Best Dispersed Camping near Pine Mountain Club, CA

Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Pine Mountain Club, CA is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Pine Mountain Club and user-submitted reviews.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Pine Mountain Club, California (10)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Pine Mountain Club, CA

5 Photos of 10 Pine Mountain Club Campgrounds


Dispersed Camping Reviews near Pine Mountain Club, CA

8 Reviews of 10 Pine Mountain Club 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 Pine Mountain Club

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Pine Mountain Club, California, where nature lovers can enjoy the great outdoors without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. With a variety of options available, you can find the perfect spot to unwind and connect with nature.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Pine Mountain Club, California

  • Many dispersed camping areas, like Los Padres NF - Dispersed Camp, offer free camping without the need for permits, making it an ideal choice for budget-conscious adventurers.
  • Be sure to check local regulations, as some areas, such as along Hwy 33, have restrictions on dispersed camping, ensuring you choose a compliant location.
  • Keep your campsite clean and pack out all trash to preserve the natural beauty of places like Big Cone Camp - Santa Paula Canyon, which is popular for its scenic hikes and waterfalls.

Scenic hikes for dispersed campers

  • The Chorma Camp in Matilija Wilderness is a great starting point for hikers looking to explore the stunning Cherry Creek area, although it can be windy due to its elevated location.
  • For those seeking a rewarding trek, the hike to Big Cone Camp - Santa Paula Canyon leads to beautiful waterfalls and natural rock slides, perfect for a refreshing dip after a long hike.
  • If you're up for a challenge, the Chorro Grande trail near Los Padres NF - Dispersed Camp offers a scenic 9-mile hike, culminating in a peaceful camping experience with breathtaking sunrises and sunsets.

Dispersed campers should check out Big Cone Camp

  • Nestled in the Santa Paula Canyon, Big Cone Camp - Santa Paula Canyon is known for its easy access to stunning natural features, making it a favorite among families and casual hikers.
  • This area is particularly appealing for those who enjoy swimming, as it provides access to the popular "punch bowls," where you can jump into refreshing pools.
  • The primitive nature of Big Cone Camp - Santa Paula Canyon means you'll need to be self-sufficient, so be sure to bring all necessary supplies for a comfortable stay.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Pine Mountain Club, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Pine Mountain Club, CA is Morrow hill dispersed with a 4.5-star rating from 2 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Pine Mountain Club, CA?

TheDyrt.com has all 10 dispersed camping locations near Pine Mountain Club, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.