Best Dispersed Camping near Morro Bay, CA

Dispersed camping near Morro Bay, California is permitted on several public lands, with TV Tower Road and Williams Hill Recreation Area being the most accessible options. Los Padres National Forest offers additional primitive sites along forest service roads, particularly on Redhill Road near Highway 58. Will Creek Road and Plasket Ridge provide remote camping opportunities along the coast, though these areas have steeper terrain and more challenging access conditions.

Most access roads to dispersed sites require careful navigation on dirt or gravel surfaces. TV Tower Road features a narrow, winding dirt road with steep drop-offs that becomes particularly challenging after dark. Williams Hill Recreation Area, while free, includes seven established sites with covered picnic tables, fire rings, and a vault toilet—unusual amenities for dispersed camping. Fire restrictions are common during summer months, with complete bans during high fire danger periods. No water sources or trash services exist at any locations, requiring campers to pack in all supplies and pack out all waste.

The dispersed areas around Morro Bay offer exceptional views and stargazing opportunities. TV Tower Road provides panoramic vistas of Morro Bay, Los Osos, and San Luis Obispo, with the iconic Morro Rock visible in the distance. Williams Hill sites sit along a ridge with expansive views of the Salinas Valley and Coastal Range. Campers report varying experiences with crowds. "The stars are beautiful and it's very quiet and cool," noted one TV Tower Road visitor, while another Williams Hill camper observed, "It was very quiet except for relatively far off gunfire one morning." Cell service is generally good at higher elevations, particularly at Williams Hill, where Verizon users report consistent LTE coverage.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Morro Bay, California (9)

    1. TV Tower Road Dispersed Camping

    35 Reviews
    Santa Margarita, CA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 865-0416

    "You can see Morro Bay, Los Osos, and San Luis Obispo. And to top it all off, you also get an ocean view in the distance."

    "We were trying to find a spot to camp near San Luis Obispo and hoped to find a place in Los Padres Natl Forest. We saw the road in our map book and aimed to follow it."

    2. Other Pullout on TV Tower Road - Dispersed Site

    6 Reviews
    Santa Margarita, CA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 925-9538

    "Best with a decent clearance 4wd - definitely not an RV spot. Windy at night for sure, and can be a bit busy with people going past on the road."

    "Got there around 2pm and was the only car in sight until 4 ish when a car pulled up and parked for the night 5 feet away from me 🙄 RUDE!!"

    3. Williams Hill Recreation Area

    31 Reviews
    Jolon, CA
    42 miles
    Website
    +1 (831) 582-2200

    "Amenities include one vault toilet, sometimes runs out of toilet paper on a busy weekend, picnic tables with shelter and fire pits. No water, no trash, fire bans most the dry months."

    "Sites have covered shelter with metal picnic tables with overhangs for stove and a fire ring. Sites 5 and 7 suitable for larger rigs. Site 5 is pull thru will accommodate 40ft+ rig and pull vehicle."

    4. Will Creek Road Dispersed

    13 Reviews
    Lucia, CA
    48 miles

    "Dispersed camping all along the trail, despite a sign saying no car camping. It was a 45 min (6 mile) trip up a dirt road but boy was it worth it."

    "I’m surprised I haven’t known about this little gem that is only 2 hours away from me. Above the fog line and beautiful views!!"

    5. Los Padres National Forest dispersed camping

    1 Review
    Santa Margarita, CA
    33 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 865-0416

    "Turning on Redhill Road from hwy 58 follow the dirt road about 2 miles to the intersection of Redhill and Fernandez."

    6. Plasket Ridge Dispersed Campground

    7 Reviews
    Lucia, CA
    49 miles
    Website
    +1 (831) 242-0619

    "It's a very dry summer & residents are on edge - just a reminder:

    "Hey campers!"

    "Amazing location to wake up in the morning. View of the pacific ocean on one side and valley on the other. 4x4 vehicle needed. Fairly safe, clean, and not crowded."

    7. Old Sierra Madre

    4 Reviews
    Carrizo Plain National Monument, CA
    48 miles

    "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."

