s
sheena C.
Scout
ScoutPismo Coast Village RV Resort
Pismo coast village
First time here with our 5th wheel. It was a great stay and we had a fantastic site. All the amenities you could need and easy access to beach, stores and freeway!
Camping near Carrizo Plain National Monument
SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
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.
Best Camping Sites Near Carrizo Plain National Monument (137)
1. KCL Campground
22 ReviewsNew Cuyama, CA7 milesWebsite+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
8 ReviewsNew Cuyama, CA0 milesWebsite+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 ReviewCarrizo Plain National Monument, CA4 miles+1 (831) 278-0579$125 - $145 / night
4. Miranda Pine Campground
4 ReviewsCarrizo Plain National Monument, CA13 milesWebsite+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 ReviewsCarrizo Plain National Monument, CA14 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 ReviewsNew Cuyama, CA13 milesWebsite+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 ReviewCarrizo Plain National Monument, CA12 milesWebsite$27 / night
"However, better than that, there was no one around as far as the eye could see- which was amazing. Great views."
9. Cachuma Lake Recreation Area
63 ReviewsSanta Ynez, CA39 milesWebsite+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!"
10. Mt. Figueroa Campground
20 ReviewsLos Olivos, CA29 milesWebsite+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."
Recent Camping Photos near Carrizo Plain National Monument
232 Photos of 137 Carrizo Plain National Monument Campgrounds
Chanel C.
KCL Campground
Cooper B.
Camp Carrizo
Cuyama O.
Cuyama Oaks Ranch
Antonio C.
Miranda Pine Campground
Antonio C.
Aliso Park Campground
Jonathan E.
Carrizzo Plain National Monument Dispersed
Efrain A.
Sycamore Campground
Esther Y.
Songdog Ranch
Alejandro L.
Mt. Figueroa Campground
Soggy Bottoms Camper G.
Navajo Flat Campground
Jennifer O.
Buena Vista Aquatic Recreational Area
Recent Reviews near Carrizo Plain National Monument
773 Reviews of 137 Carrizo Plain National Monument Campgrounds
Kevin M.
LegendCachuma Lake Recreation Area
Tons of people but a great campground
ITS BIG.... tons of great sites some not do good, some packed right others lots of space, a great lake, a fun bar café, super good general store and lots of people, ther is plenty to do and it's a big chunk of land. And the oak trees and wildlife is fantastic....looking forward to seeing how winter is
Anthony M.
TravelerPismo Coast Village RV Resort
Great coastal park
Friendly staff and nice park. We found the sites to be roomy in the section we were in with a 10ish foot stretch of grass between the us and the people behind us. Park is dog friendly and has plenty of amenities and a really good section of RV needs in the shop. Best part is a really short walk to the beach (dog friendly) and a short walk to Pismo which has awesome shops, food, pier, beach, and atmosphere. Definitely a fav of ours!
- ttaylorTraveler
TV Tower Road Dispersed Camping
Quiet and free camping with a view
Showed up at 11pm on a Tuesday night. There are multiple spots off a dirt road atop the hill. There were multiple others car camping but we were able to find a spot and didn't even make it as far as the provided coordinates. Temperatures were great and it was quiet at night and all through the morning. Only 1 hiker and one cyclist passed by. Thete were some smaller clearance vehicles but I think they'd be limited how far down sone of the roads they can go. We camped in a rooftop tent on a Tacoma. I wouldn't recommend tent camping here due to limited space and barely being off the road although there may be a few spots. Downsides to this spot is a lot of uneven ground, hard compact soils, some scattered poison oak, and scattered trash. The dense vegetation off the road and the compact soils can makes a bathroom situation difficult. Please be prepared and responsible and don't leave TP or trash like some others did. The best was the morning view: waking up on a hilltop surrounded by clouds. The quiet space and morning views and agility to find someone space at 11pm despite other campers was a positive.
- ssusan F.
RangerBuena Vista Aquatic Recreational Area
New bathrooms and beautiful sunset
This campground has many wonderful features, but also some issues. Here on a Friday night in July and all sites were taken - many family groups, here to enjoy their boats and jet skis on the lake. There are new bathrooms, that have separate toilet and shower rooms. They were clean when we arrived at 5pm, but by 9 pm the toilets were clogged and the shower rooms dirty. Grateful for our cassette toilet! Avoid the older buildings with toilets only. The women’s sink was clogged, the seats are metal and no latch or difficult to latch doors. The men’s were a clogged mess.
As one other reviewer noted, the ground is pocketed with ground critter holes. There are grassy areas to pitch a tent in most sites.
Our campsite was not clean when we arrived - bits of garbage, broken glass, dog poops throughout. We spent some time cleaning up so we and our dog could safely walk around.
I am sure it is a much more pleasant experience in the off season or mid-week. The lake is beautiful, many sites have new picnic tables and the new bathrooms and showers are nice when clean. The sites are well spaced, and when reserving, you can opt of shade, partial shade or no shade. All sites have electrical and water.!
- EElisa H.Scout
Morrow hill dispersed
Excellent desolate site
Great spot. Easy to get to in my car but definitely into the mountains so had to meander the mountain roads to get there. Gorgeous view along a wash. Easy enough to park. Very serene. One bummer is just the amount of sap if you park under the tree. I just moved the car over a bit. Enjoy!
- BBarbara C.Scout
Oceano Campground — Pismo State Beach
Family camping
30 amp electric and water in the first 40 spaces. Close to the beach lots of kids here. Shade trees. It’s a well equipped campground, but a little crowded. Reservation through reservecalifornia.com.
- LLiedewei V.
GuideTV Tower Road Dispersed Camping
Incredible views
Awesome views, couple of other campers and people watching the sunset nearby
Mike M.TravelerCachuma Lake Recreation Area
Amazing lake, zero escape from city noise
The lake was amazing. The bar & grill stocks some great craft beers (didn't try the food so can't speak to its quality). The store was well stocked, the staff were friendly and helpful. The sites were reasonably well spread out (at least where we were).
That's the good. Here's the bad.
Ants. So many ants. But that's just camping - come prepared with ant spray, ant baits, and diatomaceous earth.
But the worst part was the group campsite near us. Nice enough people, looked like they were having a great time and making good memories for their kids. But someone brought a jobsite style generator - one of the extremely noisy ones - and had it running from 7am to 10pm every day, so that constant rattle was completely inescapable. You can't hang out in your site in peace. You can't wake up and enjoy the birds. You can't sing by a campfire. All you have is rattling generators.
We told the park staff about this, but it didn't seem to matter. And we never once saw park staff anywhere near our site - I haven't been to a single other campground, whether county, state, federal, or private, where that's been the case.
Guide to Carrizo Plain National Monument
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."
Frequently Asked Questions
What should visitors know before visiting Carrizo Plain National Monument?
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?
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?
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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