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Best Dispersed Camping near Los Alamos, CA

52 Reviews
CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

The Los Padres National Forest offers several free dispersed camping options near Los Alamos, California, with Figueroa Mountain Road and Old Sierra Madre providing the most accessible sites. These primitive spots lack amenities - no toilets, water, or picnic tables. Old Sierra Madre features level spots suitable for vans and small vehicles, with nearby cell service available. One camper noted it has "pretty easy to find road, also easy to drive. Found a pretty good level spot, definitely camping right off the side of the road."

TV Tower Road Dispersed Camping provides more dramatic views but requires careful navigation. The narrow dirt road climbs to ridge-top sites with panoramic vistas of Morro Bay, Los Osos, and the Pacific Ocean. A visitor commented, "The road is a bit scary with lots of large drop-offs without guardrails," while another mentioned "beautiful views in the morning!" Sites can be windy and are best suited for car camping rather than tents. The area occasionally closes during fire season, typically between July and September.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Los Alamos, California (8)

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51 Photos of 8 Los Alamos Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Los Alamos, CA

52 Reviews of 8 Los Alamos Campgrounds

  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 22, 2021

    Los Padres National Forest dispersed camping

    Free Dispersed Camping

    Turning on Redhill Road from hwy 58 follow the dirt road about 2 miles to the intersection of Redhill and Fernandez. This spot, and there are others, is right at the intersection so it can have some traffic with residents that live further down the road and OHV riders. It is a good spot for the night or to stay while you bike or ride ATVs. We stayed one night. It was very quiet and walking down the road was pleasant as there weren't any OHVs riding around on a Monday.

    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. Further down the road is Navajo Flat Campground which is $20/night with additional fees. (see review of Navajo Flat campground) This spot is in National Forest Land so we camped for free. There seem to be other areas for dispersed camping but be mindful of the private property areas.

    There is zero amenities so pack in and pack out. There is no water, garbage or fire pits. Cell service is spotty with Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile. Download map before you come so you don't camp on private land.

    Campfires are allowed with permit.

    Overall a nice place to stay, quiet at night less traffic on weekdays. We would stay here again.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 29, 2025

    TV Tower Road Dispersed Camping

    Beautiful view / very windy

    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. It is busier than I was expecting with other overnighters and day hikers and mountain bikers but worth the sunset and sunrise.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 9, 2024

    TV Tower Road Dispersed Camping

    Beautiful View!

    The road was a bit sketchy, any 4WD would be fine I think. I took my mini van and camped at a turn out along the road because I was a bit hesitant, but again, others would probably be fine. There were lots of people going up the road until very late at night, then turning around and coming back down (I assume because there were no spots?) The stars are beautiful and it's very quiet and cool. Got cold at night but nothing unbearable, lovely sunrise too! I'd recommend bringing a warm sleeping bag and any essentials for dispersed camping. Honestly such a beautiful place, next time I'd like to find a space to set up my tent. Loved it!

  • Summer A.
    Jul. 17, 2022

    TV Tower Road Dispersed Camping

    Seclusion

    We came up to TV tower road and found a great spot to pull the car into, with a little trail that pulls off to a spot to pitch the tent. This is definitely a great spot for car camping, parking, or camping. It was absolutely beautiful, and we only passed a few cars on the way up. Our 4WD car was able to handle the dirt road. The drive was manageable, but high up!

  • Chanel C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 6, 2018

    TV Tower Road Dispersed Camping

    Ranger Review: Escape Campervan at TV Tower Road

    My husband and I decided to do a road trip along the PCH up the coast (with Big Sur as the final destination). Along the way, we made multiple stops and camped at TV Tower Road since we heard so many phenomenal things about the view.

    [ PROS ]

    • VIEWS VIEWS VIEWS!! 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. You can even see the infamous Morro Bay Rock and the 3 smokestacks in the horizon.
    • It’s FREE! When you’re doing a road trip along HWY 1 during the summer, you’ll notice that almost all campsites are full if you haven’t made a reservation months in advance. This place is perfect for last minute campers who need a place to park for the evening.
    • Stargazing is out of this world. We had the clearest night sky with very little light pollution, and we were able to see the Milky Way so vividly. We also saw multiple shooting stars.
    • This campsite is off the beaten road, so it’s very remote. We saw two other campers nearby but other than that, we had the entire place to ourselves.
    • Great hiking spot! It’s only a 1.5 mile hike up to the campsite, but it’s steep. You can find the entrance to TV Tower Road at the West Cuesta RIdge Trailhead. Lots of cyclist and morning hikers come through at dawn.

