T
Tom C.
Scout
ScoutTV Tower Road Dispersed Camping
Great view
Pleasant spot to stay for the night, panoramic views and felt quite safe.
Dispersed Camping near Guadalupe, CA
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TV Tower Road offers free dispersed camping opportunities on the ridge overlooking San Luis Obispo and Morro Bay, approximately 30 miles north of Guadalupe. The unpaved, narrow dirt road climbs steeply with several switchbacks and drop-offs, requiring cautious driving and ideally a vehicle with decent clearance. Several pull-off camping spots exist along the route with the most options at the top of the ridge.
The camping area provides expansive views of the coast, mountains, and valleys with exceptional stargazing opportunities. "The view is spectacular up this mountain. You can see Morro Bay, Los Osos, and San Luis Obispo. And to top it all off, you also get an ocean view in the distance," according to reviews from The Dyrt. No amenities exist—no water, toilets, trash service or hookups—and campers should prepare for potentially strong winds. The site experiences seasonal closures during fire danger periods, typically in late summer and fall, and can become difficult to access after rainfall.
Best Dispersed Campgrounds near Guadalupe (8)
1. TV Tower Road Dispersed Camping
"There are multiple spots off a dirt road atop the hill. There were multiple others car camping but we were able to find a spot and didn't even make it as far as the provided coordinates."
"Hard to access. Rutted dirt road. We are traveling in a truck/cabover combo and we did see a camper van along with day use cars. I wouldn’t try to tow anything up here."
2. Other Pullout on TV Tower Road - Dispersed Site
"We were able to make it up with a RWD Tacoma just fine but a high clearance vehicle is definitely preferred."
"Best with a decent clearance 4wd - definitely not an RV spot. Windy at night for sure, and can be a bit busy with people going past on the road."
3. Old Sierra Madre
"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."
"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"
4. Tv Tower Pull Off Dispersed
"I was looking around the previous spots on here for tv tower and they were either taken, not safe, or surrounded by bushes that also didnt seem safe."
5. Figueroa Mountain Road Pullout 01
6. Los Padres National Forest dispersed camping
"Turning on Redhill Road from hwy 58 follow the dirt road about 2 miles to the intersection of Redhill and Fernandez."
7. Old Sierra Madre - Medicine Bow National Forest Dispersed
8. Caliente Mtn Ranch Dispersed
Drive Time
- 15 min from Santa Maria, CA
- 30 min from San Luis Obispo, CA
- 1 hr 47 min from Oxnard, CA
- 2 hrs 7 min from Bakersfield, CA
Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Guadalupe, CA
51 Photos of 8 Guadalupe Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Dispersed Camping Reviews near Guadalupe, CA
57 Reviews of 8 Guadalupe Campgrounds
- t
taylor
TravelerTV Tower Road Dispersed Camping
Quiet and free camping with a view
Showed up at 11pm on a Tuesday night. There are multiple spots off a dirt road atop the hill. There were multiple others car camping but we were able to find a spot and didn't even make it as far as the provided coordinates. Temperatures were great and it was quiet at night and all through the morning. Only 1 hiker and one cyclist passed by. Thete were some smaller clearance vehicles but I think they'd be limited how far down sone of the roads they can go. We camped in a rooftop tent on a Tacoma. I wouldn't recommend tent camping here due to limited space and barely being off the road although there may be a few spots. Downsides to this spot is a lot of uneven ground, hard compact soils, some scattered poison oak, and scattered trash. The dense vegetation off the road and the compact soils can makes a bathroom situation difficult. Please be prepared and responsible and don't leave TP or trash like some others did. The best was the morning view: waking up on a hilltop surrounded by clouds. The quiet space and morning views and agility to find someone space at 11pm despite other campers was a positive.
- LLiedewei V.
GuideTV Tower Road Dispersed Camping
Incredible views
Awesome views, couple of other campers and people watching the sunset nearby
Gene D.ScoutTV Tower Road Dispersed Camping
Just camping
The few days thus far have been therapeutic. Great view of the pacific and that enormous rock protruding from the ocean in Morro Bay.
Jaana M.TravelerLos Padres National Forest dispersed camping
Solid site, is just a pullout on a dirt road
This may have been seasonal for may, but midday there was an outrageous amount of flies. The campsite itself was as expected and sufficient, we parked 2 cars and had 2 tents with plenty of space. Very dusty though. The evening views were pretty and we had a great time!
- ccamScout
Figueroa Mountain Road Pullout 01
Nice and quite
Nooone was there . Nice for a night
Evan R.GuideOther Pullout on TV Tower Road - Dispersed Site
Amazing view of SLO & mtns.
Such a great view with an awesome campsite but as other reviews warn, the road can get tricky. We were able to make it up with a RWD Tacoma just fine but a high clearance vehicle is definitely preferred. We camped in the beginning of April and the winds hit at night but definitely manageable by staking your tent down and securing wind/rain fly.
- JJoel K.Traveler
TV Tower Road Dispersed Camping
Great, busy on weekend
Stunning view, campsites have a lot of broken glass but the views make up for it
- David D.Scout
Figueroa Mountain Road Pullout 01
Perfect for one night
It’ll do in a pinch. It’s quiet, beautiful, and free.
