Camping near Carrizo Plain National Monument offers options ranging from primitive sites to modern glamping accommodations. The monument sits at elevations between 2,000 and 5,000 feet, with temperatures reaching over 100°F in summer and dropping below freezing in winter. Weather conditions can change rapidly, with strong winds common across the exposed plains.
What to do
Hiking trails: Access the Manzana Creek trail directly from Nira Campground, which serves as an entry point to the San Rafael wilderness. "Nira Campground is a great start to a backpacking trip into the San Rafael wilderness. This is a remote campground, bring all amenities including water. Excellent views along the Manzana trail."
Wildlife photography: The diverse ecosystem provides numerous photography opportunities year-round. "We enjoyed a spur of the moment night away in our four wheel camper at Nira on a chilly (28f) night. We had the place to ourselves! Trail head directly from parking lot and campground."
Beach excursions: Many visitors combine their Carrizo Plain visit with trips to coastal areas just an hour away. "We tried to reserve online but site said they were full and sign at entrance said they were full. We waited at check in gate at 2pm (check in time) for about 10 minutes. Staff came by in a car and registered us from their car! Strange but we were grateful. Many available spaces!"
Lake activities: Cachuma Lake Recreation Area offers boating and fishing options for a change of scenery from the monument plains. "Cachuma Lake is a great place for wildlife viewing and birding. I am a photographer, and love seeing all of the birds that hang out around Cachuma - ducks, coots, Western and Clark's grebes, loons, osprey, hawks, turkey vultures."
What campers like
Spacious campsites: The open landscape provides ample room between sites at certain locations. A camper at Songdog Ranch noted, "I stayed for a quick stop overnight and found the site as described. Just a table, fire pit, and water spigot. The hosts are very accommodating and made sure I was able to find my site after dark."
Clean facilities: Several campgrounds maintain better-than-expected restrooms and amenities. "Beautiful drive to get to Nira with stunning views. Had a nice visit having the whole campground to ourselves, although the nearby trailheads had several cars. The sites are nicely dispersed with a running creek nearby."
Star viewing: The remote location with limited light pollution creates exceptional night sky visibility. "I stayed for a quick stop overnight and found the site as described. The hosts are very accommodating and made sure I was able to find my site after dark and were very responsive to my texts!"
Seasonality considerations: Winter camping offers solitude but requires preparation for cold temperatures. "We enjoyed a spur of the moment night away in our four wheel camper at Nira on a chilly (28f) night. We had the place to ourselves!"
What you should know
Water availability: Many campgrounds near the monument lack reliable drinking water. "Nira is a small, primitive campground in the San Rafael wilderness behind the Santa Ynez Valley. The campground is a bit of a haul to get back to, and is often used as a base for backpackers entering the San Rafael wilderness or the Manzana Creek trail."
Extreme temperatures: Summer heat can exceed 100°F while winter nights frequently drop below freezing. "Every time I have gone I was there by myself or with friends. You can hunt fish hike horse back riding and wake up to the sound of birds. I have seen bears and mountain lions so be prepared for that."
Limited cell service: Most areas within and around the monument have no cellular coverage. Barrel Springs Campground visitor mentioned: "Barrel springs campground is a super sweet place. There's plenty of tree and shade coverage, nice spread out spots to set up camp, and good nearby hikes."
Wildlife encounters: Visitors should be prepared for potential wildlife sightings including predators. "I have seen bears and mountain lions so be prepared for that. Never been attacked by them. Bring your own water."
Tips for camping with families
Yurt accommodations: Family-friendly yurt camping near Carrizo Plain Monument offers sturdy shelter with basic amenities. At Cachuma Lake Recreation Area, "We have rented a yurt a couple times, and hope to do so again soon. The yurts have bunk beds inside (bring your own bedding!), an overhead light, and a heater."
Educational opportunities: The monument provides excellent learning experiences about geology and ecology. "Barrel springs campground is a super sweet place. We taught several youth camping skills here. Lots of hiking and just a beautiful place."
Proximity to amenities: Some campgrounds offer convenient access to supplies. "This campground is awesome. It's very beautiful, with lots of wildflowers, trees, trails, beach dunes…and squirrels. Lots of them. But we also saw and heard hawks, turkey vultures, owls, and many other birds."
Protection from elements: Consider wind and sun exposure when selecting sites. "This campground is awesome. The bathrooms have hot water and Flush toilets. Showers are huge and are self-contained and not in the bathrooms. Tokens needed."
Tips from RVers
Access roads: Some campgrounds have challenging access for larger rigs. Oceano Campground visitor noted: "Our 3rd visit here. Sites are pull through, Power and water. Asphalt pads are in good condition. Easy access to the beach from your site, or turn right out of the camp and drive on the beach."
Site specifications: Verify site dimensions before booking for larger vehicles. "Sites are pull through, Power and water. Asphalt pads are in good condition. Easy access to the beach from your site, or turn right out of the camp and drive on the beach."
Hookup availability: Most primitive campgrounds lack water and electric connections. "Nice place and clean place, but not really a campground as it much as it's an rv park with cabins. Not much nature. Use to go years ago when they had tent camping."
Dump station locations: Plan ahead for waste disposal as facilities are limited. "Lopez Lake Recreation Area is 15 minutes behind the 'Village' of Arroyo Grande, CA. Lopez is a very large campground with many different loops, so many of which are nearby the lake."