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Best Dispersed Camping near Carrizo Plain National Monument

55 Reviews
CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Dispersed camping opportunities exist throughout the Carrizo Plain National Monument area, with several primitive sites available for visitors seeking free camping on public lands. Old Sierra Madre, Caliente Mountain Ranch, and Carrizo Plain National Monument Dispersed sites offer basic accommodations for tent and RV camping with no amenities. According to recent visitor reviews, "There are quite a few spots, some shaded, some exposed" at Old Sierra Madre, though some highway noise may be noticeable.

These sites operate on a strict pack-in, pack-out basis. No drinking water, toilets, trash service, or hookups are provided at any location. Visitors must bring all necessary supplies, including sufficient water for their stay. Several campers noted the exceptional stargazing opportunities, with one reporting "silent nights with great views of the night sky" at Carrizo Plain. Fire restrictions vary seasonally; campfires are allowed at Carrizo Plain National Monument Dispersed sites but prohibited at Old Sierra Madre and Caliente Mountain Ranch. A valid California campfire permit is required where fires are permitted.

Road conditions can be challenging, particularly during or after precipitation. Dirt access roads may become slick and difficult to navigate when wet. Most sites are accessible via drive-in routes, though high-clearance vehicles are recommended for some areas. Visitors should download offline maps before arrival, as cell service is described as "spotty with Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile" throughout the region. The landscape features rolling hills with limited natural shade. Weather conditions include warm daytime temperatures and cooler nights, with occasional strong winds. Weekdays typically offer more solitude than weekends.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Carrizo Plain National Monument (13)

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Carrizo Plain National Monument

55 Reviews of 13 Carrizo Plain National Monument Campgrounds

  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 22, 2021

    Los Padres National Forest dispersed camping

    Free Dispersed Camping

    Turning on Redhill Road from hwy 58 follow the dirt road about 2 miles to the intersection of Redhill and Fernandez. This spot, and there are others, is right at the intersection so it can have some traffic with residents that live further down the road and OHV riders. It is a good spot for the night or to stay while you bike or ride ATVs. We stayed one night. It was very quiet and walking down the road was pleasant as there weren't any OHVs riding around on a Monday.

    It is a fairly flat spot and we had no trouble with our 26ft Class C. The road in is wide and dirt with some washboard but fairly smooth overall. Further down the road is Navajo Flat Campground which is $20/night with additional fees. (see review of Navajo Flat campground) This spot is in National Forest Land so we camped for free. There seem to be other areas for dispersed camping but be mindful of the private property areas.

    There is zero amenities so pack in and pack out. There is no water, garbage or fire pits. Cell service is spotty with Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile. Download map before you come so you don't camp on private land.

    Campfires are allowed with permit.

    Overall a nice place to stay, quiet at night less traffic on weekdays. We would stay here again.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 29, 2025

    TV Tower Road Dispersed Camping

    Beautiful view / very windy

    Hard to access. Rutted dirt road. We are traveling in a truck/cabover combo and we did see a camper van along with day use cars. I wouldn’t try to tow anything up here. It is busier than I was expecting with other overnighters and day hikers and mountain bikers but worth the sunset and sunrise.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 9, 2024

    TV Tower Road Dispersed Camping

    Beautiful View!

    The road was a bit sketchy, any 4WD would be fine I think. I took my mini van and camped at a turn out along the road because I was a bit hesitant, but again, others would probably be fine. There were lots of people going up the road until very late at night, then turning around and coming back down (I assume because there were no spots?) The stars are beautiful and it's very quiet and cool. Got cold at night but nothing unbearable, lovely sunrise too! I'd recommend bringing a warm sleeping bag and any essentials for dispersed camping. Honestly such a beautiful place, next time I'd like to find a space to set up my tent. Loved it!

  • Summer A.
    Jul. 17, 2022

    TV Tower Road Dispersed Camping

    Seclusion

    We came up to TV tower road and found a great spot to pull the car into, with a little trail that pulls off to a spot to pitch the tent. This is definitely a great spot for car camping, parking, or camping. It was absolutely beautiful, and we only passed a few cars on the way up. Our 4WD car was able to handle the dirt road. The drive was manageable, but high up!

