Best Tent Camping near Los Olivos, CA

Searching for a tent camping spot near Los Olivos? The Dyrt can help you find the best tent campsites for your next trip. Would you prefer a quiet dispersed site or an established camgpround with amenities? Either way, The Dyrt makes it easy to find the perfect place to pitch your tent.

Best Tent Sites Near Los Olivos, CA (26)

    Camper-submitted photo from Arroyo Hondo Vista Point Rest / Camp area
    Camper-submitted photo from Arroyo Hondo Vista Point Rest / Camp area
    Camper-submitted photo from Arroyo Hondo Vista Point Rest / Camp area
    Camper-submitted photo from Arroyo Hondo Vista Point Rest / Camp area
    Camper-submitted photo from Arroyo Hondo Vista Point Rest / Camp area
    Camper-submitted photo from Arroyo Hondo Vista Point Rest / Camp area
    Camper-submitted photo from Colson Canyon Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Colson Canyon Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Colson Canyon Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Colson Canyon Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Colson Canyon Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Colson Canyon Campground

    2. Colson Canyon Campground

    6 Reviews
    22 Photos
    43 Saves
    Santa Maria, California

    Colson Campground is a primitive campground located approximately 40 miles from the city of Santa Maria, CA. There are five campsites with tables and fire rings. There is no running water and no bathroom. Popular campground for hunters, as this campground is easy access to the Alejandro Trail. Please pack out all of your trash.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Equestrian
    • Picnic Table
    • No image available

      3. Barrel Springs Campground

      2 Reviews
      38 Saves
      Los Alamos, California

      Adjacent to La Brea Creek. Located in canyon bottom, surrounded by oak trees.

      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Tents
      • Equestrian
      • Tent Cabin
      • Glamping
      Camper-submitted photo from Miranda Pine Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Miranda Pine Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Miranda Pine Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Miranda Pine Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Miranda Pine Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Miranda Pine Campground

      4. Miranda Pine Campground

      4 Reviews
      7 Photos
      144 Saves
      Carrizo Plain National Monument, California

      Nestled in the pines. Nice vistas of the Cuyama Valley.

      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Phone Service
      • ADA Access
      • Tents
      • Group
      Camper-submitted photo from Bates Canyon Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Bates Canyon Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Bates Canyon Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Bates Canyon Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Bates Canyon Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Bates Canyon Campground
      • No image available

        6. Wagon Flat Campground

        1 Review
        3 Saves
        Los Padres National Forest, California

        Adjacent to La Brea Creek. Located in canyon bottom, surrounded by oak trees.

        • Pets
        • Tents
        • Equestrian
        • Standard (Tent/RV)
        • Tent Cabin
        • Glamping
        Camper-submitted photo from Brookshire Campground
        Camper-submitted photo from Brookshire Campground
        Camper-submitted photo from Brookshire Campground
        Camper-submitted photo from Brookshire Campground
        Camper-submitted photo from Brookshire Campground
        Camper-submitted photo from Brookshire Campground

        7. Brookshire Campground

        2 Reviews
        7 Photos
        32 Saves
        Carrizo Plain National Monument, California

        Nestled in the oaks. Provides opportunity for those seeking solitude.

        • Pets
        • Fires
        • ADA Access
        • Tents
        • Group
        • Equestrian
        Camper-submitted photo from Santa Rosa Island Campground — Channel Islands National Park
        Camper-submitted photo from Santa Rosa Island Campground — Channel Islands National Park
        Camper-submitted photo from Santa Rosa Island Campground — Channel Islands National Park
        Camper-submitted photo from Santa Rosa Island Campground — Channel Islands National Park
        Camper-submitted photo from Santa Rosa Island Campground — Channel Islands National Park
        Camper-submitted photo from Santa Rosa Island Campground — Channel Islands National Park

