peaceful wilderness settings for dispersed camping.
Niagara OHV Campground
Niagara OHV Campground offers basic developed camping in a mixed conifer forest within Stanislaus National Forest. It serves as an excellent base for off-highway vehicle recreation with direct trail access in the surrounding area.
Niagra Campground
A small, quiet developed campground offering basic sites tucked in a shaded forest. Located in a scenic creek canyon, this spot features picnic tables, fire rings, and clean vault toilets, but visitors must pack in their own water.
Noel's Dirt Road (T-32) Dispersed Area
A corridor along Noel's Dirt Road (T-32) with large dirt pullouts suitable for overnight stays. It is located near the highway and experiences some passing traffic noise.
Picnic Area - H2o Source
Dispersed camping area located within the Stanislaus National Forest, offering seasonal access along a native dirt surface road.
Pigeon Flat Campground
Pigeon Flat Campground is a scenic, quiet walk-in campground nestled along the banks of the Stanislaus River within the Stanislaus National Forest. It features tent sites equipped with picnic tables and metal fire rings, accessible via a short walk from the main dirt parking area.
Pine Valley Horse Camp
A dedicated equestrian staging campground located near the Crabtree Trailhead, offering convenient access for horse packers heading into the surrounding wilderness.
Pinecrest Campground
A very popular developed USFS campground situated within walking distance of scenic Pinecrest Lake in the Stanislaus National Forest. The facility offers nearly 300 paved campsites under a canopy of ponderosa pines, providing convenient access to a swimming beach, a marina, hiking trails, and local resort amenities. While highly scenic and fully developed, the area becomes exceptionally crowded during the summer season.
Pines Campground
A small, tranquil developed campground situated in a mixed conifer forest within Stanislaus National Forest, approximately 15 miles from Yosemite National Park. The facility features standard campsites and a large group site, each equipped with picnic tables, fire pits, and bear-safe food storage boxes. Vault toilets and potable water are available during the summer, while winter camping is permitted free of charge with no water or services provided.
Pioneer Trail Group Campground
Pioneer Trail Group Campground offers three large group campsites accommodating up to 50 or 100 people near Pinecrest Lake. Set in a wooded forest of the Stanislaus National Forest, it serves as an excellent base for hiking, swimming, and boating. Standard amenities include vault toilets, large campfire circles, and picnic tables with no hookups. Reservable group camping is the primary focus here.
Piute Lake Campground
A remote wilderness backcountry destination, Piute Lake Campground offers walk-in lakeside camping accessible only via hiking trails in the Emigrant Wilderness.
Plum Flat Road Dispersed Camping
Dispersed camping options situated along Plum Flat Road and its connecting forest spurs within the Stanislaus National Forest. The area provides quiet, forested sites on native dirt roads, ideal for those seeking a secluded boondocking experience close to regional points of interest.
PML Campground
A developed 44-site campground located in the Pine Mountain Lake area, offering both electric and non-electric options. The campground features flush restrooms, hot showers with security code access, and individual water spigots at each site.
Red Hills Road Trailhead Parking
This is a day-use parking area along Red Hills Road providing access to the hiking trails of the Red Hills Recreation Area, where overnight camping and parking are prohibited.
River Ranch Campground
Located along Cottonwood Road near the Tuolumne River, this developed campground offers a rustic camping experience within the Stanislaus National Forest.
Sand Bar Campground Access Road
This access road corridor within Stanislaus National Forest leads down toward Sand Bar Flat Campground, providing opportunities for dispersed camping along the route during the open season.
Sand Bar Flat Campground
A quiet, secluded developed campground nestled in the canyon of the Middle Fork Stanislaus River. Accessible via a steep, winding dirt road, this scenic destination offers basic amenities next to the rushing river.
South Fork Campground
South Fork Campground is a rustic developed campground situated near the confluence of the South Fork Tuolumne River and the Tuolumne Wild and Scenic River in Stanislaus National Forest. Nestled in a deep canyon, each site provides a picnic table, campfire pit, and access to vault toilets. Visitors should exercise caution as the area lies within a wildfire burn scar, which introduces hazards like weakened trees and loose rocks.
