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Contact the ranger station for disperse camping information: (805) 925-9538 Mon-Fri, 8:00-4:30pm.
Guide![Camper-submitted photo from TV Tower Road Dispersed Camping [Closed until Nov 3rd, 2021]](https://photos.thedyrt.com/photo/1851653/media/tv-tower-road_e5540446-14ae-4e4b-9502-0757eb1cd5e7.jpg?width=327&height=200&fit=crop&crop=smart&format=auto)
Didn't have to go as far as GPS pin led me to believe, spot on right shortly after pavement ends. A bit trashed, wish I had a bag to clean up, some bigger stuff like a kids bike, to etc
GuideAlong the road, there are lots of exposed options and a few camping options in the trees. I drove the entire road and would not recommend doing that without four wheel drive. Was pleased with all the options though. Stay in the trees to avoid the wind.
Scout
Clean camp. Restroom was clean. View was beautiful. There was a 6 mile dirt road to the camp. Easy signage. Saw wild boar and dear along the way. Drove a Hyundai Accent.
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.
ScoutThe 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.
GuideThe 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!
ScoutIt is a long 5 miles up a long dirt road which is actually pretty nice compared to others we have traveled. There are some steep hairpinish turns that we had to disconnect our toad but wow when you get there it is perfect. So peaceful and very clean. We are in a 36’ class a with jeep toad
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
Scout
Manageable with fwd vehicle, i’ve taken my car on worse. Got there around 2pm and was the only car in sight until 4 ish when a car pulled up and parked for the night 5 feet away from me 🙄 RUDE!! Remember to be respectful of others space especially if there’s 15+ other spots available. lots of sunset watchers but none stayed the night
Scoutvery sketchy getting up there in a van as its a narrow one lane road with a vertical drop, as a solo female traveller felt pretty unsafe around the guys at the top there that i ended up leaving. its beautiful up there but wouldn't feel safe at all staying overnight.
ScoutVery nice and quiet and clean campground. Arrived late Friday afternoon and left Sunday evening. Camp had a fire ring, shaded concrete patio and a picnic table. The single vault toilet was clean and sufficiently stocked with TP. No other amenities other than what the forest provides. Lots of area to explore, but this is mainly an off road vehicle area.
ScoutDrove 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.
ScoutLots of spots
TravelerAwesome 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. Best with a decent clearance 4wd - definitely not an RV spot. Windy at night for sure, and can be a bit busy with people going past on the road. Takes a while to go up - winding road, so give plenty of time. But cool spot off the 101 and right near SLO
ScoutThe road up the hill was small and rough, but the view is worth it! Only a few other campers were there.
ScoutWhen we got here, the sun was setting and we had an incredible view. There is no toilet, but there are bushes everywhere so if you don’t mind that should be no problem. For one night it is perfect, make sure you come here before the sun sets and you have a car that can handle rough terrain.
ScoutThe view is amazing!! I would recommend driving up the mountain through Lockwood, the drive is much easier and less scary. We arrived around 5:30pm (end of march) and there was only 1 spot left
TravelerDrive up was a little nerve wracking, but found a pull out for 2 vans and it was perfect. Love this spot.
ScoutBeautiful place, wish I couldn’t hear the gunshots but at least they’re far away. I’m from Los Angeles so I don’t mind the shots but would prefer to hear the birds more.
ScoutAmenities include one vault toilet, sometimes runs out of toilet paper on a busy weekend, picnic tables with shelter and fire pits. No water, no trash, fire bans most the dry months.
TravelerWas passing thru SLO and needed an easy access spot to sleep for the night. Started with a paved road into dirt on the way up and passed a few other cars on the way up. Found a nice pull out for the truck and woke up to a nice view!
GuideThe road up is truly awesome. However, the flies will swarm and begin to collectively murder you. Once you think you are safe inside your tent, the endless popping of gunshots from the shooting range nearby will lull you to sleep, but also induce some pretty f-d up dreams. Now that it’s actually dark, the TV Tower begins to strobe into your tent all night like a pulsing defibrillator on your eyeballs. After your body is too fatigue to care or you’ve cut a breathing hole into a brown bag and put it on your head, immeasurable gusts of wind will blow your house down. The only thing you can now look forward to is taking out your rage on the flies that will meet you outside of your tent. Let the battle begin.
GuidePulled up right before sunset. Main lot of was full but kept driving and found a cute little site with a view. Great sunset with magical colors. The wind was INSANE!!! No protection and the wind only got crazier as the night went on. Ended up breaking down camp at 3 am because we did not get any sleep. I would stay here again if there was no wind but if the same conditions I would not camp again.
TravelerWe 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!
GuideNice spot for large rv, but road up is winding. Great views. Great way to get a little bit cooler. Windy in night.
GuideNice 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.
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.
Camping near Santa Margarita, California, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a beachside retreat or a quiet spot in the woods, there are plenty of options to choose from.
Camping near Santa Margarita, California, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the beautiful surroundings!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Santa Margarita, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Santa Margarita, CA is Other Pullout on TV Tower Road - Dispersed Site with a 4.7-star rating from 6 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Santa Margarita, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 4 dispersed camping locations near Santa Margarita, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
