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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."
from $125 - $145 / night
Check Availability"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."
"However, better than that, there was no one around as far as the eye could see- which was amazing. Great views."
from $27 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $55 - $200 / night
Check Availability"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!"
"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."
from $30 - $34 / night
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ScoutNo other campers today as the forecasted rain came. Quiet place surrounded by trees, although little noise. The pool is great, hot springs water 87 degrees. There are many cabins, 5 RV sites and tent sites. The folks here are super friendly and helpful. You can get a massage here.
TravelerNice place, great access to dunes, but about a mile to beach across said dunes. Beautiful though. Only down sides were the bathrooms. Broken stall door, dirty showers. Good for last minute reservation or if you have your own bathroom/shower.
TravelerAlright - I would never write a review like this, but NOBODY is talking about the SMELL, and the FLIES!
OK, this place is PERFECT as a stopping point from southern California to the Bay Area and beyond. I've stopped here 4 times in my RV on my way to Palm Springs or back and it is the perfect location, it does get great sunsets (Thanks to the disgusting Bakersfield air). However... can we talk about that Bakersfield smell? I don't know if there is a sewer treatment plant nearby (there isn't), or a billion cows off gassing every second of the day (there is), but it is absolutely disgusting. If you arrive at sunset, you'll have a lovely evening (if there is a breeze to fend off the flies), however around 11pm, you'll get "the whiff". Let me tell you... I have a well sealed class A RV, with a good air conditioner/heat pump, and it still wakes you up and takes your breath away. I've visited in September, October, December, and even in February... nothing seems to change these facts unfortunately.
Lovely campground, full hookups, water views (apparently the water has severed body parts in it), great sunsets, and super convenient location right off highway 5 with no road noise.... But the SMELL! and THE FLIES! 😂 OK, I said my piece. Book at your own risk :).
ScoutBeautiful view next to lake. Site is on pavementwith grass area next to us. Had to call for noise, the ranger went by and after he left went back up again. So not so peaceful. Can boat, canoe, paddle board. Very calm lake. Not too busy. Pull through sites.
GuideRoomy campground with large sites. The beach is a short walk away. Dogs are allowed on the beach on leash.
GuideWhen I pulled in, everyone else was pulling out (Sunday mid morning). So I had the place to myself and my beagles! I've wanted to introduce them to camping and wasn't sure how they would do. It's quiet, peaceful and even beagles were relaxed enough to sleep!
ScoutPleasant spot to stay for the night, panoramic views and felt quite safe.
GuideNice sized campsites. It’s a short walk to a beautiful beach! Uncrowned the day after Labor Day. Dogs are allowed on leash. We saw plenty of clams and sand dollars.
TravelerWe love the convenience of having our 5th wheel stored by Pismo Coast Village. We purchased our 5th wheel across the street from Pismo Coast Village at Sky River RV. The resort is well maintained and the staff are very friendly and helpful. The general store and restaurant located at Pismo Coast Village are superb.
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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