Top Free Dispersed Camping near Carpinteria, CA

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Carpinteria, CA (8)

    Camper-submitted photo from Santa Cruz Island - Del Norte Backcountry — Channel Islands National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Santa Cruz Island - Del Norte Backcountry — Channel Islands National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Santa Cruz Island - Del Norte Backcountry — Channel Islands National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Santa Cruz Island - Del Norte Backcountry — Channel Islands National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Santa Cruz Island - Del Norte Backcountry — Channel Islands National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Santa Cruz Island - Del Norte Backcountry — Channel Islands National Park

    1. Santa Cruz Island - Del Norte Backcountry — Channel Islands National Park

    3 Reviews
    15 Photos
    137 Saves

    Overview

    For a truly remote getaway full of backpacking and breathtaking scenery, take a backcountry trip to Santa Cruz Island's Del Norte Campground. Del Norte is currently the only backcountry campground on Santa Cruz Island. The National Park Service opened this backcountry site in recognition of its rare wilderness values. As you explore these wild areas, please take the responsibility to help us protect and preserve these delicate natural resources for future generations. While backcountry camping is an incredible experience, it is not for the inexperienced backpacker. Due to difficult weather, rugged terrain, and off-trail hiking, backcountry camping is an arduous endeavor and should be undertaken only by experienced, well-conditioned backpackers. To reach this backcountry site, visitors will backpack along a historic ranch road/trail through a series of canyons and ridges, to a vista about 700 feet above sea level. This moderate to strenuous 3.5-mile hike from Prisoners Harbor travels through island oak woodlands and coastal sage scrub plant communities.

    Recreation

    From Prisoners Harbor, the shortest route to the Del Norte Campground is 3.5 miles via the Del Norte Trail. Follow the Navy Road out of Prisoners Harbor for 1.5 miles (600-foot elevation gain; strenuous). This gravel road is still used daily by vehicles, so please use caution while hiking along it. During winter and spring, visitors need to be prepared for a wet creek crossing at Canada del Puerto in Prisoner's Harbor.At the signed turn-off for Del Norte Trail, leave the gravel road and continue east (left) along the trail for 1.8 miles. The trail winds up and down two canyons (Ca__ada del Agua and Ca__ada del Muro)) to the signed junction with the Del Norte Road that leads .2 miles to the campground. The longer route (5 miles), which provides views of the south side of the island, follows the Navy Road as it climbs 1,200 feet over 4 miles and eventually reaches the junction with the Del Norte Road. At the signed junction, turn north (left) and descend 1 mile to the campground.From Scorpion Anchorage, Del Norte Campground is approximately 12 miles via the Navy Road.Beach access is at Prisoners Harbor. There is no access to the beach at Del Norte Campground.Recreational activities on Santa Cruz Island include hiking, swimming, snorkeling, diving, kayaking and wildlife/wildflower viewing. There are no services on the island, so all gear has to be brought to the island. Guided kayak trips and kayak rentals must be arranged before arriving on the island. For more information about recreational activities in the park, visit https://www.nps.gov/chis/planyourvisit/index.htm .

    Natural Features

    Del Norte is nestled in a shaded oak grove and provides scenic views of the island's pristine coastline. The largest of California's Channel Islands, Santa Cruz Island is one of the five islands that make up the Channel Islands National Park. The island is rich in cultural history, magnificent landscapes, and unique flora and fauna. Native American Indians inhabited the island for over 10,000 years and Europeans explored and ranched on the island for over 150 years. Over 600 plant species, 140 land birds, 11 land mammals and a handful of amphibians and reptiles call the island their home. The island fox and island scrub-jay are exciting finds, as they're unique to the island, found nowhere else in the world.

    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Picnic Table
    • Toilets

    $15 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Los Padres NF - Dispersed Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Los Padres NF - Dispersed Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Los Padres NF - Dispersed Camp

    2. Los Padres NF - Dispersed Camp

    2 Reviews
    3 Photos
    57 Saves
    • Pets
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Chorma Camp in Matilija Wilderness
    Camper-submitted photo from Chorma Camp in Matilija Wilderness
    Camper-submitted photo from Chorma Camp in Matilija Wilderness
    Camper-submitted photo from Big Cone Camp - Santa Paula Canyon
    • No image available
      • No image available

        6. Lane Ranch Campground — Hungry Valley State Vehicular Recreation Area

        Be the first to review!
        15 Saves

        Hungry Valley SVRA is the third largest unit of California State Park's Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division. Located in the Tejon Pass north of Los Angeles and along the Interstate 5 corridor, Hungry Valley offers 19,000 acres and more than 130 miles of scenic trails for motorcycle, All-Terrain Vehicles (ATV), dune buggies, and 4x4 recreation. All levels of OHV operator skills will be challenged by the wide variety of terrain and trails at Hungry Valley SVRA.

        Elevations at Hungry Valley range from 3,000 to nearly 6,000 feet. Occasional snowfalls occur during the winter. Summers are most often hot, dry and dusty. The most pleasant times of the year for OHV fun are during the Spring and Fall months when the temperatures are mild and occasional rain showers make for good traction and reduced dust. Nighttime temperatures often drop below freezing in the Spring and Fall, as well as during the Winter.

        The wide variety of trails at Hungry Valley provides excitement for both beginner and experienced off-roaders. For experienced OHVers challenging trails can be found in the hills and sand washes of the back- country section of the SVRA. Beginners can enjoy the scenery and relative ease of the trails in the Native Grasslands Management Area. Trails in the adjoining Los Padres National Forest are recommended for experienced riders only.