    "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"

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Morro Bay, CA

94 Reviews of 9 Morro Bay Campgrounds


  • Wandering C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 24, 2023

    Williams Hill Recreation Area

    Free BLM

    Amenities include one vault toilet, sometimes runs out of toilet paper on a busy weekend, picnic tables with shelter and fire pits. No water, no trash, fire bans most the dry months.

  • Robin L.
    Oct. 24, 2021

    Williams Hill Recreation Area

    Listen to the Quiet

    7 sites suitable for tents, vans, rv's, tt. Sites have covered shelter with metal picnic tables with overhangs for stove and a fire ring. Sites 5 and 7 suitable for larger rigs. Site 5 is pull thru will accommodate 40ft+ rig and pull vehicle. Site 7 is back-in site pull vehicle parks on one side of shelter, 40'+ capable. These sites are dry camping with vault toilet. Offers views of Coastal Range on west Salinas Valley on right. Eastern road from San Ardo/PCH unpaved, washboard on lower end, no steep grades. Turn onto W1 is close for larger rigs as well as turn into campground. Directly opposite of campground entrance is extra large flat dispersed site capable of any length. Road up is narrow must yield to downhill traffic. No electric hookups gens allowed but be mindful of neighbors.

  • 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.

  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 30, 2024

    Williams Hill Recreation Area

    Free established BLM campground

    We stayed here for 3 nights in the summer, arriving on a Sunday, and it was great. I was worried about the heat, but it really wasn’t too bad, even on the hot days (low 90s) it cools down in the evening and didn’t get hot until early afternoon. Just be sure to get one of the shady spots! We set up in site #1 when we first arrived because it was private and had nice views, but it was way too much direct sun. We moved to #4 and it was much better- shady and even better views. 

    There were other people here when we stayed here but everyone was very quiet and respectful, and we didn’t hear any shooting like other reviews have mentioned— this may be due to the ban on shooting (and camp fires) at this time because of fire danger, but I was still impressed and surprised that people respected the ban. There is one pit toilet that we didn’t check out, but man you can smell it if you camp in one of the sites near to it. 

    We saw one volunteer/employee come and clean things up while we were here. We were pleasantly surprised that the trash wasn’t too bad here. No trash service so please pack out your waste. Cell service is good up at the campground, though you do lose it in parts on the drive up. We made it up in our 26ft class c no problem, though the road is narrow at times and we were glad we didn’t come across any oncoming traffic. Sites are relatively flat/ fixable with levels. Two of the sites are huge/ pull throughs so would be good for bigger rigs or big groups. If you get up here and all the sites are taken, there are several spots outside of the campground where you can disperse camp. 

    This is an OHV area but we didn’t see any while we were here. We hiked along the OHV trails and there was nothing- but I could see it getting busy on the weekends. 

    There's a 14 day stay limit. No water provided up here.

    My only complaint was the BEES! They were everywhere and aggressive, and all in our face, but didn’t sting us. One of the campers said that this was unusual though. Really nice campground, amazing that it’s free! Thanks BLM!

  • J
    Jun. 9, 2021

    Will Creek Road Dispersed

    Unbelievable Spot

    My wife and I found this spot on our Honeymoon. Dispersed camping all along the trail, despite a sign saying no car camping. It was a 45 min (6 mile) trip up a dirt road but boy was it worth it. The trail continued toward a campsite, but we found a spot that we couldn’t pass up (see pics). We were above the marine layer and the stars were something else never seen before. Highly recommend. No campfires.

  • Chanel C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 6, 2018

    TV Tower Road Dispersed Camping

    Ranger Review: Escape Campervan at TV Tower Road

    My husband and I decided to do a road trip along the PCH up the coast (with Big Sur as the final destination). Along the way, we made multiple stops and camped at TV Tower Road since we heard so many phenomenal things about the view.

