Want to go dispersed camping near Coalinga? Here you'll find a diverse selection of places to camp, including remote dispersed camping to boondocking, and everything in-between. You're sure to find the perfect dispersed campsite for your California camping adventure.
Sign in front with gate closed says “closed to motorized vehicles April-October”
Look closely at the ground you will find evidence of the vast inland sea that once covered the Tumey Hills. The light porous rocks are composed of diatoms, the tiny, bleached, shell-like skeletons of sea algae. Annual grasslands are lovely in springtime, with beautiful wildflower displays. Rarely seen federally-protected San Joaquin kit fox, blunt-nosed leopard lizard, and giant kangaroo rats make their homes in these hills. Visitors enjoy a day use facility with parking, shade structures, picnic benches, vault toilets and an interpretive kiosk with a map and information about the area.
Scout
The drive up has around five miles of very well maintained dirt road, but very much worth it. Some dispersed camping areas and a campground with 5 spots with a shelter and a picnic table at each one. Bathroom was very clean.
Views are magnificent.
TravelerThe road to come to the BLM was not bad, we came with a van and had no problems. The campground is nice and clean, vault toilet with TP &clean. Camp spots with table & shade & the view on the hills is incredible
LegendWe stayed here for 3 nights in the summer, arriving on a Sunday, and it was great. I was worried about the heat, but it really wasn’t too bad, even on the hot days (low 90s) it cools down in the evening and didn’t get hot until early afternoon. Just be sure to get one of the shady spots! We set up in site #1 when we first arrived because it was private and had nice views, but it was way too much direct sun. We moved to #4 and it was much better- shady and even better views.
There were other people here when we stayed here but everyone was very quiet and respectful, and we didn’t hear any shooting like other reviews have mentioned— this may be due to the ban on shooting (and camp fires) at this time because of fire danger, but I was still impressed and surprised that people respected the ban. There is one pit toilet that we didn’t check out, but man you can smell it if you camp in one of the sites near to it.
We saw one volunteer/employee come and clean things up while we were here. We were pleasantly surprised that the trash wasn’t too bad here. No trash service so please pack out your waste. Cell service is good up at the campground, though you do lose it in parts on the drive up. We made it up in our 26ft class c no problem, though the road is narrow at times and we were glad we didn’t come across any oncoming traffic. Sites are relatively flat/ fixable with levels. Two of the sites are huge/ pull throughs so would be good for bigger rigs or big groups. If you get up here and all the sites are taken, there are several spots outside of the campground where you can disperse camp.
This is an OHV area but we didn’t see any while we were here. We hiked along the OHV trails and there was nothing- but I could see it getting busy on the weekends.
There's a 14 day stay limit. No water provided up here.
My only complaint was the BEES! They were everywhere and aggressive, and all in our face, but didn’t sting us. One of the campers said that this was unusual though. Really nice campground, amazing that it’s free! Thanks BLM!
ScoutThis is a nice area and it's free so you can't beat that. Unfortunately there aren't a ton of spots to camp. I've been twice now and both times the actual camp sites were full by the time I got there (2-3pm Friday). Leaving us to grab one of the few remaining dispersed spots. If you can get on it super early you may get lucky. The road in was fine for 4x4 but there was one stretch with some ruts that could prove hairy if you aren't good at driving on dirt.
Guide
I couldn’t really identify this place as a campground. It is a shooting range. If you’re in to target practice you’d give it a five. It’s fairly desolate, a port-a-potty, (bring your own TP) and sparse camping spots. One picnic table sat in a day use area, and that gravel parking area is where we set up. It was perfectly flat and level. We didn’t even unhook the trailer. Pack it in and out as there are no services at all other than the potty. The three mile road in from I-5 is paved half way and well-graded dirt the rest. After the shooting stopped, about 8:30 PM, it was amazingly quiet. For us, needing only a stop-over, it was perfect.
TravelerI spent two nights at this BLM property. It was very quiet except for relatively far off gunfire one morning. I think there are eight campsites here, Each one with a covered picnic table. There is a well-maintained pit toilet relatively close to all sites. The campers were respectful of each other…I heard no one. The weather was mild with temperatures into the 70s during the day, and it got down to 40 at night. Verizon coverage with 2 bars LTE
Traveler•7 designated campsites with covered structure, picnic table and fire pit •A few additional overflow areas to park and camp •Pit toilet - BYO toilet paper •No trash receptacles •Great Verizon reception / Decent Sprint reception •Drive thru campsites (~2) for larger rigs •Beautiful views, clean and quiet •Plenty of fire roads to walk/hike/bike •Rough, washboard roads leading into camp •Popular area for shooting •Highly trafficked campsite - most campers only stayed 1 night •Pictures are taken late December •Daytime temps - 60’s •Nighttime temps - low 40’s •Free!
GuideEasy overnight BLM spot, we stayed overnight on the way to San Jose - easy to navigate, find & park.
Close by amenities gas stations, mcdonald’s & freeway about 10 mins out
GuideStayed here one night Nov 18 Small blm property Camp is full I stayed in an area just before the campground Hiking is limited to the trough roads And people go here to shoot guns at the side of a mountain Verizon signal very good here.
