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Best Dispersed Camping near Buellton, CA

11 Reviews

Dispersed camping options near Buellton, California include several primitive sites in the Los Padres National Forest and surrounding areas. Figueroa Mountain Road provides pullout spots with mountain views but limited level space, suitable mainly for vans and small vehicles. Old Sierra Madre offers several hillside locations with varying degrees of shade, though campers note some highway noise. These spots are best for car camping, with several reviewers mentioning they work well for vans but may be too small and rocky for tents or larger RVs.

Carrizzo Plain National Monument allows free dispersed camping with beautiful rolling hills and excellent stargazing opportunities due to minimal light pollution. A camper noted, "The area is hilly and beautiful with enough flatness and openness to pitch a tent without issue." Roads can become slippery when wet, making access challenging for regular vehicles in poor weather. Fire regulations vary by location, with some sites prohibiting fires entirely. Most dispersed areas provide no amenities—no toilets, trash service, or water—requiring visitors to be completely self-sufficient and practice Leave No Trace principles.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Buellton, California (8)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Buellton, CA

8 Photos of 8 Buellton Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Buellton, CA

11 Reviews of 8 Buellton Campgrounds

  • robherr The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 14, 2018

    Chorma Camp in Matilija Wilderness

    Windy and high, Chorma Camp is a quick stop

    Chorma Camp is the first spot you will encounter on the hike south through Cherry Creek. Situated high on a bluff it gets lots of wind, and with very little shelter around to break it, if you camp here you will get the brunt of it.

    There are no amenities at any of the campsites in this area, they are all primitive dispersed camp areas.

    Continuing on past Chorma if you can make it to Maple it is better campsite down in the valley.

  • Gert K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 1, 2025

    Carrizzo Plain National Monument Dispersed

    Beautiful and peaceful

    Beautiful hilly landscape. Despite the absence of trees or bushes for shadow, we had a wonderful evening here, on our way to santa barbara. At the mentioned location we soon encountered a sign saying the motorized vehicles are prohibited from that point on. We drove a bit further down the main road than the gps location suggests, and took the next road to find a spot. The area map with zones for dispersed camping is not too clear, but it seems that you can camp to a certain distance from the main road, and this distance varies. After taking the next road, we found a simple semi-prepared spot. Some warm breezes in the evening, silent night with great views of the night sky.

  • Natalie T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 23, 2024

    Carrizzo Plain National Monument Dispersed

    Rolling Hills & Plains

    ☆ No target shooting allowed ☆ Arrived on a drizzly day & tried going further down the road to other more secluded camping spots. However the dirt road was slick & minivan, loaded down, was slipping & sliding. Backtracked to a nice spot, camaflouged by a small hill, it'll protect my gear tent. This is open castle range.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 22, 2024

    Old Sierra Madre

    Lovely hillside spots

    Picked the first nook from the GPS pin but hiked up road and there are quite a few others, some shaded, some exposed. Bit of highway noise.

  • Jonathan E.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 27, 2025

    Carrizzo Plain National Monument Dispersed

    Peaceful and Beautiful

    I visited in January on my way to the Bay Area and loved this campsite. I didn’t see anyone else around, nor did I see any wildlife, so it was very quiet and peaceful. The stars were also quite visible with minimal light pollution. The area is hilly and beautiful with enough flatness and openness to pitch a tent without issue.

    It was about 15 degrees (F) colder than was forecasted (20 F vs 35 F) at night, so be prepared to be a bit chilly if visiting during the winter.

    All in all, great site and I would definitely return if I need a place to camp in the area again.

  • jThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 4, 2025

    Old Sierra Madre

    Great for Van camping

    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

  • Jessica P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 12, 2021

    Los Padres NF - Dispersed Camp

    Good place after a long hike

    This site is next to chorro grande trail which is about a 9 mile hike. After your long hike of you want to rest go up the mountain site across and it’s an awesome place to camp out. This is dispersed campsite. You will also come across many people parked on the side for those who hike the trails so if you go up the little hill mountain you can camp out peacefully with awesome sunrise and sunsets.

  • Paul O.
    Mar. 28, 2022

    Los Padres NF - Dispersed Camp

    No disperse camping allowed along the 33.

    There is a nice hike-in campsite about 1.5 miles up the Chorro Grande trail called Oak Camp. I think the other review here might be unintentionally implying that camping along the 33 is allowed. It isn't. This is from the district web page:

    "Disperse camping is NOT allowed on Hwy 33, the Rose Valley Recreation Area or the Pine Mountain Recreation Area or Matilija Canyon Rd. These are Restricted Use Zones."

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 4, 2024

    Old Sierra Madre

    Nice Car Camping Spot

    Pretty solid! Had great cell service and was a lovely drive to get there. Probably wouldn’t recommend if you have a tent or RV as the spots were a little small and rocky. But I only went a little past where the directions take you, so not sure what else is up there.

    Arrived just at sunset and loved the views! It was very peaceful and far enough from the highway. It seemed like the same truck was driving up and down a couple times which was the only downfall.

    Overall a good experience.

Guide to Buellton

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Buellton, California, where you can enjoy the great outdoors without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. This area offers a variety of spots that cater to different camping styles, from serene hillside retreats to accessible drive-in locations.

Scenic Views and Relaxation while Free Camping near Buellton

  • Experience stunning sunsets and peaceful surroundings at Old Sierra Madre, where you can find level spots right off the road, perfect for a quick getaway.

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping near Buellton, California

Hiking and Adventure for Dispersed Campers

  • For those who enjoy hiking, the Los Padres NF - Dispersed Camp is conveniently located next to the Chorro Grande trail, making it an ideal spot to rest after a long trek.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find dispersed camping near Buellton?

Several dispersed camping options exist near Buellton. Old Sierra Madre offers easy-to-access spots with beautiful views and is suitable for vans and smaller vehicles, though the spots can be somewhat rocky. The road is generally navigable, making it accessible for most drivers. Another option is Morrow Hill Dispersed, which accommodates RVs up to 21 feet, though the access road can be challenging. Be sure to stay at the designated site on the hill to avoid private property issues. Both locations are free and offer a peaceful experience with varying degrees of privacy and scenery.

Is dispersed camping allowed in Los Padres National Forest near Buellton?

Dispersed camping is permitted in Los Padres National Forest near Buellton, but with important restrictions. Los Padres NF - Dispersed Camp provides access to backcountry camping, particularly along trails like Chorro Grande. However, camping directly along Highway 33 and Reyes Creek/Rose Valley Roads is NOT allowed. Oak Camp, located about 1.5 miles up the Chorro Grande trail, offers a legitimate hike-in camping option. At Chorma Camp in Matilija Wilderness, you'll find primitive camping with no amenities in a sometimes windy location. Always check current Forest Service regulations before your trip as rules may change seasonally.

What are the best seasons for dispersed camping around Buellton, California?

The ideal seasons for dispersed camping around Buellton are spring and fall when temperatures are moderate. Spring (March-May) brings wildflowers and green landscapes, especially at Carrizzo Plain National Monument Dispersed, which offers beautiful hilly terrain and excellent stargazing with minimal light pollution. Fall (September-November) provides pleasant temperatures and less crowded conditions. Summer can be extremely hot, particularly in exposed areas like Figueroa Mountain Road Pullout 01, where shade is limited. Winter brings cooler temperatures and occasional rain, which can make dirt roads slick and potentially impassable for non-4WD vehicles, especially at higher elevations.

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