Sometimes, the only cure for city noise and crowded sidewalks is the sound of birdsong and a sky full of stars. And the best way of getting these things and reconnecting with nature is by hiring a campervan out of San Francisco and discovering some of California’s best spots. But how much can you expect to pay to achieve this bliss? Well, the good news is that there are some excellent free and dispersed camping spots within a few hours of the Bay Area, making it possible to escape it all without spending a cent.
Sounds good, right? But where exactly are these free campgrounds? To make planning your trip as stress-free as possible, we’ve listed the best below, along with details on what you can expect when you arrive and what you can do in the surrounding areas.
Are you ready? Let’s hit the road!
San Francisco Free Camping Areas – Boondocking & Dispersed Camping Sites
“Hiring a campervan out of San Francisco is the perfect way to discover Northern California’s wilder side. Just over three hours from the city, you can be parked at Hardin Flat Road, a free dispersed camping area surrounded by pine forest on the edge of Yosemite National Park. On the way, make a stop in Groveland, a Gold Rush town known for its quirky shops and the Iron Door Saloon (one of California’s oldest bars). Once inside Yosemite National Park, make sure to visit Tunnel View – one of the park’s most iconic viewpoints, offering a breathtaking panorama of El Capitan, Half Dome, and Bridalveil Fall all in one frame.”
– Bastian Graf – Sales & Marketing Manager – Travellers Autobarn
Scotts Lake Road Dispersed
Distance from San Francisco: 194 Miles
Heading out of the city towards Lake Tahoe, Scott’s Lake Road Dispersed Camping is located in the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest and just 100m off Highway 88. As you might expect from a dispersed campground, this is a pretty no-frills spot, but that only satiates your craving to really get away from it all, and the campground is surrounded by open meadows, giving you a real sense of isolation paired with beautiful scenery.
There are no amenities here, so don’t expect toilets or running water. You’re completely off-grid, so you’ll need to pack in everything you need and follow Leave No Trace principles, taking everything with you when you depart. It is big rig friendly, though, which is ideal if you’re travelling in a larger RV, and there are picnic tables available for all campers to use.
As for what to do nearby, this is a perfect spot to set up camp if you want to spend your days hiking and angling. You can explore Scotts Lake itself, which is only a 5-minute drive away and is ideal for an early morning walk, or if you’re feeling a little more adventurous, the Tahoe Rim Trail is 45 minutes away with incredible views across Lake Tahoe. Also, if you’re camping during fall, the aspen groves that surround the campground add a little extra layer of magic to your experience and will definitely have you reaching for your camera.
FEATURED AMENITIES
- Picnic Tables
Hardin Flat Road Dispersed Campground
Distance from San Francisco: 165 Miles
If you’ve been dreaming of visiting Yosemite but don’t want to pay the expensive campground fees of RV parks or bother making reservations months in advance, you can’t go wrong with camping at Hardin Flat Road Dispersed Campground. This spot is just 20 meters off the road, making it pretty easy to find, but despite being so close, it somehow still manages to offer a decent amount of privacy and peace and quiet.
Like most dispersed campgrounds, there aren’t any amenities on offer here, so you’ll need to bring everything you need and remember to take everything with you when you’re ready to leave. One of the best things about camping here is that it gives you such easy access to some fantastic attractions. You’re only 15 minutes away from Yosemite National Park, making it possible to beat the early morning crowds and retreat back to your quiet campsite in the evening without having to drive for miles. Also, if you’re willing to explore a little further out, just over an hour on the road will take you to the beautiful Tuolumne Meadows, the Mist Trail, and Sentinel Dome.
FEATURED AMENITIES
- None – Dispersed Camping
Hermit Valley Campground
Distance from San Francisco: 190 Miles
High up in the Sierra Nevada (7,000 feet, to be exact), Hermit Valley Campground is the place to head to if you want that authentic camping experience paired with the opportunity to see some of the starriest night skies in the United States. The sites here are unmarked and offered on a first-come, first-served basis, so it’s a very good idea to arrive early if you’re hoping to grab a spot.
There is no running water or trash facilities, but it does have a couple of amenities you won’t find at other dispersed campgrounds, including picnic tables and vault toilets. Campfires are allowed seasonally; just make sure you check ahead whether you need a permit. Also, since it’s at such a high elevation, keep in mind that temperatures at night can dip quite low here, even during the summer, so pack a few extra layers to keep warm.
Once you’re settled in, you’ll find yourself just over 100 meters from The North Fork Mokelumne River, which is a great spot for fishing or just dipping your toes after a long hike. There are also several trails nearby, some of which connect to parts of the Pacific Crest Trail, should you fancy a longer trek.
FEATURED AMENITIES
- Picnic Tables
- Vault Toilets
- Seasonal Campfires
Find Popular Road Trips from San Francisco
Looking for some other fantastic San Francisco road trips? Check out these itineraries:
- San Francisco to San Francisco Route 66 Road Trip
- San Francisco to Denver Road Trip
- San Francisco to Las Vegas Road Trip
- San Francisco to Los Angeles Road Trip
Get the Best Rates on Campervan Rentals in San Francisco
If you’re ready to hit the road and explore these free campgrounds, make sure you’ve got the right wheels! At Travellers Autobarn, you’ll find affordable campervan hire in San Francisco with unlimited miles as standard, giving you the option to explore as far and wide as you want, without worrying about racking up extra costs!
FAQs
If you’re looking for the best places to stop when freedom camping from San Francisco, you’ve got some great options within a few hours’ drive. Scotts Lake Road near Lake Tahoe is a peaceful off-grid spot with meadows, picnic tables, and access to hiking and fishing.
Hardin Flat Road is an ideal free camping base just outside Yosemite! It gives you easy access to some awesome spots like Tunnel View, Tuolumne Meadows, and the Mist Trail.
Hermit Valley Campground up in the Sierra Nevada offers star-filled skies, trails that connect to the Pacific Crest Trail, and easy river access for fishing or relaxing. Each spot is basic and off-grid, so you’ll need to bring everything you need, but that’s all part of the adventure.
Yes, our branch in San Francisco handles collections and drop-offs, so you can collect your campervan rental from our facility in San Francisco and drop it off there once you’re done with your road trip.
Yes! There are some stunning freedom campgrounds situated all around San Francisco that you can use to go hiking, get some rest, or simply use as a base for exploration.
It’s important to keep in mind that not all freedom camping sites offer the same facilities, which might make some unsuitable if you’re travelling with kids. We recommend checking out our California camping guide to find the best sites for you near San Francisco.
The best time to start a road trip from San Francisco is during spring or autumn, roughly March to May or September to November. The weather is better for driving, the skies are clearer, and you’ll skip the peak summer crowds. Whether you’re heading inland to the mountains or along the coast, these shoulder seasons make the journey more comfortable.
Yes, especially if you are travelling before or after the peak season. Booking your campervan ahead of time might give you access to an off-season discount and allow you to focus more on where you want to camp and how you want to plan each stop.
There are tolls near San Francisco, mainly on the bridges. You may encounter fees on crossings like the Bay Bridge or the Golden Gate Bridge.
SEE OUR CAMPERVANSAbout the Author
Bastian Graf
Bastian is the Sales & Marketing Manager here at Travellers Autobarn. He holds a Master of Commerce in Marketing and International Business Management, and 20+ years experience in campervan hire, road trips and travel.
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