  • Chanel C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 6, 2018

    TV Tower Road Dispersed Camping

    Ranger Review: Escape Campervan at TV Tower Road

    My husband and I decided to do a road trip along the PCH up the coast (with Big Sur as the final destination). Along the way, we made multiple stops and camped at TV Tower Road since we heard so many phenomenal things about the view.

    [ PROS ]

    • VIEWS VIEWS VIEWS!! The view is spectacular up this mountain. You can see Morro Bay, Los Osos, and San Luis Obispo. And to top it all off, you also get an ocean view in the distance. You can even see the infamous Morro Bay Rock and the 3 smokestacks in the horizon.
    • It’s FREE! When you’re doing a road trip along HWY 1 during the summer, you’ll notice that almost all campsites are full if you haven’t made a reservation months in advance. This place is perfect for last minute campers who need a place to park for the evening.
    • Stargazing is out of this world. We had the clearest night sky with very little light pollution, and we were able to see the Milky Way so vividly. We also saw multiple shooting stars.
    • This campsite is off the beaten road, so it’s very remote. We saw two other campers nearby but other than that, we had the entire place to ourselves.
    • Great hiking spot! It’s only a 1.5 mile hike up to the campsite, but it’s steep. You can find the entrance to TV Tower Road at the West Cuesta RIdge Trailhead. Lots of cyclist and morning hikers come through at dawn.

    [ CONS ]

    • Really terrifying drive up the mountain with a few sharp turns and a narrow one-car dirt road. We were able to take our Escape Camervan up the mountain with no problem, but this road is for confident drivers. There are some parts of the road where two cars can fit, but just make sure you drive slow and check weather conditions.
    • No toilets, no showers, no water, no hook ups, no amenities. Make sure you bring your own food/water/supplies, practice LNT, and be safe.
    • There is practically no shade on this mountain ridge so it can get hot during the day with the sun beaming down on you. Just prepare for that.

    Pro Tip: Drive up TV Tower Road before sunset. 1) Sunsets are magical here 2) Better visibility of the road while the sun is still out. There are no road or street lights to guide you.

    Product Review

    As a Ranger for The Dyrt, I get products to test from time to time - this weekend I was incredibly BLESSED with the opportunity to test out the Maverick Camper by Escape Campervans. This opportunity couldn’t have come at a better time since my cat recently just passed away, and I do not take a second of this for granted. So where did we decide to go? First on the list, Morro Bay! My (now) husband and I fell in love in Morro Bay 6 years ago, and then he proposed to me at the Morro Bay Rock 2 years later. We figured we would bring our cat’s ashes to “The Rock” as a final resting place so we can make an effort to return as often as possible. After our day in Morro Bay, we continued on along the majestic Pacific Coast Highway until we reached Big Sur on Hwy 1.

    I’ve done this road trip many times since childhood, but it felt like an entirely new experience doing the trip in a campervan. I am, now, totally convinced that the #vanlife is for me. Here are my thoughts on the Maverick #JetsonVan.

    • TRAVELING IN STYLE - I just LOVE LOVE LOVED the custom painted design on our campervan. Just seeing the beautiful colors and design put a smile on my face and made me happy. It brought out my inner-child and a reignited a new sense of adventure and curiosity that I haven’t felt since I was in grade-school. We need more of this in our everyday lives. Thank you Escape Campervans for reminding me of this.
    • ROAD TRIP READY - I’ve done road trips, but never like THIS! The Maverick has everything you need to have the most relaxing, easy, and hassle-free experience ever. The campervan is so well-designed and packed with handy and useful features that really make your trip a breeze. I was able to spend less time packing and setting up, and more time to play. Escape Campervans also came with everything you can think of -- chairs, bedding, pots/pans, bowls/cups/utensils, you name it! There was very little that we needed to pack from home. Below are a few of our favorite features
    • Rooftop sleeper - This is a MUST! It was so fun sleeping on the roof of the van. It’s a little tricky at first to get up and down, but we were able to get the hang of it in no time.
    • Solar powered refrigerator - I don’t know how I lived without this. It was so nice having our food and drinks chilled without having to worry about a cooler of melting ice sloshing around.
    • Storage - there is so much storage for all your gear so it’s so easy to stay organized.
    • Trunk Kitchen - The kitchen is so convenient and it facilitates spur-of-the-moment cooking with very little set up or clean up required. The counter space was really nice for prepping and easy to clean.
    • THE ROAD TO FREEDOM - Our Maverick became our home away from home, and the best part? We were able to bring it with us everywhere. It’s super easy and smooth to drive, and we had the freedom of the open road ahead of us. I loved being able to just pull over during lunch time and enjoy a meal wherever we decided to park. While we did our day trip to Big Sur, we picked a quiet, shady spot to park with an EPIC VIEW of the Pacific Ocean. And if you’ve ever driven along the PCH past Hearst Castle to Big Sur, you’ll know there are so many lookout points to stop for sightseeing.

