Dispersed camping near Fillmore, California encompasses areas within Los Padres National Forest at elevations ranging from 1,200 to 6,000 feet, characterized by chaparral vegetation transitioning to pine forests at higher elevations. Seasonal considerations affect access significantly, with winter storms occasionally closing forest roads and summer temperatures regularly exceeding 95°F in lower elevations. Fire restrictions vary seasonally with the strictest limitations typically imposed from May through November.
What to do
Swimming in natural pools: The Punch Bowls in Santa Paula Canyon near Big Cone Camp offer natural swimming opportunities after a moderate hike. According to one visitor: "From Big Cone Camp you can easily reach the waterfalls and pools that make this area known as the punch bowls. Depending on weather and water conditions there are some nice water rock slides, and a few pools you can jump from the cliffs into."
Hiking nearby trails: The Chorro Grande trail provides approximately 9 miles of hiking terrain with access to remote camping. A camper notes: "This site is next to chorro grande trail which is about a 9 mile hike. After your long hike of you want to rest go up the mountain site across and it's an awesome place to camp out."
Sunrise/sunset viewing: The elevated position of Morrow hill dispersed camping area provides exceptional viewing opportunities. "Great view in the morning, beautiful," reports one camper who visited the site in an RV.
What campers like
Solitude and quiet: Many dispersed sites offer separation from crowds, particularly during weekdays. At Morrow Hill, campers appreciate the peaceful atmosphere: "We had a great and quiet night up there in our 21ft RV."
Accessibility to trails: The proximity to hiking paths makes Chorma Camp a convenient base for exploration despite some drawbacks. One reviewer explains: "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."
Night sky viewing: Clear skies provide stargazing opportunities at most dispersed sites where light pollution is minimal. The Angeles Crest areas offer unique nighttime perspectives, with one visitor noting: "The view is gorgeous in the morning sunrise!"
What you should know
Fire restrictions: Complete fire bans exist in many areas including Highway 33 and Matilija Canyon Road. A camper emphasizes: "There is a nice hike-in campsite about 1.5 miles up the Chorro Grande trail called Oak Camp. I think the other review here might be unintentionally implying that camping along the 33 is allowed. It isn't."
Limited amenities: All dispersed sites lack basic facilities. Regarding Angeles Crest Overlook to LA, one camper states: "There are no toilets, campfire sites or shade but good cell service."
Road conditions: Access to some sites requires careful navigation on unpaved roads. At Morrow Hill, a camper cautions: "But the road is a little tricky and we almost wouldn't have driven there. Make sure, you really stay at the place up the hill (coordinates) otherwise the landlord will clarify that you're on private property."
Weather exposure: Many sites lack natural shelter from elements. One camper describes Chorma Camp: "Windy and high, Chorma Camp is a quick stop. 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."
Tips for camping with families
Choose accessible sites: For families with children, sites with shorter hikes work better. One experienced camper shares about Santa Paula Canyon: "It is one of my favorite spots simply because it is close and when my kids were young it was a fairly easy hike to get to, and there's a nice reward when you get there."
Pack extra water: No reliable water sources exist at most rustic camping areas near Fillmore. Bring 1 gallon per person per day minimum.
Consider noise factors: Some roadside camping areas experience traffic and visitor disruptions. A review of Angeles Crest notes: "Several others were also sleeping in their vehicles along the road and in the parking lots, so you won't be alone. There were two others in our lot that stayed the night too."
Tips from RVers
Vehicle size limitations: Most dispersed sites accommodate smaller RVs only. A reviewer at Morrow hill dispersed notes successfully camping with a "21ft RV" but cautions about access roads.
Level parking challenges: Many pullouts lack level surfaces. Scout locations during daylight hours.
Cell service considerations: Connectivity varies significantly by location. One Angeles Crest camper reports: "Unfortunately I didn't have any service (Visible/Verizon), so that was a little scary."
