Dispersed camping near Camarillo, California offers several free and primitive options within driving distance. Located between the Santa Monica Mountains and Los Padres National Forest, the area experiences mild Mediterranean climate with temperatures ranging from 60-75°F throughout much of the year. Winter months can bring occasional rain, while summer and fall often present fire restrictions that change camping regulations and access.
What to do
Hiking to swimming holes: At Big Cone Camp, the main attraction beyond camping is exploring the natural swimming areas. "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," notes reviewer robherr.
Island exploration: Santa Cruz Island - Del Norte Backcountry offers extensive hiking opportunities with ocean views. As one camper describes, "My friends and I took the cruise to Santa Cruz Island for a simple 1-night backpacking trip. It's only 4-miles from harbor to campsite, but it's mostly uphill. My friends were beginner backpackers so it was a bit tiring, but it was over quick."
Wildlife viewing: The Channel Islands provide unique opportunities to observe island foxes in their natural habitat. A camper mentions, "Saw lots of island foxes - so cute! Note that there are gear restrictions for the cruise (check the website). Also you have to PACK YOUR OWN WATER. And use the food storage boxes to protect your food from the foxes."
What campers like
Privacy at higher elevations: Morrow Hill dispersed camping provides solitude with expansive views. A reviewer noted, "We had a great and quiet night up there in our 21ft RV. But the road is a little tricky and we almost wouldn't have driven there. Make sure, you really stay at the place up the hill (coordinates) otherwise the landlord will clarify that you're on private property."
Urban overlooks: Angeles Crest Overlook offers unobstructed city views for those willing to car camp. According to Valerie, "The view is gorgeous in the morning sunrise! That being said, it did seem like maybe a teen hangout or something - cars did flow in and out occasionally through the night until around midnight."
Seasonal water features: Cherry Creek camping areas provide both challenges and rewards. "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," explains one camper.
What you should know
Access restrictions: Free camping near Camarillo requires understanding local regulations. Paul O. clarifies about Los Padres NF - Dispersed Camp: "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.'"
Litter concerns: The accessibility of primitive sites leads to trash issues. "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," explains a Big Cone Camp reviewer.
Not all areas permit camping: Some areas marked as camping spots may have changed status. Elisabeth G. warns about Alamo Creek: "Most of the spots are reservation only. There are a few that look like you could just pull up and camp. But they all tend to lead to hike and biking trails. I wouldn't risk camping here. You'll probably get kicked out."
Tips for camping with families
Beginner-friendly backpacking: Chorma Camp in Matilija Wilderness offers introductory wilderness experiences, though campers should prepare for exposure. "Continuing on past Chorma if you can make it to Maple it is better campsite down in the valley," suggests reviewer robherr.
Vehicle considerations: When driving to dispersed sites, vehicle clearance matters. A Morrow Hill camper recommends: "Great view in the morning, beautiful. Would def come back," though they caution about road conditions for larger vehicles.
Weather preparation: Coastal fog affects Channel Islands camping conditions. One Del Norte camper reports, "When we woke up everything was damp from the seaside fog. But the fog made the views quite lovely."
Tips from RVers
Overnight stopping points: Angeles Crest Overlook to LA serves as a functional overnight area for those needing a quick stop. Joey B. describes it as a "Perfect last minute late night hold over stop," rather than a destination campground.
Site selection for larger vehicles: RV access varies significantly at dispersed sites. Nicole D. advises: "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."
Connectivity concerns: Cell service varies widely in mountain areas. Jaydon C. reports, "Unfortunately I didn't have any service (Visible/Verizon), so that was a little scary. Other than that, no complaints at all!"
