8 Amazing Dispersed Camping Near Yosemite National Park

Last Updated on September 19, 2023 by

Yosemite is a beautiful area with a stunning granite environment that attracts 4 million visitors each year who come to visit this beautiful place for camping.

Camping here can add to the cost of camping for those on a budget, especially if you are planning a long trip to the national park.

This park has camping spots to accommodate the travelers in this region, which means you have the opportunity to find the best dispersed camping near Yosemite National park.

These woodlands on the outskirts of Yosemite also provide travelers with stunning vistas.

We have managed to get the data on some of the best campgrounds that will allow you to camp without any worry at the most beautiful spots.

What are the Best Dispersed Camping Near Yosemite?

1. Lumsden Campground

Lumsden Camp is one of the best accessible choices to find camping near Yosemite.

It is a low-lying place with pine and oak woodlands surrounding it.

This site is a car-accessible camp located on the Tuolumne Wild & Scenic River off Forest Route 1 N0 1.

The Tuolumne River provides raw drinking water as well as opportunities for fishing and boating. Along Forest Road 1N01, you’ll come across this Camp first, followed by South Fork Camp and Lumsden Bridge Camp.

Lumsden Campground is open on a first-come, first-served basis all year.

Turn left on Ferretti Road after 12 kilometers from Groveland. Turn right into Lumsden / Forest Route 1N01 after 1 mile and then drive for around 5 km to the left of the street to find this area.

Each Camp contains a picnic table as well as a grill and a campfire place.

There is also an underground RV toilet but no drinking water at the site. Before drinking the river water, it’s a good idea to clean the river.

You will get facilities like fire rings, picnic tables and vault toilets here.

In case you want to get clean water, you have to utilize the river water and make it clean.

2. South Fork Campground

South Fork Camp is a campground located on the Tuolumne Wild & Scenic River off the 1 N0 1 Forest Trail.

The Tuolumne River provides raw drinking water as well as opportunities for fishing and boating.

South Fork Camp is a low-lying camp with pine and oak woodlands surrounding it to give you a relaxing feel with great activities of your interest.

Following Camp Lumsden and after its last point, this is the second Camp along the 1N01 forest road.

South Fork Camp is open on a first-come, first-served basis all year.

Each Camp features a grill and a picnic table. There is also an underground RV toilet but no drinking water at the site. Before drinking, it’s a good idea to clean the river.

To get to this spot, turn left on Ferretti Road after 12km from Groveland. Turn right into Lumsden/Forest Route 1 N0 1 after 1 mile. Drive about 6 miles to the left side of the road to set up Camp.

You will get Toilets with vaulted ceilings, close proximity to the river, fire rings, and also some picnic tables.

3. Hartley Springs Campground

The next best camping spot that you can find is the Hartley Springs campground.

You will find it in the Inyo National Forest which is located between Mount Jun and the Obsidian Dome.

At an elevation of 8,400 feet, you will have a great camping experience at this campground.

Nearby tributaries of the Owens River are accessible from RV campsites. The Owens River springs are located in the area surrounding the Camp.

From Yosemite, the trip is approximately 90 miles long, or 2 hours and 30 minutes. Various plant and animal populations can be found in this rich landscape.

Take a trip on one of the neighboring trails and make memories with your family.

All of the water sports associated with the Great Lakes are available at Lake John. You can go swimming, kayaking, and fishing in the backdrop of the neighboring mountains.

Take a peek at the stars at the end of the day when you camp in the open in this region.

This campsite’s lofty location puts you at the gates of the universe.

4. Cherry Valley Campground

The Stanislaus National Forest’s largest lake is Cherry Lake which is a spot near Yosemite.

Camping is permitted around the lake if it is at least 30 meters above the water’s edge which makes it a great camping spot for travelers.

You can do hiking, fishing, boating, and swimming at this campground throughout the year. Depending on the circumstances, the access road may be closed during winters only.

It is strictly prohibited to drink from the river water here. That is why it’s suggested that in case you want to use that water, you need to purify it first; otherwise, you may get any disease.

To find this location, travel east of the Groveland County Sheriff’s Office for about eight miles 24545 Highway 120, Groveland, CA 95321.

To get to Cherry Lake, turn left on Cherry Lake Road and continue it for 32 kilometers.

Here you will get vault restrooms and boat options.

5. Lumsden Bridge Camground

The Lumsden Bridge Camp is located near Forest Road 1 N0 1.

It is a spot that is easily accessible by cars or any such vehicle.

Lumsden Bridge Camp is a low-lying region with pine and oak woodlands surrounding it. Lumsden Bridge Camp is a priority camp that is available all year, and after Lumsden Camp and South Fork Camp, this is the third Camp along Forest Road 1 N0 1.

The Tuolumne River here provides raw drinking water as well as opportunities for fishing and boating.

Each Camp contains a picnic table as well as a grill and a campfire place.

There is also an underground RV toilet but no drinking water at the site. Before drinking the river water, it’s a good idea to clean the river.

You will get fire rings and picnic tables here, along with vault toilets.

On CA-120 / Main, turn right onto Ferretti Street and then turn right at the fork onto Forest Rte. 1N10 after 2.7 kilometers. Continue for another 17 kilometers to Lumsden Bridge, and then you can cross the bridge and make a left turn into the area.

6. Redinger Campground

On Redinger Lake, there is a greatly dispersed camping area called Redinger Camp.

You can make your Camp on this campsite near Yosemite, which is surrounded by gray pine, chaparral, and oak trees.

It is not recommended for you to drink water from the lake, so try to carry your own. To beat the heat, campers can cool off by swimming or fishing in the lake.

There is just one permitted camping area, and a fire permit is necessary at all times.

To reach this point, you need to take Highway 41 north to Camp Readinger, then turn right onto Route 200. After 11 kilometers, turn right onto Route 225, after which you have to turn right into Route 235 after 9.1 miles.

Camp on Readinger Lake is about 5.3 miles away, so you need to be fully prepared with all the equipment.

You will find clean water for drinking and also the vault toilets here.

7. Glass Creek Campground

Glass Creek Camp is located north of Mammoth Lakes, which is very close to Yosemite.

There are a total of 66 big campsites in this campground that is enormous to fit a lot of campers.

The plots are large enough to accommodate 45-foot trailers and trailers despite the lack of an RV hookup.

Glass Creek is an excellent starting point for exploring the Owens River and trekking to the Obsidian Dome.

This Camp is quite packed with amazing locations, great locations, and free rates.

To find this spot, you can take US-395 north from Mammoth Lakes. Turn right onto Glass Creek Road and set your Camp just off the exit.

Here you will find picnic tables, fire rings, clean water, pit toilets, and a bear box as well.

8. Upper Chiquito Campground

Upper Chiquito Campground is the last suggestion as to the best spot near Yosemite, which is situated on the eastern branch of Chiquito Creek in a peaceful area.

You can camp in medium-sized tents and mobile homes in 20 shady areas with plenty of trees. Granite swimming holes can be found in the nearby chilly waters.

It is a great campground to spend your time in.

To find this location, continue on Route 222 in Oakhurst. Then you can take Route 222 to the right and drive roughly 5 miles to Bissour Road, turn left, and proceed approximately 15 miles north on Bissour Road (5S07), and then turn left at the camp sign.

If you are near Oregon then check out these dispersed camping areas near Crater Lake National Park. 

Conclusion

This was discussed on best dispersed camping near Yosemite national park.

We have found some valuable spots that can make the fun of your trip. For additional info, see FAQ.

FAQ