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Best Dispersed Camping near Moorpark, CA

11 Reviews

Los Padres National Forest offers several dispersed camping options near Moorpark, California, with sites like Big Cone Camp accessed via hiking trails. Most sites lack amenities—no drinking water, toilets, or trash service. Fire restrictions vary by location, with several areas prohibiting fires entirely. Morrow Hill dispersed area provides drive-in access with fire rings but requires appropriate vehicles for the challenging roads.

Angeles Crest Overlook serves as an impromptu car camping location with views overlooking Los Angeles, though reviews indicate it's more suitable for emergency overnight stays than traditional camping. One camper shared, "It is not a real campground, just the parking area of a viewpoint. There were tire tracks that suggested young people come here to test their driving skills." The more remote Channel Islands National Park offers backcountry camping on Santa Cruz Island with reservable sites, accessible only by boat and hiking. Pack-in water is required at all dispersed sites in the region.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Moorpark, California (9)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Moorpark, CA

8 Photos of 9 Moorpark Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Moorpark, CA

11 Reviews of 9 Moorpark Campgrounds

  • Joseph R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 26, 2024

    Angeles Crest Overlook to LA

    Nope

    It’s basically car camping along the Angeles Crest highway, there’s small pull out spots and, some spots overlooking the forest but kids do tend to party up here and, drive about 100 miles a hour up and, down the road all hours of the night. It can get a bit scary, if you’re alone. Oh cell service non-existent unless you’re closer to the bottom but even then it’s spotty. It’s not a typical campground but it does do the job for a couple days. You will see cars vans along the pull outs coming up but I believe you can car camp on the overlook I have not as I’m more a quiet type person. Be careful though there’s a white van that teams up with a black truck they tried to break in my car while I was sleeping. It is very dangerous and luckily I carry at all times and have cameras.

  • 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.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 22, 2024

    Angeles Crest Overlook to LA

    Dark, fairly quiet, good view!

    I loved car camping here! When I stayed, there were no other people who stayed the night, but quite a few people came throughout the night just for 20 minutes at a time or so. Wasn’t too noisy at all. Unfortunately I didn’t have any service (Visible/Verizon), so that was a little scary. Other than that, no complaints at all!

  • 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.

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 26, 2024

    Angeles Crest Overlook to LA

    Great view

    Great view but on the weekend we had multiple cars doing donuts really close to our van. I felt uncomfortable with that. Next night we moved to the other look out and someone still did donuts behind us- it’s a smaller lookout. Loud music and people talking next to us until about 1 am there is a pull off before this that was very quiet near a trail and nobody bothered us. During the week it’s more quiet. Close to town so that is a plus. Would recommend to smaller vans or car sleepers. I did not feel unsafe except for the donuts that happened near us. If you have dogs I would recommend the trail pull off my dogs really enjoyed the hike

  • 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.

  • Andrew S.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 30, 2024

    Angeles Crest Overlook to LA

    Not a campsite

    This is literally just a roadside pull-off. Only really useful in a pinch. No space for a tent. Sleep in your vehicle.

  • Iris A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 30, 2023

    Angeles Crest Overlook to LA

    dispersed camping next to the road

    It is not a real campground, just a the parking area of a view point. So the view was great. I parked at one end of the area but in the evening lots of couples and teenagers came and the parking area was well used. Some people stood silently admiring the view, while others played loud music. There were also tire tracks on the ground that suggested to me, some young people come here to test their driving skills. I spent the night and no-one took really notice of me. 

    There are no toilets, campfire sites or shade but good cell service.

Guide to Moorpark

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Moorpark, California, where nature enthusiasts can enjoy serene landscapes and a sense of adventure. With various options available, campers can find the perfect spot to unwind and connect with the great outdoors.

Local Waterfalls for Dispersed Campers

  • The Big Cone Camp - Santa Paula Canyon offers a scenic hike leading to stunning waterfalls and natural pools, making it a rewarding destination for families and adventurers alike.
  • This area is known for its easy access to the "punch bowls," where visitors can enjoy rock slides and cliff jumping, perfect for those looking for a bit of excitement after a hike.
  • Remember to pack out your trash, as the popularity of this spot can lead to littering, impacting the natural beauty of the surroundings.

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Moorpark, California

  • For those seeking a more primitive experience, Los Padres NF - Dispersed Camp allows for both drive-in and walk-in access, making it convenient for various camping styles.
  • Be aware that dispersed camping is not permitted along Highway 33, so plan your route accordingly to avoid restricted areas.
  • This site is pet-friendly, allowing you to bring your furry friends along for the adventure, but ensure you follow local guidelines for pet management.

Chorma Camp in Matilija Wilderness

  • The Chorma Camp in Matilija Wilderness is situated high on a bluff, providing breathtaking views, though it can be quite windy due to its exposed location.
  • This area is ideal for those looking for a quick stop while hiking through Cherry Creek, but be prepared for a lack of amenities, as it is a primitive site.
  • If you're seeking a more sheltered experience, consider continuing your hike to Maple Camp, which offers a better camping environment down in the valley.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Moorpark, CA is Big Cone Camp - Santa Paula Canyon with a 4-star rating from 1 review.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 9 dispersed camping locations near Moorpark, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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