Dispersed Camping in California
California has 2708 dispersed camping spots in the Camphive database — primitive, mostly free camping on BLM land and in national forests, away from developed campgrounds. Dispersed camping usually means no reservations, no fees, and no amenities: pack in your water, pack out your trash, and check local fire restrictions before you go. The highest-rated spots are listed below by Vistas score, Camphive's 1–10 scenic rating.
Back to all campgrounds in California.
Of the 40 top-rated spots listed below, 40 are free and 40 score 8 or higher on the Vistas scenic scale.
Top dispersed camping spots in California
- Whitney Portal Family Campground — CA · Vistas 9.4
- Sunrise High Sierra Camp — CA · Free · Vistas 9.4
- Doc Moyle's Camp — CA · Free · Vistas 9.4
- Whitney Portal Group Campground — CA · Free · Vistas 9.4
- Camp 4 — CA · Free · Vistas 9.4
- Tuolumne Meadows Backpackers Campground — CA · Vistas 9.3
- Big Pine Canyon - Palisade Glacier Group Campground — CA · Free · Vistas 9.3
- Upper Pines Campground — CA · Free · Vistas 9.3
- Little Yosemite Valley Campground — CA · Free · Vistas 9.3
- Tuolumne Meadows Horse Camp — CA · Vistas 9.3
- Housekeeping Camp — CA · Free · Vistas 9.2
- Vogelsang High Sierra Camp — CA · Free · Vistas 9.2
- North Pines Campground — CA · Vistas 9.2
- Hike and Bike Campsites — CA · Vistas 9.2
- May Lake High Sierra Camp — CA · Free · Vistas 9.1
- Curry Village — CA · Vistas 9.1
- Lower Pines Campground — CA · Vistas 9.1
- Pfeiffer Big Sur — CA · Free · Vistas 9.1
- Emerald Forest Cabins & RV — CA · Vistas 9.1
- Hetch Hetchy Backpackers Campground — CA · Vistas 9.1
- Glen Aulin High Sierra Camp — CA · Free · Vistas 9
- South Fork Campground — CA · Vistas 9
- Twin Lakes Tract — CA · Free · Vistas 9
- Saddlebag Lake Campground — CA · Free · Vistas 9
- Upper Lake Mary Tract — CA · Free · Vistas 9
- Twin Lakes Tract — CA · Free · Vistas 9
- Burlington Campground — CA · Vistas 9
- Kinnikinnick Campground — CA · Vistas 9
- Catavee Campground — CA · Vistas 9
- Sabrina Campground — CA · Vistas 9
- Kirby Cove — CA · Free · Vistas 9
- Kings Canyon Campground — CA · Vistas 9
- Mahogany Flat Campground — CA · Free · Vistas 9
- Buckeye Flats Campground — CA · Free · Vistas 9
- Onion Valley Campground — CA · Free · Vistas 9
- Johnson Trail Camp — CA · Vistas 9
- Yosemite Creek Campground — CA · Vistas 9
- Tioga Lake Campground — CA · Vistas 9
- Cold Springs Camp — CA · Free · Vistas 8.9
- Bearpaw Meadow High Sierra Camp — CA · Free · Vistas 8.9
Open the interactive California camping map on Camphive to browse all 2708 spots with filters for free camping, RV access, and scenic ratings.
California camping FAQ
Is dispersed camping legal in California?
Yes, on most BLM land and in national forests, outside of developed recreation areas and posted closures. The 2708 spots listed here are on public land where primitive camping is generally allowed; always confirm current rules and fire restrictions with the local ranger district or BLM field office before you go.
How long can you stay at a dispersed campsite in California?
The common limit is 14 days within a 28-day period at one location on BLM and national forest land, after which you must move (often at least 25 miles). Exact limits vary by district, so check locally.
How do I find free dispersed camping in California?
Use the map on this page: every listing is plotted with a Vistas scenic score from 1–10. 40 of the 40 top-rated spots below are free. Pack in water, pack out trash, and have an offline map for areas without cell coverage.
Browse camping in other states
Alabama · Alaska · Arizona · Arkansas · Colorado · Connecticut · Delaware · Florida · Georgia · Hawaii · Idaho · Illinois · Indiana · Iowa · Kansas · Kentucky · Louisiana · Maine · Maryland · Massachusetts · Michigan · Minnesota · Mississippi · Missouri · Montana · Nebraska · Nevada · New Hampshire · New Jersey · New Mexico · New York · North Carolina · North Dakota · Ohio · Oklahoma · Oregon · Pennsylvania · Rhode Island · South Carolina · South Dakota · Tennessee · Texas · Utah · Vermont · Virginia · Washington · West Virginia · Wisconsin · Wyoming