    [ PROS ]

    • VIEWS VIEWS VIEWS!! The view is spectacular up this mountain. You can see Morro Bay, Los Osos, and San Luis Obispo. And to top it all off, you also get an ocean view in the distance. You can even see the infamous Morro Bay Rock and the 3 smokestacks in the horizon.
    • It’s FREE! When you’re doing a road trip along HWY 1 during the summer, you’ll notice that almost all campsites are full if you haven’t made a reservation months in advance. This place is perfect for last minute campers who need a place to park for the evening.
    • Stargazing is out of this world. We had the clearest night sky with very little light pollution, and we were able to see the Milky Way so vividly. We also saw multiple shooting stars.
    • This campsite is off the beaten road, so it’s very remote. We saw two other campers nearby but other than that, we had the entire place to ourselves.
    • Great hiking spot! It’s only a 1.5 mile hike up to the campsite, but it’s steep. You can find the entrance to TV Tower Road at the West Cuesta RIdge Trailhead. Lots of cyclist and morning hikers come through at dawn.

    [ CONS ]

    • Really terrifying drive up the mountain with a few sharp turns and a narrow one-car dirt road. We were able to take our Escape Camervan up the mountain with no problem, but this road is for confident drivers. There are some parts of the road where two cars can fit, but just make sure you drive slow and check weather conditions.
    • No toilets, no showers, no water, no hook ups, no amenities. Make sure you bring your own food/water/supplies, practice LNT, and be safe.
    • There is practically no shade on this mountain ridge so it can get hot during the day with the sun beaming down on you. Just prepare for that.

    Pro Tip: Drive up TV Tower Road before sunset. 1) Sunsets are magical here 2) Better visibility of the road while the sun is still out. There are no road or street lights to guide you.

    Product Review

    As a Ranger for The Dyrt, I get products to test from time to time - this weekend I was incredibly BLESSED with the opportunity to test out the Maverick Camper by Escape Campervans. This opportunity couldn’t have come at a better time since my cat recently just passed away, and I do not take a second of this for granted. So where did we decide to go? First on the list, Morro Bay! My (now) husband and I fell in love in Morro Bay 6 years ago, and then he proposed to me at the Morro Bay Rock 2 years later. We figured we would bring our cat’s ashes to “The Rock” as a final resting place so we can make an effort to return as often as possible. After our day in Morro Bay, we continued on along the majestic Pacific Coast Highway until we reached Big Sur on Hwy 1.

    I’ve done this road trip many times since childhood, but it felt like an entirely new experience doing the trip in a campervan. I am, now, totally convinced that the #vanlife is for me. Here are my thoughts on the Maverick #JetsonVan.

    • TRAVELING IN STYLE - I just LOVE LOVE LOVED the custom painted design on our campervan. Just seeing the beautiful colors and design put a smile on my face and made me happy. It brought out my inner-child and a reignited a new sense of adventure and curiosity that I haven’t felt since I was in grade-school. We need more of this in our everyday lives. Thank you Escape Campervans for reminding me of this.
    • ROAD TRIP READY - I’ve done road trips, but never like THIS! The Maverick has everything you need to have the most relaxing, easy, and hassle-free experience ever. The campervan is so well-designed and packed with handy and useful features that really make your trip a breeze. I was able to spend less time packing and setting up, and more time to play. Escape Campervans also came with everything you can think of -- chairs, bedding, pots/pans, bowls/cups/utensils, you name it! There was very little that we needed to pack from home. Below are a few of our favorite features
    • Rooftop sleeper - This is a MUST! It was so fun sleeping on the roof of the van. It’s a little tricky at first to get up and down, but we were able to get the hang of it in no time.
    • Solar powered refrigerator - I don’t know how I lived without this. It was so nice having our food and drinks chilled without having to worry about a cooler of melting ice sloshing around.
    • Storage - there is so much storage for all your gear so it’s so easy to stay organized.
    • Trunk Kitchen - The kitchen is so convenient and it facilitates spur-of-the-moment cooking with very little set up or clean up required. The counter space was really nice for prepping and easy to clean.
    • THE ROAD TO FREEDOM - Our Maverick became our home away from home, and the best part? We were able to bring it with us everywhere. It’s super easy and smooth to drive, and we had the freedom of the open road ahead of us. I loved being able to just pull over during lunch time and enjoy a meal wherever we decided to park. While we did our day trip to Big Sur, we picked a quiet, shady spot to park with an EPIC VIEW of the Pacific Ocean. And if you’ve ever driven along the PCH past Hearst Castle to Big Sur, you’ll know there are so many lookout points to stop for sightseeing.