        8. Santa Rosa Island Campground — Channel Islands National Park

        5 Reviews
        22 Photos
        64 Saves
        Goleta, California

        Overview

        Tucked away in a canyon to protect visitors from strong northwest winds, Water Canyon Campground offers exceptional island views, access to spectacular hiking opportunities and a nearby white sand beach. Located 40 nautical miles from the Channel Islands National Park visitor center in Ventura, Santa Rosa is the second largest island in California at approximately 53,000 acres in size. The island landforms support a diverse array of plant and animal species including six plant species found nowhere on earth but Santa Rosa Island. The island also hosts over 100 bird and three land mammal species, including the endemic island fox. Remains of an ancient species like the pygmy mammoth have been uncovered on Santa Rosa Island. These miniature mammoths, reaching just four to six feet tall, roamed the island's grasslands and forests during the Pleistocene Age. The island has rich archeological resources as well. It is home to thousands of significant archeological sites of the Chumash Native Americans, who inhabited the island until 1820. Others have come to the island during more recent centuries to exploit its rich resources, sometimes making it their home. In addition to the native Chumash, European explorers, Aleut sea otter hunters, Chinese abalone fishermen, Spanish missionaries, Mexican and American ranchers, and the US military all have left their mark on the Santa Rosa landscape. Visitors can see relics of these occupations in remnants of fishing camps, water troughs and fence lines, the pier where cattle were loaded and unloaded, buildings and equipment of the historic Vail and Vickers ranch at Bechers Bay, and remains of the military installations.

        Recreation

        Several trails and roads traverse the island, providing visitors with spectacular hiking opportunities, including the relatively flat route to Water Canyon Beach to the rugged, mountainous path to Black Mountain. Due to the strong, persistent wind, swimming, snorkeling, diving and kayaking are limited and recommended for the experienced visitor only. Despite the wind, Santa Rosa Island offers exceptional beach walking on white sand beaches. Access to one of the best beaches, Water Canyon Beach, is just over a mile from the pier in Bechers Bay and just down canyon from the campground. Beach access is also available near the pier. No fishing is allowed within the marine reserves located around the island. Fishing is allowed outside of these areas. For more information about recreational activities in the park, visit https://www.nps.gov/chis/planyourvisit/index.htm.

        Natural Features

        Santa Rosa has a landscape of remarkable contrasts. High mountains with deeply cut canyons give way to gently rolling grass-covered hills, extensive beaches and coastal wetlands. The altitude ranges from sea level to 1,589 feet.

        Nearby Attractions

        Good tidepooling spots are located within Bechers Bay, including just east of the pier, the east end of Southeast Anchorage, and near East Point. A short hike from the campground is the Santa Rosa Island Torrey pine grove. This pine is considered one of the rarest pines in the world-the last enduring members of a once widespread Pleistocene forest. Near the pier, visitors can see buildings and equipment of the historic Vail and Vickers ranch. Access to a highly recommended beach, Water Canyon Beach, is just over a mile from the Bechers Bay pier. The sandy beach lies on the northeastern shore of the island. Bechers Bay is a destination in itself, with buildings and equipment at the historic Vail and Vickers ranch.

        • Reservable
        • Tents
        • Picnic Table
        • Drinking Water
        • Toilets

        $15 / night

        • No image available

          9. Lazy Campground

          Be the first to review!
          5 Saves
          Los Alamos, California

          Off-highway vehicle camp. Accessible only by high clearance vehicle. Campground provides solitude for those seeking that type of experience.

          • Tents
          • No image available

            10. Rancho Nuevo Campground

            1 Review
            5 Saves
            Pine Mountain Club, California

            Rancho Nuevo Campground is a primitive campground with 2 sites on a grassy canyon bottom, 4-wheel drive access only. Road is subject to close in the winter.__

            • Tents
          Show More
          Showing results 1-10 of 26 campgrounds

          Recent Tent Reviews in Los Olivos

          688 Reviews of 26 Los Olivos Campgrounds


          • Collin B.The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Lake Casitas Recreation Area
            Jan. 10, 2025

            Lake Casitas Recreation Area

            Super nice night staff

            The night ranger Ron is awesome 👌 totally let me shower in the middle of night when the shower was closed, even gave me a few bucks for shower tokens very kind man!!! Just don't be late getting out of there at checkout time they don't like it and definitely threatened to call police wich kinda killed the whole good vibe of the place.

          • Vincent B.The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from North Beach Campground — Pismo State Beach
            Jan. 9, 2025

            North Beach Campground — Pismo State Beach

            Nice campground, dog friendly

            Lots of space for campers and tents. Nice, CLEAN, showers and restrooms. Staying here gives free access to driving onto the beach.

            Lots of families and dogs. Noise wasn't a problem other than generators constantly running.

          • Alexia O.
            Camper-submitted photo from North Beach Campground — Pismo State Beach
            Jan. 6, 2025

            North Beach Campground — Pismo State Beach

            A good beginner camp!

