Best Dispersed Camping near Paso Robles, CA

Recent Dispersed Reviews in Paso Robles

79 Reviews of 9 Paso Robles Campgrounds

• 

  Laura M.

  Legend

  

  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!

• T

  Tanner C.

  Scout

  

  Sep. 26, 2024

  Boondocking - Coalinga

  Waste of time

  If you aren’t sleeping in a camper or in your car, don’t waste your time. It’s a parking lot. Didn’t clearly specify

• J

  Jason R.

  Guide

  

  Sep. 20, 2024

  TV Tower Road Dispersed Camping

  Spots along road when pavement ends

  Didn't have to go as far as GPS pin led me to believe, spot on right shortly after pavement ends. A bit trashed, wish I had a bag to clean up, some bigger stuff like a kids bike, to etc

• 

  Kkkautzky K.

  Scout

  

  Sep. 3, 2024

  Boondocking - Coalinga

  Free army base

  It was spooky but comfortable, good places for renting, fishing,and nature.

• 

  Andrew S.

  Guide

  

  Jul. 31, 2024

  TV Tower Road Dispersed Camping

  Lots of options

  Along the road, there are lots of exposed options and a few camping options in the trees. I drove the entire road and would not recommend doing that without four wheel drive. Was pleased with all the options though. Stay in the trees to avoid the wind.

• 

  Andrew S.

  Guide

  

  Jul. 31, 2024

  Will Creek Road Dispersed

  Closed

  Mid July - road was closed

• 

  Rosemary L.

  Scout

  

  Jul. 1, 2024

  Williams Hill Recreation Area

  Great get away

  Clean camp. Restroom was clean. View was beautiful. There was a 6 mile dirt road to the camp. Easy signage. Saw wild boar and dear along the way. Drove a Hyundai Accent.

• S

  Sebastian D.

  Scout

  

  Jun. 17, 2024

  TV Tower Road Dispersed Camping

  Windy with Expansive Views of SLO

  When I saw the TV tower road sign, that marked the last paved road until the actual TV tower hill.  I rode all the way to the end with some medium difficulty off roading there are some steep bits with uneven terrain.  Taking the road up to TV tower are some of the best views you can get from the surrounding area.  John R.'s review accurately sums up the camping experience.  The wind was shaking my tent all night until the morning.  But thankfully I had bugspray the insect problem was solved.  Nightsky was amazing! I saw a shooting star and many satellites.  Would for sure camp again if in the San Luis Obispo area.

• J

  Jack O.

  Scout

  

  Jun. 16, 2024

  Williams Hill Recreation Area

  Quiet and peaceful

  The drive up has around five miles of very well maintained dirt road, but very much worth it. Some dispersed camping areas and a campground with 5 spots with a shelter and a picnic table at each one. Bathroom was very clean.

  Views are magnificent.

• C

  Caitlyn R.

  Guide

  

  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!

• A

  Andrea K.

  Scout

  

  Apr. 25, 2024

  Williams Hill Recreation Area

  Beautiful Views on Top of the Mountain

  It is a long 5 miles up a long dirt road which is actually pretty nice compared to others we have traveled. There are some steep hairpinish turns that we had to disconnect our toad but wow when you get there it is perfect. So peaceful and very clean. We are in a 36’ class a with jeep toad

• L

  Leen

  Traveler

  

  Apr. 21, 2024

  Williams Hill Recreation Area

  Nice BLM

  The road to come to the BLM was not bad, we came with a van and had no problems. The campground is nice and clean, vault toilet with TP &clean. Camp spots with table & shade & the view on the hills is incredible

• 

  sarah M.

  Scout

  

  Mar. 26, 2024

  Other Pullout on TV Tower Road - Dispersed Site

  beautiful spot

  Manageable with fwd vehicle, i’ve taken my car on worse. 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!! Remember to be respectful of others space especially if there’s 15+ other spots available. lots of sunset watchers but none stayed the night

• 

  Nicole M.

  Scout

  

  Mar. 17, 2024

  TV Tower Road Dispersed Camping

  sketchy

  very sketchy getting up there in a van as its a narrow one lane road with a vertical drop, as a solo female traveller felt pretty unsafe around the guys at the top there that i ended up leaving. its beautiful up there but wouldn't feel safe at all staying overnight.

• M

  Michael B.

  Scout

  

  Nov. 8, 2023

  Williams Hill Recreation Area

  Better than expected!

  Very nice and quiet and clean campground. Arrived late Friday afternoon and left Sunday evening. Camp had a fire ring, shaded concrete patio and a picnic table. The single vault toilet was clean and sufficiently stocked with TP. No other amenities other than what the forest provides. Lots of area to explore, but this is mainly an off road vehicle area.

