Dispersed camping areas near Pine Mountain Club offer primitive sites within the Los Padres National Forest and surrounding lands at elevations between 3,000-7,000 feet. Weather conditions can change rapidly, with temperature drops of 15-20 degrees from forecasted lows during winter months and significant snow possible between November and April. Road conditions limit access to many sites during and after precipitation.
What to do
Hiking access: From Los Padres NF - Dispersed Camp, campers can access the Chorro Grande trail, approximately 9 miles round-trip. "This site is next to chorro grande trail which is about a 9 mile hike. After your long hike if you want to rest go up the mountain site across and it's an awesome place to camp out," notes Jessica P.
Swimming holes: The area near Big Cone Camp - Santa Paula Canyon provides access to natural water features. "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," writes one visitor.
Stargazing: Clear skies and minimal light pollution make free camping near Pine Mountain Club, California ideal for night sky viewing. A camper at Carrizzo Plain noted, "The stars were also quite visible with minimal light pollution." Winter months provide especially clear viewing conditions when weather permits.
What campers like
Solitude and quiet: Morrow hill dispersed offers peaceful camping with mountain views. One visitor commented, "We had a great and quiet night up there in our 21ft RV... Great view in the morning, beautiful. Would def come back."
Natural camping spots: Despite limited shade, the rolling terrain at Carrizzo Plain National Monument Dispersed creates natural camping locations. "The area is hilly and beautiful with enough flatness and openness to pitch a tent without issue," reports Jonathan E. who camped there in January.
Wildlife viewing: Spring wildflower displays attract visitors to the plains and hillsides. The Carrizzo Plain area contains natural habitat supporting diverse wildlife. Campers should maintain appropriate distance from any wildlife encountered and store food securely.
Accessibility to trails: Many dispersed sites provide direct access to hiking trails. "This site is next to chorro grande trail which is about a 9 mile hike," mentions one camper about Los Padres NF locations.
What you should know
Fire restrictions: Complete fire bans exist throughout much of the area. "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," explains Paul O. about Los Padres NF camping regulations.
Road conditions: Access to many dispersed camping areas requires careful driving. At Figueroa Mountain Road Pullout 01, "The site is all up hill and really only has a small area where a few vans can fit. But the views are awesome," according to Roland L.
Weather preparation: Temperature fluctuations can be extreme and unpredictable. "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," advises a Carrizzo Plain camper.
Pack in/pack out: No services exist at most sites. One visitor to Figueroa Mountain noted, "Very pretty area! Lots of little trashes I found in the gravel and grass, so please make sure to pack in and pack out!"
Tips for camping with families
Plan short hikes: For families with younger children, several areas offer shorter hiking options. "This is a fairly easy hike through what would not be considered a typical hike... 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," shares a visitor about Big Cone Camp.
Bring extra warm layers: Temperature drops at night can be significant. Pack additional warm clothing beyond what weather forecasts suggest, particularly for children who lose body heat faster than adults.
Carry sufficient water: No reliable water sources exist at dispersed sites. Calculate 1 gallon per person per day minimum, with additional water for cooking and cleaning.
Prepare for wind exposure: Many sites lack natural windbreaks. "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," notes a visitor to Chorma Camp.
Tips from RVers
Length limitations: Most free camping near Pine Mountain Club accommodates only smaller RVs. "We had a great and quiet night up there in our 21ft RV. But the road is a little tricky and we almost wouldn't have driven there," advises a visitor to Morrow Hill.
Road surface challenges: Weather significantly impacts road conditions. "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," reports Natalie T. at Carrizzo Plain.
Leveling requirements: The terrain at most sites requires leveling equipment. Bring leveling blocks and stabilizers as most areas feature sloped ground.
Private property awareness: Stay within designated public lands. A Morrow Hill visitor cautions, "Make sure, you really stay at the place up the hill (coordinates) otherwise the landlord will clarify that you're on private property."
