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Best Dispersed Camping near Maricopa, CA

13 Reviews

Carrizzo Plain National Monument provides free dispersed camping approximately 30 miles from Maricopa in rolling, treeless terrain. The monument offers several primitive sites accessible via dirt roads that can become slick during wet conditions. Visitors report peaceful camping with excellent stargazing opportunities due to minimal light pollution. One camper noted, "The area is hilly and beautiful with enough flatness and openness to pitch a tent without issue." Winter campers should prepare for temperatures potentially 15 degrees colder than forecasted.

Old Sierra Madre Road offers additional dispersed sites suitable for smaller vehicles and vans. These roadside pull-offs provide cell service and scenic views but limited space for larger RVs or tents. Most dispersed sites in the region prohibit fires, particularly in Los Padres National Forest where fire restrictions are strictly enforced. Campers seeking backcountry options might consider Cherry Creek area, accessible only by hiking trails. Public land camping near Maricopa generally lacks amenities - most sites have no toilets, water, or trash service, requiring visitors to pack out all waste.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Maricopa, California (13)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Maricopa, CA

11 Photos of 13 Maricopa Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Maricopa, CA

13 Reviews of 13 Maricopa Campgrounds

  • 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."

  • robherr The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 12, 2018

    Big Cone Camp - Santa Paula Canyon

    Local easy hike to great waterfalls

    This is a fairly easy hike through what would not be considered a typical hike. It starts off going through Thomas Aquinas College, winding through horse property and oil fields, before finally opening up into Santa Paula Canyon. The trail has changed many times over the years because of the nature of flooding through the canyon, but follow the signs through the middle of the canyon and the main trail will head up the mountain to the right.

    Atop the hill on the saddle, nestled among the trees is the primitive Big Cone campsite. It is one of my favorite spots simply because it is close and when my kids were young it was a fairly easy hike to get to, and there's a nice reward when you get there.

    From Big Cone Camp you can easily reach the waterfalls and pools that make this area known as the "punch bowls". Depending on weather and water conditions there are some nice water rock slides, and a few pools you can jump from the cliffs into.

    Please pack out your trash. Because this hike is local and easy, there are many party people that frequent the area and leave their trash.

Guide to Maricopa

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Maricopa, California, where nature meets adventure. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, you can enjoy the great outdoors without the hassle of traditional campgrounds.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Maricopa, California

  • Look for spots like Alamo Creek, where no permits are required, making it easy to set up camp and enjoy the surroundings.
  • Consider Old Sierra Madre for a peaceful experience, as it offers easy access and a low-key atmosphere, perfect for a quick getaway.
  • Always pack out what you bring in, especially at popular spots like Big Cone Camp - Santa Paula Canyon, to help keep these natural areas pristine.

Hiking and exploring while free camping near Maricopa

  • The Los Padres NF - Dispersed Camp is conveniently located near the Chorro Grande trail, offering a scenic hike of about nine miles that leads to beautiful views and a great camping spot.
  • For those seeking a more rugged experience, Chorma Camp in Matilija Wilderness provides a hike-in option with stunning vistas, though be prepared for windy conditions.
  • If you're looking for waterfalls, the trail from Big Cone Camp - Santa Paula Canyon leads to the famous "punch bowls," where you can enjoy swimming and rock slides.

Scenic views and relaxation spots for dispersed campers

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Maricopa, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Maricopa, CA is Carrizzo Plain National Monument Dispersed with a 4.3-star rating from 3 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Maricopa, CA?

TheDyrt.com has all 13 dispersed camping locations near Maricopa, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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