    Tips for maximizing your campervan experience!

    1. Make it your own! Bring some stuff from your house to really make your campervan feel cozy and homey. Be careful not to overpack, but a couple throw pillows, blankets, and even a houseplant can make all the difference. You don’t normally get this opportunity in a regular car, so take advantage of the space.
    2. Bring a partner in crime or 2! Road Trips are more fun with people who you know are going to be flexible, spontaneous, and up for the unknown. Every trip can have unexpected obstacles and can be exhausting so bring a playmate who will be up for the challenge and up for an adventure.
    3. A little planning goes a long way. While my favorite part about road trips are the random little stops along the way, but it makes a huge difference when you do a little research on the route, conditions, and place to stay for the evening ahead of time.
    4. Split the load! Whether it’s taking turns driving, or alternating who cleans the dishes, make sure everyone throws in a helping hand.
    5. Make a playlist. Having music ready for those long drives can be super helpful when your car stereo loses goes out of range. While I prefer having conversations on road trips over music, sometimes some tunes really help break up the drive.
    6. TREAT YO’SELF. Don’t forget to allow yourself to splurge a litttllleee even if you’re on a tight budget. It’s nice to be able to cook your own food on the road, but it’s also totally okay to eat out a few meals or unwind with a nice bottle of wine after hours of driving or after a stressful day of navigating the road. Just make sure you’re parked for the evening when you uncork!
  • Beth R.
    Jul. 30, 2020

    TV Tower Road Dispersed Camping

    100% worth it...but get there before sunset!

    Ok so my first encounter with this road (TV Tower Road) was after 10 p.m. in mid-July. We were trying to find a spot to camp near San Luis Obispo and hoped to find a place in Los Padres Natl Forest. We saw the road in our map book and aimed to follow it.

    It was dark, and we had to anticipate the road off 101 S, because it comes quickly and the signs are easy to miss. We were able to exit and follow the one-lane road (it’s narrow) as it began to wind up the hillside. We weren’t counting on gaining so much elevation, but we were pretty stoked because after two switchbacks we had an amazing view of the sky. The pavement ended and we continued on a packed dirt road.

    It is quite narrow at parts, but there are spots along it where 2 cars can pass each other. There are bumps and rough patches, but nothing you haven’t encountered if you do much backwoods driving. Anyways.

    That night was a Friday, and it was also a peak viewing night for the comet, and there were SO many (like 8) cars that we had to pass/maneuver around. In the dark, without knowing the road, it was pretty high pressure, and we chose to turn around about halfway up, without knowing how the road ended.

    So, disappointment. However, after a fun day in Los Osos and Morro Bay, we decided to tackle the road in the daylight. We got there around 6, in full summer light, and only encountered one driver coming down. 

    When you reach the top of the ridge, the road opens up. It’s the bumpiest here, but there’s a lot of space to spread out & set up. We saw probably 12 other cars (vans, SUVs, RVs) there, and some people had set up tents. The views are incredible. It’s a super peaceful place to spend a night or two.

    We had binoculars for stargazing, but with them we could explore the details of the hills and landmarks. If you’re into radio, reception is very clear. The temperature was overall very comfortable, and we had a great night car camping. 

    The biggest caution is driving—expect to have to deal with some cars going the other way. Also, keep an eye out for hikers and mountain bikers who also use the road. If you’re down to try it, this spot is so worth it!!

    Bring food, water, a flashlight...the regular. There are no bathrooms, so be warned.

  • robherr The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 14, 2018

    Chorma Camp in Matilija Wilderness

    Windy and high, Chorma Camp is a quick stop

    Chorma Camp is the first spot you will encounter on the hike south through Cherry Creek. Situated high on a bluff it gets lots of wind, and with very little shelter around to break it, if you camp here you will get the brunt of it.

