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 (123)

    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

    57 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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Showing results 1-10 of 123 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Carrizo Plain National Monument

697 Reviews of 123 Carrizo Plain National Monument Campgrounds



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 123 campgrounds and RV parks near Carrizo Plain National Monument and 11 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?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 11 free dispersed camping spots near Carrizo Plain National Monument.

What parks are near Carrizo Plain National Monument?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 13 parks near Carrizo Plain National Monument that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.