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Best Dispersed Camping near Los Padres National Forest

13 Reviews

Los Padres National Forest offers several free dispersed camping options within its boundaries and surrounding areas. Carrizzo Plain National Monument provides open primitive camping on hilly terrain with minimal shade but excellent stargazing opportunities. As one visitor noted, "Beautiful hilly landscape. Despite the absence of trees or bushes for shadow, we had a wonderful evening here." Most sites require visitors to bring all supplies as no facilities exist—no toilets, water, or trash service.

Old Sierra Madre Road provides additional dispersed sites with varying terrain. According to feedback, "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." Fire restrictions apply in most areas, with complete bans in several locations including Matilija Wilderness and along Highway 33. Road conditions can deteriorate quickly during wet weather, making access difficult for standard passenger vehicles. Winter temperatures may drop significantly lower than forecasted, with campers reporting temperatures 15 degrees below predictions.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Los Padres National Forest (12)

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Los Padres National Forest

13 Reviews of 12 Los Padres National Forest 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.

  • robherr The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 14, 2018

    Chorma Camp in Matilija Wilderness

    Windy and high, Chorma Camp is a quick stop

    Chorma Camp is the first spot you will encounter on the hike south through Cherry Creek. Situated high on a bluff it gets lots of wind, and with very little shelter around to break it, if you camp here you will get the brunt of it.

    There are no amenities at any of the campsites in this area, they are all primitive dispersed camp areas.

    Continuing on past Chorma if you can make it to Maple it is better campsite down in the valley.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    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.

  • Jonathan E.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 27, 2025

    Carrizzo Plain National Monument Dispersed

    Peaceful and Beautiful

    I visited in January on my way to the Bay Area and loved this campsite. I didn’t see anyone else around, nor did I see any wildlife, so it was very quiet and peaceful. The stars were also quite visible with minimal light pollution. The area is hilly and beautiful with enough flatness and openness to pitch a tent without issue.

    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.

    All in all, great site and I would definitely return if I need a place to camp in the area again.

  • jThe Dyrt PRO User
    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

  • Jessica P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 12, 2021

    Los Padres NF - Dispersed Camp

    Good place after a long hike

    This site is next to chorro grande trail which is about a 9 mile hike. After your long hike of you want to rest go up the mountain site across and it’s an awesome place to camp out. This is dispersed campsite. You will also come across many people parked on the side for those who hike the trails so if you go up the little hill mountain you can camp out peacefully with awesome sunrise and sunsets.

  • Paul O.
    Mar. 28, 2022

    Los Padres NF - Dispersed Camp

    No disperse camping allowed along the 33.

    There is a nice hike-in campsite about 1.5 miles up the Chorro Grande trail called Oak Camp. I think the other review here might be unintentionally implying that camping along the 33 is allowed. It isn't. This is from the district web page:

    "Disperse camping is NOT allowed on Hwy 33, the Rose Valley Recreation Area or the Pine Mountain Recreation Area or Matilija Canyon Rd. These are Restricted Use Zones."

Guide to Los Padres National Forest

Dispersed camping near Los Padres National Forest offers a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in nature without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. With a variety of locations to choose from, you can enjoy the beauty of California's wilderness while taking advantage of free camping options.

Top Activities While Free Camping Near Los Padres National Forest

  • Enjoy scenic drives leading to spots like Old Sierra Madre, where you can find level areas for car camping and appreciate the peaceful surroundings.
  • Hike the trails near Los Padres NF - Dispersed Camp, which is conveniently located next to the Chorro Grande trail, perfect for those looking to combine hiking with camping.
  • Experience stunning sunsets and serene views at Chorma Camp in Matilija Wilderness, a great spot for those who enjoy a bit of adventure and don’t mind a hike to get there.

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Los Padres National Forest, California

  • Be prepared for limited amenities at places like Alamo Creek, where you’ll need to pack in everything you need and pack out your trash.
  • If you’re looking for a quieter experience, consider Los Padres National Forest dispersed camping, where you can find flat spots away from the main roads, ideal for a peaceful night under the stars.
  • Always check for local regulations, especially regarding campfires and permits, as some areas like Cottonwood Campground have specific rules to follow.

Dispersed Campers Should Check Out Old Sierra Madre

  • Located in a convenient area, Old Sierra Madre is known for its easy access and level spots, making it a solid choice for car camping.
  • While camping here, you might encounter some highway noise, but the overall vibe remains low-key and enjoyable for a quick getaway.
  • This spot is well-reviewed for its accessibility and the peaceful atmosphere, perfect for those looking to unwind after a long drive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit for dispersed camping in Los Padres National Forest?

Yes, you typically need a California Campfire Permit for dispersed camping in Los Padres National Forest, even if you're not having a campfire but using a stove or lantern. These permits are free and available online through the California fire prevention website. Additionally, be aware that dispersed camping is NOT permitted along Highway 33, the Rose Valley area, or other designated corridors. At Chorma Camp in Matilija Wilderness, no special permits are required beyond the standard campfire permit, but always check current regulations. During high fire danger periods, additional restrictions may apply across the forest. Always verify current requirements with the ranger district office before your trip.

Where are the best dispersed camping locations in Los Padres National Forest?

Los Padres National Forest offers several excellent dispersed camping spots. Carrizzo Plain National Monument Dispersed provides beautiful hilly landscapes with open spaces and minimal light pollution, making it perfect for stargazing. The area has multiple spots to choose from, though the dirt roads can become slick when wet. Another great option is Redhill Road, located about 2 miles from Highway 58 at the intersection with Fernandez Road. While this area may experience some traffic from residents and OHV riders, it offers good accessibility for most vehicles. Always check current forest conditions and road status before heading out, as accessibility can change seasonally.

What fire restrictions apply to dispersed camping in Los Padres National Forest?

Fire restrictions in Los Padres National Forest vary seasonally but are typically strict due to the high fire danger in the region. During peak fire season (usually summer through fall), campfires are often completely prohibited in dispersed camping areas. Even when fires are permitted, they require a valid California Campfire Permit. At Old Sierra Madre, campers should prepare for the possibility of no fires being allowed. At Morrow hill dispersed, the same restrictions apply. Always use established fire rings when available, fully extinguish any permitted fires, and carry water specifically for fire safety. Check the Los Padres National Forest website or contact the ranger district for current fire restrictions before your trip.

What activities can I do while dispersed camping in Los Padres National Forest?

Los Padres National Forest offers diverse recreational opportunities for dispersed campers. Hiking is popular, with trails like the Chorro Grande Trail near Los Padres NF - Dispersed Camp, which provides a challenging 9-mile route with rewarding views. Wildlife viewing and stargazing are excellent activities, particularly at Figueroa Mountain Road Pullout 01 where minimal light pollution creates spectacular night skies. The forest also accommodates off-highway vehicle (OHV) riding in designated areas, photography, bird watching, and seasonal hunting (with proper licenses). Mountain biking is available on certain trails, and fishing opportunities exist in forest streams (California fishing license required). Always practice Leave No Trace principles during all activities to preserve the natural environment.

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