Best Dispersed Camping near Ojai, CA

The Los Padres National Forest surrounds Ojai, California with numerous dispersed camping options ranging from primitive backcountry sites to accessible roadside spots. Big Cone Camp in Santa Paula Canyon offers a hike-in experience with access to waterfalls and swimming holes known as the "punch bowls," while Morrow Hill dispersed camping provides drive-in access with panoramic views. Dispersed camping in Matilija Wilderness presents more remote options for experienced backpackers. For those willing to venture slightly farther, Channel Islands National Park offers unique boat-in camping at Santa Cruz Island's Del Norte Backcountry, providing a completely different coastal wilderness experience approximately 20 miles offshore from Ventura.

Camping regulations vary significantly across the region, with important restrictions to note. Dispersed camping is prohibited along Highway 33, Rose Valley Recreation Area, Pine Mountain Recreation Area, and Matilija Canyon Road, as these are designated Restricted Use Zones. Many sites require careful navigation on rough roads, as one camper noted at Morrow Hill: "The road is a little tricky and we almost wouldn't have driven there. Make sure you really stay at the place up the hill, otherwise the landlord will clarify that you're on private property." Weather conditions can change rapidly, with exposed sites like Chorma Camp experiencing strong winds due to their bluff locations. Winter temperatures in the region can drop significantly lower than forecasted, sometimes 15 degrees below predictions.

Campers consistently mention the exceptional views and solitude available at dispersed sites throughout the area. At Big Cone Camp, visitors appreciate the relatively easy hike-in access to natural water features, though reviewers caution about occasional trash issues from day-use visitors. The Carrizzo Plain National Monument dispersed camping, while slightly farther from Ojai, receives high ratings for stargazing opportunities with minimal light pollution. Santa Cruz Island camping requires more planning but rewards with unique wildlife encounters, including island foxes that necessitate food storage precautions. Most primitive sites lack amenities, with campers needing to pack in all water and supplies while adhering to fire restrictions that vary by location and season.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Ojai, California (10)

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Ojai, CA

8 Reviews of 10 Ojai 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Roland L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 21, 2025

    Figueroa Mountain Road Pullout 01

    Rough site to camp

    The site is all up hill and really only has a small area where a few vans can fit. But the views are awesome


Guide to Ojai

Los Padres National Forest dispersed camping areas near Ojai require careful planning for various access conditions. Weather across the region fluctuates dramatically by season and elevation, with summer temperatures regularly exceeding 100°F while winter nights can drop below freezing. Regulations restrict campfires throughout most dispersed areas during fire season, typically May through November, with permits required during permitted periods.

What to do

Waterfall exploration: Access natural swimming areas at Big Cone Camp - Santa Paula Canyon via a moderate 3-mile hike. "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," notes camper robherr.

Stargazing: The Carrizzo Plain National Monument Dispersed camping area offers exceptional night sky viewing with minimal light pollution. Jonathan E. reports, "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."

Cross-island hiking: From Santa Cruz Island, multiple trails provide challenging day hikes with ocean views. "Hiked from Scorpion Harbor cross-island to Del Norte Camp, great way to see the island. Camped at site 1, had the most wind but also the best views of the ocean," shares Tom M., highlighting the unique perspectives available from island trail systems.

What campers like

Wildlife encounters: Campers at Santa Cruz Island - Del Norte Backcountry frequently mention unique wildlife sightings. "Saw lots of island foxes - so cute!" writes Kathleen L., though she cautions to "use the food storage boxes to protect your food from the foxes." This island environment offers wildlife viewing opportunities not available on mainland sites.

Solitude and quiet: The remote nature of many sites means minimal crowds and noise. At Carrizzo Plain, Gert K. enjoyed "some warm breezes in the evening, silent night with great views of the night sky," noting the "beautiful hilly landscape" despite the lack of shade trees.

Morning views: Early risers appreciate the panoramic vistas at higher elevation sites. "Great view in the morning, beautiful. Would def come back," reports Mareike W. about Morrow hill dispersed camping area, emphasizing how elevation provides visual rewards for overnight stays.