ScoutDuring covid there’s not much open. This place has great views and spread out enough on the extra dispersed spots to feel solitudes
Scout7 sites suitable for tents, vans, rv's, tt. Sites have covered shelter with metal picnic tables with overhangs for stove and a fire ring. Sites 5 and 7 suitable for larger rigs. Site 5 is pull thru will accommodate 40ft+ rig and pull vehicle. Site 7 is back-in site pull vehicle parks on one side of shelter, 40'+ capable. These sites are dry camping with vault toilet. Offers views of Coastal Range on west Salinas Valley on right. Eastern road from San Ardo/PCH unpaved, washboard on lower end, no steep grades. Turn onto W1 is close for larger rigs as well as turn into campground. Directly opposite of campground entrance is extra large flat dispersed site capable of any length. Road up is narrow must yield to downhill traffic. No electric hookups gens allowed but be mindful of neighbors.
RangerAwesome spot takes a while to get there but, once you’re there great views. Lots of trees for shade. Met some very nice people. FREE(-;
ScoutThis campsite is nice, each of the 7 spots has a fire ring and covered picnic table. However, the wasps and the heat are almost unbearable. We could hear the wasps at 6 am before we even got out of the car. They harass you and make it impossible to sit outside without a bug net. The bathroom here is basic but suprisingly clean. Be careful on the road up to the site, it is gravel for the last few miles and becomes one lane as you get to the high, very windy portion. The only downsides are location, heat, and the wasps!
GuideWe towed our 30' travel trailer up to this dispersed campground that is located along a ridge line on the west side of the 101. When we went, of the (7) formal sites that are up there, only 3 of them were taken and that was off and on. We didn't need 4x4 getting up there or even a high clearance vehicle. Our transmission did start heating up as the road was filled with washboard and it was steep and we had to go pretty slow. However, any car will be able to make it up there. The road was safe and relatively wide, but it drops off and you wouldn't stop until you got to the bottom..... If the (7) spots are taken, there are at least 2 large areas before and after the camp ground that you can camp.
The view is fantastic, there is a really nice pit toilet, but I don't remember seeing any water hoses.
Each of the (7) sites had a concrete pad with a covered picnic table and a BBQ pit! Please pick up your trash if you go. There was some beer cans and other garbage left behind by some mental midgets.
GuideGot tired and needed a place to sleep for the night; this area is popular with semi drivers and safe and quiet, with 24-hour bathrooms nearby.
ScoutThe street ends and there is a dirt lot past it. You see other trucks, like two, not many at all, that are here resting. I personally pulled into the dirt lot but the trucks are on the sides of the end of the road. You can hear a highway close but honestly, not bad. I feel pretty relaxed and safe here. You have like three fast food places within walking distance so you’re not in a sketchy, middle of nowhere place and not many people come all the way to the end of the road.
ScoutIt was spooky but comfortable, good places for renting, fishing,and nature.
ScoutBasic pull off area that is good for a nights rest. There are a couple of gas stations and fast food restaurants nearby. The parking area is relatively quite and there is a good amount of room to park and sleep.
ScoutIf you aren’t sleeping in a camper or in your car, don’t waste your time. It’s a parking lot. Didn’t clearly specify
ScoutAnother beautiful spot ruined by people who can’t pickup after themselves
TravelerThis was such a beautiful spot. It had the greenest hills. It was very peaceful at night. There were people shooting in the morning. But overall the spot was really nice for one night.
ScoutThe nature minder people closed this down and Panoche hills down due to environmental concerns regarding the decrease in population of a lizard.
TravelerFirst, knowing nothing about this area of CA I looked for a spot to set up for a few to dry out, we'd just dropped out of Shasta Mt b4 heavy winter storms. Arrived late afternoon to set up. Problem is the ground is covered, literally, with all the casings, glass, human trash everywhere 😮💨 🙏 please, always pack out a bit more than you've created in an area. These pics are the cleanest spot I could find. 😪
GuideGun range, lots of people shooting. Wouldn't be my first choice. Easy overnight spot.
GuideLoved this spot as other options were concrete RV parking lots!We were surprised to find a small campground - 7 sites with picnic tables, shades and a drop toilet at the top of hill as we expected just disbursed camping in pull-outs off the few fireroads. The sites were full as we arrived late on a Sat night but we easily found a private spot nearby. There was a group partying on the top of the next hill and you could hear their tecno music and their laughter (which we kinda enjoyed :)) but otherwise it was a quiet place. It is about 15-20 miles off the Hwy and the last 7 or so miles are on a well maintained but narrow gravel road which has a few tight switchbacks near the top. Best for tents, vans and very small trailers. No water or electricity.
GuideSite is first come first served so get there early. Sites have awesome valley views. Vault toilet, fire ring available. Lots of ATV, dirt bike use be prepared for the dust and noise.
GuideGreat quiet place, don’t forget your water it could be a bit of a drive for more.
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Coalinga, California, where nature meets tranquility. This area offers a variety of spots for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle and enjoy the great outdoors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Coalinga, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Coalinga, CA is Boondocking - Coalinga with a 3.4-star rating from 5 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Coalinga, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 3 dispersed camping locations near Coalinga, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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