Top Free Dispersed Camping near Santa Maria, CA

Searching for the perfect place to dispersed camp near Santa Maria? Dispersed camping means that no facilities or amenities are provided, so that you can truly disconnect and get back to nature. Find the perfect dispersed campsite for your next adventure.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Santa Maria, CA (4)


Recent Dispersed Reviews In Santa Maria

33 Reviews of 4 Santa Maria Campgrounds


  • S
    Camper-submitted photo from TV Tower Road Dispersed Camping [Closed until Nov 3rd, 2021]
    Jun. 17, 2024

    TV Tower Road Dispersed Camping [Closed until Nov 3rd, 2021]

    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.

  • C
    Camper-submitted photo from TV Tower Road Dispersed Camping [Closed until Nov 3rd, 2021]
    Jun. 9, 2024

    TV Tower Road Dispersed Camping [Closed until Nov 3rd, 2021]

    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!

  • sarah M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Other Pullout on TV Tower Road - Dispersed Site
    Mar. 26, 2024

    Other Pullout on TV Tower Road - Dispersed Site

    beautiful spot

    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

  • Jules R.
    Camper-submitted photo from TV Tower Road Dispersed Camping [Closed until Nov 3rd, 2021]
    Nov. 4, 2023

    TV Tower Road Dispersed Camping [Closed until Nov 3rd, 2021]

    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.

  • G
    Camper-submitted photo from Other Pullout on TV Tower Road - Dispersed Site
    Jul. 7, 2023

    Other Pullout on TV Tower Road - Dispersed Site

    Cool Ridgetop camping

    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 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

  • L
    Camper-submitted photo from TV Tower Road Dispersed Camping [Closed until Nov 3rd, 2021]
    Apr. 1, 2023

    TV Tower Road Dispersed Camping [Closed until Nov 3rd, 2021]

    very good view

    When 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.

  • John R.
    Camper-submitted photo from TV Tower Road Dispersed Camping [Closed until Nov 3rd, 2021]
    Sep. 30, 2022

    TV Tower Road Dispersed Camping [Closed until Nov 3rd, 2021]

    The Battle of Tower Hill

    The 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.

  • Jade M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from TV Tower Road Dispersed Camping [Closed until Nov 3rd, 2021]
    Aug. 13, 2022

    TV Tower Road Dispersed Camping [Closed until Nov 3rd, 2021]

    too much wind

    Pulled 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.

  • Summer A.
    Camper-submitted photo from TV Tower Road Dispersed Camping [Closed until Nov 3rd, 2021]
    Jul. 17, 2022

    TV Tower Road Dispersed Camping [Closed until Nov 3rd, 2021]

    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!

  • C
    Camper-submitted photo from TV Tower Road Dispersed Camping [Closed until Nov 3rd, 2021]
    Jun. 3, 2022

    TV Tower Road Dispersed Camping [Closed until Nov 3rd, 2021]

    Memorable Mountain

    Anytime 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.

  • C
    Camper-submitted photo from TV Tower Road Dispersed Camping [Closed until Nov 3rd, 2021]
    Jan. 21, 2022

    TV Tower Road Dispersed Camping [Closed until Nov 3rd, 2021]

    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.

  • Dominic M.
    Camper-submitted photo from TV Tower Road Dispersed Camping [Closed until Nov 3rd, 2021]
    Aug. 31, 2021

    TV Tower Road Dispersed Camping [Closed until Nov 3rd, 2021]

    One of the greatest sites in the US

    NOTE: VISITED BEFORE TEMPORARY CLOSURE
    For the second night of my 3-month long road trip, we stayed up here and cooked a wonderful meal that overlooked a sprawling landscape of fog, mountains, valleys, and the ocean off in the distance. True beauty but was rather busy. Make sure you really have a capable vehicle as the climb up the road is not suited for small or casual cars.



Guide to Santa Maria

Camping near Santa Maria, California, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for beach access or serene nature trails, there are plenty of campgrounds to explore.

What to do:

What campers like:

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Morro Strand State Beach Campground, have limited amenities. A camper noted, "No showers but your pass gets you into nearby Morro Bay SP where they have nice clean token showers."
  • Wildlife Encounters: Be prepared for wildlife at Lopez Lake Recreation Area. One reviewer warned, "There are black bears that roam the area, so be sure to prepare for that."
  • Noise Levels: Expect some noise from trains near Refugio State Beach Campground. A camper mentioned, "Next to train tracks...could still wake tent campers and sensitive sleepers."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Bring Water: At Cachuma Lake Recreation Area, it's wise to bring plenty of water. A reviewer said, "Be sure to fill up tanks at El Capitan before entering."
  • Plan for Activities: Families can enjoy the beach and trails at Oceano County Campground — Pismo State Beach. One camper noted, "There's a fun game for kids where you download an app and go on a scavenger hunt."
  • Pack Snacks: Campers at Jalama Beach County Park recommend bringing snacks. A visitor mentioned, "There’s a small freshwater stream that flows right into the shore where your pets & kids like to splash around."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Hookups: Make sure to check for electric hookups at Morro Bay State Park Campground. A reviewer said, "The sites with hookups sans sewer will actually be pull-through sites, which was nice."
  • Be Mindful of Space: RVers at Cachuma Lake Recreation Area noted, "The only sites with gravel paved pads were the ones with water/electric hookups."
  • Stay Alert for Wildlife: At Lopez Lake Recreation Area, RVers should be cautious. One camper mentioned, "There are black bears that roam the area so be sure to prepare for that."

Camping in Santa Maria, California, has something for everyone, from beach lovers to nature enthusiasts. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Santa Maria, CA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Santa Maria, 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 Maria, CA?

    TheDyrt.com has all 4 dispersed camping locations near Santa Maria, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.