Top Free Dispersed Camping near Los Alamos, CA

Planning a dispersed camping trip near Los Alamos? Dispersed camping gets you off the grid so you can disconnect from the hecticness of everyday life. Each dispersed site offers quick access to one or more of Los Alamos's most popular destinations.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Los Alamos, CA (4)


Recent Dispersed Reviews In Los Alamos

33 Reviews of 4 Los Alamos Campgrounds


  • S
    Camper-submitted photo from TV Tower Road Dispersed Camping [Closed until Nov 3rd, 2021]
    Jun. 17, 2024

    TV Tower Road Dispersed Camping [Closed until Nov 3rd, 2021]

    Windy with Expansive Views of SLO

    When I saw the TV tower road sign, that marked the last paved road until the actual TV tower hill.  I rode all the way to the end with some medium difficulty off roading there are some steep bits with uneven terrain.  Taking the road up to TV tower are some of the best views you can get from the surrounding area.  John R.'s review accurately sums up the camping experience.  The wind was shaking my tent all night until the morning.  But thankfully I had bugspray the insect problem was solved.  Nightsky was amazing! I saw a shooting star and many satellites.  Would for sure camp again if in the San Luis Obispo area.

  • C
    Camper-submitted photo from TV Tower Road Dispersed Camping [Closed until Nov 3rd, 2021]
    Jun. 9, 2024

    TV Tower Road Dispersed Camping [Closed until Nov 3rd, 2021]

    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!

  • sarah M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Other Pullout on TV Tower Road - Dispersed Site
    Mar. 26, 2024

    Other Pullout on TV Tower Road - Dispersed Site

    beautiful spot

    Manageable with fwd vehicle, i’ve taken my car on worse. Got there around 2pm and was the only car in sight until 4 ish when a car pulled up and parked for the night 5 feet away from me 🙄 RUDE!! Remember to be respectful of others space especially if there’s 15+ other spots available. lots of sunset watchers but none stayed the night

  • Jules R.
    Camper-submitted photo from TV Tower Road Dispersed Camping [Closed until Nov 3rd, 2021]
    Nov. 4, 2023

    TV Tower Road Dispersed Camping [Closed until Nov 3rd, 2021]

    Windy cliffside

    Drove up here at night and the road is windy and bumpy and narrow and youre on the side of a cliff. Was a bit scary but the view was beautiful in the morning. The wind is loud and powerful and will push your car a bit thru the night. No restrooms but lots of shrubbery. Got there at 11 pm and the stars were amazing due to no light pollution.

  • G
    Camper-submitted photo from Other Pullout on TV Tower Road - Dispersed Site
    Jul. 7, 2023

    Other Pullout on TV Tower Road - Dispersed Site

    Cool Ridgetop camping

    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 its self. 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. Takes a while to go up - winding road, so give plenty of time. But cool spot off the 101 and right near SLO

  • L
    Camper-submitted photo from TV Tower Road Dispersed Camping [Closed until Nov 3rd, 2021]
    Apr. 1, 2023

    TV Tower Road Dispersed Camping [Closed until Nov 3rd, 2021]

    very good view

    When we got here, the sun was setting and we had an incredible view. There is no toilet, but there are bushes everywhere so if you don’t mind that should be no problem. For one night it is perfect, make sure you come here before the sun sets and you have a car that can handle rough terrain.

  • John R.
    Camper-submitted photo from TV Tower Road Dispersed Camping [Closed until Nov 3rd, 2021]
    Sep. 30, 2022

    TV Tower Road Dispersed Camping [Closed until Nov 3rd, 2021]

    The Battle of Tower Hill

    The road up is truly awesome. However, the flies will swarm and begin to collectively murder you. Once you think you are safe inside your tent, the endless popping of gunshots from the shooting range nearby will lull you to sleep, but also induce some pretty f-d up dreams. Now that it’s actually dark, the TV Tower begins to strobe into your tent all night like a pulsing defibrillator on your eyeballs. After your body is too fatigue to care or you’ve cut a breathing hole into a brown bag and put it on your head, immeasurable gusts of wind will blow your house down. The only thing you can now look forward to is taking out your rage on the flies that will meet you outside of your tent. Let the battle begin.

  • Jade M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from TV Tower Road Dispersed Camping [Closed until Nov 3rd, 2021]
    Aug. 13, 2022

    TV Tower Road Dispersed Camping [Closed until Nov 3rd, 2021]

    too much wind

    Pulled up right before sunset. Main lot of was full but kept driving and found a cute little site with a view. Great sunset with magical colors. The wind was INSANE!!! No protection and the wind only got crazier as the night went on. Ended up breaking down camp at 3 am because we did not get any sleep. I would stay here again if there was no wind but if the same conditions I would not camp again.

  • Summer A.
    Camper-submitted photo from TV Tower Road Dispersed Camping [Closed until Nov 3rd, 2021]
    Jul. 17, 2022

    TV Tower Road Dispersed Camping [Closed until Nov 3rd, 2021]

    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!

