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Best Dispersed Camping near Pismo Beach, CA

46 Reviews

Several dispersed camping locations exist near Pismo Beach, California, primarily along TV Tower Road and in Los Padres National Forest. These free sites offer primitive camping without facilities or hookups. TV Tower Road provides ridge-top dispersed camping with panoramic views of Morro Bay, Los Osos, San Luis Obispo and the Pacific Ocean. Additional dispersed camping can be found at pullouts along Figueroa Mountain Road, Old Sierra Madre, and near Caliente Mountain Ranch, all within driving distance of Pismo Beach.

The drive to TV Tower Road requires careful navigation on narrow, winding dirt roads with steep drop-offs. Many sites are accessible with standard vehicles, though high-clearance is recommended for rougher sections. Most dispersed camping areas prohibit campfires, and campers must pack in all water and supplies while practicing Leave No Trace principles. No toilets, trash service, or other amenities are available at these locations. Weather conditions can include strong winds, particularly at exposed ridge-top sites.

These dispersed camping areas provide excellent stargazing opportunities due to minimal light pollution. TV Tower Road sites feature exceptional views but can experience challenging conditions. "The wind was INSANE! No protection and the wind only got crazier as the night went on," noted one camper about TV Tower Road. Others mentioned the benefits of camping in tree-protected areas when available to mitigate wind. Some locations become busy on weekends, with several campers reporting that arriving before sunset is advisable both for finding available spots and navigating the unpaved roads safely. Morning views from these elevated sites are particularly noteworthy, with fog-filled valleys and distant ocean vistas.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Pismo Beach, California (7)

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Pismo Beach, CA

46 Reviews of 7 Pismo Beach Campgrounds

  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    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.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    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!

  • Summer A.
    Jul. 17, 2022

    TV Tower Road Dispersed Camping

    Seclusion

    We came up to TV tower road and found a great spot to pull the car into, with a little trail that pulls off to a spot to pitch the tent. This is definitely a great spot for car camping, parking, or camping. It was absolutely beautiful, and we only passed a few cars on the way up. Our 4WD car was able to handle the dirt road. The drive was manageable, but high up!

  • Chanel C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 6, 2018

    TV Tower Road Dispersed Camping

    Ranger Review: Escape Campervan at TV Tower Road

    My husband and I decided to do a road trip along the PCH up the coast (with Big Sur as the final destination). Along the way, we made multiple stops and camped at TV Tower Road since we heard so many phenomenal things about the view.

    [ PROS ]

    • VIEWS VIEWS VIEWS!! The view is spectacular up this mountain. You can see Morro Bay, Los Osos, and San Luis Obispo. And to top it all off, you also get an ocean view in the distance. You can even see the infamous Morro Bay Rock and the 3 smokestacks in the horizon.
    • It’s FREE! When you’re doing a road trip along HWY 1 during the summer, you’ll notice that almost all campsites are full if you haven’t made a reservation months in advance. This place is perfect for last minute campers who need a place to park for the evening.
    • Stargazing is out of this world. We had the clearest night sky with very little light pollution, and we were able to see the Milky Way so vividly. We also saw multiple shooting stars.
    • This campsite is off the beaten road, so it’s very remote. We saw two other campers nearby but other than that, we had the entire place to ourselves.
    • Great hiking spot! It’s only a 1.5 mile hike up to the campsite, but it’s steep. You can find the entrance to TV Tower Road at the West Cuesta RIdge Trailhead. Lots of cyclist and morning hikers come through at dawn.

    [ CONS ]

    • Really terrifying drive up the mountain with a few sharp turns and a narrow one-car dirt road. We were able to take our Escape Camervan up the mountain with no problem, but this road is for confident drivers. There are some parts of the road where two cars can fit, but just make sure you drive slow and check weather conditions.
    • No toilets, no showers, no water, no hook ups, no amenities. Make sure you bring your own food/water/supplies, practice LNT, and be safe.
    • There is practically no shade on this mountain ridge so it can get hot during the day with the sun beaming down on you. Just prepare for that.

    Pro Tip: Drive up TV Tower Road before sunset. 1) Sunsets are magical here 2) Better visibility of the road while the sun is still out. There are no road or street lights to guide you.