Spinning Wheel Dispersed Camping (FR 1S360)
Located along Forest Route 1S360 (Spinning Wheel road) in Stanislaus National Forest, this dispersed camping area features several sites situated next to the scenic Middle Tuolumne River. The road passes briefly through a private parcel where stopping is prohibited, but leads directly to national forest land where camping is permitted. A rustic pit toilet is available, and campers can enjoy direct river access and trout fishing. Campfire permits are required for stove or fire use in California.
Stanislaus Forest Road Spur Corridor
A quiet dispersed camping corridor situated along a native-material forest spur road within the Stanislaus National Forest, offering serene wooded campsites. This corridor is seasonally open to motorhomes and passenger vehicles from spring through autumn.
Stanislaus Forest Road Spur
A quiet and remote forest spur road located within the Stanislaus National Forest, offering dispersed camping opportunities on native dirt and gravel terrain.
Stanislaus Forest Road Spur
A quiet dirt road corridor within the Stanislaus National Forest. This area offers rustic dispersed camping options among the pines.
Stanislaus Forest Spur (Upper)
A quiet forest spur off the main route, offering dispersed camping on a native dirt surface under pine tree canopy. Ideal for low-profile setups seeking seclusion in the Stanislaus National Forest.
Stanislaus Forest Spur & Rim Vista
A scenic corridor along Packard Canyon Road and adjacent forest spurs within the Stanislaus National Forest, located a short drive from the Yosemite entrance. The area features a paved scenic vista point with vault toilets and dramatic canyon views, alongside quiet dirt spurs winding deeper into the pine forest for more secluded dispersed camping.
Stanislaus Forest Spur 36F
A paved forest spur located within the Stanislaus National Forest, offering direct access for dispersed camping. Positioned just off Highway 108, it provides a convenient and accessible option for overnight stays amidst the pines.
Stanislaus Forest Spur d7C
A native dirt forest spur located in the Stanislaus National Forest, situated further back from the highway for increased quiet. Ideal for dispersed camping in a peaceful, wooded setting.
Stanislaus Forest Spur Dispersed
A quiet dirt spur road within the Stanislaus National Forest offering dispersed camping opportunities. Accessible by standard passenger vehicles in dry conditions, the area provides a peaceful retreat near local scenic hills.
Stanislaus Forest Spur Dispersed
A quiet National Forest spur road located in the scenic Stanislaus National Forest near Joes Point, offering seasonal dispersed camping in a wooded environment.
Stanislaus Forest Spur Dispersed
A secluded dirt spur within the Stanislaus National Forest, offering quiet dispersed camping spots among the pines. Accessible by passenger cars, the road is subject to seasonal closure.
Stanislaus Forest Spur Dispersed
This Stanislaus National Forest spur road offers quiet, undeveloped dispersed camping opportunities in Tuolumne County. The route consists of native dirt material and is open to all vehicles, leading into scenic mixed pine woodlands near Thompson Peak.
Stanislaus Forest Spur Dispersed
A quiet gravel forest spur within the Stanislaus National Forest, offering dispersed camping opportunities from mid-April to mid-December. The road is generally level and accessible to standard passenger vehicles during dry periods.
Stanislaus Forest Spur Dispersed
A quiet dispersed camping corridor situated along a dirt forest spur within the Stanislaus National Forest.
Stanislaus Forest Spur Dispersed
This quiet spur road in the Stanislaus National Forest offers secluded dispersed camping along a native dirt surface. The area provides basic forest access but is subject to seasonal winter closures.
Stanislaus Forest Spur
A designated Forest Service spur road within the Stanislaus National Forest, offering dispersed camping on a native dirt surface.
Stanislaus Forest Spur
A quiet dispersed camping area located along a forest spur in the Stanislaus National Forest. The site offers a peaceful setting surrounded by pine trees with easy access.
Stanislaus Forest Spur
A quiet forest road corridor within the Stanislaus National Forest offering dispersed camping opportunities on native material surfaces.
Stanislaus Forest Spur
A quiet dirt forest spur road within the Stanislaus National Forest offering seasonal dispersed camping in a peaceful pine setting.