What you should know

Road access challenges: Many dispersed sites require careful navigation. Mareike W. cautions about Morrow Hill: "The road is a little tricky and we almost wouldn't have driven there." Similarly, at Carrizzo Plain, Natalie T. experienced difficulties: "tried going further down the road to other more secluded camping spots. However the dirt road was slick & minivan, loaded down, was slipping & sliding."

Restricted camping zones: Camping is prohibited in several key areas regardless of what maps might suggest. Paul O. clarifies about Los Padres NF - Dispersed Camp: "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."

Temperature variations: Actual temperatures often diverge significantly from forecasts. Jonathan E. reports from Carrizzo Plain: "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."

Tips for camping with families

Short-distance backpacking: First-time backpackers or families with younger children can try the accessible trails to Big Cone Camp. "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," explains robherr.

Island adventure planning: Families visiting Santa Cruz Island - Del Norte Backcountry should prepare thoroughly. Kate W. advises: "You have to set up a boat trip here and back so do your homework because it takes some coordinating. We picked site 1 unknowingly and it turned out to be the best! It was away from others and felt private."

Water requirements: All dispersed sites require carrying water for all family members. Kate W. emphasizes that when hiking on Santa Cruz Island, "bring a ton of water because you'll want it!" Kathleen L. adds a critical reminder: "Also you have to PACK YOUR OWN WATER."

Tips from RVers

Space limitations: Many dispersed sites have minimal space for larger vehicles. At Figueroa Mountain Road Pullout 01, Roland L. notes the constraints: "The site is all up hill and really only has a small area where a few vans can fit."

Free camping options: RV campers seeking free camping near Ojai, California can find options at Carrizzo Plain, where level sites accommodate smaller RVs without hookups. "We drove a bit further down the main road than the gps location suggests, and took the next road to find a spot," advises Gert K., indicating that persistence may be needed to find suitable locations.

Wind exposure: RVs and trailers face significant wind at certain exposed sites. "VERY WINDY!" emphasizes Kate W. about Santa Cruz Island camping, while robherr notes about Chorma Camp: "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."

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find free dispersed camping in Ojai?

Free dispersed camping near Ojai can be found in Los Padres National Forest. Morrow Hill Dispersed offers quiet spots suitable for RVs up to 21ft, though the access road requires careful navigation. The site features beautiful morning views, but be sure to follow the coordinates precisely to avoid accidentally camping on private property. Another option is Los Padres NF - Dispersed Camp, located near the Chorro Grande trailhead. While roadside camping directly along Highway 33 is not permitted, there are designated dispersed areas within the forest. Always check current forest regulations before your trip, as rules can change seasonally, especially during fire season.

What amenities are available at dispersed camping sites around Ojai?

Dispersed camping sites around Ojai typically offer very minimal amenities. At Chorma Camp in Matilija Wilderness, there are no facilities available. This primitive site is situated on a bluff that experiences significant wind with little natural shelter. Similarly, Carrizzo Plain National Monument Dispersed has no amenities but provides open spaces with beautiful hilly landscapes and excellent stargazing opportunities due to minimal light pollution. For all dispersed camping in the area, you'll need to pack in all supplies including water, food, and waste disposal bags. There are no restrooms, trash services, or potable water sources, so come fully prepared for self-sufficient camping.

What are the regulations for dispersed camping near Ojai?

Dispersed camping regulations near Ojai require visitors to follow specific rules. At Santa Cruz Island - Del Norte Backcountry, campers must coordinate boat transportation and use provided food storage lockers to protect supplies from wildlife. On the mainland, areas like Figueroa Mountain Road Pullout 01 have restrictions against camping directly along Highway 33. Generally, dispersed camping regulations include: staying in designated dispersed areas only, practicing Leave No Trace principles, packing out all trash, properly disposing of human waste, observing fire restrictions (campfires often prohibited during dry seasons), camping at least 100 feet from water sources, and limiting stays to 14 days. Always check current Forest Service regulations before your trip.