    Tips for maximizing your campervan experience!

    1. Make it your own! Bring some stuff from your house to really make your campervan feel cozy and homey. Be careful not to overpack, but a couple throw pillows, blankets, and even a houseplant can make all the difference. You don’t normally get this opportunity in a regular car, so take advantage of the space.
    2. Bring a partner in crime or 2! Road Trips are more fun with people who you know are going to be flexible, spontaneous, and up for the unknown. Every trip can have unexpected obstacles and can be exhausting so bring a playmate who will be up for the challenge and up for an adventure.
    3. A little planning goes a long way. While my favorite part about road trips are the random little stops along the way, but it makes a huge difference when you do a little research on the route, conditions, and place to stay for the evening ahead of time.
    4. Split the load! Whether it’s taking turns driving, or alternating who cleans the dishes, make sure everyone throws in a helping hand.
    5. Make a playlist. Having music ready for those long drives can be super helpful when your car stereo loses goes out of range. While I prefer having conversations on road trips over music, sometimes some tunes really help break up the drive.
    6. TREAT YO’SELF. Don’t forget to allow yourself to splurge a litttllleee even if you’re on a tight budget. It’s nice to be able to cook your own food on the road, but it’s also totally okay to eat out a few meals or unwind with a nice bottle of wine after hours of driving or after a stressful day of navigating the road. Just make sure you’re parked for the evening when you uncork!
  • Beth R.
    Jul. 30, 2020

    TV Tower Road Dispersed Camping

    100% worth it...but get there before sunset!

    Ok so my first encounter with this road (TV Tower Road) was after 10 p.m. in mid-July. We were trying to find a spot to camp near San Luis Obispo and hoped to find a place in Los Padres Natl Forest. We saw the road in our map book and aimed to follow it.

    It was dark, and we had to anticipate the road off 101 S, because it comes quickly and the signs are easy to miss. We were able to exit and follow the one-lane road (it’s narrow) as it began to wind up the hillside. We weren’t counting on gaining so much elevation, but we were pretty stoked because after two switchbacks we had an amazing view of the sky. The pavement ended and we continued on a packed dirt road.

    It is quite narrow at parts, but there are spots along it where 2 cars can pass each other. There are bumps and rough patches, but nothing you haven’t encountered if you do much backwoods driving. Anyways.

    That night was a Friday, and it was also a peak viewing night for the comet, and there were SO many (like 8) cars that we had to pass/maneuver around. In the dark, without knowing the road, it was pretty high pressure, and we chose to turn around about halfway up, without knowing how the road ended.

    So, disappointment. However, after a fun day in Los Osos and Morro Bay, we decided to tackle the road in the daylight. We got there around 6, in full summer light, and only encountered one driver coming down. 

    When you reach the top of the ridge, the road opens up. It’s the bumpiest here, but there’s a lot of space to spread out & set up. We saw probably 12 other cars (vans, SUVs, RVs) there, and some people had set up tents. The views are incredible. It’s a super peaceful place to spend a night or two.

    We had binoculars for stargazing, but with them we could explore the details of the hills and landmarks. If you’re into radio, reception is very clear. The temperature was overall very comfortable, and we had a great night car camping. 

    The biggest caution is driving—expect to have to deal with some cars going the other way. Also, keep an eye out for hikers and mountain bikers who also use the road. If you’re down to try it, this spot is so worth it!!

    Bring food, water, a flashlight...the regular. There are no bathrooms, so be warned.

