Carrizo Plain National Monument sits at an elevation of around 2,000-3,800 feet in California's largest remaining native grassland. The area experiences temperature extremes, with summer days often reaching triple digits and winter nights dropping below freezing. Campers visiting Carrizo Plain find limited water sources throughout the monument, making advance preparation essential for overnight stays.
What to do
Wildlife photography opportunities: KCL Campground provides excellent wildlife viewing throughout the year. "I love falling asleep to the sound of nature. The owl sighting was the highlight of my trip!" reports one visitor who spotted kangaroo rats, bats, hawks, and rabbits during their stay.
Hiking nearby trails: Miranda Pine Campground offers access to mountain trails with panoramic views. "Set atop a mountain, Miranda Pine campground gives sweeping views all the way to the ocean," notes a camper. The campground serves as a gateway to explore the diverse terrain of Los Padres National Forest.
Night sky observation: The remote location delivers exceptional stargazing opportunities. A visitor at Selby Campground describes the experience as "Awesome free campground! Vault toilets and running water. Dog that rolls through in the mornings makes for beautiful scenery."
What campers like
Solitude and quiet: Many campers appreciate the remote feeling of camping in Carrizo Plain. "We thought this campground was absolutely gorgeous. We spent a nice peaceful quiet night here on super bowl weekend," reported a visitor to Bates Canyon Campground, where campers often have the entire area to themselves outside of peak seasons.
Basic amenities: While facilities remain primitive, some sites offer more than expected. "Each sites comes with a picnic table, fire ring + grill, 1 parking spot, and gear pole with hook (for hanging lanterns/trash bags/food/etc.)," mentions one KCL Campground reviewer describing the available features.
Shade availability: The limited tree cover makes shaded sites valuable. A camper at Figueroa Campground notes, "The site is large but has a lot of flies. This is mainly tent camping. Cost:$20. Size: Good. People allowed per site: 6."
What you should know
Road conditions vary: Access roads to many Carrizo Plain camping areas consist of rough dirt and gravel. One visitor to Miranda Pine Campground cautions, "I drive up on Old Sierra Madre Road from hwy 166, and it took about an hour. The road gets increasingly rocky/washed out, with the top of the ridge the roughest going."
Limited facilities: Expect basic amenities at most camping areas. A camper at Bates Canyon notes, "The bathrooms were pretty nasty so we opted to pee in the woods. There were lots of mosquitos and some pretty big frogs around in early summer."
Weather extremes: Temperature fluctuations can be significant. A reviewer at Selby Campground warns, "It gets pretty windy at night." Similarly, a Miranda Pine camper shares, "it was incredibly windy all day/night. Like... too windy to cook, hang out, relax."
Tips for camping with families
Plan for insect protection: Many campgrounds report persistent flying insects. "TONS. OF. FLIES. EVERYWHERE. It's a little unbearable during the day having to spend the majority of your energy swatting flies," warns a KCL visitor, suggesting families bring insect repellent and possibly screened shelters.
Water requirements: The lack of reliable water sources requires careful planning. A reviewer at Old Sierra Madre states, "Pretty solid! 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."
Toilet considerations: Facilities vary widely across the monument. A camper at Selby notes, "There is one porta potty like bathroom with two toilets. We didn't use the running water but saw other people doing it! There is no service at all so be aware of that."
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: Many campgrounds have limited space for larger vehicles. "We had a lot of space," reports a visitor at Cachuma Lake Recreation Area, though they note "you can't swim in the lake though" due to regulations protecting drinking water.
Road clearance issues: High-clearance vehicles perform better on monument access roads. A Bates Canyon camper shares, "Wayy off the main road on a non-maintained dirt road, only 4x4 accessible," though other visitors report making it in standard vehicles with careful driving.
Leveling challenges: Finding level ground can be difficult at certain sites. "For Smaller Cars (5 Star Campsite)," notes a KCL visitor who adds, "Because of recent rains, it made the dirt roads a bit muddy and difficult for my small car. Lost traction in a few areas and it can be a bit bumpy."
