The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App

Best Dispersed Camping near Goleta, CA

12 Reviews

Los Padres National Forest provides the primary dispersed camping options near Goleta, California. Several primitive sites can be found along Figueroa Mountain Road, though the terrain is often steep and challenging. Sites typically offer no amenities—no water, toilets, or trash collection—and visitors must pack out all waste. Most areas require vehicles to navigate dirt roads, with some sites only accessible by hiking in.

Fire restrictions vary seasonally across Los Padres National Forest, with many areas prohibiting fires entirely. One camper shared that "the site is all up hill and really only has a small area where a few vans can fit." Free camping spots exist, but some areas like the Chorro Grande Trail region have specific restrictions. According to one visitor, "Disperse camping is NOT allowed on Hwy 33, the Rose Valley Recreation Area or the Pine Mountain Recreation Area or Matilija Canyon Rd. These are Restricted Use Zones." For backcountry experiences, Santa Cruz Island in Channel Islands National Park offers primitive camping with stunning ocean views, though boat transportation and advance reservations are required.

Map showing campgrounds near Goleta, CaliforniaExplore the Map

Best Dispersed Sites Near Goleta, California (11)

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 11 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Goleta Contest

Enter to Win

Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Goleta, CA

13 Photos of 11 Goleta Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Goleta, CA

12 Reviews of 11 Goleta Campgrounds

  • 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.

  • Natalie T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 23, 2024

    Carrizzo Plain National Monument Dispersed

    Rolling Hills & Plains

    ☆ No target shooting allowed ☆ 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. Backtracked to a nice spot, camaflouged by a small hill, it'll protect my gear tent. This is open castle range.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 22, 2024

    Old Sierra Madre

    Lovely hillside spots

    Picked the first nook from the GPS pin but hiked up road and there are quite a few others, some shaded, some exposed. Bit of highway noise.

  • Jonathan E.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 27, 2025

    Carrizzo Plain National Monument Dispersed

    Peaceful and Beautiful

    I visited in January on my way to the Bay Area and loved this campsite. I didn’t see anyone else around, nor did I see any wildlife, so it was very quiet and peaceful. 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.

    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.

    All in all, great site and I would definitely return if I need a place to camp in the area again.

  • jThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 4, 2025

    Old Sierra Madre

    Great for Van camping

    Easy spots to turn around and park. Beautiful views, slight road noise if you’re not in the van but quiet inside. Wouldn’t recommend anything bigger than a extended sprinter or transit

  • Jessica P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 12, 2021

    Los Padres NF - Dispersed Camp

    Good place after a long hike

    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. This is dispersed campsite. You will also come across many people parked on the side for those who hike the trails so if you go up the little hill mountain you can camp out peacefully with awesome sunrise and sunsets.

  • Paul O.
    Mar. 28, 2022

    Los Padres NF - Dispersed Camp

    No disperse camping allowed along the 33.

    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. This is from the district web page:

    "Disperse camping is NOT allowed on Hwy 33, the Rose Valley Recreation Area or the Pine Mountain Recreation Area or Matilija Canyon Rd. These are Restricted Use Zones."

  • robherr The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 12, 2018

    Big Cone Camp - Santa Paula Canyon

    Local easy hike to great waterfalls

    This is a fairly easy hike through what would not be considered a typical hike. It starts off going through Thomas Aquinas College, winding through horse property and oil fields, before finally opening up into Santa Paula Canyon. The trail has changed many times over the years because of the nature of flooding through the canyon, but follow the signs through the middle of the canyon and the main trail will head up the mountain to the right.

    Atop the hill on the saddle, nestled among the trees is the primitive Big Cone campsite. 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.

    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.

    Please pack out your trash. Because this hike is local and easy, there are many party people that frequent the area and leave their trash.

Guide to Goleta

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Goleta, California, where nature enthusiasts can enjoy the great outdoors without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. With stunning landscapes and a variety of activities, these spots offer a unique experience for campers seeking solitude and adventure.

Top Activities While Free Camping Near Goleta

  • Hiking enthusiasts will appreciate the scenic trails leading to Chorma Camp in Matilija Wilderness, which is the first stop on the hike south through Cherry Creek. The area offers breathtaking views, though be prepared for windy conditions.
  • For those looking for a more secluded experience, Santa Cruz Island - Del Norte Backcountry provides a unique opportunity to hike and explore the island's rugged terrain while enjoying stunning ocean views.
  • If you're in the mood for a refreshing dip, the hike to Big Cone Camp - Santa Paula Canyon leads to beautiful waterfalls and natural pools, perfect for a summer swim.

Dispersed Campers Should Check Out Santa Cruz Island

  • Accessing Santa Cruz Island - Del Norte Backcountry requires a boat trip, making it a special destination for those willing to plan ahead. The effort is rewarded with stunning views and a sense of isolation.
  • Campers at this location should be aware that there are no amenities, so it's essential to pack enough water and food. The experience is all about immersing yourself in nature.
  • Wildlife encounters are common here, with playful island foxes and crows often seen around the campsite. Be sure to secure your belongings to avoid any surprises.

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Goleta, California

  • When visiting Chorma Camp in Matilija Wilderness, remember that it is a primitive site with no amenities, so come prepared with all necessary supplies.
  • For a more peaceful experience, consider heading to Los Padres NF - Dispersed Camp, where you can find a quiet spot after a long hike. Just be cautious about camping along restricted areas.
  • Always practice Leave No Trace principles, especially in popular spots like Big Cone Camp - Santa Paula Canyon, to help preserve the natural beauty for future visitors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Goleta, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Goleta, CA is Santa Cruz Island - Del Norte Backcountry — Channel Islands National Park with a 5-star rating from 3 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Goleta, CA?

TheDyrt.com has all 11 dispersed camping locations near Goleta, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.

Keep Exploring