Camping near Carrizo Plain National Monument

Carrizo Plain National Monument in California lets you camp away from crowds in a quiet natural setting. Figueroa Campground sits among oak trees where you can see wildflowers blooming in spring. Colson Canyon Campground gives you good access to hiking trails, while Spacious Sites sells camping supplies and gear if you forgot something. The wide grasslands throughout the monument have lots of wildlife to watch. Most roads are fine for regular cars, but you might need a high-clearance vehicle on some routes, especially after it rains. While camping here, you can hike, watch birds, or look at the stars at night. Spring is when most people visit because the weather is nice and wildflowers cover the hills. The summer gets really hot, so bring extra water and something for shade. Fall brings fewer people and more comfortable temperatures. Rain sometimes falls in winter, which can make some roads muddy or impassable. Before you go, check the weather report and road status to avoid problems.

Best Camping Sites Near Carrizo Plain National Monument (128)

    1. KCL Campground

    22 Reviews
    New Cuyama, CA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (661) 391-6000

    "Carrizo Plains National Monument is the largest single native grassland remaining in California in SE San Luis Obispo, and my husband and I have been wanting to visit."

    "This rustic campground offers an arid natural beauty with endless walking."

    2. Selby Campground

    5 Reviews
    New Cuyama, CA
    0 miles
    Website
    +1 (661) 391-6000

    "Selby Campground is a secluded campground away from view from the road. Also, it provides nice access to Caliente Mountain Ridge Trail. There was no running water during my visit. Clean pit toilets."

    "If you want shade go to KCL campground which is close by. This is a great place to stay when your on a hunt or if you just want to have a BBQ out in nature."

    3. The Little Brave House

    1 Review
    Carrizo Plain National Monument, CA
    4 miles
    +1 (831) 278-0579

    $125 - $145 / night

    4. Miranda Pine Campground

    4 Reviews
    Carrizo Plain National Monument, CA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 968-6640

    "We arrived on Saturday 4th of July and all the sites were taken so we decided to drive another 15 miles up the road to a nice shaded location just right off the road."

    "I drive up on Old Sierra Madre Road from hwy 166, and it took about an hour."

    5. Old Sierra Madre

    4 Reviews
    Carrizo Plain National Monument, CA
    14 miles

    "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."

    "Bit of highway noise."

    6. Bates Canyon Campground

    4 Reviews
    New Cuyama, CA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 925-9538

    "Don’t know why people are saying it’s remote when there’s a main highway only a few miles away and ranch houses near by and cell Service."

    7. Secluded Carrizo Plains Campsite

    1 Review
    Carrizo Plain National Monument, CA
    12 miles
    Website

    $27 / night

    "However, better than that, there was no one around as far as the eye could see- which was amazing. Great views."

    8. Cuyama Oaks Ranch

    1 Review
    New Cuyama, CA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (740) 258-8561

    $55 - $200 / night

    9. Mt. Figueroa Campground

    21 Reviews
    Los Olivos, CA
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 434-1996

    $30 - $34 / night

    "While visiting Los Padres National forest on a Valentines Weekend, we unfortunately couldn’t do much camping near the higher altitudes due to high wind gusts so we headed toward the other camps, Davy Brown"

    "Figueroa Campground is a 33-35 site campground behind Los Olivos, CA. It is surrounded by live oaks and gorgeous manzanita trees, so there is a lot of shade available."

    10. Cachuma Lake Recreation Area

    59 Reviews
    Santa Ynez, CA
    39 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 686-5055

    "We stayed during the recent storm of the century in Central California so weren’t able to take advantage of what the park has to offer. The sites are very long and not too jammed together."

    "As with many southern California lakes, there is no human contact with the water due to it being a reclamation center. Unlike many other southern California lakes, this one has a pool!"

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Recent Reviews near Carrizo Plain National Monument

717 Reviews of 128 Carrizo Plain National Monument Campgrounds


  • HThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 31, 2025

    Santa Margarita Lake Regional Park

    Great Staff

    This campground is only 25 minutes from the beach. The staff is extremely helpful and friendly and we're very accommodating to me and my dog during a heat wave that was moving through.

    Showers are available, they take quarters.

    Would absolutely stay here again.

  • Kyle K.
    Aug. 28, 2025

    TV Tower Road Dispersed Camping

    The views in the morning are amazing!

    I arrived on motorcycle at 10:30 at night. I hate being that guy that shows up late while everyone is in their tents, but it happens. First 90% of the road/trail is pretty easy, but the last 10% did get a little sketchy at night, while on a motorcycle and being my first time there. It was fairly crowded when I got there but was able to find a spot so quickly pitch my tend and get some well needed sleep. I woke first thing in the morning and the view to the west is stunning, a sea of clouds and islands of distant mountain peaks all the way to the coast. I would only recommend experienced riders take a large street motorcycle up there, but it is doable. I set up my tent on the first spot on the left, on the little ridge.

  • Tommy B.
    Aug. 24, 2025

    pismo state beach

    Busy campground

    This used to be a really nice park. Now, there doesn’t seem to be any pride in taking care of it.

  • Missy R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 17, 2025

    North Beach Campground — Pismo State Beach

    Perfect spot for the beach and gatherings with friends

    I love Pismo Beach! The sites are large and perfect for a group of friends. They have incredible amenities. The beach is steps away. And the community has a good walking path and restaurants within walking distance.