  • B
    Jun. 2, 2021

    Williams Hill Recreation Area

    Hard to believe that it is free

    We towed our 30' travel trailer up to this dispersed campground that is located along a ridge line on the west side of the 101.  When we went, of the (7) formal sites that are up there, only 3 of them were taken and that was off and on.   We didn't need 4x4 getting up there or even a high clearance vehicle.  Our transmission did start heating up as the road was filled with washboard and it was steep and we had to go pretty slow.  However, any car will be able to make it up there.  The road was safe and relatively wide, but it drops off and you wouldn't stop until you got to the bottom.....  If the (7) spots are taken, there are at least 2 large areas before and after the camp ground that you can camp. 

    The view is fantastic, there is a really nice pit toilet, but I don't remember seeing any water hoses.

    Each of the (7) sites had a concrete pad with a covered picnic table and a BBQ pit!  Please pick up your trash if you go.  There was some beer cans and other garbage left behind by some mental midgets.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 9, 2024

    TV Tower Road Dispersed Camping

    Beautiful View!

    The road was a bit sketchy, any 4WD would be fine I think. I took my mini van and camped at a turn out along the road because I was a bit hesitant, but again, others would probably be fine. There were lots of people going up the road until very late at night, then turning around and coming back down (I assume because there were no spots?) The stars are beautiful and it's very quiet and cool. Got cold at night but nothing unbearable, lovely sunrise too! I'd recommend bringing a warm sleeping bag and any essentials for dispersed camping. Honestly such a beautiful place, next time I'd like to find a space to set up my tent. Loved it!


Guide to Morro Bay

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Morro Bay, California, where nature lovers can find serene spots away from the crowds. With stunning views and a variety of outdoor activities, these locations offer a perfect escape into the wilderness.

Scenic Views for Dispersed Campers

Top Activities While Free Camping Near Morro Bay

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Morro Bay, California

  • Always pack out what you pack in; locations like Old Sierra Madre emphasize the importance of leaving no trace to preserve the natural beauty.
  • Be prepared for varying road conditions, especially at West Will Creek Road, where a high-clearance vehicle is recommended for a smooth drive.
  • Bring essentials like water and food, as many dispersed camping spots, such as Will Creek Road Dispersed, lack amenities and require self-sufficiency.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there BLM land for primitive camping near Morro Bay?

Yes, Bureau of Land Management (BLM) areas near Morro Bay offer primitive camping opportunities. Williams Hill Recreation Area is BLM-managed land with primitive sites that can accommodate various camping setups. The area has 7 sites with some having covered shelters, metal picnic tables, and fire rings. Sites 5 and 7 are suitable for larger rigs, with site 5 being a pull-through that can fit 40+ foot vehicles. During dry months, fire bans are common in these primitive BLM areas. Always check current regulations and fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

Can I sleep in my car or vehicle when camping in Morro Bay?

Vehicle camping is permitted at several dispersed sites near Morro Bay. Plasket Ridge Dispersed Campground allows car camping in pull-outs along the road, though be aware the road is narrow, steep, and unmaintained with cliff exposure. Other Pullout on TV Tower Road provides spots where you can pull off and sleep in your vehicle. Some campers report success with minivans and other non-4WD vehicles, though higher clearance is recommended for certain areas. Always respect posted signs, as some areas may have specific vehicle camping restrictions.

Is free camping available in Morro Bay?

Yes, free camping is available near Morro Bay in designated dispersed areas. Williams Hill Recreation Area offers free camping with basic amenities including vault toilets, picnic tables with shelters, and fire pits. The area has 7 formal sites suitable for various camping setups. Will Creek Road Dispersed also provides free camping options along a 6-mile dirt road with multiple dispersed sites. Remember that these free camping areas typically have no water or trash services, so come prepared with supplies and plan to pack out all waste.

Where can I find dispersed camping near Morro Bay?

Several dispersed camping options exist within driving distance of Morro Bay. Los Padres National Forest dispersed camping offers spots about 2 miles down Redhill Road from Highway 58, with multiple sites at the intersection of Redhill and Fernandez roads. These areas do experience some traffic from local residents and OHV riders. Another option is TV Tower Road Dispersed Camping, which provides spectacular coastal views and multiple pull-offs for camping, though the road can be challenging to navigate at night or without proper clearance.