Top Free Dispersed Camping near Ramona, CA
Looking for the best dispersed camping near Ramona? Dispersed camping is the perfect way to get off the grid. Each dispersed site offers quick access to one or more of Ramona's most popular destinations.
Best Dispersed Sites Near Ramona, CA (18)
1. Pine Creek Road Camp
3 Reviews•3 Photos•58 Saves- Pets
- ADA Access
- Tents
- Group
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Dispersed
2. Kitchen Creek Road
4 Reviews•2 Photos•115 Saves- Pets
- Tents
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
3. Otay Mountain Camp
2 Reviews•5 Photos•16 Saves- Pets
- Phone Service
- Alcohol
4. Yaqui Wash
1 Review•9 Photos•25 Saves- Pets
- Tents
- Group
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
5. Peg Leg Dispersed
1 Review•7 Photos•37 Saves- Pets
- Phone Service
- RVs
- Tents
- Group
- Standard (Tent/RV)
6. Mountain Palm Springs Camp
1 Review•14 Photos•13 Saves- Pets
- ADA Access
- RVs
- Tents
- Group
- Alcohol
7. Coachwhip Canyon
3 Reviews•6 Photos•62 SavesAccessibility is not guaranteed, always scout ahead before driving down dirt roads. Learn more: https://www.campendium.com/camping/boondocking-101/
- Pets
- Phone Service
- RVs
- Tents
- Group
- Standard (Tent/RV)
8. Yaqui Pass Camp
1 Review•1 Photo•5 Saves- Pets
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
10. South Ridge Yellow Post Sites
2 Reviews•7 Photos•45 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- RVs
- Tents
- Group
Showing results 1-10 of 18 campgrounds
Recent Dispersed Reviews In Ramona
48 Reviews of 18 Ramona Campgrounds
- T
Tony B.
Traveler
South Ridge Yellow Post Sites
Awesome dispersed site with amazing views
Very nice to find a campsite this private on a weekend in southern California elevation is high enough that temperatures were very enjoyable (mid 80's)
Gabriel S.
Scout
Pine Creek Road Camp
Nice quick and easy getaway
Quite easy to get to. I drive an Acura RDX and had no problems (I actually had a lot of fun driving the road).
There were way more flies than we were expecting. Prepare to get swarmed. Luckily just gnats and no mosquitoes from what we experienced.
We applied for a permit on Friday and did not get it by Saturday when we departed. Luckily, no rangers patrolled during our stay.
Some spots with good shade.
- ddavidTraveler
Pine Creek Road Camp
Peaceful and secluded
A great spot if you want to get away and enjoy some alone time. It’s a little warm in the day in august this time of year so you can’t hike around or explore too much. My girlfriend and I stopped in Julian on our way out to get a late lunch and then head to the campsite. The road is paved until you turn off Lone Creek Road and then it is a dirt road. I have a stock Rav4 and it was able to drive on it although there are a few spots you need to be careful at so you don’t scrape the bottom of your car. We only spent one night but we never saw another person during our stay
Rose D.Traveler
Blair Valley
Quiet
Peaceful dispersed campground. Wide open great views. Didn’t even know I had neighbors until I walked around in the morning and saw neighboring campers over the hill. Clear skies when I went back in November, could get pretty windy. Saw some coyotes pass by my camp.
anna I.Scout
Kitchen Creek Road
Decent spot to stop
Pretty small spot off the road, does get kind of loud from cars but overall a decent and clean spots
Kique S.TravelerSouth Ridge Yellow Post Sites
Great spot!
This is a great area. I recommend you bring extra mosquito repellent. Have fun!
Carter M.ScoutBlair Valley
Beautiful area but lots of bugs
Here in late May and the bees and other bugs have been nonstop on me the whole time I've been here. It's a really beautiful area and the spots are spacious
- NNani D.Scout
Pine Creek Road Camp
Dispersed Camping
This was a last minute Memorial Day weekend trip with my boyfriend and 2 dogs. Friday sent an email to SM.FS.DescansoRD@usda.gov requesting the free permit (after doing research and finding out you need one), filled out the form, and got it back in the same day. Easy to get there, easy directions once there just make you pass the sign that says leaving the recreation area after that you can find any spot and camp. It was a little bumpy but nothing too bad. Drove with my jeep renegade that isn’t a 4wheel drive. A little busy due to the holiday but not too bad. Cyclist riding by, vehicles, and hikers. Which was nice saying hi. Hardly any service for my carrier which is T-Mobile. Definitely will camp out here again.
Anne M.ScoutBlair Valley
Great weeknight spot
Visited early May. Arrived right before sunset, there were people close to the bathrooms, but lots of space to spread out if you drive a little.
