Dispersed camping options surround Arroyo Grande, California, with most sites concentrated in the eastern foothills at elevations between 1,500-3,000 feet. Seasonal temperature shifts impact camping conditions significantly, with summer daytime temperatures reaching 90°F and winter nighttime temperatures dropping below freezing at higher elevations. Fall and spring offer moderate temperatures with less crowded conditions.
What to do
Explore off-road trails: TV Tower Road provides access to multiple hiking paths with coastal views. "There are lots of pullouts. I did see a Prius go as far as I did. So higher clearance suggested but not needed," notes one visitor to TV Tower Road Dispersed Camping.
Night sky photography: The elevated terrain creates excellent opportunities for astrophotography, particularly during new moon phases. Campers at Other Pullout on TV Tower Road report, "Awesome spot on the ridge, lots of sites up past the mountain bike staging area and the best spots are a little past the TV tower its self."
Mountain biking: The network of unpaved roads provides challenging terrain for cyclists. "Takes a while to go up - winding road, so give plenty of time. But cool spot off the 101 and right near SLO," explains a camper at Other Pullout on TV Tower Road.
What campers like
Sunrise views: Morning light creates dramatic shadow patterns across the coastal valleys. One camper at Old Sierra Madre shared: "Arrived just at sunset and loved the views! It was very peaceful and far enough from the highway."
Solitude on weekdays: Visitor traffic follows predictable patterns with quieter conditions Monday through Thursday. "It was very quiet and walking down the road was pleasant as there weren't any OHVs riding around on a Monday," notes a visitor to Los Padres National Forest dispersed camping.
Cell connectivity: Several ridge-top locations maintain surprisingly strong signal strength. A camper at Old Sierra Madre mentioned: "Pretty solid! Had great cell service and was a lovely drive to get there."
What you should know
Road conditions vary seasonally: Winter rains create challenging access conditions requiring high-clearance vehicles from December through March. "The spot is honestly wonderful! Such great views, quiet, not even too windy. The road up here is indeed a little challenge: first there is pavement but the last 1/3 of the road is dirt only; also very bumpy," advises a visitor to TV Tower Road.
Fire permits required: The Los Padres National Forest requires fire permits year-round for any open flame, including camp stoves. "Campfires are allowed with permit," notes a Los Padres camper.
Limited turnaround space: Many forest roads narrow considerably with few opportunities for larger vehicles to turn around. "Nous étions en RV 24 feet et nous avons dû faire demi tour! Route à sens unique étroite sinueuse et dangereuse. Pas fait pour un RV," warns a visitor about TV Tower Road access.
Tips for camping with families
Plan for temperature changes: Mountain locations experience 30°F temperature swings between day and night. "Got cold at night but nothing unbearable, lovely sunrise too! I'd recommend bringing a warm sleeping bag and any essentials for dispersed camping," advises a TV Tower Road camper.
Pack sufficient water: No potable water sources exist at any dispersed sites near Arroyo Grande. Each person requires at least 1 gallon per day. "There is zero amenities so pack in and pack out. There is no water, garbage or fire pits," notes a camper at Los Padres National Forest.
Scout locations before nightfall: Arrive with sufficient daylight to evaluate site conditions and setup options. A Figueroa Mountain Road Pullout visitor cautions: "The site is all up hill and really only has a small area where a few vans can fit. But the views are awesome."
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: Most dispersed sites accommodate smaller Class B or truck campers only. "Easy spots to turn around and park. Beautiful views, slight road noise if you're not in the van but quiet inside. Wouldn't recommend anything bigger than a extended sprinter or transit," explains an Old Sierra Madre camper.
Download offline maps: Cell service becomes unreliable in canyon areas between ridge lines. "Download map before you come so you don't camp on private land," advises a Los Padres visitor.
Prepare for washboard roads: Vehicle preparation should include securing loose items before navigating forest access roads. "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," reports a camper at Los Padres National Forest.
