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Los Padres National Forest dispersed camping

2 ReviewsAdd Review
SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

Free dispersed camping in Los Padres National Forest sits off Redhill Road, reached via a dirt road with some washboard surface that handles rigs up to at least 26 feet. No water, fire rings, or garbage service. Cell coverage is spotty across major carriers, so downloading offline maps beforehand is worth the effort. Weekday visits tend to mean less OHV traffic. Navajo Flat Campground is roughly 1.7 miles down the road at $20 per night. Watch for private property boundaries when choosing a spot.

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Map & DirectionsLos Padres National Forest dispersed camping is located in California near Santa Margarita

Detail location of campground
Dispersed Camping

Coordinates

35.38592863 N
120.2899974 W

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Connectivity

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  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
    Verified by 7 users
    Last on 5/27/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage
    Verified by 1 user

Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
    Verified by 7 users
    Last on 5/27/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage
    Verified by 1 user

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • Dispersed

Features

For Campers

  • Phone Service
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

DISPERSED CAMPING

Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.

PERMIT might be REQUIRED

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Reviews2 Camper Reviews - Los Padres National Forest dispersed camping

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4.0

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2 Reviews

Reviewed May. 26, 2026

Solid site, is just a pullout on a dirt road

This may have been seasonal for may, but midday there was an outrageous amount of flies. The campsite itself was as expected and sufficient, we parked 2 cars and had 2 tents with plenty of space. Very dusty though. The evening views were pretty and we had a great time!

Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Los Padres National Forest dispersed camping by Jaana M., May 26, 2026
  • Review photo of Los Padres National Forest dispersed camping by Jaana M., May 26, 2026
  • Review photo of Los Padres National Forest dispersed camping by Jaana M., May 26, 2026
Reviewed Mar. 22, 2021

Free Dispersed Camping

Turning on Redhill Road from hwy 58 follow the dirt road about 2 miles to the intersection of Redhill and Fernandez. This spot, and there are others, is right at the intersection so it can have some traffic with residents that live further down the road and OHV riders. It is a good spot for the night or to stay while you bike or ride ATVs. We stayed one night. It was very quiet and walking down the road was pleasant as there weren't any OHVs riding around on a Monday.

It is a fairly flat spot and we had no trouble with our 26ft Class C. The road in is wide and dirt with some washboard but fairly smooth overall. Further down the road is Navajo Flat Campground which is $20/night with additional fees. (see review of Navajo Flat campground) This spot is in National Forest Land so we camped for free. There seem to be other areas for dispersed camping but be mindful of the private property areas.

There is zero amenities so pack in and pack out. There is no water, garbage or fire pits. Cell service is spotty with Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile. Download map before you come so you don't camp on private land.

Campfires are allowed with permit.

Overall a nice place to stay, quiet at night less traffic on weekdays. We would stay here again.

Month of VisitMarch
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  • Review photo of Los Padres National Forest dispersed camping by Laura M., March 22, 2021
  • Review photo of Los Padres National Forest dispersed camping by Laura M., March 22, 2021
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Showing results 1-2 of 2 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the elevation of Los Padres National Forest dispersed camping?

Los Padres National Forest dispersed camping is located at 1937 feet.

Are fires allowed at Los Padres National Forest dispersed camping?

Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Los Padres National Forest dispersed camping, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

Does Los Padres National Forest dispersed camping have wifi?

No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Los Padres National Forest dispersed camping does not have wifi.

Is there cell phone reception at Los Padres National Forest dispersed camping?

According to campers on TheDyrt.com, there is no coverage for AT&T, no coverage for T-Mobile, and no coverage for Verizon.

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