Heather K.
RangerBlair Valley
Great spot for a night or two
Tons of dispersed spots down the road.
Dickie Simmons S.TravelerBlair Valley
Great off grid camping w/ easy access
Easy access to most designated campsites. Enjoy the changing colors at dusk. My area had 2 bars of verizion service.
- MMarco M.Scout
Kitchen Creek Road
Pretty but busy
People riding motorcycles, trucks,screams, not a good place for solo camping for sure
- AAbe C.
Guide
Yaqui Wash
If you just want to get outdoors...
There are a bunch of campsites along a service road that is parallel to a main road, several hundred feet away. This whole area is essentially within one valley, so you have mountains on both sides. It is well vegetated and allows for fairly easy hikes up the soft slopes.
The parking spots are right alongside the road, so for van camping is not so great, but tents can be put away from the road and therefore it's much more suitable for tenting.
The stretch of dirt road closest to the main road is Sandy, but manageable bull in a two wheel drive. This is where most of the campsites are. Further along the road, there are fewer camp sites, so they are more dispersed, however the road becomes more rocky and jutted, but for those wanting a bit more privacy, this is the spot to be.
I would like to come back in camp in this location. So i'm going to mark it to return another time.
- AAbe C.Guide
Yaqui Pass Camp
Easy stop if you need, otherwise keep driving
Drove in..., drove out. As another review noted, it's a big parking lot. Fine if you just need a place to pull over, nothing of value there..., maybe proximity to a hiking trail.
- Nick M.Scout
Kitchen Creek Road
Cool
Rainy
- AAmanda M.Scout
Kitchen Creek Road
Decent. Tough time of the year
Could be maintained. Went during a very rainy season. So it could definitely be attributed to the time of year. Will be another opportunity in the future.
Mary B.GuideBlair Valley
Serenity
We arrived passed 10pm on the dirt road with no other campers. Beautiful site in a quiet location with endless views and there’s no fee. Who could ask for more?
s E.TravelerBlair Valley
Great campground
AT&T: 1-2 bar signal. First time to go out camping in the desert. I’m so glad it was at this location! So spacious, beautiful views. It’s quiet, clean, just very peaceful.
Karin P.GuideBlair Valley
Beautiful and spacious
Favorite free campsite so far. Free for 30 days, pack in pack out, there are pit toilets near the entrance, no liter removal or water. Horses and dogs allowed. Beautiful views and trails. There are quite a few bees though, other than that, loved it.
Laura M.
Legend
Peg Leg Dispersed
Boondocking at Anza Borrego State Park
Anza Borrego Desert SP allows dispersed camping in certain areas of the park, and this is one of them. I tried to find it on the website, but found no mention of allowed camping in the park. However, it's listed in the visitor guide you can get from the visitor center.
The reviews on The Dyrt for the camping area directly across the street to the north of this section mentioned that there will be a campground built and fees charged in the near future, but I don’t think that’s the case for this side of the street. There was no signage or any signs of development here on this corner. Just lots of boondockers tucked in among all the shrubs, plenty of room for everyone.
I could see this area getting annoying with ATVers on the weekends, but there were none when we were there mid week in April. A couple of obvious sketchy long termers there, with heaps of junk and posted signage to stay away, which wasn’t a problem as there was plenty of space to stay far away from them.
Good cell service and beautiful sunrise.
Watch for nails and broken glass.:(
Justin M.ScoutBlair Valley
Beautiful Views and 5G Internet
Came here to have a place for my popup camper while we checked out the flowers blooming 40 minutes away in Borrego Springs and it was perfect. There's no amenities except for a pit toilet, but the cell service here was better than anywhere in the area. I had better signal at this campsite than I did in Park Circle at the heart of Borrego Springs. Lots of people set up near the entrance, but if you drive a little back you can get some privacy. Also be slow and cautious when driving on these dirt roads after a rainstorm; we saw two different trucks get stuck in the mud. Luckily some people with a winch were able to get them both out. Also we were here in March so the nights were cold and windy so make sure you're prepared.
cal K.RangerBlair Valley
Loved this spot
Free. 30 day limit. Pit toilet. Pack it out - no trash service. No water. If you go left as you come in you can camp along a rock wall filled with agave, cholla and other plants. A large area for big rvs right at the front left. To the right there were lots of pull offs and I found it easier to navigate in my station wagon road-wise. Lots of space. Some areas say not to walk there/ keep dogs out to protect plants and wildlife. I felt safe solo camping - there were a few other van and rv campers. Recommend visiting the sweet desert botanical garden in nearby Borrego Springs.
