Dispersed camping opportunities near Los Padres National Forest span diverse terrain from pine forests to high-desert landscapes. Winter camping often requires additional preparation, with nighttime temperatures frequently dropping below forecasted levels across higher elevation sites. Primitive camping locations range from accessible roadside pullouts to remote hike-in sites requiring navigation skills and proper equipment.
What to do
Hiking access: Chorma Camp in the Matilija Wilderness serves as a starting point for further exploration. According to one visitor, "Continuing on past Chorma if you can make it to Maple it is better campsite down in the valley." This primitive site requires a hike-in approach with no facilities.
Trail connections: Los Padres dispersed camping areas often connect with day hiking routes. At sites near Chorro Grande trail, campers report: "This site is next to chorro grande trail which is about a 9 mile hike. After your long hike if you want to rest go up the mountain site across and it's an awesome place to camp out."
Stargazing: The minimal light pollution at higher elevations creates prime viewing conditions. A camper at Carrizzo Plain noted: "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."
What campers like
Scenic vistas: Figueroa Mountain Road Pullout offers elevated perspectives of surrounding landscapes. One camper mentioned: "Very pretty area! Lots of little trashes I found in the gravel and grass, so please make sure to pack in and pack out!"
Solitude options: Many locations provide isolation from crowded campgrounds. A visitor to Morrow Hill reported: "We had a great and quiet night up there in our 21ft RV. But the road is a little tricky and we almost wouldn't have driven there."
Cell connectivity: Some dispersed sites maintain surprising connectivity despite remote locations. At Old Sierra Madre, a camper observed: "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
Restricted areas: Several zones prohibit dispersed camping entirely. A visitor clarified: "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."
Weather preparation: Temperature variations can be extreme, particularly in winter. A Carrizzo Plain camper 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."
Terrain challenges: Many primitive sites feature uneven, exposed ground. At Figueroa Mountain Road, a reviewer stated: "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
Campsite selection: Look for spots with natural boundaries. At Carrizzo Plain, one visitor shared: "Backtracked to a nice spot, camaflouged by a small hill, it'll protect my gear tent. This is open castle range."
Access considerations: Road conditions often determine site suitability for families. A camper at Old Sierra Madre noted: "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."
Weather preparation: Pack for temperature extremes, especially in higher elevations. One camper at Carrizzo Plain experienced: "Some warm breezes in the evening, silent night with great views of the night sky."
Tips from RVers
Vehicle size limitations: Many forest access roads restrict larger rigs. A camper at Old Sierra Madre advised: "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."
Road conditions: Prepare for challenging terrain when accessing remote sites. At Los Padres dispersed areas, a visitor mentioned: "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."
Site navigation: Verify exact coordinates before setup to avoid private property issues. At Morrow Hill, a camper warned: "Make sure, you really stay at the place up the hill (coordinates) otherwise the landlord will clarify that you're on private property."
