Best Dispersed Camping near Los Padres National Forest in California

Looking for dispersed camping near Los Padres National Forest? Find the best information on dispersed campgrounds near Los Padres National Forest, including photos, reviews, and tips. Search nearby dispersed campgrounds or find top-rated spots from other campers.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Los Padres National Forest, CA (8)

Show More
Showing results 1-8 of 8 campgrounds

Recent Dispersed Reviews in Los Padres National Forest

9 Reviews of 8 Los Padres National Forest Campgrounds


  • 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

  • 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.

  • Connor B.The Dyrt PRO User
    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

  • 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.

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    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.

  • 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."

  • 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.

  • 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.


Drive Time


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

  • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Los Padres National Forest?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Los Padres National Forest is Old Sierra Madre with a 4.3-star rating from 4 reviews.

  • What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Los Padres National Forest?

    TheDyrt.com has all 8 dispersed camping locations near Los Padres National Forest, with real photos and reviews from campers.