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Contact the Santa Lucia Ranger District for information about dispersed camping.
Legend
This was one of the most beautiful backpacking hikes I've ever done, but also one of the more challenging ones to do in one day.
Camping at the top was spectacular. The sunset was one of the best I have ever seen. There is an old outpost at the top that someone else was sleeping at to provide shelter for the wind (it was pretty vicious). The hike down was much, much easier.
Obviously this is back country camping, so
Guide
We came here on a Sunday evening with the intent of getting out of the 35 knot coastal winds and decided upon making camp at a pullout under a tree about a mile from Highway 1. However, my Prius C made it two miles in before we chose to turn around. The road is pretty well maintained if bumpy at times but we just took it slow on the way up and down.
Highly recommend downloading offline maps before you lose signal around San Simeon (south hwy 1) and carmel (north hwy 1). My boyfriend has AT&T and I had T-Mobile and neither of us had signal.
It was dispersed camping and pullouts as far as we got up the road. We set up our tent next to the mighty Prius C and enjoyed a gorgeous sunset, stars, and some beautiful morning views. It was pretty windy at night but it calmed in the morning. We did not see a single soul on our way in but come Monday morning, three cars had drove past our site (I assume they made it much farther in).
GuideMy wife and I found this spot on our Honeymoon. Dispersed camping all along the trail, despite a sign saying no car camping. It was a 45 min (6 mile) trip up a dirt road but boy was it worth it. The trail continued toward a campsite, but we found a spot that we couldn’t pass up (see pics). We were above the marine layer and the stars were something else never seen before. Highly recommend. No campfires.
Guide
Every campsite within an hour range of Big Sur was full, and it was getting dark so we opted for this road. It is the only road where dispersed camping is allowed but beware: it is narrow, steep, unmaintained, and surrounded by cliffs. If you happen upon a pull out that is not occupied, does not have a private property sign, and is somewhat flat, then it works as a spot to sleep that feels like you’re on the edge of the world.
Scout
The drive up has around five miles of very well maintained dirt road, but very much worth it. Some dispersed camping areas and a campground with 5 spots with a shelter and a picnic table at each one. Bathroom was very clean.
Views are magnificent.
GuideAs soon as you turn onto this road there is a sign saying no camping next to road, plus I drove about 30 minutes back onto it and could only find one semi-feasible pullout. I went north just five minutes to Plaskett Ridge dispersed camping, that was much better.
GuideNational forest is closed Gated off There is a sign there that states no car camping
Guide
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!
TravelerThe road to come to the BLM was not bad, we came with a van and had no problems. The campground is nice and clean, vault toilet with TP &clean. Camp spots with table & shade & the view on the hills is incredible
LegendWe stayed here for 3 nights in the summer, arriving on a Sunday, and it was great. I was worried about the heat, but it really wasn’t too bad, even on the hot days (low 90s) it cools down in the evening and didn’t get hot until early afternoon. Just be sure to get one of the shady spots! We set up in site #1 when we first arrived because it was private and had nice views, but it was way too much direct sun. We moved to #4 and it was much better- shady and even better views.
There were other people here when we stayed here but everyone was very quiet and respectful, and we didn’t hear any shooting like other reviews have mentioned— this may be due to the ban on shooting (and camp fires) at this time because of fire danger, but I was still impressed and surprised that people respected the ban. There is one pit toilet that we didn’t check out, but man you can smell it if you camp in one of the sites near to it.
We saw one volunteer/employee come and clean things up while we were here. We were pleasantly surprised that the trash wasn’t too bad here. No trash service so please pack out your waste. Cell service is good up at the campground, though you do lose it in parts on the drive up. We made it up in our 26ft class c no problem, though the road is narrow at times and we were glad we didn’t come across any oncoming traffic. Sites are relatively flat/ fixable with levels. Two of the sites are huge/ pull throughs so would be good for bigger rigs or big groups. If you get up here and all the sites are taken, there are several spots outside of the campground where you can disperse camp.
This is an OHV area but we didn’t see any while we were here. We hiked along the OHV trails and there was nothing- but I could see it getting busy on the weekends.
There's a 14 day stay limit. No water provided up here.
My only complaint was the BEES! They were everywhere and aggressive, and all in our face, but didn’t sting us. One of the campers said that this was unusual though. Really nice campground, amazing that it’s free! Thanks BLM!
ScoutThis is a nice area and it's free so you can't beat that. Unfortunately there aren't a ton of spots to camp. I've been twice now and both times the actual camp sites were full by the time I got there (2-3pm Friday). Leaving us to grab one of the few remaining dispersed spots. If you can get on it super early you may get lucky. The road in was fine for 4x4 but there was one stretch with some ruts that could prove hairy if you aren't good at driving on dirt.
TravelerI spent two nights at this BLM property. It was very quiet except for relatively far off gunfire one morning. I think there are eight campsites here, Each one with a covered picnic table. There is a well-maintained pit toilet relatively close to all sites. The campers were respectful of each other…I heard no one. The weather was mild with temperatures into the 70s during the day, and it got down to 40 at night. Verizon coverage with 2 bars LTE
Traveler•7 designated campsites with covered structure, picnic table and fire pit •A few additional overflow areas to park and camp •Pit toilet - BYO toilet paper •No trash receptacles •Great Verizon reception / Decent Sprint reception •Drive thru campsites (~2) for larger rigs •Beautiful views, clean and quiet •Plenty of fire roads to walk/hike/bike •Rough, washboard roads leading into camp •Popular area for shooting •Highly trafficked campsite - most campers only stayed 1 night •Pictures are taken late December •Daytime temps - 60’s •Nighttime temps - low 40’s •Free!
