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Best Dispersed Camping near Hollister, CA

12 Reviews

The Hollister area features a mix of dispersed camping options on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands and backcountry sites in nearby wilderness areas. Tumey Hills Box Canyon, located west of Interstate 5, provides free drive-in dispersed camping with minimal facilities, including a portable toilet and picnic table. For those seeking more remote experiences, the Ventana Wilderness offers hike-in options like Bluff Camp along the Carmel River Trail and Timber Top Camp, which requires approximately 2.8 miles of hiking to reach scenic hilltop sites with mountain and ocean views. These primitive camping areas typically lack developed amenities but offer solitude and natural settings within driving distance of Hollister.

Camping conditions vary significantly across these sites, with important considerations for each location. Tumey Hills Box Canyon has partially paved access roads that transition to well-graded dirt, making it accessible for most vehicles. As one camper noted, "The three mile road in from I-5 is paved half way and well-graded dirt the rest." This area doubles as a popular shooting range, creating significant daytime noise but becoming "amazingly quiet" after shooting stops in the evening. The Ventana Wilderness trails present different challenges, with frequent water crossings and seasonal trail conditions. According to a backpacker at Bluff Camp, "I had to cross the river about 50 times in a weekend in an out and back trip." Most sites require self-sufficiency with no potable water, limited or no toilet facilities, and pack-in, pack-out waste management.

Visitor experiences highlight both the appeal and challenges of camping near Hollister. Tumey Hills receives mixed reviews, with some appreciating its convenience as "an easy overnight BLM spot" with nearby amenities about 10 minutes away, while others report concerns about trash and shooting activity. Recent reports indicate possible closure due to environmental concerns regarding lizard populations. In contrast, Timber Top Camp receives enthusiastic reviews for its scenic beauty, with one camper describing it as "the most beautiful camping spot I have ever stayed at." The Ventana Wilderness backcountry requires preparation for poison oak, potential trail obstacles, and water filtration. Most sites lack reservations systems, operating on a first-come basis, making weekday visits preferable for those seeking quieter experiences.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Hollister, California (3)

    1. Tumey Hills Box Canyon

    11 Reviews
    Mendota, CA
    45 miles
    Website
    +1 (831) 582-2200

    "Took us about 15 min to drive to where we camped. There is no water or bathrooms so bring a jug from Lowe’s with a spicket!"

    "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"

    2. Bluff Camp

    2 Reviews
    Carmel Valley Village, CA
    37 miles
    Website

    "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. "

    3. Timber Top Camp

    1 Review
    Big Sur, CA
    48 miles

    "It’s a ~2.8 mile hike in, but it is worth every step. Almost every hill top has a campsite, there is so many opportunities for stays."

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Hollister, CA

6 Photos of 3 Hollister Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Hollister, CA

12 Reviews of 3 Hollister Campgrounds

  • Austin C.The Dyrt PRO User
    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

  • hThe Dyrt PRO User
    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

  • Genesis C.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 8, 2025

    Tumey Hills Box Canyon

    Beautiful BLM land

    Took us about 15 min to drive to where we camped. There is no water or bathrooms so bring a jug from Lowe’s with a spicket!

  • kThe Dyrt PRO User
    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

  • Stephanie F.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 30, 2025

    Tumey Hills Box Canyon

    Didn’t stay

    As a solo camper didn’t look safe with the people that were there hanging around, it didn’t even look like there was that many places to camp. Look dirty too and people shooting in the area leaving trash. I didn’t even stay I ended up in walmart parking lot for night cause it was the only closest thing around. Maybe looks pretty when things are green but everything was dead

  • Natalie T.The Dyrt PRO User
    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. 😪

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    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.

  • Jason B.
    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.

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 28, 2023

    Tumey Hills Box Canyon

    Ruined

    Another beautiful spot ruined by people who can’t pickup after themselves

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

Where is dispersed camping available near Hollister, CA?

Dispersed camping is available in the Ventana Wilderness area near Hollister, with Bluff Camp accessible via the Carmel River Trail. The trailhead begins at Los Padres Dam, requiring multiple river crossings to reach the camp. For those seeking backcountry options with stunning views, Timber Top Camp offers dispersed sites approximately 2.8 miles up a hiking trail. Many campsites are situated along hilltops, providing spectacular vistas. Both locations are true wilderness experiences requiring proper preparation and self-sufficiency.

What permits or regulations apply to dispersed camping in Hollister?

Dispersed camping in the Hollister area generally requires a wilderness permit for overnight stays, particularly in the Los Padres National Forest areas. Campfire permits are typically required during allowed seasons, though fire restrictions often apply during dry months. Pack-in, pack-out principles are strictly enforced, and all trash must be carried out. Some areas have specific vehicle restrictions and designated routes. Always check current regulations with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) office or the Los Padres National Forest website before your trip, as rules can change seasonally based on environmental concerns and wildlife protection efforts.

Are there any free BLM camping areas around Hollister?

Tumey Hills Box Canyon is a free BLM camping area approximately 10 minutes from amenities including gas stations and fast food. This dispersed camping location offers easy overnight stays with no facilities - you'll need to bring your own water and supplies. The area is accessible by vehicle, making it convenient for those traveling through. Be aware that this site is also used as a shooting range, particularly during daytime hours, and unfortunately experiences issues with litter. Weekdays typically offer more solitude than weekends. Always practice Leave No Trace principles when visiting.

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