    [ CONS ]

    • Really terrifying drive up the mountain with a few sharp turns and a narrow one-car dirt road. We were able to take our Escape Camervan up the mountain with no problem, but this road is for confident drivers. There are some parts of the road where two cars can fit, but just make sure you drive slow and check weather conditions.
    • No toilets, no showers, no water, no hook ups, no amenities. Make sure you bring your own food/water/supplies, practice LNT, and be safe.
    • There is practically no shade on this mountain ridge so it can get hot during the day with the sun beaming down on you. Just prepare for that.

    Pro Tip: Drive up TV Tower Road before sunset. 1) Sunsets are magical here 2) Better visibility of the road while the sun is still out. There are no road or street lights to guide you.

    Product Review

    As a Ranger for The Dyrt, I get products to test from time to time - this weekend I was incredibly BLESSED with the opportunity to test out the Maverick Camper by Escape Campervans. This opportunity couldn’t have come at a better time since my cat recently just passed away, and I do not take a second of this for granted. So where did we decide to go? First on the list, Morro Bay! My (now) husband and I fell in love in Morro Bay 6 years ago, and then he proposed to me at the Morro Bay Rock 2 years later. We figured we would bring our cat’s ashes to “The Rock” as a final resting place so we can make an effort to return as often as possible. After our day in Morro Bay, we continued on along the majestic Pacific Coast Highway until we reached Big Sur on Hwy 1.

    I’ve done this road trip many times since childhood, but it felt like an entirely new experience doing the trip in a campervan. I am, now, totally convinced that the #vanlife is for me. Here are my thoughts on the Maverick #JetsonVan.

    • TRAVELING IN STYLE - I just LOVE LOVE LOVED the custom painted design on our campervan. Just seeing the beautiful colors and design put a smile on my face and made me happy. It brought out my inner-child and a reignited a new sense of adventure and curiosity that I haven’t felt since I was in grade-school. We need more of this in our everyday lives. Thank you Escape Campervans for reminding me of this.
    • ROAD TRIP READY - I’ve done road trips, but never like THIS! The Maverick has everything you need to have the most relaxing, easy, and hassle-free experience ever. The campervan is so well-designed and packed with handy and useful features that really make your trip a breeze. I was able to spend less time packing and setting up, and more time to play. Escape Campervans also came with everything you can think of -- chairs, bedding, pots/pans, bowls/cups/utensils, you name it! There was very little that we needed to pack from home. Below are a few of our favorite features
    • Rooftop sleeper - This is a MUST! It was so fun sleeping on the roof of the van. It’s a little tricky at first to get up and down, but we were able to get the hang of it in no time.
    • Solar powered refrigerator - I don’t know how I lived without this. It was so nice having our food and drinks chilled without having to worry about a cooler of melting ice sloshing around.
    • Storage - there is so much storage for all your gear so it’s so easy to stay organized.
    • Trunk Kitchen - The kitchen is so convenient and it facilitates spur-of-the-moment cooking with very little set up or clean up required. The counter space was really nice for prepping and easy to clean.
    • THE ROAD TO FREEDOM - Our Maverick became our home away from home, and the best part? We were able to bring it with us everywhere. It’s super easy and smooth to drive, and we had the freedom of the open road ahead of us. I loved being able to just pull over during lunch time and enjoy a meal wherever we decided to park. While we did our day trip to Big Sur, we picked a quiet, shady spot to park with an EPIC VIEW of the Pacific Ocean. And if you’ve ever driven along the PCH past Hearst Castle to Big Sur, you’ll know there are so many lookout points to stop for sightseeing.

    Tips for maximizing your campervan experience!

    1. Make it your own! Bring some stuff from your house to really make your campervan feel cozy and homey. Be careful not to overpack, but a couple throw pillows, blankets, and even a houseplant can make all the difference. You don’t normally get this opportunity in a regular car, so take advantage of the space.
    2. Bring a partner in crime or 2! Road Trips are more fun with people who you know are going to be flexible, spontaneous, and up for the unknown. Every trip can have unexpected obstacles and can be exhausting so bring a playmate who will be up for the challenge and up for an adventure.
    3. A little planning goes a long way. While my favorite part about road trips are the random little stops along the way, but it makes a huge difference when you do a little research on the route, conditions, and place to stay for the evening ahead of time.
    4. Split the load! Whether it’s taking turns driving, or alternating who cleans the dishes, make sure everyone throws in a helping hand.
    5. Make a playlist. Having music ready for those long drives can be super helpful when your car stereo loses goes out of range. While I prefer having conversations on road trips over music, sometimes some tunes really help break up the drive.
    6. TREAT YO’SELF. Don’t forget to allow yourself to splurge a litttllleee even if you’re on a tight budget. It’s nice to be able to cook your own food on the road, but it’s also totally okay to eat out a few meals or unwind with a nice bottle of wine after hours of driving or after a stressful day of navigating the road. Just make sure you’re parked for the evening when you uncork!
  • Beth R.
    Jul. 30, 2020

