Best Dispersed Camping near New Cuyama, CA

Looking for the best New Cuyama dispersed camping? Here you'll find a diverse selection of places to camp, including remote dispersed camping to boondocking, and everything in-between. From secluded to easily reachable, we offer dispersed campsites near New Cuyama just for you.

Best Dispersed Sites Near New Cuyama, CA (11)

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Showing results 1-10 of 11 campgrounds

Recent Dispersed Reviews in New Cuyama

7 Reviews of 11 New Cuyama Campgrounds


  • Natalie T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Carrizzo Plain National Monument Dispersed
    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
    Camper-submitted photo from Old Sierra Madre
    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.

  • Paul O.
    Camper-submitted photo from Los Padres NF - Dispersed Camp
    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
    Camper-submitted photo from Los Padres NF - Dispersed Camp
    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
    Camper-submitted photo from Los Padres National Forest dispersed camping
    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
    Camper-submitted photo from Chorma Camp in Matilija Wilderness
    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.

  • robherr The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Big Cone Camp - Santa Paula Canyon
    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.


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Guide to New Cuyama

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near New Cuyama, California, where nature enthusiasts can enjoy free and flexible camping experiences amidst stunning landscapes.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near New Cuyama, California

  • Many dispersed camping spots, like Old Sierra Madre, do not require permits, making it easy for campers to set up without hassle.
  • Look for locations that offer drive-in access, such as Los Padres NF - Dispersed Camp, which allows for convenient vehicle access to your camping site.
  • Be prepared for a primitive experience; sites like Chorma Camp in Matilija Wilderness offer no amenities, so pack in everything you need and pack out your trash.

Scenic spots for dispersed campers

Dispersed campers should check out Old Sierra Madre

  • The Old Sierra Madre - Medicine Bow National Forest Dispersed offers a low-key atmosphere, ideal for a quick getaway without the need for reservations.
  • Campers have noted the ease of finding level spots, making it a convenient choice for those who want to set up quickly and enjoy their surroundings.
  • With its proximity to hiking trails and natural beauty, this area is a great option for outdoor enthusiasts looking to explore the region.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near New Cuyama, CA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near New Cuyama, CA is Carrizzo Plain National Monument Dispersed with a 4-star rating from 1 review.

  • What is the best site to find dispersed camping near New Cuyama, CA?

    TheDyrt.com has all 11 dispersed camping locations near New Cuyama, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.