    Product Review

    As a Ranger for The Dyrt, I get products to test from time to time - this weekend I was incredibly BLESSED with the opportunity to test out the Maverick Camper by Escape Campervans. This opportunity couldn’t have come at a better time since my cat recently just passed away, and I do not take a second of this for granted. So where did we decide to go? First on the list, Morro Bay! My (now) husband and I fell in love in Morro Bay 6 years ago, and then he proposed to me at the Morro Bay Rock 2 years later. We figured we would bring our cat’s ashes to “The Rock” as a final resting place so we can make an effort to return as often as possible. After our day in Morro Bay, we continued on along the majestic Pacific Coast Highway until we reached Big Sur on Hwy 1.

    I’ve done this road trip many times since childhood, but it felt like an entirely new experience doing the trip in a campervan. I am, now, totally convinced that the #vanlife is for me. Here are my thoughts on the Maverick #JetsonVan.

    • TRAVELING IN STYLE - I just LOVE LOVE LOVED the custom painted design on our campervan. Just seeing the beautiful colors and design put a smile on my face and made me happy. It brought out my inner-child and a reignited a new sense of adventure and curiosity that I haven’t felt since I was in grade-school. We need more of this in our everyday lives. Thank you Escape Campervans for reminding me of this.
    • ROAD TRIP READY - I’ve done road trips, but never like THIS! The Maverick has everything you need to have the most relaxing, easy, and hassle-free experience ever. The campervan is so well-designed and packed with handy and useful features that really make your trip a breeze. I was able to spend less time packing and setting up, and more time to play. Escape Campervans also came with everything you can think of -- chairs, bedding, pots/pans, bowls/cups/utensils, you name it! There was very little that we needed to pack from home. Below are a few of our favorite features
    • Rooftop sleeper - This is a MUST! It was so fun sleeping on the roof of the van. It’s a little tricky at first to get up and down, but we were able to get the hang of it in no time.
    • Solar powered refrigerator - I don’t know how I lived without this. It was so nice having our food and drinks chilled without having to worry about a cooler of melting ice sloshing around.
    • Storage - there is so much storage for all your gear so it’s so easy to stay organized.
    • Trunk Kitchen - The kitchen is so convenient and it facilitates spur-of-the-moment cooking with very little set up or clean up required. The counter space was really nice for prepping and easy to clean.
    • THE ROAD TO FREEDOM - Our Maverick became our home away from home, and the best part? We were able to bring it with us everywhere. It’s super easy and smooth to drive, and we had the freedom of the open road ahead of us. I loved being able to just pull over during lunch time and enjoy a meal wherever we decided to park. While we did our day trip to Big Sur, we picked a quiet, shady spot to park with an EPIC VIEW of the Pacific Ocean. And if you’ve ever driven along the PCH past Hearst Castle to Big Sur, you’ll know there are so many lookout points to stop for sightseeing.

    Tips for maximizing your campervan experience!

    1. Make it your own! Bring some stuff from your house to really make your campervan feel cozy and homey. Be careful not to overpack, but a couple throw pillows, blankets, and even a houseplant can make all the difference. You don’t normally get this opportunity in a regular car, so take advantage of the space.
    2. Bring a partner in crime or 2! Road Trips are more fun with people who you know are going to be flexible, spontaneous, and up for the unknown. Every trip can have unexpected obstacles and can be exhausting so bring a playmate who will be up for the challenge and up for an adventure.
    3. A little planning goes a long way. While my favorite part about road trips are the random little stops along the way, but it makes a huge difference when you do a little research on the route, conditions, and place to stay for the evening ahead of time.
    4. Split the load! Whether it’s taking turns driving, or alternating who cleans the dishes, make sure everyone throws in a helping hand.
    5. Make a playlist. Having music ready for those long drives can be super helpful when your car stereo loses goes out of range. While I prefer having conversations on road trips over music, sometimes some tunes really help break up the drive.
    6. TREAT YO’SELF. Don’t forget to allow yourself to splurge a litttllleee even if you’re on a tight budget. It’s nice to be able to cook your own food on the road, but it’s also totally okay to eat out a few meals or unwind with a nice bottle of wine after hours of driving or after a stressful day of navigating the road. Just make sure you’re parked for the evening when you uncork!
  • Beth R.
    Jul. 30, 2020

    TV Tower Road Dispersed Camping

    100% worth it...but get there before sunset!