            This was my first time camping independently, so didn't know what to expect. Everyone was really nice, camp host, camp ranger, etc. A lot of good amenities and very close to the beach. Loved my site specifically as well, especially since walking down noticing others didn't have as much space, shade, etc. Will say this is a really good rv place, did not see a lot of tent campers. They also sell fire wood for $10 so be ready with cash!

          • jThe Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Old Sierra Madre
            Jan. 4, 2025

            Old Sierra Madre

            Great for Van camping

            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

          • Natalie T.The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Carrizzo Plain National Monument Dispersed
            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.

          • Dominik K.
            Camper-submitted photo from El Capitán State Beach Campground
            Nov. 23, 2024

            El Capitán State Beach Campground

            Great place worth to visit

            Place with beautiful ocean view, a lot of space on each campsite. One star less due to Very worn sanitary facilities…… but still working :-) Very crowded on weekends

          • ian S.
            Camper-submitted photo from Songdog Ranch
            Nov. 11, 2024

            Songdog Ranch

            Politicized campground

            Not a bad campground, but driving in, the owner has large political flags flying. In these highly divisive times, I don't want to stay at places that divide our country, I want to get away from that. Not recommended.

          • Spicy  N.The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Santa Cruz Campground — Carpinteria State Beach
            Nov. 3, 2024

            Santa Cruz Campground — Carpinteria State Beach

            Not Worth staying here

            Facilities are run down. This places needs a major make over! Bathrooms are dirty, showers are gross. Sinks to wash dishes are disgusting & right next to dumpsters. You have no privacy and sites are right on top of each other…you’re basically in a parking lot. Barking dogs right next to you can get pretty annoying pretty fast. NOT WORTH the $70 a night fee. I would only stay here here as a LAST resort

          • Spicy  N.The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Anacapa Campground — Carpinteria State Beach
            Nov. 3, 2024

            Anacapa Campground — Carpinteria State Beach

            For $70 a night we Expected More!

            Facilities are run down. This places needs a major make over! Bathrooms are dirty, showers are gross. Sinks to wash dishes are disgusting & right next to dumpsters. You have no privacy and sites are right on top of each other…you’re basically in a parking lot. Barking dogs right next to you can get pretty annoying pretty fast. NOT WORTH the $70 a night fee. I would only stay here here as a LAST resort

          • CThe Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from North Beach Campground — Pismo State Beach
            Oct. 27, 2024

            North Beach Campground — Pismo State Beach

            A winner

            I skipped out on Oceano and came here hoping they might have something open. Turns out they had 8 and the park ranger let me drive in to scope it out. I picked a site close to the beach and even better my Oceano reservation could be transferred. Yay. Loved this campground so much. It’s well laid out and all the sites are well spaced and clean. The evening was much quieter, with a sunset and sounds of waves. A ten minute walk to the beach and right next to the butterfly grove. I have already made another reservation to see about the butterflies when they are in season. Pismo Beach is fantastic!

          • CThe Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Oceano Campground — Pismo State Beach
            Oct. 27, 2024

            Oceano Campground — Pismo State Beach

            You can do better

            Probably just due to the time of year but this campground was way too rowdy for my taste, all the sites are close together and it seemed almost every site was a very large group, generators running after 10pm, amplified music and tv! If that’s your jam you’ll love it. I took off after 1 night.

          • Connor B.The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Old Sierra Madre
            Oct. 23, 2024

            Old Sierra Madre

            Good spot for a quick night

            pretty easy to find, road is also easy to drive. found a pretty good level spot, definitely camping right off the side of the road. pretty nice and low key tho

          • Michelle M.
            Camper-submitted photo from Lake Casitas Recreation Area
            Sep. 27, 2024

            Lake Casitas Recreation Area

            A beautiful Lake

            This is a nicely maintained municipal water reservoir with a very large lake. No swimming allowed, but boating is. Go figure.

            There are campgrounds with hookups that are only available for RVs. There is one Campground -Indian- that has a mixture of tent and RV sites with hookups available but it was under maintenance when I was here this weekend. So all the rest of the areas that do have hookups do not accommodate my truck and tent rig. And there are no 110V or 30a outlets available for people who are traveling light -with solar and a minimum amount of panels, where you might need to plug in once in awhile- they can't cover you here. Too bad no one thought of that when they were designing this place, because it's an awfully big place with a lot of sites.

