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Best Dispersed Camping near San Luis Obispo, CA

45 Reviews

Several dispersed camping areas around San Luis Obispo let you skip the developed campgrounds for a more basic experience. The City Park Campground allows wild camping without amenities like bathrooms or water. You'll also find remote spots in the SLO Area State Park if you want to be away from other campers. Following Leave No Trace rules is essential in these natural areas. Since these spots lack facilities, you need to bring everything—water, food, cooking gear, and toilet supplies. All camping must be at least 200 feet from streams and roads. You can stay up to 14 days in one spot before needing to move. Many access roads are rough and unpaved, making high-clearance vehicles necessary for reaching the better sites. Fire bans often apply during dry months, so check current rules before planning to have a campfire. You must take all trash with you when you leave—nothing should stay behind. These basic sites give you a much quieter camping experience than developed parks. The SLO Recreation Area has additional backcountry options worth checking out. Before heading out, verify which public lands allow dispersed camping, as rules change frequently.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near San Luis Obispo, California (6)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near San Luis Obispo, CA

38 Photos of 6 San Luis Obispo Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near San Luis Obispo, CA

45 Reviews of 6 San Luis Obispo Campgrounds

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • C
    Jan. 21, 2022

    TV Tower Road Dispersed Camping

    Open! (Jan 2022)

    Super spectacular views! I went all the way to the end as it allows some walking around room. If you’re tent camping beware the wind, gets pretty crazy. Had one wind free day out of three. Looking down on the bay, San Luis Obispo and HW 1. Can’t stress how flippin beautiful it was. Just. Wow.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    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.

  • 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!
  • 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!

  • 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.

Guide to San Luis Obispo

Primitive camping near San Luis Obispo, California allows access to the rugged Central Coast terrain where elevations range from 200 to 3,500 feet above sea level. The region experiences Mediterranean climate patterns with dry summers and mild, wet winters. Most dispersed sites lack cell service and remain inaccessible during rainy periods when dirt roads become impassable.

What to do

Ridgetop hiking: At TV Tower Road Dispersed Camping, visitors can access trails with panoramic views extending to the Pacific Ocean. "The views in the morning are amazing! 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," shares Kyle K.

Stargazing opportunities: The remote location of these sites provides exceptional night sky viewing conditions. According to Sebastian D. at TV Tower Road, "Nightsky was amazing! I saw a shooting star and many satellites."

Mountain biking access: Several dispersed sites connect to backcountry riding networks. "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 itself," notes G D. from Other Pullout on TV Tower Road.

What campers like

Isolation from crowds: Dispersed sites offer significantly more privacy than developed campgrounds. Sarah M. at Other Pullout on TV Tower Road reports, "Got there around 2pm and was the only car in sight until 4 ish."

Temperature variation: Higher elevation sites provide relief during hot periods. As Robert from Other Pullout on TV Tower Road explains, "Great way to get a little bit cooler. Windy in night."

Sunrise viewing: The eastern-facing sites provide optimal morning light conditions. "Loved it! The stars are beautiful and it's very quiet and cool. Got cold at night but nothing unbearable, lovely sunrise too!" shares Caitlyn R. from TV Tower Road.

What you should know

Road condition challenges: Many primitive camping areas require appropriate vehicles. Sebastian D. from TV Tower Road warns, "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."

Wind exposure: Ridge-top sites experience significant air movement. "The wind was shaking my tent all night until the morning," notes Sebastian D.

Variable site quality: Available parking spots differ significantly in size and levelness. Elyse B. from Old Sierra Madre explains, "Probably wouldn't recommend if you have a tent or RV as the spots were a little small and rocky. But I only went a little past where the directions take you, so not sure what else is up there."

Fire restriction enforcement: Fire bans frequently affect dispersed sites. "Campfires are allowed with permit," Laura M. notes regarding Los Padres National Forest dispersed camping, though permit requirements and fire bans change seasonally.

Tips for camping with families

Bring insect protection: Bugs can be problematic at certain times. Sebastian D. at TV Tower Road mentions, "But thankfully I had bugspray the insect problem was solved."

Download offline maps: Cell service becomes unreliable in backcountry areas. Laura M. from Los Padres National Forest advises, "Download map before you come so you don't camp on private land."

Time buffer for access: Allow extra travel time due to slow-going dirt roads. G D. from Other Pullout on TV Tower Road suggests, "Takes a while to go up - winding road, so give plenty of time."

Tips from RVers

Length restrictions: Most dispersed sites accommodate only smaller recreational vehicles. Jacob B. from Old Sierra Madre cautions, "Wouldn't recommend anything bigger than a extended sprinter or transit."

Campsite selection criteria: Look for established pullouts with sufficient turning radius. Laura M. found at Los Padres National Forest dispersed camping, "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."

Pack all necessities: No amenities exist at these locations. "There is zero amenities so pack in and pack out. There is no water, garbage or fire pits," Laura M. advises regarding Los Padres dispersed camping.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find dispersed camping locations in San Luis Obispo?

The most popular dispersed camping location near San Luis Obispo is TV Tower Road Dispersed Camping, which offers spectacular views overlooking the bay and Highway 1. The road has multiple pull-offs and camping spots along its length, with more secluded areas as you continue up the road. Another excellent option is Los Padres National Forest dispersed camping, which can be accessed via Redhill Road off Highway 58. When looking for dispersed sites, watch for established pull-offs and previously used areas to minimize environmental impact. Most sites are first-come, first-served, so arriving early, especially on weekends, is recommended.

Is free camping allowed in San Luis Obispo County?

Yes, free camping is allowed in San Luis Obispo County, primarily on public lands such as national forests and BLM areas. Old Sierra Madre offers free dispersed camping opportunities within the county. Another option is Caliente Mtn Ranch Dispersed, which provides free drive-in access for campers. When using these free sites, remember to follow Leave No Trace principles—pack out all trash, use existing fire rings where permitted, and camp at least 200 feet from water sources. Always check current regulations before heading out, as fire restrictions and seasonal closures may apply depending on weather conditions and fire danger levels.

Where is BLM land for camping in San Luis Obispo?

BLM (Bureau of Land Management) land for camping near San Luis Obispo includes the Carrizo Plain National Monument area, where dispersed camping is permitted in designated areas. The eastern portions of San Luis Obispo County contain several BLM parcels suitable for camping. Other Pullout on TV Tower Road - Dispersed Site is located in an area that offers BLM-style camping experiences with minimal facilities. When camping on BLM land, be prepared for self-sufficient camping with no services or facilities. Always bring adequate water, as sources are limited or non-existent. Check the BLM website or contact the Bakersfield BLM Field Office for the most current information on accessible areas and seasonal restrictions.

What are the best primitive camping options near San Luis Obispo?

For primitive camping near San Luis Obispo, TV Tower Road Dispersed Camping stands out for its stunning views and accessibility. The road features multiple pull-off spots that work well for car camping and tent setups, though be prepared for potentially strong winds. 4WD vehicles have easier access, but many campers report success with 2WD vehicles in dry conditions. For a more secluded experience, the Los Padres National Forest offers primitive sites further from civilization. When primitive camping, bring all necessary supplies including water, as there are no facilities. Pack out all trash, respect fire restrictions, and be prepared for variable weather conditions, especially wind at higher elevations.

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