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Best Dispersed Camping near Camarillo, CA

11 Reviews

Dispersed camping options near Camarillo, California include several primitive sites within Los Padres National Forest and Channel Islands National Park. Big Cone Camp requires a hike through Santa Paula Canyon with access to waterfalls known as the "punch bowls." The trail passes through Thomas Aquinas College and oil fields before reaching the canyon. Fires are allowed at this site, but there are no facilities or drinking water. Pack out all trash as the area's accessibility has led to littering problems.

Los Padres National Forest offers additional dispersed camping areas, though restrictions apply. Camping directly along Highway 33 is prohibited as this is a Restricted Use Zone. For those willing to hike, Oak Camp is located 1.5 miles up the Chorro Grande trail. Morrow Hill provides a quieter experience with drive-in access, though the road can be challenging for larger vehicles. Santa Cruz Island offers backcountry camping at Del Norte with spectacular ocean views. A camper wrote, "Hiked from Scorpion Harbor cross-island to Del Norte Camp, great way to see the island." This site requires advance planning as boat transportation must be arranged, and campers must pack in their own water.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Camarillo, California (9)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Camarillo, CA

8 Photos of 9 Camarillo Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Camarillo, CA

11 Reviews of 9 Camarillo 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.

  • Joseph R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 26, 2024

    Angeles Crest Overlook to LA

    Nope

    It’s basically car camping along the Angeles Crest highway, there’s small pull out spots and, some spots overlooking the forest but kids do tend to party up here and, drive about 100 miles a hour up and, down the road all hours of the night. It can get a bit scary, if you’re alone. Oh cell service non-existent unless you’re closer to the bottom but even then it’s spotty. It’s not a typical campground but it does do the job for a couple days. You will see cars vans along the pull outs coming up but I believe you can car camp on the overlook I have not as I’m more a quiet type person. Be careful though there’s a white van that teams up with a black truck they tried to break in my car while I was sleeping. It is very dangerous and luckily I carry at all times and have cameras.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 22, 2024

    Angeles Crest Overlook to LA

    Dark, fairly quiet, good view!

    I loved car camping here! When I stayed, there were no other people who stayed the night, but quite a few people came throughout the night just for 20 minutes at a time or so. Wasn’t too noisy at all. Unfortunately I didn’t have any service (Visible/Verizon), so that was a little scary. Other than that, no complaints at all!

  • 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.

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 26, 2024

    Angeles Crest Overlook to LA

    Great view

    Great view but on the weekend we had multiple cars doing donuts really close to our van. I felt uncomfortable with that. Next night we moved to the other look out and someone still did donuts behind us- it’s a smaller lookout. Loud music and people talking next to us until about 1 am there is a pull off before this that was very quiet near a trail and nobody bothered us. During the week it’s more quiet. Close to town so that is a plus. Would recommend to smaller vans or car sleepers. I did not feel unsafe except for the donuts that happened near us. If you have dogs I would recommend the trail pull off my dogs really enjoyed the hike

  • 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."

  • robherr The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 12, 2018

    Big Cone Camp - Santa Paula Canyon

    Local easy hike to great waterfalls

    This is a fairly easy hike through what would not be considered a typical hike. It starts off going through Thomas Aquinas College, winding through horse property and oil fields, before finally opening up into Santa Paula Canyon. The trail has changed many times over the years because of the nature of flooding through the canyon, but follow the signs through the middle of the canyon and the main trail will head up the mountain to the right.

    Atop the hill on the saddle, nestled among the trees is the primitive Big Cone campsite. It is one of my favorite spots simply because it is close and when my kids were young it was a fairly easy hike to get to, and there's a nice reward when you get there.

    From Big Cone Camp you can easily reach the waterfalls and pools that make this area known as the "punch bowls". Depending on weather and water conditions there are some nice water rock slides, and a few pools you can jump from the cliffs into.

    Please pack out your trash. Because this hike is local and easy, there are many party people that frequent the area and leave their trash.

  • Andrew S.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 30, 2024

    Angeles Crest Overlook to LA

    Not a campsite

    This is literally just a roadside pull-off. Only really useful in a pinch. No space for a tent. Sleep in your vehicle.

  • Iris A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 30, 2023

    Angeles Crest Overlook to LA

    dispersed camping next to the road

    It is not a real campground, just a the parking area of a view point. So the view was great. I parked at one end of the area but in the evening lots of couples and teenagers came and the parking area was well used. Some people stood silently admiring the view, while others played loud music. There were also tire tracks on the ground that suggested to me, some young people come here to test their driving skills. I spent the night and no-one took really notice of me. 

    There are no toilets, campfire sites or shade but good cell service.

Guide to Camarillo

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Camarillo, California, where nature enthusiasts can enjoy serene landscapes and outdoor adventures. With a variety of options available, campers can find the perfect spot to unwind and connect with nature.

Dispersed campers should check out Big Cone Camp - Santa Paula Canyon

  • The Big Cone Camp - Santa Paula Canyon offers an easy hike that leads to stunning waterfalls and natural rock slides, making it a great destination for families.
  • Nestled among trees, this primitive site provides a peaceful retreat, especially for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
  • Be sure to pack out your trash, as the area attracts many visitors, and maintaining its beauty is essential for future campers.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Camarillo, California

  • When visiting Chorma Camp in Matilija Wilderness, be prepared for windy conditions, as it sits high on a bluff with little shelter.
  • This area is primitive with no amenities, so bring all necessary supplies and consider continuing your hike to find more sheltered spots like Maple Camp.
  • Always check local regulations, as dispersed camping is not allowed in certain restricted zones, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience.

Exploring the natural wonders at Alamo Creek

  • Alamo Creek is a hidden gem for those seeking a drive-in dispersed camping experience, perfect for a quick getaway.
  • The area is known for its scenic views and tranquility, making it an ideal spot for relaxation after a long hike.
  • Keep in mind that this site is primitive, so come prepared with all essentials, including water and food, to fully enjoy your stay.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Camarillo, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Camarillo, CA is Big Cone Camp - Santa Paula Canyon with a 4-star rating from 1 review.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Camarillo, CA?

TheDyrt.com has all 9 dispersed camping locations near Camarillo, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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