Tent camping near Carrizo Plain National Monument offers opportunities in remote locations within Los Padres National Forest. The area features elevations ranging from 2,000 to 5,000 feet with oak-covered ridgelines and chaparral vegetation. Most campsites sit far from cell service where nighttime temperatures can drop 30-40 degrees below daytime highs, even in summer months.
What to do
Wildlife watching near campgrounds: Barrel Springs Campground provides access to diverse wildlife viewing. According to one camper, "At night lots of wildlife to listen to" with opportunities to spot nocturnal creatures during evening hours.
Hiking to creeks: The hiking trails around Colson Canyon Campground connect to seasonal waterways. A visitor noted, "This place has been here forever. I'm sure in its day it was packed but now it's always quiet. Beautiful area to get away but close enough, you don't have to go far."
Stargazing from high points: Miranda Pine Campground offers exceptional night sky viewing due to its elevation and distance from city lights. One camper experienced "a full moon that night that lit up everything beautifully," creating ideal conditions for astronomy enthusiasts.
Mountain biking access: Several routes near Bates Canyon Campground can be explored by bike. "There's a nice trail that leads to the creek" according to one visitor, providing options for cycling excursions that connect campgrounds to natural features.
What campers like
360-degree views: Tent campers appreciate the panoramic vistas at Miranda Pine Campground. A camper described it as "well taken care of and has a 360° view literally at the top of a mountain" providing unobstructed sightlines in all directions.
Isolation from crowds: Wagon Flat Campground offers exceptional solitude. One visitor reported, "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." The campground sees minimal traffic outside peak seasons.
Abundant free firewood: Some campsites provide natural materials for campfires. A Bates Canyon visitor mentioned, "Plenty of firewood to gather from fallen trees nearby. We didn't see anyone the whole weekend and we had a great time."
Night sky quality: The dark skies create memorable experiences at Colson Canyon Campground with minimal light pollution. A camper stated it's "basic, fun, old school camping" where traditional outdoor experiences remain unchanged by development.
What you should know
Wildlife safety precautions: Bears and mountain lions inhabit areas around Wagon Flat Campground. According to one camper, "I have seen bears and mountain lions so be prepared for that. Never been attacked by them." Proper food storage and awareness are essential.
Bathroom conditions vary widely: Facilities at Bates Canyon Campground may not meet all expectations. One camper reported, "The bathrooms were pretty nasty so we opted to pee in the woods," while another noted, "One of the bathrooms is destroyed and the other was absolutely disgusting, plus no toilet paper."
Navigation challenges: Many campgrounds have confusing access points. At Brookshire Campground, campers encountered issues: "We attempted to get here based on some GPS coordinates we found online... we arrived at a locked gate with a 'private property, no trespassing' sign."
Road conditions require planning: Access roads deteriorate seasonally. A Bates Canyon visitor explained, "We got here late at night after not being able to find multiple other campgrounds we were looking for, and were very happy that there was signage all the way there."
Tips for camping with families
Easy access options: Some campgrounds provide simpler approaches for families with children. At Arroyo Hondo Vista Point Rest Area, "You can get down to the beach, and walk across the bridge," offering manageable exploration options for younger campers.
Wildlife educational opportunities: Wagon Flat Campground provides natural science learning. A camper reported waking up to "the sound of birds" with opportunities to observe diverse animal species in their natural habitat.
Pack extra layers: Temperature fluctuations affect comfort at high-elevation sites. At Miranda Pine Campground, conditions can change rapidly as one camper experienced when it "did get very windy that night," making proper clothing essential for family comfort.
Water source planning: No reliable water exists at most sites. A visitor to Colson Canyon Campground advised, "No bathrooms. Bring water," highlighting the need for families to carry all potable water needs.
Tips from RVers
Length restrictions: Most campgrounds near Carrizo Plain have limited space for larger vehicles. At Bates Canyon, a visitor observed, "The road was manageable in a 4x4 although not well-maintained, but we did see a sedan driving it the next day that didn't seem to have any problems."
Backup location planning: Road closures affect campground access unpredictably. One RVer at Arroyo Hondo Vista Point reported, "Road closed" while another noted, "Area was closed off. Couldn't stay at this location," highlighting the need for contingency plans.
Short-stay options: Some locations enforce time limits rather than overnight stays. At Arroyo Hondo, rules state "one is allowed to park their 8 hours" as "you'll see many long haul big rig drivers there as well as campers looking for a quick respite."
