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Best Dispersed Camping near Santa Maria, CA

46 Reviews

Dispersed camping near Santa Maria, California can be found in several locations across Los Padres National Forest and surrounding public lands. The TV Tower Road area offers free dispersed camping with panoramic views overlooking Morro Bay, Los Osos, and San Luis Obispo. Other options include Old Sierra Madre dispersed sites, Figueroa Mountain Road pullouts, and various spots throughout Los Padres National Forest. These primitive campsites typically lack facilities and require self-sufficiency from visitors seeking an off-grid experience.

Access roads to most dispersed sites require careful navigation. TV Tower Road features a narrow, winding dirt road with steep drop-offs and no guardrails, demanding confident driving skills. As one review noted, "The road is a bit scary with lots of large drop offs without guardrails." While some sites are accessible with standard vehicles, others may require high-clearance or 4WD capability. Most dispersed areas have no amenities - no toilets, water sources, trash collection, or designated fire rings. Fire restrictions are common, particularly during dry seasons and periods of high fire danger.

These primitive camping areas provide unique experiences with exceptional views and solitude. The ridge-top locations offer impressive vistas of surrounding valleys, mountains, and even ocean views from some spots. "The views are incredible. It's a super peaceful place to spend a night or two," mentioned one camper about TV Tower Road. Wind exposure can be significant at higher elevations, with several reviewers noting strong overnight winds that affected sleep quality. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, and stargazing can be exceptional due to minimal light pollution. Many sites experience variable cell service, with some areas maintaining surprisingly good connectivity despite their remote feel. Campers should be prepared for changing weather conditions and practice Leave No Trace principles in these sensitive environments.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Santa Maria, California (7)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Santa Maria, CA

38 Photos of 7 Santa Maria Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Santa Maria, CA

46 Reviews of 7 Santa Maria 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 Santa Maria

Dispersed camping near Santa Maria, California centers on the Los Padres National Forest and surrounding public lands with elevations ranging from 1,000 to 6,800 feet. Most primitive sites lie along forest service roads or at designated pullouts without developed facilities. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F while winter nights can drop below freezing, requiring seasonal preparation for anyone seeking undeveloped campsites in this region.

What to do

Hiking access: Other Pullout on TV Tower Road serves as an excellent base for hikers. "Takes a while to go up - winding road, so give plenty of time. But cool spot off the 101 and right near SLO," notes camper G.D. who appreciated the proximity to San Luis Obispo trails.

Mountain biking: The ridge areas contain numerous mountain biking trails with staging areas. "Awesome spot on the ridge, lots of sites up past the mountain bike staging area," explains G.D. about Other Pullout on TV Tower Road, noting the recreation options beyond just camping.

Stargazing: Clear night skies reward patient observers. "Nightsky was amazing! I saw a shooting star and many satellites," reports Sebastian D. from TV Tower Road Dispersed Camping. The elevation and distance from urban areas create excellent viewing conditions.

Photography: Morning fog creates dramatic landscapes from higher elevation sites. "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," describes Kyle K. who visited TV Tower Road.

What campers like

Solitude: Most primitive camping areas near Santa Maria offer space between campers. "Pretty solid! Had great cell service and was a lovely drive to get there," writes Elyse B. about Old Sierra Madre, adding "It was very peaceful and far enough from the highway."

Ridge camping: The elevated terrain provides distinctive camping experiences. "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. about the dispersed sites along the ridge.

Accessibility: Some areas remain accessible despite feeling remote. "Manageable with fwd vehicle, I've taken my car on worse," explains Sarah M. about her experience at Other Pullout on TV Tower Road. The relatively reasonable access makes weekend trips practical for many vehicles.

Vehicle camping comfort: Several sites accommodate vehicle camping without requiring tents. "Pretty easy to find, road is also easy to drive. Found a pretty good level spot, definitely camping right off the side of the road," reports Connor B. about Old Sierra Madre.

What you should know

Road conditions vary significantly: Figueroa Mountain Road Pullout presents challenges for some vehicles. "The site is all up hill and really only has a small area where a few vans can fit," warns Roland L., though he acknowledges "the views are awesome."

Limited tent options: Not all dispersed sites accommodate tent camping. "Pretty solid! Had great cell service and was a lovely drive to get there. Probably wouldn't recommend if you have a tent or RV as the spots were a little small and rocky," cautions Elyse B. about Old Sierra Madre.

Wind exposure: Higher elevations experience significant wind. "The wind was shaking my tent all night until the morning," reports Sebastian D. about TV Tower Road, a common experience on exposed ridgelines.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the rules and regulations for dispersed camping in Santa Maria?

When dispersed camping near Santa Maria, follow standard national forest regulations: camp at least 100 feet from water sources, practice Leave No Trace principles, and pack out all trash. At Other Pullout on TV Tower Road - Dispersed Site, you'll find sites past the mountain bike staging area that require decent clearance 4WD vehicles—not suitable for RVs. Fire restrictions are common, especially during dry seasons, so always check current regulations before your trip. At Figueroa Mountain Road Pullout 01, similar rules apply. Most areas have a 14-day maximum stay limit within a 30-day period.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Santa Maria, California?

You'll find excellent free dispersed camping options near Santa Maria in Los Padres National Forest. TV Tower Road Dispersed Camping is a popular spot offering stunning views, particularly for car camping. The road can be steep and rocky, but many vehicles manage the drive. Another option is Los Padres National Forest dispersed camping where you can find sites by turning onto Redhill Road from Highway 58 and following the dirt road about 2 miles to the intersection of Redhill and Fernandez. While this area may have some traffic from residents and OHV riders, it provides good dispersed camping opportunities.

What activities are available at free dispersed camping sites near Santa Maria?

Dispersed camping near Santa Maria offers diverse recreational opportunities. At Old Sierra Madre, you can enjoy hiking, photography, and stargazing in a serene environment. The area provides excellent access to nature trails and wildlife viewing. Caliente Mtn Ranch Dispersed offers opportunities for mountain biking and off-road adventures on nearby trails. Throughout the region, you'll find spectacular sunrise and sunset viewing, bird watching, and wildflower appreciation during spring months. Many campers enjoy photography due to the panoramic vistas of coastal mountains. Night skies are often clear, making these sites perfect for stargazing away from city lights.

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