PORTAL DISPERSED CAMP
Open — Open year-round for dispersed camping, though winter access may be difficult or impossible due to snow. Most camping occurs May through October. Stays limited to 14 days within any 30-day period.
Winter Storm Warning issued April 10 at 11:47AM PDT until April 12 at 11:00PM PDT by NWS Hanford CA
* WHAT...Heavy snow expected. Low-end storm total of 10 inches and high-end total of 30 inches expected in Madera and Mariposa Counties and Yosemite National Park above 7,000 ft. Winds gusting to 55 mph or higher. * WHERE...Sierra Nevada above 7,000 feet. * WHEN...From 5 PM this afternoon to 11 PM PDT Sunday. * IMPACTS...Visibilities may drop below 1/4 mile due to falling and blowing snow. Whiteout conditions are expected and will make travel treacherous and potentially life-threatening.
Fireworks and Explosives are always Prohibited
Fireworks and explosives (including explosive targets) are always prohibited on national forest lands. The prohibition of fireworks and exploding targets on national forest system lands is part of a set of permanent fire safety regulations in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), listed below.…
SNF Rec Site Road Trail Closure Order
Forest Order No. 05-15-00-26-01 will be effective from March 25, 2026, through July 27, 2026. It allows for the continuation of repair efforts to respective recreation sites, roads, and trails and supersedes Forest Order No. 05-15-00-25-19.
Occupancy limitations
The Sierra National Forest has issued Forest Order 05-15-00-25-20 to address occupancy limitations and challenges caused by extended stays and unattended property, which can lead to resource damage, safety hazards, and reduced access for other visitors. The order prohibits camping, parking, or…
Recreation Site, Road, and Trail Closure 05-15-00-25-19
Forest Order closing trails, roads and trails with the Garnet Fire footprint.
Recreation Site, Road, and Trail Closure
Forest Order closing trails, roads and trails with the Garnet Fire footprint.
Temporary Fire Restrictions from Order 05-15-00-25-07 Lifted
Effective October 11, 2025, the Sierra National Forest is lifting temporary fire restrictions placed into effect by Forest Order 05-15-00-25-07 on June 27, 2025. Criteria for enacting and the lifting of fire restrictions through forest orders are based on National Fire Danger Rating System (NFDRS)…
Wilderness Campfire Restrictions Order
Ansel Adams and John Muir Wilderness Campfire Restrictions within the Sierra National Forest
Wilderness Use Restrictions
Wilderness use restrictions within the Ansel Adams, John Muir, Kaiser, Dinkey Lakes, and Monarch Wildernesses located in the Sierra National Forest
Food Refuse Storage Order
Possessing or storing any food or refuse within a Developed Recreation Site in a manner that allows bears or other wildlife to gain access is prohibited
About
Portal Dispersed Camp is a dispersed camping area in Sierra National Forest, located in the Central Sierra Nevada mountains of California. As a dispersed camping area, visitors can pick their own spot rather than using designated campsites. This primitive camping option is popular with those seeking solitude and a more backcountry experience. The area requires complete self-sufficiency as no amenities are provided including water, restrooms, or trash collection. Campers must pack out all trash and practice Leave No Trace principles. A campfire permit is required year-round for any campfire or stove use in Sierra National Forest and can be obtained from Forest Service offices. Like most areas in Sierra National Forest, the ideal camping season is May through October before winter storm activity begins. Winter access may be limited or impossible depending on snow levels and road conditions. Proper food storage is mandatory due to bear activity, and campers must store all food and scented items in bear-proof containers or vehicle trunks.
Directions
From Lakeshore, CA, take Huntington Lake Road east for 0.7 miles to the Mono Hot Springs sign. Turn left onto Kaiser Pass Road/Forest Route 80 and continue for 9.3 miles to the campground sign. Turn left at the sign and proceed 0.2 miles to the campground. Note: The last 3.4 miles are on a roughly paved, single-lane road with numerous blind curves; large RVs or motorhomes are not recommended.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | No |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $0 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (559) 297-0706 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
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