    Ok so my first encounter with this road (TV Tower Road) was after 10 p.m. in mid-July. We were trying to find a spot to camp near San Luis Obispo and hoped to find a place in Los Padres Natl Forest. We saw the road in our map book and aimed to follow it.

    It was dark, and we had to anticipate the road off 101 S, because it comes quickly and the signs are easy to miss. We were able to exit and follow the one-lane road (it’s narrow) as it began to wind up the hillside. We weren’t counting on gaining so much elevation, but we were pretty stoked because after two switchbacks we had an amazing view of the sky. The pavement ended and we continued on a packed dirt road.

    It is quite narrow at parts, but there are spots along it where 2 cars can pass each other. There are bumps and rough patches, but nothing you haven’t encountered if you do much backwoods driving. Anyways.

    That night was a Friday, and it was also a peak viewing night for the comet, and there were SO many (like 8) cars that we had to pass/maneuver around. In the dark, without knowing the road, it was pretty high pressure, and we chose to turn around about halfway up, without knowing how the road ended.

    So, disappointment. However, after a fun day in Los Osos and Morro Bay, we decided to tackle the road in the daylight. We got there around 6, in full summer light, and only encountered one driver coming down. 

    When you reach the top of the ridge, the road opens up. It’s the bumpiest here, but there’s a lot of space to spread out & set up. We saw probably 12 other cars (vans, SUVs, RVs) there, and some people had set up tents. The views are incredible. It’s a super peaceful place to spend a night or two.

    We had binoculars for stargazing, but with them we could explore the details of the hills and landmarks. If you’re into radio, reception is very clear. The temperature was overall very comfortable, and we had a great night car camping. 

    The biggest caution is driving—expect to have to deal with some cars going the other way. Also, keep an eye out for hikers and mountain bikers who also use the road. If you’re down to try it, this spot is so worth it!!

    Bring food, water, a flashlight...the regular. There are no bathrooms, so be warned.

  • Avery M.
    Jul. 24, 2020

    TV Tower Road Dispersed Camping

    Sweet place

    This place was awesome. Heard about it from a friend who goes to school at SLO. We arrived around 4pm on a Saturday and all spots were open except for one. The road is a bit rocky and steep but we were fine in an old ass 2WD 4runner. We settled on a nice spot nestled in the trees. There was a pre made fire pit which we may or may not have used. The road is a hiking trail as well so we went on a little walk to watch the sunset. Only bad thing was the flies. These bitches were on the offense. Bring bug spray and citronella candles or be smart and don’t go in mid july like we did. It’s close to downtown slo which is very charming with great food. On our way out we ate at seeds for some delicious smoothies and paninis. Overall very great place and have recommended it to friends.

  • Jules R.The Dyrt PRO User
    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.

  • V
    Feb. 23, 2022

    TV Tower Road Dispersed Camping

    Nice view

    Good spot for car camping. We were into the clouds when we arrived but in the morning we had a beautiful view. Some other campers around, really quiet and respectful.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 4, 2022

    TV Tower Road Dispersed Camping

    Nice views windy. Busy in weekend

    Nice place to go for car camping. There were a lot of other campers along the road in different spots. I didn't drive all the way to the end but turned and picked a spot that looked nice. A bit windy, but great views in the morning.

Guide to Pismo Beach

Dispersed camping near Pismo Beach, California provides access to high-elevation sites in Los Padres National Forest and surrounding areas. Most locations sit between 1,500-3,000 feet elevation, creating temperature differences of 10-15 degrees cooler than coastal areas during summer months. Winter camping requires preparation for overnight temperatures that can drop below freezing at these higher elevations.

What to do

Morning hikes: Several pullouts along Figueroa Mountain Road offer access to hiking trails with minimal foot traffic. "The site is all up hill and really only has a small area where a few vans can fit. But the views are awesome," notes Roland L.

Stargazing: The elevation and distance from city lights create exceptional night sky viewing conditions. One camper at Los Padres National Forest dispersed camping shared: "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."