    TV Tower Road Dispersed Camping

    100% worth it...but get there before sunset!

    Ok so my first encounter with this road (TV Tower Road) was after 10 p.m. in mid-July. We were trying to find a spot to camp near San Luis Obispo and hoped to find a place in Los Padres Natl Forest. We saw the road in our map book and aimed to follow it.

    It was dark, and we had to anticipate the road off 101 S, because it comes quickly and the signs are easy to miss. We were able to exit and follow the one-lane road (it’s narrow) as it began to wind up the hillside. We weren’t counting on gaining so much elevation, but we were pretty stoked because after two switchbacks we had an amazing view of the sky. The pavement ended and we continued on a packed dirt road.

    It is quite narrow at parts, but there are spots along it where 2 cars can pass each other. There are bumps and rough patches, but nothing you haven’t encountered if you do much backwoods driving. Anyways.

    That night was a Friday, and it was also a peak viewing night for the comet, and there were SO many (like 8) cars that we had to pass/maneuver around. In the dark, without knowing the road, it was pretty high pressure, and we chose to turn around about halfway up, without knowing how the road ended.

    So, disappointment. However, after a fun day in Los Osos and Morro Bay, we decided to tackle the road in the daylight. We got there around 6, in full summer light, and only encountered one driver coming down. 

    When you reach the top of the ridge, the road opens up. It’s the bumpiest here, but there’s a lot of space to spread out & set up. We saw probably 12 other cars (vans, SUVs, RVs) there, and some people had set up tents. The views are incredible. It’s a super peaceful place to spend a night or two.

    We had binoculars for stargazing, but with them we could explore the details of the hills and landmarks. If you’re into radio, reception is very clear. The temperature was overall very comfortable, and we had a great night car camping. 

    The biggest caution is driving—expect to have to deal with some cars going the other way. Also, keep an eye out for hikers and mountain bikers who also use the road. If you’re down to try it, this spot is so worth it!!

    Bring food, water, a flashlight...the regular. There are no bathrooms, so be warned.

  • 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.

  • Avery M.
    Jul. 24, 2020

    TV Tower Road Dispersed Camping

    Sweet place

    This place was awesome. Heard about it from a friend who goes to school at SLO. We arrived around 4pm on a Saturday and all spots were open except for one. The road is a bit rocky and steep but we were fine in an old ass 2WD 4runner. We settled on a nice spot nestled in the trees. There was a pre made fire pit which we may or may not have used. The road is a hiking trail as well so we went on a little walk to watch the sunset. Only bad thing was the flies. These bitches were on the offense. Bring bug spray and citronella candles or be smart and don’t go in mid july like we did. It’s close to downtown slo which is very charming with great food. On our way out we ate at seeds for some delicious smoothies and paninis. Overall very great place and have recommended it to friends.

  • 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.

Guide to Los Alamos

Dispersed camping locations near Los Alamos, California cluster around Figueroa Mountain and Sierra Madre Mountain areas within Los Padres National Forest. These sites sit at elevations between 2,800-4,000 feet, creating significant temperature differences from nearby valleys. The region experiences frequent high winds, particularly along ridge tops, and summer daytime temperatures often reach 90-100°F while dropping to 40-50°F overnight.

What to do

Mountain biking on nearby trails: TV Tower Road offers multiple access points to mountain biking networks. "The area is hilly and beautiful with enough flatness and openness to pitch a tent without issue," notes one camper at Carrizzo Plain National Monument Dispersed.

Stargazing without light pollution: The elevation and distance from cities makes this area ideal for astronomy. "Nightsky was amazing! I saw a shooting star and many satellites," shares a visitor at TV Tower Road Dispersed Camping.

Wildlife observation at dawn: Early mornings provide opportunities to spot native species. At Old Sierra Madre, one camper reported, "Arrived just at sunset and loved the views! It was very peaceful and far enough from the highway."