            So we're leaving today to find another place to weekend.

            But two nights next to the lake, in the campground called Mallard was lovely as can be. Next time I'll come out with more panels to keep my pair of EcoFlow RiverPro solar generators topped up.

          • JThe Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Old Sierra Madre
            Sep. 22, 2024

            Old Sierra Madre

            Lovely hillside spots

            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.

          • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Wheeler Gorge Campground
            Sep. 21, 2024

            Wheeler Gorge Campground

            Peaceful and Calm!

            We loved camping here. The whole area has a really peaceful and mellow vibe. We reserved site #49 which was plenty big enough for our 26ft class c, but the drive through the campground to get to the site was a little narrow and tight, wouldn't recommend for larger RVs. This end of the campground is right next to the emergency exit, too, but they keep that gate locked, otherwise it would be an easy swoop in. Camp host was really nice, campground was huge, nice that there's a creek running through it which comes in handy in the hot summer months. You have to drive over some creek runoff at parts, no problem.

            There's zero cell reception in this entire area, the roads leading up to the campground as well.

            Fees are $35 or $37 for weekends/holidays. Pricey for what you get and for what we're used to paying for a forest service campground.

          • BThe Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Military Park Vandenberg AFB Pine Canyon Campground
            Sep. 5, 2024

            Military Park Vandenberg AFB Pine Canyon Campground

            Nice and quiet

            Located on Vandenberg base which requires a membership card (military I.D.) This helps keep the camp site more private. No one goes here. It is tranquil and has trails to hike and lakes to fish in. Hunting is also allowed during select seasons. If you like quiet and keep to yourself, this is the place. There are no trash cans and a permit is required for campfire. There are a couple of port-a-pots and they are very clean. Go SpaceForce! Lastly, watch out for poison oak. Stay on the trails and all is well. Semper Fi.

          • S
            Camper-submitted photo from Cachuma Lake Recreation Area
            Aug. 30, 2024

            Cachuma Lake Recreation Area

            Please Don’t Tell Anyone About This — OOPS

            This is tragi-comedy: I was invited to a wedding in Santa Barbara. It was summer and the most fleabitten motel prices were astronomical. I began to look at campsites within driving distance, I was desperate. Booked Catchuma and thought, hoorah, I’ve defeated the tourism trap. 

            Well… from the moment I arrived . . . I really could not care less about the wedding. My god. I think I’ll leave it at that. 

            Bring binos. Boat, bring your canoe/kayak.

          • KThe Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Lopez Lake Recreation Area
            Aug. 20, 2024

            Lopez Lake Recreation Area

            Not our scene: hot, crowded, buggy

            We had reservations for 2 nights on an Augugst Friday / Saturday at Lopez Lake in a full-hook-up site in Bandtail (Site 38). The reviews of this place were great, and the photos were beautiful. We arrived to find a HUGE park (yes, I should have noted how many campsites there are). Check-in involved parking our van and standing in line like Disneyland. The park employees were nice though. There were big signs all around "NO FIRES" (more on this later) and I was also told at check in that there were no fires. We found our site easily enough, only to realize how closely packed the sites were in Bandtail. Some nice folks to our right had three sites - 11 kids and 21 people between them. The kids rode their bikes all over, and even onto our site (while also running around our van chasing a chipmunk). We had our daughter's dog, so tried sitting outside in the shade, only to find that in addition to the heat (it was mid 80s), there were biting flies. :( Poor puppy got bit or stung more than once. So we went in our van and turned on the AC (it could run on low with the 20A service there). Then, after dark, a dad and his young son arrive on our other side and had to back in their boat in the dark. We got out of our rig and helped them (twice) with our portable lights and guidance. In the morning, they spoke in very loud voices and we were right next door. We did take one of the trails in the heat, but they are not at all well maintained - basically trampled grass that could easily hold a snake. While the area is pretty, it is just way too crowded for our taste. Oh, and the bathrooms were dimily lit, had a couple of non-functioning toilets, and were dirty. We were ready to get out of there and will not be back. Lastly, though the fire danger was marked as extremely high and "NO FIRES" signs at check-in, along with verbal warnings of no fires, I saw two campsites had open fires in the fire pits. This blatant lack of regard for rules and safety didn't sit well with me. And no one was enforcing the fire ban. Sad.

          • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Oceano Campground — Pismo State Beach
            Aug. 17, 2024

            Oceano Campground — Pismo State Beach

            Great Campground

            We stayed here a few years ago, but on the primitive / non-hookup side. We stayed on the E/W hookup side this time and liked it as well, though it does have the more typical RV/parking lot feel as compared to the other side.  There's a nice walking trail that connects the two sides. It's $50 for an E/W site, plus an $8.25 reservation fee.

            There's a cool lagoon that you can walk all the way around on, with lots of birds, and much of it accessible as well which is nice. There's a cool visitor center, open 12-4. The beach is a short walk away. There's a great Mexican restaurant down the road also, Old Juan's, it's so good and has great vegan options.

            The showers here are nice and clean, and $1 gets you 4 minutes.  The showers are individual, private, and non-gendered. There was no host on site when we were there, but the rangers were very present.  This campground, like all California State campgrounds we've been to recently, has trash, recycling, and a food compost bin which I love.

            There's a fun game for kids where you download an app and go on a scavenger hunt and complete other challenges.

            No dump station here, but there's one just 2 miles north at North Beach Campground, and it's $10 for dump and water fill there.

          • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area Campground
            Aug. 17, 2024

            Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area Campground

            4 x 4 recommended

            We love being able to camp directly on the beach, and have done so many times in Texas and in Louisiana, but wouldn't recommend it here unless you are in a 4wd. We did see 2 skoolies on the beach, but then we also saw a pickup truck stuck in the sand in the parking lot outside of the beach, so there's that.

            Camping overnight is only $10, and the beach is wide open for camping. It was very busy during the day on a weekday in August, so I can imagine the weekends are packed. 

            This is a fun beach in a fun, low key beach town, and we love coming here.

          • EThe Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Old Sierra Madre
            Aug. 4, 2024

            Old Sierra Madre

            Nice Car Camping Spot

            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. But I only went a little past where the directions take you, so not sure what else is up there.

            Arrived just at sunset and loved the views! It was very peaceful and far enough from the highway. It seemed like the same truck was driving up and down a couple times which was the only downfall.

            Overall a good experience.

          • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Faria Beach Park
            Aug. 3, 2024

            Faria Beach Park

            Beachy casual

            I'm giving this place 5 stars, because even though it's cramped and packed and awkward to maneuver through, it's got the casual and fun beach vibe that we love about this area.

            You're right on the beach, with easy access to the beach via stairs. This campground is very close to Rincon, but the setup is totally different. Rincon is basically just a parking space on the road, while Faria is a regular campground. The drive down from the main road is pretty steep with a sharp turn, I'm surprised more RVs don't scrape and cause damage on the way down.

            The sites here are very close together, but it doesn't matter. Everyone is friendly and happy and in a good mood. The cafe is fun and seems to be a hangout for bikers riding along Hwy 1. We love it here.

          • Monica E.The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Jalama Beach County Park
            Jul. 3, 2024

            Jalama Beach County Park

            Never disappoints

            Jalama Beach offers great walks along a long beach that is nestled in a cozy bay. Surfers, couples & families can enjoy this beautiful place. Watch for tar on the sand & pack some petroleum jelly to help remove it in case you step on it barefoot. There’s a small freshwater stream that flows right into the shore where your pets & kids like to splash around & play. Lots of driftwood & rocks pepper the shore so bring water shoes.

          • Jeremy F.The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Lopez Lake Recreation Area
            Jun. 27, 2024

            Lopez Lake Recreation Area

            Great time with the whole family

            Large sites with plenty of room for tents and all the other camping necessities. This site backs up into the hills and there are black bears that roam the area so be sure to prepare for that. The lake is full and lots of areas to fish.


          Drive Time


          Guide to Los Olivos

          Tent camping near Los Olivos, California, offers a variety of scenic spots where nature lovers can enjoy the great outdoors. With options ranging from cliffside views to serene forest settings, there's something for every tent camper.

          Tent campers appreciate these amenities

          Tent campers like these nearby activities

          Some prices for tent camping range from $0 to $5

          Frequently Asked Questions

          • Which is the most popular tent campsite near Los Olivos, CA?

            According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Los Olivos, CA is Arroyo Hondo Vista Point Rest / Camp area with a 3.4-star rating from 7 reviews.

          • What is the best site to find tent camping near Los Olivos, CA?

            TheDyrt.com has all 26 tent camping locations near Los Olivos, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.