Stanislaus Forest Spur
A quiet forest spur road within the Stanislaus National Forest offering dispersed camping opportunities in a mature pine forest setting near Duckwall Mountain.
Stanislaus Forest Spur
This peaceful forest spur within the Stanislaus National Forest provides gravel-road access and quiet dispersed camping opportunities. It offers an easy-to-reach woodland retreat close to regional trailheads.
Stanislaus Forest Spur
This quiet forest spur in the Stanislaus National Forest offers peaceful dispersed camping off a native dirt road.
Stanislaus Forest Spur
A dirt forest spur road situated in a quiet section of the Stanislaus National Forest. This area offers secluded dispersed camping sites among mature pine trees.
Stanislaus Forest Spur
Located within the Stanislaus National Forest, this native material dirt spur offers dispersed camping options with easy access for standard vehicles. The road is seasonally open from spring through late fall, providing a quiet forested setting.
Stanislaus Forest Spur
A quiet Forest Service spur located in the Stanislaus National Forest, offering dispersed camping opportunities on native dirt surfaces from mid-April through mid-December.
Stanislaus Forest Spur
A quiet dirt forest spur in the Stanislaus National Forest offering secluded dispersed camping. The route provides access to peaceful pine forest settings suitable for standard vehicles during dry seasons.
Stanislaus Forest Spur
A quiet dirt spur road nestled in the Stanislaus National Forest, providing standard dispersed camping opportunities. The corridor winds through a serene pine forest, located just a short distance from regional trails and scenic landmarks.
Stanislaus Forest Spur
A scenic dirt spur road within the Stanislaus National Forest, offering dispersed camping opportunities during the snow-free season. The route is accessible to most standard vehicles and provides a quiet, wooded retreat near local geologic landmarks and hiking routes. Standard dispersed camping guidelines apply, offering several informal pullouts along the forest service corridor.
Stanislaus Forest Spur Road Dispersed
A scenic forest service corridor located within the Stanislaus National Forest offering remote dispersed camping options along a dirt spur road. The area provides a quiet forest setting with easy access to nearby mountain trailheads and scenic springs. Standard dispersed camping guidelines apply.
Stanislaus Forest Spurs (Twain Harte)
A series of dirt forest spurs offering dispersed camping within the Stanislaus National Forest. Located near Twain Harte, these sites provide peaceful camping surrounded by pine forest. The native-surface dirt roads are accessible for most standard vehicles during dry weather but may become difficult when wet.
Stanislaus National Forest - Forest Road Spur
Located along a forest road spur in the Stanislaus National Forest, this rugged wilderness zone features scenic granite boulders, seasonal stream crossings, and peaceful pine surroundings. The main road leads to several dispersed sites, though reaching the deeper locations requires navigating a steep hill and a shallow creek, making high-clearance or four-wheel-drive vehicles highly recommended. High-clearance trailers can find space closer to the main entrance, but further in, the terrain becomes tight and narrow. The area is highly popular with recreational off-road riders and is subject to winter road closures.
Stanislaus National Forest - Forest Spur Dispersed
A quiet dirt spur road providing dispersed camping opportunities within the scenic Stanislaus National Forest, located near hiking landmarks like Pikes Peak and Bull Run Rock.
Stanislaus National Forest - Mount Provo Spurs
A scenic network of forest service spurs located near Mount Provo within the Stanislaus National Forest. These dirt and gravel roads branch off into the mixed pine forest, offering private, undeveloped dispersed camping sites suitable for self-contained rigs.
Stanislaus National Forest - North Fork Road & Spurs
Secluded dispersed camping area located along forest spurs off North Fork Road within Stanislaus National Forest. The surroundings feature dense mixed-conifer forest with multiple unpaved pull-outs.
Stanislaus National Forest - Road 4N39
A network of quiet dirt roads and pine-shaded spurs branching off Forest Road 4N39, offering scenic dispersed camping sites with excellent views. This area is highly accessible in dry weather, though high-clearance vehicles are recommended for the steep, gravelly inclines leading to the hilltop clearings.
Stanislaus National Forest Dispersed - Forest Spurs
Scenic forest spurs located in the Mi-Wok Ranger District of the Stanislaus National Forest, offering dispersed camping on native dirt roads. This high-sierra pine forest area provides quiet and secluded camping options near White Spring.
