Best Dispersed Camping near Hollister, CA

Want to go dispersed camping near Hollister? The Dyrt can help you find the best dispersed campsites for your next trip. Whether you're looking for a quiet location in the trees or wide open spaces, The Dyrt makes it easy to find the perfect dispersed campsite.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Hollister, CA (2)

    Camper-submitted photo from Tumey Hills Box Canyon
    Camper-submitted photo from Tumey Hills Box Canyon
    Camper-submitted photo from Tumey Hills Box Canyon
    Camper-submitted photo from Tumey Hills Box Canyon
    Camper-submitted photo from Tumey Hills Box Canyon
    Camper-submitted photo from Tumey Hills Box Canyon

    1. Tumey Hills Box Canyon

    7 Reviews
    23 Photos
    117 Saves
    Mendota, California

    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.

    • Pets
    • Phone Service
    • Dispersed
    • Picnic Table
    • Toilets
    Camper-submitted photo from Bluff Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Bluff Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Bluff Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Bluff Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Bluff Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Bluff Camp
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Showing results 1-2 of 2 campgrounds

Recent Dispersed Reviews in Hollister

9 Reviews of 2 Hollister Campgrounds


  • Natalie T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Tumey Hills Box Canyon
    Nov. 22, 2024

    Tumey Hills Box Canyon

    Bewarned; Target shooting +11 hrs/day

    First, 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. 😪

  • Jason B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Tumey Hills Box Canyon
    Nov. 15, 2024

    Tumey Hills Box Canyon

    This is closed

    The nature minder people closed this down and Panoche hills down due to environmental concerns regarding the decrease in population of a lizard.

  • hThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Bluff Camp
    Apr. 20, 2024

    Bluff Camp

    Drove Here to find it is on private property , this is not a campsite

    Private property, you can't even go through the road

  • mThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Tumey Hills Box Canyon
    Mar. 23, 2024

    Tumey Hills Box Canyon

    Beautiful spot

    This 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.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Tumey Hills Box Canyon
    Apr. 14, 2023

    Tumey Hills Box Canyon

    Quiet at Night

    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.

  • kThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Tumey Hills Box Canyon
    Feb. 18, 2023

    Tumey Hills Box Canyon

    Easy, open with nearby amenities!

    Easy 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

  • Austin C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Bluff Camp
    May. 31, 2019

    Bluff Camp

    Great Solo Backpacking Trip in Ventana Wilderness

    This is a trail camp in the Ventana Wilderness along the Carmel River Trail.  The trailhead and parking lot is at the Los Padres Dam.  The trail is pretty easy to follow, but crosses the river/creek extremely frequently.  I had to cross the river about 50 times in a weekend in an out & back trip.

    This is backcountry backpacking, so:

    • So potable water - bring a filter

    • Pack in pack out trash

    • Fires may be restricted

    • No restrooms or other facilities

    • Lots of poison oak

    • Trail may be impassable at some points

    I got in Friday afternoon so could only hike a few miles before dark.  The Bluff camp was the first real trail camp along the trail, but there are several more further on

    Here is the trail info:

    http://www.ventanawild.org/trails/ventana-wilderness-trails/carmel-river-trail

    Here is an interactive Map: http://bigsurtrailmap.net/interactivemap.html?latlon=36.0898,-121.5651&zoom=11&bkgmap=USGS+Quad+%2BWilderness&mode=trailmap&control=0


Drive Time


Guide to Hollister

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Hollister, California, where nature meets adventure. With stunning landscapes and a variety of outdoor experiences, this area is perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Hollister, California

  • Always pack out what you pack in, as many areas, like Bluff Camp, lack trash disposal facilities and require you to leave no trace.

Enjoy the tranquility of Tumey Hills Box Canyon for dispersed campers

  • For a peaceful night under the stars, Tumey Hills Box Canyon offers a serene environment, though be prepared for occasional noise from nearby shooting activities.

Dispersed campers should check out Bluff Camp

  • Located along the Carmel River Trail, Bluff Camp is ideal for those seeking a backcountry experience, but remember to bring a water filter as potable water is not available.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Hollister, CA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Hollister, CA is Tumey Hills Box Canyon with a 3.7-star rating from 7 reviews.