    There are no amenities at any of the campsites in this area, they are all primitive dispersed camp areas.

    Continuing on past Chorma if you can make it to Maple it is better campsite down in the valley.

  • Gert K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 1, 2025

    Carrizzo Plain National Monument Dispersed

    Beautiful and peaceful

    Beautiful hilly landscape. Despite the absence of trees or bushes for shadow, we had a wonderful evening here, on our way to santa barbara. At the mentioned location we soon encountered a sign saying the motorized vehicles are prohibited from that point on. We drove a bit further down the main road than the gps location suggests, and took the next road to find a spot. The area map with zones for dispersed camping is not too clear, but it seems that you can camp to a certain distance from the main road, and this distance varies. After taking the next road, we found a simple semi-prepared spot. Some warm breezes in the evening, silent night with great views of the night sky.

  • Avery M.
    Jul. 24, 2020

    TV Tower Road Dispersed Camping

    Sweet place

    This place was awesome. Heard about it from a friend who goes to school at SLO. We arrived around 4pm on a Saturday and all spots were open except for one. The road is a bit rocky and steep but we were fine in an old ass 2WD 4runner. We settled on a nice spot nestled in the trees. There was a pre made fire pit which we may or may not have used. The road is a hiking trail as well so we went on a little walk to watch the sunset. Only bad thing was the flies. These bitches were on the offense. Bring bug spray and citronella candles or be smart and don’t go in mid july like we did. It’s close to downtown slo which is very charming with great food. On our way out we ate at seeds for some delicious smoothies and paninis. Overall very great place and have recommended it to friends.

Guide to Carrizo Plain National Monument

Dispersed camping opportunities at Carrizo Plain National Monument offer free primitive sites across open grassland and rolling hills. Located at elevations between 2,000-4,000 feet, this region receives less than 10 inches of rainfall annually, creating a semi-arid landscape with extreme temperature fluctuations. Weather patterns shift dramatically between seasons, with summer temperatures frequently exceeding 100°F and winter nights dropping below freezing.

What to do

Wildlife viewing opportunities: The Carrizo Plain hosts several endangered species including the San Joaquin kit fox, giant kangaroo rat, and blunt-nosed leopard lizard. At TV Tower Road Dispersed Camping, visitors can access elevated viewpoints. "The views in the morning are amazing! I woke first thing in the morning and the view to the west is stunning, a sea of clouds and islands of distant mountain peaks all the way to the coast," notes Kyle K.

Stargazing sessions: Clear skies and minimal light pollution create excellent night sky viewing. Jonathan E. at Carrizzo Plain National Monument Dispersed reports, "The stars were also quite visible with minimal light pollution. The area is hilly and beautiful with enough flatness and openness to pitch a tent without issue."

Mountain biking trails: Several challenging routes exist near dispersed sites. G.D. mentions at Other Pullout on TV Tower Road, "Awesome spot on the ridge, lots of sites up past the mountain bike staging area and the best spots are a little past the TV tower itself." These routes require intermediate to advanced skills due to steep terrain.

What campers like

Unobstructed landscapes: The open terrain provides panoramic views across the monument. At Morrow hill dispersed, Mareike W. shares, "Great view in the morning, beautiful. Would def come back."

Temperature variations: Higher elevation sites offer cooler conditions during summer heat. Robert from Other Pullout on TV Tower Road notes, "Great way to get a little bit cooler. Windy in night."

Solitude on weekdays: Visitor counts decrease significantly outside weekends. "I didn't see anyone else around, nor did I see any wildlife, so it was very quiet and peaceful," reports Jonathan E. about his January visit to Carrizzo Plain National Monument Dispersed.

Level camping spots: Despite the hilly terrain, flat areas exist for setup. At Old Sierra Madre, Jacob B. mentions, "Easy spots to turn around and park. Beautiful views, slight road noise if you're not in the van but quiet inside."

What you should know

Road condition alerts: Access roads deteriorate quickly after rain. Natalie T. at Carrizzo Plain National Monument Dispersed warns, "Arrived on a drizzly day & tried going further down the road to other more secluded camping spots. However the dirt road was slick & minivan, loaded down, was slipping & sliding."

Limited shade coverage: Few natural shade options exist throughout the region. Julian T. notes about Other Pullout on TV Tower Road, "The road up the hill was small and rough, but the view is worth it!" Plan to bring your own shade structures.