• 

  Jules R.

  Scout

  

  Nov. 4, 2023

  TV Tower Road Dispersed Camping

  Windy cliffside

  Drove up here at night and the road is windy and bumpy and narrow and youre on the side of a cliff. Was a bit scary but the view was beautiful in the morning. The wind is loud and powerful and will push your car a bit thru the night. No restrooms but lots of shrubbery. Got there at 11 pm and the stars were amazing due to no light pollution.

• 

  Henry D.

  Scout

  

  Aug. 27, 2023

  Other Pullout on TV Tower Road - Dispersed Site

  Pretty sick views

  Lots of spots

• J

  Jackson D.

  Scout

  

  Aug. 2, 2023

  Boondocking - Coalinga

  Solid Stay off the interstate

  Basic pull off area that is good for a nights rest. There are a couple of gas stations and fast food restaurants nearby. The parking area is relatively quite and there is a good amount of room to park and sleep.

• G

  G D.

  Traveler

  

  Jul. 7, 2023

  Other Pullout on TV Tower Road - Dispersed Site

  Cool Ridgetop camping

  Awesome spot on the ridge, lots of sites up past the mountain bike staging area and the best spots are a little past the TV tower its self. 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. Takes a while to go up - winding road, so give plenty of time. But cool spot off the 101 and right near SLO

• 

  Julian T.

  Scout

  

  Jul. 3, 2023

  Other Pullout on TV Tower Road - Dispersed Site

  Great spot

  The road up the hill was small and rough, but the view is worth it! Only a few other campers were there.

• L

  Lenie R.

  Scout

  

  Apr. 1, 2023

  TV Tower Road Dispersed Camping

  very good view

  When we got here, the sun was setting and we had an incredible view. There is no toilet, but there are bushes everywhere so if you don’t mind that should be no problem. For one night it is perfect, make sure you come here before the sun sets and you have a car that can handle rough terrain.

• A

  Anniek

  Scout

  

  Mar. 27, 2023

  Williams Hill Recreation Area

  Amazing view

  The view is amazing!! I would recommend driving up the mountain through Lockwood, the drive is much easier and less scary. We arrived around 5:30pm (end of march) and there was only 1 spot left

• m

  melissa

  Traveler

  

  Mar. 25, 2023

  Other Pullout on TV Tower Road - Dispersed Site

  Beautiful

  Drive up was a little nerve wracking, but found a pull out for 2 vans and it was perfect. Love this spot.

• A

  Adrian L.

  Scout

  

  Mar. 7, 2023

  Williams Hill Recreation Area

  Clean with some views

  Beautiful place, wish I couldn’t hear the gunshots but at least they’re far away. I’m from Los Angeles so I don’t mind the shots but would prefer to hear the birds more.

• 

  Wandering C.

  Scout

  

  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.

• 

  Rob R.

  Guide

  

  Jan. 3, 2023

  Will Creek Road Dispersed

  One of my favorite places, but...

  getting crowed and people leaving their garbage and poop (yes, human poop and TP). I've always loved Will Creek Road, I feel you can get free access to the greatest show on planet earth here…Both the sun set and the sun rise, but you got to get above the marine layer and get to the very top. If you dont want scratches and you are 7' wide or more…bring cutters. The land owners maintain the road themselves. I was last there in Feb 2022 and the switch backs were torn up and rutted; I bumped into an owner I've got to know over the years and he said they are tired of fixing them because people with small underpowered cars burnout digging ruts or some bozo purposely burns out not knowing that the land owners are the ones who have to maintain it all so we get to enjoy the camping. The road is very steep, you go from maybe 200' above sea leave to over 3000' if you go to the top. I've done this road in 4x4 truck(s) (supper easy), Jeep and Jeep Gladiator (easy freakin peasy), a Subaru Outback (easy) and a 4x4 MBZ Revel Van (supper freakin hard and stressful, was on two wheels more than once and sideways bottomed out twice in the switch backs. I wont do it again and I've been off-roading my whole life, unless the switch backs are fixed). When I say easy, this is assuming you have some off-road skill. Hope that help.

• 

  Kristen

  Guide

  

  Dec. 4, 2022

  Plasket Ridge Dispersed Campground

  Only when desperate

  Every campsite within an hour range of Big Sur was full, and it was getting dark so we opted for this road. It is the only road where dispersed camping is allowed but beware: it is narrow, steep, unmaintained, and surrounded by cliffs. If you happen upon a pull out that is not occupied, does not have a private property sign, and is somewhat flat, then it works as a spot to sleep that feels like you’re on the edge of the world.