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 15, 2025

    Oceano Campground — Pismo State Beach

    Good Location Close to Beach & Lagoon

    Prior reviews accurate. Hook-up sites close together... non-hookup have more separation. Popular with families and groups Grass around tent sites still green. Most parking spots close to level but bring some blocks. Individual large restrooms with flush toilets and sinks. Nice large showers take state park tokens. Nice lagoon walking path but some parts flooded right now. Campground protected from blowing sand because dunes in front of it. Nice area to start beach walks or rent dune buggies. Close to Pismo Beach for many restaurants and pier. Classic California...

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 11, 2025

    Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area Campground

    Vehicle on beach camping

    You are driving onto the beach and camping, what more to ask for! The actual camping section of the beach is a little tight even with an empty 160 available sites (vehicles) still available. So weekends or sold out nights pirably too tight for me. Cars may drive by any time of the night. The waves sound and general experience is worth it, especially considering you can move into the more open day use are for the 7am-10pm day time.

    I would recommend AWD unless you are able to plan your trip to stay on the firm sand. Don’t go Into The soft sand without awd

  • stacey S.
    Aug. 8, 2025

    Santa Margarita KOA

    Great campground

    This KOA has had some upgrades. It’s great for trailers. They also have tent camping and some cabins. It’s not a flat cement camping experience. Lots of trees and hills. Mostly dirt roads so it is a little dusty. We have a 45’ 5th wheel and had no problem getting in. The space has full hookups with 50 amp. The water pressure was a little low compared to other places. Great areas for the kids to play and nice pool. Staff is awesome very helpful. There is a large veg fire nearby and we are in a evac warning they made sure everyone was notified and they answered any questions. Definitely will return.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 6, 2025

    Cachuma Lake Recreation Area

    Abundant Wildlife

    Tried out on a whim - note, NO swimming in the lake because it’s a source of drinking water. Get a waterfront spot for sure. General store pricey and there are yellow jackets during heat of day. BUT, gorgeous sunset and lake trails, big open campground with spacious spots. Def a fishing spot.


Guide to Carrizo Plain National Monument

Camping near Carrizo Plain National Monument, California, offers a unique experience with stunning landscapes and a variety of campgrounds to choose from. Whether you're looking for a quiet retreat or a family-friendly spot, there's something for everyone.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails around the area. Many campers enjoy the scenic views and wildlife. One visitor mentioned, "The camp is just how others described. It was lovely weather on Friday when we arrived late April. Not windy and not hot" at Mt. Figueroa Campground.
  • Fishing: The lakes in the region are great for fishing. A camper at Lopez Lake Recreation Area noted, "The lake is full and lots of areas to fish."
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife, including black bears and various bird species. One reviewer at Selby Campground shared, "Selby Campground is a secluded campground away from view from the road."

What campers like:

  • Peaceful Atmosphere: Many campers appreciate the tranquility of the area. A visitor at KCL Campground said, "The campground was so nice and quiet and peaceful - nobody had kids with them so it was just a mellow calm vibe the whole time."
  • Natural Beauty: Campers enjoy the stunning views and natural surroundings. One reviewer at Nira Campground mentioned, "Beautiful drive to get to Nira with stunning views."
  • Spacious Sites: Campgrounds like Buena Vista Aquatic Recreational Area offer plenty of room between sites, which many find appealing. A camper noted, "Decent room between sites but the store wasn’t opened while I was there."

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Colson Canyon Campground, have basic facilities. A visitor remarked, "There was no running water during my visit. Clean pit toilets."
  • Road Conditions: Access roads can be rough. A camper at Miranda Pine Campground warned, "The road is long and unpaved, not suitable for a compact car."
  • Wildlife Precautions: Be cautious of wildlife, especially bears. One camper at Nira Campground advised, "You ARE in black bear country! Lock your food and coolers in your car at night."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for spots with ample space and activities. A family at Sycamore Campground enjoyed, "Great weekend experience."
  • Plan for Bugs: Be prepared for insects, especially in warmer months. A camper at Mt. Figueroa Campground noted, "The flies were absolutely unbearable."
  • Bring Entertainment: With limited cell service, pack games or outdoor activities. One camper at KCL Campground mentioned, "It was lightly drizzling when I woke up - absolutely beautiful!"

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Ensure your RV fits the site. A visitor at Lost Hills RV Park said, "Sites are level gravel with not much in between."
  • Be Ready for Dust: Some campgrounds can be dusty, especially during dry seasons. A camper at Buena Vista Aquatic Recreational Area noted, "Super dusty, muddy and dirty if you’re off the main camp site."
  • Plan for Limited Services: Many campgrounds don’t have full hookups. A reviewer at Selby Campground shared, "There is no service at all so be aware of that."

Camping near Carrizo Plain National Monument, California, can be a memorable adventure with the right preparation and knowledge. Enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Carrizo Plain National Monument?

According to TheDyrt.com, Carrizo Plain National Monument offers a wide range of camping options, with 128 campgrounds and RV parks near Carrizo Plain National Monument and 12 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Carrizo Plain National Monument?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Carrizo Plain National Monument is KCL Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 22 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Carrizo Plain National Monument?