What campers like

Panoramic sunrise views: Morning vistas across valleys are consistently mentioned. At TV Tower Road Dispersed Camping, one visitor noted, "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."

Relatively accessible spots for vans: Multiple sites accommodate smaller vehicles. At Old Sierra Madre, a camper shared, "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."

Cell service at select sites: Some areas maintain connectivity despite remote locations. A visitor at Old Sierra Madre mentioned, "Pretty solid! Had great cell service and was a lovely drive to get there. Probably wouldn't recommend if you have a tent or RV as the spots were a little small and rocky."

What you should know

Pack weather protection equipment: Temperature swings can be extreme year-round. One camper at Carrizzo Plain National Monument Dispersed warned, "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."

High wind conditions affect tent camping: Ridge locations experience significant wind. A visitor noted, "The wind was shaking my tent all night until the morning. But thankfully I had bugspray the insect problem was solved."

Road conditions vary significantly: Many roads require high-clearance vehicles. A camper at Figueroa Mountain Road Pullout 01 reported, "The site is all up hill and really only has a small area where a few vans can fit. But the views are awesome."

Tips for camping with families

Choose lower elevation sites for less wind: Children sleep better in calmer conditions. One camper at TV Tower Road advised, "When I saw the TV tower road sign, that marked the last paved road until the actual TV tower hill... the wind was shaking my tent all night until the morning."

Pack extra trash bags for cleanup: Some sites have litter issues. At Figueroa Mountain Road Pullout 01, a visitor observed, "Very pretty area! Lots of little trashes I found in the gravel and grass, so please make sure to pack in and pack out! We had to pick up lots of trash from people before."

Select sites with tent-friendly terrain: Many areas have rocky ground. As one camper at Los Padres National Forest dispersed camping explained, "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."

Tips from RVers

Smaller rigs only on mountain roads: Most sites cannot accommodate large vehicles. "Nice spot for large rv, but road up is winding. Great views. Great way to get a little bit cooler. Windy in night," reported a camper at TV Tower Road.

Avoid ridge roads with trailers: Several visitors warn against towing. A French visitor reported in their native language that they had to turn around with their 24-foot RV because the road was too narrow, winding and dangerous for an RV.

Plan for no hookups or services: Free camping near Los Alamos means complete self-sufficiency. One RVer at Los Padres National Forest noted, "There is zero amenities so pack in and pack out. There is no water, garbage or fire pits. Cell service is spotty with Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile."

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Los Alamos?

Free dispersed camping is available at TV Tower Road Dispersed Camping, located along a dirt road with multiple pull-off spots offering spectacular views. The road is accessible by most vehicles, though some sections may be steep or bumpy. Another option is Carrizzo Plain National Monument Dispersed, which offers beautiful hilly landscapes with several dispersed sites. Both locations are free and don't require reservations, though they can get busy on weekends, so arriving early is recommended.

What are the regulations for dispersed camping in Los Alamos National Forest?

In the Los Alamos area, dispersed camping regulations typically include a 14-day stay limit within a 30-day period. At Los Padres National Forest dispersed camping, you must camp at least 100 feet from water sources, use existing fire rings when having a campfire, and obtain a campfire permit when required. Some areas like Old Sierra Madre may have motorized vehicle restrictions or seasonal fire bans. Always pack out all trash and practice Leave No Trace principles. Check with the local ranger district before your trip as regulations can change seasonally.

Is there dispersed camping available year-round near Los Alamos?

Most dispersed camping areas near Los Alamos are accessible year-round, though conditions vary seasonally. Other Pullout on TV Tower Road - Dispersed Site offers year-round camping, but be prepared for strong winds and potential cloud cover at higher elevations. Winter brings cooler temperatures and occasional precipitation that can make dirt roads slick and challenging, especially at Figueroa Mountain Road Pullout 01. Summer months are typically hot and dry. Always check road conditions and weather forecasts before heading out, particularly during winter months or after heavy rainfall.

What amenities are available at dispersed camping sites near Los Alamos?

Dispersed camping sites near Los Alamos offer very minimal amenities, as is typical with dispersed camping. At Caliente Mtn Ranch Dispersed, you'll find no developed facilities - no restrooms, running water, trash service, or designated fire rings. Some sites along Old Sierra Madre - Medicine Bow National Forest Dispersed may have primitive fire rings created by previous campers, but you should prepare to be completely self-sufficient. Bring all necessary water, portable toilet facilities, and pack out all waste. Cell service is typically spotty or nonexistent, so download maps and information ahead of time.

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