Vehicle recommendations: High-clearance vehicles perform best on monument roads. Sebastian D. explains, "I rode all the way to the end with some medium difficulty off roading there are some steep bits with uneven terrain."

Temperature preparation: Winter overnight temperatures drop significantly below daytime readings. Jonathan E. cautions about Carrizzo Plain, "It was about 15 degrees (F) colder than was forecasted (20 F vs 35 F) at night, so be prepared to be a bit chilly if visiting during the winter."

Tips for camping with families

Site selection strategy: Choose pullouts closer to main roads for easier access with children. Connor B. from Old Sierra Madre recommends, "pretty easy to find, road is also easy to drive. found a pretty good level spot, definitely camping right off the side of the road. pretty nice and low key tho."

Wildlife education opportunities: Bring field guides to identify local endangered species. The monument contains over 120 protected plant and animal species across 250,000 acres.

Wind protection planning: Set up tents with windbreaks when possible. Sebastian D. from TV Tower Road warns, "The wind was shaking my tent all night until the morning." Position vehicles as windbreaks when natural protection isn't available.

Tips from RVers

Size limitations: Most dispersed sites accommodate smaller RVs and campervans only. Jacob B. advises at Old Sierra Madre, "Wouldn't recommend anything bigger than a extended sprinter or transit."

Overnight parking alternatives: When main sites are full, consider legal pullouts. Robert from Other Pullout on TV Tower Road notes, "Nice spot for large rv, but road up is winding. Great views."

Level spot considerations: Bring leveling blocks as many sites feature uneven terrain. Laura M. from Los Padres National Forest dispersed camping explains, "It is a fairly flat spot and we had no trouble with our 26ft Class C. The road in is wide and dirt with some washboard but fairly smooth overall."

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is dispersed camping allowed in Carrizo Plain National Monument?

Dispersed camping is allowed in several areas within and around Carrizo Plain National Monument. Carrizzo Plain National Monument Dispersed offers camping opportunities along the main road, though some areas restrict motorized vehicles beyond certain points. For alternative options, Los Padres National Forest dispersed camping is accessible by turning onto Redhill Road from Highway 58 and following the dirt road about 2 miles to the intersection of Redhill and Fernandez. These spots accommodate campers seeking the monument's unique landscape, though road conditions can vary significantly depending on weather and season, sometimes becoming slick during rain.

What is the best time of year to go dispersed camping at Carrizo Plain?

Spring (March-May) is the optimal time for dispersed camping at Carrizo Plain when wildflowers bloom across the monument's landscape. The weather is mild, and the plain transforms with vibrant colors. Fall (September-October) offers pleasant temperatures without summer heat. TV Tower Road Dispersed Camping is particularly stunning in spring and fall when clear skies enhance the spectacular views. Summer brings intense heat and dry conditions, making camping challenging. Winter can be cold with occasional rain making dirt roads potentially hazardous, as campers at Morrow hill dispersed have noted difficulty with slippery conditions. Check weather forecasts before planning your trip.

What amenities or facilities are available for dispersed campers at Carrizo Plain?

Dispersed camping at Carrizo Plain National Monument offers minimal to no amenities. There are no developed facilities such as potable water, trash services, or restrooms in the dispersed areas. Campers at Old Sierra Madre and throughout the monument must pack in all water and supplies and pack out all trash. Some areas like Figueroa Mountain Road Pullout 01 may have informal fire rings at established sites, but fire restrictions often apply. Cell service is generally unreliable throughout the monument. For basic services, visitors should plan to travel to nearby towns before entering the monument. This is true wilderness camping that requires self-sufficiency and proper preparation.

What permits or regulations apply to dispersed camping at Carrizo Plain National Monument?

Dispersed camping at Carrizo Plain National Monument follows standard BLM regulations: camping is limited to 14 consecutive days, practice Leave No Trace principles, and camp at least 200 feet from water sources. No permits are required for dispersed camping, but motorized vehicles must stay on designated roads. At Chorma Camp in Matilija Wilderness and similar areas, camping is only permitted in established sites. Fire restrictions are common, especially during dry seasons, so portable stoves are recommended instead of campfires. Target shooting is prohibited throughout the monument, as noted at Caliente Mtn Ranch Dispersed. Always check current regulations with the BLM Bakersfield office before your trip.

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