GuideStayed here one night Nov 18 Small blm property Camp is full I stayed in an area just before the campground Hiking is limited to the trough roads And people go here to shoot guns at the side of a mountain Verizon signal very good here.
ScoutDuring covid there’s not much open. This place has great views and spread out enough on the extra dispersed spots to feel solitudes
Scout7 sites suitable for tents, vans, rv's, tt. Sites have covered shelter with metal picnic tables with overhangs for stove and a fire ring. Sites 5 and 7 suitable for larger rigs. Site 5 is pull thru will accommodate 40ft+ rig and pull vehicle. Site 7 is back-in site pull vehicle parks on one side of shelter, 40'+ capable. These sites are dry camping with vault toilet. Offers views of Coastal Range on west Salinas Valley on right. Eastern road from San Ardo/PCH unpaved, washboard on lower end, no steep grades. Turn onto W1 is close for larger rigs as well as turn into campground. Directly opposite of campground entrance is extra large flat dispersed site capable of any length. Road up is narrow must yield to downhill traffic. No electric hookups gens allowed but be mindful of neighbors.
RangerAwesome spot takes a while to get there but, once you’re there great views. Lots of trees for shade. Met some very nice people. FREE(-;
TravelerAnytime I can find a new spot, i get excited. The last time i attempted to camp here the gate was closed, and because we live so far away from here, its always risky. Im glad to report that i can finally check this site off of my bucket list, and it did not disappoint. Nobody was able to sleep due to windy conditions, but the view from our campsite made it all worth while.
ScoutThis campsite is nice, each of the 7 spots has a fire ring and covered picnic table. However, the wasps and the heat are almost unbearable. We could hear the wasps at 6 am before we even got out of the car. They harass you and make it impossible to sit outside without a bug net. The bathroom here is basic but suprisingly clean. Be careful on the road up to the site, it is gravel for the last few miles and becomes one lane as you get to the high, very windy portion. The only downsides are location, heat, and the wasps!
GuideSuper 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.
GuideWe towed our 30' travel trailer up to this dispersed campground that is located along a ridge line on the west side of the 101. When we went, of the (7) formal sites that are up there, only 3 of them were taken and that was off and on. We didn't need 4x4 getting up there or even a high clearance vehicle. Our transmission did start heating up as the road was filled with washboard and it was steep and we had to go pretty slow. However, any car will be able to make it up there. The road was safe and relatively wide, but it drops off and you wouldn't stop until you got to the bottom..... If the (7) spots are taken, there are at least 2 large areas before and after the camp ground that you can camp.
The view is fantastic, there is a really nice pit toilet, but I don't remember seeing any water hoses.
Each of the (7) sites had a concrete pad with a covered picnic table and a BBQ pit! Please pick up your trash if you go. There was some beer cans and other garbage left behind by some mental midgets.
TravelerWe were amazed by this site! I have never seen anything like it. The drive up is a bit treacherous but nothing unbearable. Our car can off road quite well, but our friend had a Volkswagen Golf and it also did perfectly fine and never bottomed out. There are three pull offs to park and camp at the top of the mountain and each one had 2-3 cars when we were there which still left plenty of space. Very quiet and views were unbelievable (get there for the sunset!!!). This place is a gem and it’s free, don’t miss it!
LegendMy 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.
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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.
Tips for maximizing your campervan experience!
Guidegetting crowed and people leaving their garbage and poop (yes, human poop and TP). I've always loved Will Creek Road, I feel you can get free access to the greatest show on planet earth here…Both the sun set and the sun rise, but you got to get above the marine layer and get to the very top. If you dont want scratches and you are 7' wide or more…bring cutters. The land owners maintain the road themselves. I was last there in Feb 2022 and the switch backs were torn up and rutted; I bumped into an owner I've got to know over the years and he said they are tired of fixing them because people with small underpowered cars burnout digging ruts or some bozo purposely burns out not knowing that the land owners are the ones who have to maintain it all so we get to enjoy the camping. The road is very steep, you go from maybe 200' above sea leave to over 3000' if you go to the top. I've done this road in 4x4 truck(s) (supper easy), Jeep and Jeep Gladiator (easy freakin peasy), a Subaru Outback (easy) and a 4x4 MBZ Revel Van (supper freakin hard and stressful, was on two wheels more than once and sideways bottomed out twice in the switch backs. I wont do it again and I've been off-roading my whole life, unless the switch backs are fixed). When I say easy, this is assuming you have some off-road skill. Hope that help.
ScoutWhen 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.
ScoutAbsolutely live this spot. If your cool with car camping and off roaring with no accommodations it’s a great spot with a great view.
GuideThis place was busy! Almost every pull off on the side of the road was taken but we were able to find a spot! Get here early for the best chance of finding a good spot.
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near San Simeon, California, where nature lovers can find serene spots away from the crowds. With stunning views and a variety of landscapes, this area offers a perfect escape for outdoor enthusiasts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near San Simeon, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near San Simeon, CA is Williams Hill Recreation Area with a 4.4-star rating from 25 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 8 dispersed camping locations near San Simeon, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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