Best Dispersed Camping near Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area
Dispersed camping options near Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area range from primitive backcountry sites to roadside pullouts. Big Cone Camp in Santa Paula Canyon requires a moderate 4-mile hike and provides access to natural swimming holes known as the "punch bowls." Santa Cruz Island's Del Norte Backcountry offers four primitive sites with food storage lockers to protect supplies from island foxes. Several campers noted the site's exposure to strong winds, particularly at Site 1, which also provides superior ocean views.
Fire restrictions vary significantly by location. Fires are prohibited at Santa Cruz Island and Angeles Crest Overlook but permitted at some Los Padres National Forest sites when fire danger is low. Water sources are extremely limited; Santa Cruz Island has no potable water near campsites, requiring visitors to pack in all necessary water. According to reviews, cell service is generally unreliable, particularly at Angeles Crest Overlook where reception is "non-existent unless you're closer to the bottom."
Angeles Crest Overlook is not a traditional campground but rather a series of roadside pullouts suitable only for vehicle camping. The location offers panoramic views but experiences significant nighttime traffic and occasional disruptive behavior. As one visitor reported, "On weekends we had multiple cars doing donuts really close to our van" with "loud music and people talking next to us until about 1 am." Weekday visits typically experience less disruption. Dispersed camping along Highway 33 is prohibited in designated Restricted Use Zones including Rose Valley Recreation Area, Pine Mountain Recreation Area, and Matilija Canyon Road.