Wildlife spotting: Early mornings offer opportunities to see deer, coyotes, and various bird species. Visit during spring months for wildflower viewing, particularly along the less-traveled sections of TV Tower Road.

What campers like

Ridge camping: The exposed ridge sites provide 360-degree panoramas. A visitor at Other Pullout on TV Tower Road mentioned: "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."

Solitude weekdays: Many sites become noticeably less crowded Monday through Thursday. Sarah M. noted: "Got there around 2pm and was the only car in sight until 4 ish when a car pulled up."

Morning fog views: Camp at higher elevations to witness the marine layer below. Kyle K. described the experience: "I woke first thing in the morning and the view to the west is stunning, a sea of clouds and islands of distant mountain peaks all the way to the coast."

What you should know

Limited level spots: Many dispersed sites have uneven terrain. At TV Tower Road, Chastity R. shared: "Wasn't sure I was going to make it even with my Subaru Forester. It's absolutely gorgeous up here! Can't set up my bathroom and have a lot of vertigo though."

Road conditions vary seasonally: Winter rains can significantly degrade access roads. Seasonal closures may occur without notice, particularly during high fire danger periods.

Cell service: Coverage is inconsistent across dispersed sites. Laura M. reports: "Cell service is spotty with Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile. Download map before you come so you don't camp on private land."

Weekend congestion: Arrival timing matters, especially Friday-Sunday. As one visitor noted about TV Tower Road: "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?)"

Tips for camping with families

Lower elevation options: For camping with young children, sites at Old Sierra Madre provide easier access. Elyse B. reports: "Arrived just at sunset and loved the views! It was very peaceful and far enough from the highway."

Road navigation timing: Plan arrivals during daylight hours. One camper shared: "It takes a while to go up - winding road, so give plenty of time."

Shelter selection: Position tents in natural windbreaks where available. "Found a pull out for 2 vans and it was perfect. Love this spot," notes melissa about finding protected areas.

Safety boundaries: Establish clear boundaries with children due to steep dropoffs present at many sites along ridgelines.

Tips from RVers

Vehicle size limitations: Class B or smaller recommended for most dispersed sites. Jacob B. advises at Old Sierra Madre: "Easy spots to turn around and park. Beautiful views, slight road noise if you're not in the van but quiet inside. Wouldn't recommend anything bigger than a extended sprinter or transit."

Leveling preparation: Bring additional leveling blocks as most sites have some slope. One RVer noted: "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."

Weekday arrivals: For better site selection, avoid weekend competition. As noted by Robert about Other Pullout on TV Tower Road: "Nice spot for large rv, but road up is winding. Great views. Great way to get a little bit cooler."

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the regulations for car camping at Pismo Beach?

Car camping is permitted and popular at Caliente Mtn Ranch Dispersed areas near Pismo Beach, but you must follow Leave No Trace principles and pack out all trash. Most dispersed sites in the region have a 14-day stay limit within a 28-day period. No permanent structures are allowed. For areas like Old Sierra Madre, vehicles must stay on established roads and within designated pullouts—no off-road driving to create new sites. Campfires may require permits or be restricted during high fire danger seasons. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as these change seasonally and are strictly enforced.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Pismo Beach?

TV Tower Road Dispersed Camping offers free camping with spectacular views near Pismo Beach. Located in the hills above San Luis Obispo, this dispersed area features multiple pull-offs along the road where you can set up camp. The road is windy and somewhat steep, with various spots nestled among trees or along the ridge. Another option is Los Padres National Forest dispersed camping, where you can find free sites along Redhill Road after turning off Highway 58. While this area is more inland, it provides a quieter experience away from coastal crowds and is completely free.

Are there any fees for dispersed camping areas around Pismo Beach?

Other Pullout on TV Tower Road - Dispersed Site offers completely free camping with no fees required. These ridge sites past the mountain bike staging area don't have designated fee stations or permit requirements. Similarly, Figueroa Mountain Road Pullout 01 provides free dispersed camping options in the area without any associated costs. While these areas don't charge fees, remember that dispersed camping generally follows 'pack it in, pack it out' principles, with no services provided. Always check current regulations before your trip, as forest service policies can change seasonally.

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