  • C
    Camper-submitted photo from TV Tower Road Dispersed Camping [Closed until Nov 3rd, 2021]
    Jun. 3, 2022

    TV Tower Road Dispersed Camping [Closed until Nov 3rd, 2021]

    Memorable Mountain

    Anytime I can find a new spot, i get excited. The last time i attempted to camp here the gate was closed, and because we live so far away from here, its always risky. Im glad to report that i can finally check this site off of my bucket list, and it did not disappoint. Nobody was able to sleep due to windy conditions, but the view from our campsite made it all worth while.

  • C
    Camper-submitted photo from TV Tower Road Dispersed Camping [Closed until Nov 3rd, 2021]
    Jan. 21, 2022

    TV Tower Road Dispersed Camping [Closed until Nov 3rd, 2021]

    Open! (Jan 2022)

    Super spectacular views! I went all the way to the end as it allows some walking around room. If you’re tent camping beware the wind, gets pretty crazy. Had one wind free day out of three. Looking down on the bay, San Luis Obispo and HW 1. Can’t stress how flippin beautiful it was. Just. Wow.

  • Dominic M.
    Camper-submitted photo from TV Tower Road Dispersed Camping [Closed until Nov 3rd, 2021]
    Aug. 31, 2021

    TV Tower Road Dispersed Camping [Closed until Nov 3rd, 2021]

    One of the greatest sites in the US

    NOTE: VISITED BEFORE TEMPORARY CLOSURE
    For the second night of my 3-month long road trip, we stayed up here and cooked a wonderful meal that overlooked a sprawling landscape of fog, mountains, valleys, and the ocean off in the distance. True beauty but was rather busy. Make sure you really have a capable vehicle as the climb up the road is not suited for small or casual cars.



Guide to Los Alamos

Camping near Los Alamos, California, offers a variety of beautiful spots for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're looking for beach access, hiking trails, or family-friendly amenities, there’s something for everyone.

What to do:

  • Beach Access: Enjoy the sandy shores at Oceano County Campground — Pismo State Beach. It's just a short walk to the beach, making it perfect for sunbathing and swimming. One camper mentioned, "The beach is a short walk away," making it easy to enjoy the ocean.

  • Hiking and Wildlife Watching: Explore the trails at Morro Bay State Park Campground. Campers have spotted various birds and wildlife, with one reviewer noting, "We saw hawks, turkey vultures, owls, and many other birds."

  • Fishing and Boating: Head to Cachuma Lake Recreation Area for fishing and boating. A visitor shared, "The lake is perfect for boating," highlighting the recreational opportunities available.

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the facilities at Oceano County Campground — Pismo State Beach. One review stated, "The showers here are nice and clean," which is a big plus for many.
  • Scenic Views: Many enjoy the beautiful surroundings at Morro Bay State Park Campground. A camper remarked, "It’s very beautiful, with lots of wildflowers, trees, trails, beach dunes."
  • Family-Friendly Activities: Families love the scavenger hunt app available at Oceano County Campground — Pismo State Beach. One parent noted, "There's a fun game for kids where you download an app and go on a scavenger hunt."

What you should know:

  • Crowded During Peak Season: Expect larger crowds at popular spots like Morro Bay State Park Campground. A visitor mentioned, "This year when we stayed it was packed, and definitely not as nice of an experience."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Morro Strand State Beach Campground, have fewer amenities. One camper pointed out, "No showers but your pass gets you into nearby Morro Bay SP where they have nice clean token showers."
  • Wildlife Caution: Be aware of wildlife, especially at Wheeler Gorge Campground. A camper shared, "They let us know there was a bear in the area," so keep food secured.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for spots like Cachuma Lake Recreation Area, which has a water park for kids. One reviewer said, "The campground is broken down into a bunch of different camping loops, each with different amenities and vibe."
  • Plan for Activities: Bring bikes or plan hikes to keep kids entertained. A camper at Morro Bay State Park Campground mentioned, "We rode our bikes on the beach."
  • Pack Snacks and Drinks: Having snacks on hand can make a big difference. A visitor at Lake Casitas Recreation Area noted, "The camp store offers enough grocery supplies in case you forgot something."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Morro Bay State Park Campground mentioned, "The sites with hookups sans sewer will actually be pull-through sites, which was nice."
  • Bring Cash for Showers: Some campgrounds have coin-operated showers. A camper at Morro Bay State Park Campground advised, "You do need tokens for the showers and the machine only accepts cash."
  • Be Mindful of Noise: Campers at Morro Strand State Beach Campground noted that it can get loud, so if you prefer peace, consider timing your visit during off-peak times. One camper said, "Campers play loud music way beyond the scope of their campground."

Camping near Los Alamos, California, offers a mix of adventure and relaxation, making it a great choice for your next outdoor getaway!

Frequently Asked Questions

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

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Los Alamos, CA is Old Sierra Madre with a 4-star rating from 3 reviews.

  • What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Los Alamos, CA?

    TheDyrt.com has all 4 dispersed camping locations near Los Alamos, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.