Stanislaus National Forest Dispersed (Forest Spur)
A scenic network of dirt spurs and forest roads offering dispersed camping options within the Stanislaus National Forest, near Bell Mountain. The area features shaded dirt turnouts suitable for self-contained rigs, accessible via native surface forest roads.
Stanislaus National Forest Dispersed
A quiet dispersed camping area located in the Stanislaus National Forest near Tuolumne, offering primitive roadside spots.
Stanislaus National Forest Spur Corridor
A rustic forest spur road located in the Stanislaus National Forest near Twain Harte, offering quiet dispersed boondocking opportunities. The area sits amidst scenic pine forest and is a short distance from Jawbone Falls.
Stanislaus National Forest Spur
Quiet dispersed camping corridor along a native surface forest spur road in Stanislaus National Forest. The area is surrounded by dense pine forest and offers a serene, rustic camping experience near Milk Ranch Spring.
Stanislaus National Forest Spur
A remote forest spur road offering dispersed camping within the Stanislaus National Forest. The native dirt and gravel route winds through a quiet pine forest setting.
Stanislaus National Forest Spur
A gravel forest spur within the Stanislaus National Forest, providing quiet dispersed camping options near the scenic Columns of the Giants.
Stanislaus National Forest Spurs (Pinecrest Peak)
A scenic network of unpaved forest service spurs located in the Stanislaus National Forest near Pinecrest Peak. These dirt roads offer quiet, secluded dispersed camping opportunities amidst deep pine woods.
Sugar Pine RV Resort and Campground
A developed private RV resort located near Twain Harte, offering monthly rates and comprehensive services.
Summit District, Stanislaus National Forest
Spot
Sweetwater Campground
A peaceful, well-managed US Forest Service campground featuring 12 spacious, paved sites surrounded by a mixed conifer forest. Located just off Highway 120 near Yosemite National Park, it offers convenient access and comfortable facilities, including clean vault toilets, potable well water, bear boxes, picnic tables, and fire rings.
TeleLi puLaya (Black Oak) Campground
This developed U.S. Forest Service campground in Stanislaus National Forest offers paved access and parking pads with views overlooking the Stanislaus River Canyon and Beardsley Reservoir. The peaceful facility contains standard and group sites equipped with picnic tables, metal fire rings, clean vault toilets, and seasonal potable water.
Three Links Camp - IOOF
A well-maintained private campground offering clean facilities and various recreation options. Features include a disc golf course, a sports field, hot showers, and clean restrooms in a scenic wooded setting.
Twain Harte Private & Stealth Parking
An urban parking option on private church property in Twain Harte. Quiet paved area suitable for discreet overnight stays in low-profile rigs.
Twin Buttes Cabin Access Dispersed
This dirt forest road provides access to dispersed camping opportunities within the Stanislaus National Forest near Twin Buttes. The route features a native dirt surface that is generally accessible to standard passenger vehicles during the open season.
Walmart - Sonora
A paved commercial parking lot offering convenient, level overnight stays on the outskirts of Sonora. High-profile rigs and trailers are recommended to park in the rear portion of the lot near the movie theater.
Wentker Ridge Dispersed Camping
Scenic dispersed camping corridor along Wentker Ridge and its connecting forest spurs in the Stanislaus National Forest. The native-surface dirt roads wind through a pine forest, offering several pullouts and clearing spaces suitable for self-contained rigs.
Willard Road Dispersed Camping
A scenic corridor of forest roads and unpaved spurs branching off Willard Road in Stanislaus National Forest. The area features quiet dispersed sites nestled under a dense canopy of pine trees.
Wisehart Pit Access Dispersed
Wisehart Pit Access provides basic dispersed camping opportunities along a native material forest road in the Stanislaus National Forest. The road is accessible by standard passenger cars, offering quiet, shaded camping sites with a typical wooded backdrop.
Yosemite RV Resort
A well-equipped developed RV resort located near Yosemite National Park. Features include a swimming pool, playground, hot showers, laundry facilities, hookups, and a dump station.