Guide to Guadalupe
TV Tower Road offers dispersed camping on ridges approximately 30 miles north of Guadalupe, California. This free camping area sits at elevations between 1,500-2,000 feet, creating temperature differences of 10-15 degrees cooler than surrounding valleys. The site features uneven, rocky terrain requiring careful navigation and campsite selection. Strong winds frequently occur at night due to the exposed ridge location.
What to do
Stargazing opportunities: TV Tower Road provides excellent night sky viewing during clear weather. "Nightsky was amazing! I saw a shooting star and many satellites. Would for sure camp again if in the San Luis Obispo area," notes Sebastian D. about TV Tower Road Dispersed Camping.
Morning viewpoints: For photographers, the early sunrise offers spectacular panoramas. "I woke first thing in the morning and the view to the west is stunning, a sea of clouds and islands of distant mountain peaks all the way to the coast," shares Kyle K., who visited on motorcycle.
Hiking explorations: The surrounding terrain offers informal trails along ridge areas. "Picked the first nook from the GPS pin but hiked up road and there are quite a few others, some shaded, some exposed," mentions Jason R. about Old Sierra Madre.
What campers like
Ridge-top parking spots: Multiple pull-outs accommodate different vehicle types. "Awesome spot on the ridge, lots of sites up past the mountain bike staging area and the best spots are a little past the TV tower itself," explains G.D. about Other Pullout on TV Tower Road.
Temperature relief: The higher elevation provides cooler conditions during hot weather periods. "Nice spot for large rv, but road up is winding. Great views. Great way to get a little bit cooler," writes Robert about the camping options.
Cell service availability: Unlike many remote free camping areas near Guadalupe, some spots maintain connectivity. "Had great cell service and was a lovely drive to get there," reports Elyse B., adding "It was very peaceful and far enough from the highway."
What you should know
Vehicle requirements: Road conditions demand appropriate transportation. "Best with a decent clearance 4wd - definitely not an RV spot," advises G.D. Another camper warns, "We were going up these hills and like I've been on some bumpy roads and it started out fine so I wasn't worried about it but the farther we went, the worse the roads got."
Weather preparedness: Wind conditions can affect camping comfort significantly. "The wind was shaking my tent all night until the morning. But thankfully I had bugspray the insect problem was solved," recounts Sebastian D.
Road navigation challenges: The access route creates difficulties for certain vehicles. "Road up is winding" and "Takes a while to go up - winding road, so give plenty of time," notes a camper at Figueroa Mountain Road Pullout 01.
Tips for camping with families
Site selection strategy: Choose spots based on vehicle capabilities and setup needs. "Easy enough to find for a night's stop," reports Frances L., while another camper states, "Drive up was a little nerve wracking, but found a pull out for 2 vans and it was perfect."
Overnight temperature planning: Prepare for significant cooling after sunset. "Got cold at night but nothing unbearable, lovely sunrise too! I'd recommend bringing a warm sleeping bag and any essentials for dispersed camping," advises Caitlyn R.
Limited flat areas: Tent camping requires careful site selection. "The site is all up hill and really only has a small area where a few vans can fit. But the views are awesome," explains Roland L.
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: Large recreational vehicles face significant challenges on these roads. "Manageable with fwd vehicle, I've taken my car on worse," says sarah M., but adds that space is limited at Los Padres National Forest dispersed camping.
Turning space considerations: Look for adequate maneuvering areas if driving larger vehicles. "It is a fairly flat spot and we had no trouble with our 26ft Class C. The road in is wide and dirt with some washboard but fairly smooth overall," explains Laura M.
Campsite leveling: Prepare for uneven terrain at most free camping sites near Guadalupe. "Found a pretty good level spot, definitely camping right off the side of the road. Pretty nice and low key though," reports Connor B.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the regulations for backcountry camping in Guadalupe Mountains National Park?
What are the regulations for backcountry camping in Guadalupe Mountains National Park?
Backcountry camping in Guadalupe Mountains National Park requires staying in designated zones only. Campsites must be at least 100 feet from trails, water sources, and archaeological sites. Group size is limited to 10 people, and campfires are prohibited year-round - only camp stoves are allowed. Pack out all trash and waste. Sites along TV Tower Road Dispersed Camping areas have similar regulations with additional restrictions during high fire danger periods. Most backcountry areas lack water sources, so carrying sufficient water is essential. Weather can change rapidly, so prepare for extreme conditions regardless of season.
Where is dispersed camping allowed in Guadalupe Mountains?
Where is dispersed camping allowed in Guadalupe Mountains?
Dispersed camping in Guadalupe Mountains is primarily allowed in designated backcountry zones within Guadalupe Mountains National Park, with specific regulations for each zone. Outside the national park, Los Padres National Forest dispersed camping areas offer alternatives where you can typically camp for up to 14 days. When looking for dispersed sites, check for established pull-offs and clear areas that show previous use. Always practice Leave No Trace principles, camp at least 200 feet from water sources, and check current fire restrictions before your trip.
Do I need a permit for camping in Guadalupe Mountains?
Do I need a permit for camping in Guadalupe Mountains?
Yes, permits are required for all camping in Guadalupe Mountains National Park, including backcountry camping. Permits must be obtained in person at the Pine Springs Visitor Center during operating hours and cannot be reserved in advance. They cost $10 per person per night (children under 16 are free) and are issued on a first-come, first-served basis. Similar permit requirements exist for sites like Other Pullout on TV Tower Road - Dispersed Site, where self-registration may be available. Check the national park website for current fee information, as rates may change seasonally.
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