Carrizo Plain National Monument features free Bureau of Land Management (BLM) campgrounds scattered throughout its remote grasslands. KCL Campground and Selby Campground provide established sites with basic amenities, while Carrizo Plain National Monument free camping spots exist in surrounding areas like Old Sierra Madre. Both campgrounds offer tent and RV sites with fire rings and picnic tables, though larger RVs may find access challenging on the monument's rough roads. The Little Brave House provides the area's only cabin accommodation, complete with electric hookups and amenities not found at the primitive BLM sites.
Road conditions significantly impact camping experiences in this isolated area, with many access routes consisting of dirt roads subject to washboarding and becoming impassible after rain. "The 19-mile access road from highway 33 can be grueling in places with heavy washboard," noted one visitor about reaching KCL Campground. Water availability is limited, with some campgrounds having non-potable or unreliable water sources, making it essential for campers to bring their own supplies. Cell service varies widely, with T-Mobile reported as functional in some areas while other carriers have limited coverage. Summer temperatures frequently reach the 90s, and persistent flies can be problematic during warmer months.
The monument's remote character delivers exceptional stargazing opportunities and wildlife encounters. Campers frequently mention seeing and hearing great horned owls in the eucalyptus trees at KCL Campground, along with observations of kangaroo rats, bats, hawks, and coyotes. Spring visits are particularly popular when wildflowers bloom across the plains, transforming the normally arid landscape. A visitor remarked, "The evenings here are spectacular—very little light pollution so you get a clear view of the night sky and all of the stars." The campgrounds typically remain uncrowded except during peak wildflower season, providing a peaceful retreat for those seeking solitude in California's largest remaining native grassland, though campers may also explore Los Padres National Forest campsites to the south for additional options.
"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."
"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."
$125 - $145 / night
"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."
"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."
"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."
$27 / night
"However, better than that, there was no one around as far as the eye could see- which was amazing. Great views."
$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."
"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!"
TravelerSpots are wide enough to park our truck next to our trailer. Asphalt parking with dirt yard behind the spot, including a firepit and picnic table. Trees and shrubs for privacy and shade. Run by San Luis Obispo County.
TravelerI've really enjoyed my week-long stay at this gorgeous lake. The sunrise over the water was spectacular, and the facilities clean and well maintained. The staff at the park are friendly and for the most part, helpful. Getting and changing reservations was made easy by calling the park office.
LegendWe stopped here for an overnight. Not at all crowded in March, which we like. It is a very large resort so during peak season will have a different feel than now. We liked the premium spaces better than the classic as those sites didn’t have a picnic table. The restrooms by the front office are very nice. Lots to do for kids with a playground and for older kids/adults, a lounge with a pool table. Guests are allowed to use the fitness room at the adjacent Sideways Inn. Would stay here again in the off season. Friendly staff.
LegendLovely state park campground with access to the beach over some dunes and waterways. Pismo Beach is a huge and beautiful beach. Even with a lot of people it cannot feel crowded. If you are willing to get your feet wet crossing some creeks that empty into the ocean you can walk to the pier along the beach. This park is a delight compared to the cramped RV Parks right next door. Clean bathrooms and showers. Shower tokens $1 for 2 will get you a 4 minute shower. Peaceful place on a Sunday in March.
GuideA good stopover on the way to somewhere else.
GuideBooked a couple of nights here at the last minute and, while crowded, I was pleasantly surprised at how quiet and tidy this campground was.
It is however the off-season and not a place I’d consider otherwise as I can only imagine how wild it must get when kids are off of school, as it is right on the beach.
The sites are pretty leveled and the facilities offer all one needs, and it’s all very clean. Spigots for free water refill are also available throughout the campground.
At $25/night, this is a wonderful and very safe campground for all.
TravelerAlways clean and friendly sites are big a lot of new attractions on site restaurant and bar and I HIGHLY recommend the Clam Chowder
RangerWe loved this BLM campground. We got lucky that the road had been graded after the storms. The blooms appeared almost magically as the sun hit those areas. We saw more already on the second day on our way east. Stunning
GuideWe didn't expect much, but we stayed one night enroute from San Diego to San Francisco.
The lake was pretty, the site was nice, but we couldn't see the lake from the site. We just didn't spend much time here.
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.
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."
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."
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."
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."
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."
Frequently Asked Questions
What should visitors know before visiting Carrizo Plain National Monument?
Carrizo Plain National Monument is the largest remaining native grassland in California, offering stunning wildflower displays in spring. Visitors should be prepared for remote conditions with limited to no cell service, no gas stations, and scarce water sources. The area experiences extreme temperature fluctuations, so pack accordingly. Roads can become impassable after rain, particularly at Secluded Carrizo Plains Campsite. For a more amenity-rich alternative nearby, consider Mt. Figueroa Campground with its oak and manzanita shade, fire rings, and picnic tables. Wildlife viewing is excellent, with opportunities to see endangered species, so bring binoculars.
Are there any fees or permits required for camping at Carrizo Plain?
Most camping at Carrizo Plain National Monument is free, including at primitive sites. The KCL Campground offers free camping with no reservation system—it's first-come, first-served. No special permits are required for basic camping in designated areas. If you're looking for alternatives with different fee structures nearby, Cuyama Oaks Ranch requires reservations and has a fee system in place. During peak wildflower season (typically March-April), the monument sees higher visitation, so arriving early at campgrounds is recommended, though camping regulations remain the same.
Where can I camp at Carrizo Plain National Monument?
Carrizo Plain National Monument offers several camping options. KCL Campground is a free, primitive campground within the monument that was formerly part of Kern Cattle & Land Ranch. It provides basic facilities and is ideal for those seeking to immerse themselves in the native grasslands. Another option is the Selby Campground, which offers water and toilets. For those willing to venture slightly outside the monument, dispersed camping opportunities exist along roads like TV Tower Road. All camping in the monument is primitive with no hookups, so come prepared with all necessary supplies.
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