- TTram T.Scout
Blair Valley
Spacious and beautiful
This is one of my favorite free campsites! I’ve camped here twice, once on a full moon and again on a new moon. The full moon night was so bright you could see everything with no lights! It was the first time I truly experienced the brightness of moonlight and it was magical. The second time was on a moonless night and the STARS were just ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS! This site is located in anza borrego, the only dark sky community in California, so you will see more stars here than anywhere else in California (unless there’s a full moon then there won’t be stars). The site is big enough that you would have plenty of privacy from other campers. Both times I went, there was hardly anyone around. There are vault toilets. No showers/tables/grills. Just a wide open space. Definitely not for glampers (unless you have an RV), but it is one of the best for stargazers!
Cam C.TravelerBlair Valley
My new favorite place of the desert
I love the desert and this little corner of the desert won't disappoint. PLEASE keep it clean!
Tony O.TravelerBlair Valley
Nice but need hard cover.
This place is nice and quiet. A great getaway if you need time to think. The drawback is that as a desert campsite you need to be prepared for winds. They kick up pretty good. Tents hold but will sway something fierce. Best to be in an RV.
- Anna Z.Guide
Blair Valley
Good dispersed camping
Pretty trails. On weekdays it feels very secluded. Airplane noise does get a little out of hand. Trails, pit toilets, some rock fire pits, bring your metal one.
Heather L.LegendBlair Valley
Great Free Camping!
For being a dispersed camping spot I am always impressed when there’s a bathroom! Definitely loved this spot. Stars for days! Coyotes came right by the van in the night though so watch your pets if you’re camping with them! Follow the road all the way back for two great hiking trails. One has petroglyphs and the other is an old homestead. I also make it a point to visit the slot canyon on the way in our out of this area!
Guide to Ramona
Camping near Ramona, California, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a peaceful retreat, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.
What to do:
- Beach Access: Many campgrounds, like South Carlsbad State Beach Campground, provide easy access to the beach. Campers love the chance to enjoy the ocean, with one reviewer noting, "Great little restaurant serving pizza and snacks overlooking the ocean."
- Hiking and Biking: Trails are abundant in the area. One camper at San Mateo Campground — San Onofre State Beach mentioned, "Great if you want to ride along PCH. This stretch has good bike lanes."
- Fishing: If you enjoy fishing, Lake Jennings is a great spot. A visitor shared, "The lake is clean with plenty of fish," making it a perfect place for anglers.
What campers like:
- Scenic Views: Campers rave about the stunning views. One reviewer at William Heise County Park said, "The park was clean and well-maintained, and the staff was friendly and helpful."
- Privacy: Many campgrounds offer spacious sites with good separation. A camper at San Mateo Campground noted, "There are mature trees between every campsite that provide privacy."
- Clean Facilities: Clean restrooms and showers are a big plus. A visitor at Lake Hemet Campground mentioned, "The bathrooms were nice, and the showers were clean."
What you should know:
- Crowded Conditions: Some campgrounds can get busy, especially during peak seasons. A reviewer at Doheny State Beach Campground said, "The middle sites are small and tight, offering little privacy."
- Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full hookups or markets nearby. A camper at Lake Hemet pointed out, "Bring your own shade for this campsite, your own water too."
- Noise Levels: Some areas can be noisy, especially near highways or during busy weekends. A visitor at San Clemente State Beach Campground mentioned, "Music way too loud... I'm just not going there."
Tips for camping with families:
- Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for spots with amenities like playgrounds and clean facilities. One camper at Lake Jennings said, "There’s a play area that had ladder golf, tetherball, and ping pong."
- Plan Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities to keep kids entertained. A visitor at William Heise County Park mentioned, "The hiking trails were great for exploring and getting some exercise."
- Pack Snacks: Having snacks on hand can make a big difference. A camper at San Mateo Campground enjoyed the "camp store that is great."
Tips from RVers:
- Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Doheny State Beach Campground noted, "If you are in an RV, you will be fine."
- Be Mindful of Noise: Some RV parks can be loud. A camper at Lake Hemet shared, "There’s not a lot of campground etiquette either."
- Use Dump Stations Wisely: Know where the dump stations are and their hours. A visitor at Lake Perris State Recreational Area mentioned, "The dump site was out of order when we first arrived."
Camping in Ramona, CA, and the surrounding areas offers a variety of experiences for everyone. Whether you're looking for a beach getaway or a quiet retreat in nature, there's something for every type of camper.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Ramona, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Ramona, CA is Pine Creek Road Camp with a 4.7-star rating from 3 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Ramona, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 18 dispersed camping locations near Ramona, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.