Join the fun near Carmel Valley Village. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Carmel Valley Village is surrounded by family-friendly activities. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.
"This is a trail camp in the Ventana Wilderness along the Carmel River Trail. The trailhead and parking lot is at the Los Padres Dam. "
"It’s a ~2.8 mile hike in, but it is worth every step. Almost every hill top has a campsite, there is so many opportunities for stays."
"Dispersed camping all along the trail, despite a sign saying no car camping. It was a 45 min (6 mile) trip up a dirt road but boy was it worth it."
"I’m surprised I haven’t known about this little gem that is only 2 hours away from me. Above the fog line and beautiful views!!"
"* 11.1 miles from trail head to the summit
- 5,600 ft. in elevation gain
- Took 7.5 hours total (4.5 hours moving time)
- Limited water on trail. "
"Amazing location to wake up in the morning. View of the pacific ocean on one side and valley on the other. 4x4 vehicle needed. Fairly safe, clean, and not crowded."
"I showed up around 5 pm and there were still a lot of sites open."
GuideMy wife and I found this spot on our Honeymoon. Dispersed camping all along the trail, despite a sign saying no car camping. It was a 45 min (6 mile) trip up a dirt road but boy was it worth it. The trail continued toward a campsite, but we found a spot that we couldn’t pass up (see pics). We were above the marine layer and the stars were something else never seen before. Highly recommend. No campfires.
GuideEvery campsite within an hour range of Big Sur was full, and it was getting dark so we opted for this road. It is the only road where dispersed camping is allowed but beware: it is narrow, steep, unmaintained, and surrounded by cliffs. If you happen upon a pull out that is not occupied, does not have a private property sign, and is somewhat flat, then it works as a spot to sleep that feels like you’re on the edge of the world.
GuideNational forest is closed Gated off There is a sign there that states no car camping
ScoutPractically camping on top of each other. Going up or down that road is only for 4x4 and keep an eye out for crazy drivers. One lane road in many spots. NO CAMPFIRES ALLOWED IN SUMMER. Check conditions.
GuideI’m surprised I haven’t known about this little gem that is only 2 hours away from me. Above the fog line and beautiful views!! I recommend four wheel drive to go to the place in the pictures above. But I did bring my all wheel drive Honda CR-V on the trail just didn’t text it going down the trail to the very end. So many trails to explore and spots to stay at. Just be sure to not go on private property trails and be respectful of others. It did get very windy during the night so recommend putting everything away during the evening. You can explore the different trails such as prewitt, coastal ridge road and nacimiento Ferguson from this road but to get back to highway one you have to go back the same way. All other trails are closed from highway 1 besides this one so far. My gps called this road los buros rd. Others gps may be different. I’ve been to this place three times now in less than a month. Absolutely one of my favorites. Soon going to explore coastal ridge road.
LegendThis is a trail camp in the Ventana Wilderness along the Carmel River Trail. The trailhead and parking lot is at the Los Padres Dam. The trail is pretty easy to follow, but crosses the river/creek extremely frequently. I had to cross the river about 50 times in a weekend in an out & back trip.
This is backcountry backpacking, so:
So potable water - bring a filter
Pack in pack out trash
Fires may be restricted
No restrooms or other facilities
Lots of poison oak
Trail may be impassable at some points
I got in Friday afternoon so could only hike a few miles before dark. The Bluff camp was the first real trail camp along the trail, but there are several more further on
Here is the trail info:
http://www.ventanawild.org/trails/ventana-wilderness-trails/carmel-river-trail
Here is an interactive Map: http://bigsurtrailmap.net/interactivemap.html?latlon=36.0898,-121.5651&zoom=11&bkgmap=USGS+Quad+%2BWilderness&mode=trailmap&control=0
ScoutPrivate property, you can't even go through the road
LegendThis was one of the most beautiful backpacking hikes I've ever done, but also one of the more challenging ones to do in one day.
Camping at the top was spectacular. The sunset was one of the best I have ever seen. There is an old outpost at the top that someone else was sleeping at to provide shelter for the wind (it was pretty vicious). The hike down was much, much easier.
Obviously this is back country camping, so
ScoutAbsolutely live this spot. If your cool with car camping and off roaring with no accommodations it’s a great spot with a great view.
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Carmel Valley Village, California, where nature lovers can enjoy stunning landscapes and a sense of adventure without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. This area offers a variety of options for those looking to immerse themselves in the great outdoors.
Frequently Asked Questions
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Carmel Valley Village, CA is Bluff Camp with a 3-star rating from 2 reviews.
TheDyrt.com has all 7 dispersed camping locations near Carmel Valley Village, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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