        Recreational Land Management Providing long-term, sustained OHV recreation opportunity is a top priority in SVRA Management. Provisions in California law require actions to stabilize soils and to provide for healthy wildlife populations in OHV recreation areas. Projects are ongoing to stabilize soil areas by reshaping slopes, reseeding and replanting bare areas. Vegetation creates wildlife habitat while plant roots help stabilize the soil. Project areas are temporarily closed to OHV use through the use of barriers, such as fences, hay bales, brush piles and signing. Where possible, well-designed OHV trails are provided through project areas. Other project areas may be closed for a number of years before being opened again for OHV use. Your understanding and support in staying out of areas closed for restoration helps ensure OHV recreation opportunities for years to come.

        Where to get help The State Park Rangers who patrol Hungry Valley SVRA are peace officers, who are trained Emergency Medical Responders. Entrance station employees and park maintenance personnel can also summon medical help. If no State Park personnel are available, dial 911 from any telephone. Pay phones are located at many business locations in Gorman. Cellular telephone coverage is intermittent throughout most of the SVRA. There are no emergency medical facilities in Gorman. The nearest hospital to Hungry Valley SVRA is Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital, located approximately 30 miles to the south in Valencia. To drive to the hospital, take Interstate Highway 5 south to the McBean Parkway exit and turn left (east) on McBean Parkway. Henry Mayo Hospital is located approximately one mile from I-5 on the left-hand side at 23845 McBean Parkway.

        • Fires
        • RVs
        • Tents
        • Dispersed
        • Toilets
        • No image available
          • No image available

          Recent Dispersed Reviews In Carpinteria

          4 Reviews of 8 Carpinteria Campgrounds


          • Paul O.
            Camper-submitted photo from Los Padres NF - Dispersed Camp
            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."

          • Jessica P.
            Camper-submitted photo from Los Padres NF - Dispersed Camp
            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.

          • robherr
            Camper-submitted photo from Chorma Camp in Matilija Wilderness
            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.

          • robherr
            Camper-submitted photo from Big Cone Camp - Santa Paula Canyon
            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.



          Guide to Carpinteria

          Camping near Carpinteria, California, offers a fantastic mix of beachside relaxation and outdoor adventure. With several campgrounds in the area, you can find the perfect spot to enjoy nature and make lasting memories.

          What to do:

          • Boating and Fishing: At Cachuma Lake Recreation Area, you can enjoy kayaking, canoeing, and fishing. One reviewer mentioned, "The lake is perfect for boating... kayaking, canoeing, fishing or sailing on the lake is the perfect way to spend the afternoon."
          • Beach Access: Santa Cruz Campground — Carpinteria State Beach is just steps from the beach. A camper shared, "Great location, spots are so close to the beach with no bluff and stairs."
          • Hiking and Biking: Explore the trails at Malibu Creek State Park Campground. One visitor noted, "Great location. Less than 1/2 mile to the beach, hiking and MTB/gravel trails accessible from the campground."

          What campers like:

          • Scenic Views: Campers at El Capitán State Beach Campground rave about the beautiful ocean views. One reviewer said, "First night unobstructed views of sunset over the ocean."
          • Clean Facilities: Many appreciate the well-maintained restrooms and showers. A camper at Jalama Beach County Park mentioned, "The flush bathrooms are clean and spacious."
          • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Campgrounds like Lake Casitas Recreation Area are great for families. One reviewer stated, "This is a huge place, with lots to do."

          What you should know:

          • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Wheeler Gorge Campground, lack basic amenities like drinking water and showers. A visitor noted, "No running water available; fire ban... a lot of the sites are very close together."
          • Crowded During Peak Season: Campgrounds can fill up quickly, especially in summer. A camper at Cachuma Lake Recreation Area mentioned, "These are often booked out so plan ahead."
          • Noise Levels: Some sites near highways may have noise from traffic. A camper at Point Mugu State Park said, "The campground was full but not too noisy."

          Tips for camping with families:

          • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for spots like Santa Cruz Campground — Carpinteria State Beach, which is close to the beach and has fun activities. One family shared, "The beaches are always nice."
          • Pack for the Beach: Bring water shoes and sunscreen for beach days. A camper at Jalama Beach County Park advised, "Bring water shoes... lots of driftwood & rocks pepper the shore."
          • Plan for Activities: Make sure to have games or activities for downtime. A visitor at Lake Casitas Recreation Area mentioned, "The campground is broken down into a bunch of different camping loops."

          Tips from RVers:

          • Check Site Sizes: Some campgrounds have small sites not suitable for larger RVs. A reviewer at Sycamore Canyon Campground — Point Mugu State Park noted, "The spaces are pretty small, so they are not meant for large RVs."
          • Be Prepared for Fees: Campgrounds like Lake Casitas Recreation Area may charge extra for pets. One camper said, "We paid online... getting charged $5 a day extra for pets."
          • Use Solar Power: If you’re camping at places without hookups, consider solar panels. A camper at Cachuma Lake Recreation Area mentioned, "You can easily get all the power you need with an appropriately sized solar panel system."

          Camping near Carpinteria, California, has something for everyone, whether you're looking for beach fun, hiking, or just a peaceful getaway.

          Frequently Asked Questions

          • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Carpinteria, CA?

            According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Carpinteria, CA is Santa Cruz Island - Del Norte Backcountry — Channel Islands National Park with a 5-star rating from 3 reviews.

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

            TheDyrt.com has all 8 dispersed camping locations near Carpinteria, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.