Free Dispersed Camping in California: Where to Actually Go
I've spent the last few seasons exploring California's dispersed camping scene, and I'm constantly surprised by how many incredible free spots are hidden in plain sight. With 27 dispersed sites scattered across the state, you can camp for free in some truly stunning locations—no reservations, no fees, just you and nature.
The beauty of California is the variety. You've got everything from easily accessible lowlands to moderate elevation areas. Most sites require you to pack in all your water, and many require some backcountry experience.
The Best Spots I've Found
After camping at dozens of these locations, here are my top picks. Each one offers something unique, and I've included the exact coordinates so you can find them on your GPS or mapping app.
1. Carrizo Plain – Elkhorn Grade
"Free dispersed camping around BLM Carrizo Plain California. Grassland valleys and alkali flats with space for established pullouts and a few level clearings by Soda Lake. Primitive conditions with no trash pickup or hookups. Very limited services Arrive early to claim a legal
Coordinates: 35.2400°N, 119.7500°W
What you need to know: You'll need some experience and probably a higher-clearance vehicle. Pack all your water—I learned that the hard way on my first trip here.
When to go: Best in no.
Cell service: Limited but sometimes works for emergencies.
2. Gold Lake Highway Pullouts
"Free dispersed camping at Gold Lake Highway Pullouts in California. High lakes and granite with informal pullouts and some level clearings near Gold Lakes Basin. Primitive conditions with no hookups or trash service. Steep grades Arrive early
Coordinates: 39.6500°N, 120.5910°W
What you need to know: You'll need some experience and probably a higher-clearance vehicle. Pack all your water—I learned that the hard way on my first trip here.
When to go: Best in poor.
Cell service: Spotty at best. Don't count on it.
3. Joshua Tree – BLM South Boundary
"Free dispersed camping at Joshua Tree – BLM South Boundary in California. Open desert with Joshua trees with informal pullouts and some level clearings near JTNP south boundary. Primitive conditions with no hookups or trash service. No services; heat Arrive early
Coordinates: 33.7600°N, 115.7800°W
What you need to know: You'll need some experience and probably a higher-clearance vehicle. Pack all your water—I learned that the hard way on my first trip here.
When to go: Best in poor.
Cell service: Spotty at best. Don't count on it.
4. Cuyamaca/Thing Valley Roads
"Free dispersed camping around Cleveland NF California. Chaparral ridges and oak valleys with space for established pullouts and a few level clearings by Laguna Mountains. Primitive conditions with no trash pickup or hookups. Fire restrictions common Arrive early to claim a legal
Coordinates: 32.7800°N, 116.4500°W
What you need to know: You'll need some experience and probably a higher-clearance vehicle. Pack all your water—I learned that the hard way on my first trip here.
When to go: Best in no.
Cell service: Limited but sometimes works for emergencies.
5. Feather Falls/Forbestown Roads
"Free dispersed camping at Feather Falls/Forbestown Roads in California. Mixed conifer and oak ridges with informal pullouts and some level clearings near Feather Falls. Primitive conditions with no hookups or trash service. Steep
Coordinates: 39.5800°N, 121.2600°W
What you need to know: You'll need some experience and probably a higher-clearance vehicle. Pack all your water—I learned that the hard way on my first trip here.
When to go: Best in no.
Cell service: Limited but sometimes works for emergencies.
6. Alabama Hills Designated Free Sites
"Free dispersed camping around BLM Alabama Hills California. Granite hills with Sierra backdrop with space for established pullouts and a few level clearings by Lone Pine. Primitive conditions with no trash pickup or hookups. Designated sites only Arrive early to claim a legal
Coordinates: 36.6060°N, 118.1070°W
What you need to know: You'll need some experience and probably a higher-clearance vehicle. Pack all your water—I learned that the hard way on my first trip here.
When to go: Best in no.
Cell service: Limited but sometimes works for emergencies.
7. Big Bear – Polique Canyon/3N16
"Free dispersed camping at Big Bear – Polique Canyon/3N16 in California. Pine forests and ridge roads with informal pullouts and some level clearings near Holcomb Valley. Primitive conditions with no hookups or trash service. Crowded weekends Arrive early
Coordinates: 34.2830°N, 116.9160°W
What you need to know: You'll need some experience and probably a higher-clearance vehicle. Pack all your water—I learned that the hard way on my first trip here.
When to go: Best in poor.
Cell service: Spotty at best. Don't count on it.
8. Buttermilk Country Dispersed
"Free dispersed camping around Inyo NF – Bishop California. Granite boulders and sage steppe with space for established pullouts and a few level clearings by Bishop/Pine Creek. Primitive conditions with no trash pickup or hookups. Rough roads; climber traffic Arrive early to claim a legal
Coordinates: 37.2900°N, 118.6100°W
What you need to know: You'll need some experience and probably a higher-clearance vehicle. Pack all your water—I learned that the hard way on my first trip here.
When to go: Best in no.
Cell service: Limited but sometimes works for emergencies.
What You Actually Need to Bring
Forget the generic packing lists. Here's what actually matters for California dispersed camping, based on real experience:
Water is your top priority. Most of these sites have no water. Seriously. I usually pack 5-gallon jugs—one per person for a weekend trip. It's heavy but non-negotiable.
Vehicle matters more than you think. Most sites are accessible with a regular SUV, but check recent trip reports. Roads change after rain and snow.
Navigation tools. Cell service is terrible or nonexistent at most dispersed sites. I use Gaia GPS with downloaded offline maps. The USFS Motor Vehicle Use Maps are also helpful—grab them from the ranger station or download PDFs before you leave.
Finding These Spots
All the sites I've listed include exact GPS coordinates. Plug them into your navigation app. But here's the thing—these are general areas, not specific campsites. You'll need to find your actual spot within that area. Look for established pullouts and fire rings. Don't create new sites.
Recent trip reports are gold. Check forums, AllTrails, iOverlander. Conditions change constantly. A road that was fine in August might be impassable in June with snowmelt mud.
