Are you in need of a campground near Santa Paula, CA? Santa Paula is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. Find the best campgrounds near Santa Paula, CA. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.
"It starts off going through Thomas Aquinas College, winding through horse property and oil fields, before finally opening up into Santa Paula Canyon."
"Make sure, you really stay at the place up the hill (coordinates) otherwise the landlord will clarify that you're on private property ;) Great view in the morning, beautiful. Would def come back"
$15 / night
"Food storage locker provided to protect food from sneaky foxes. No water anywhere near the campsite. About 4 miles from Prisoners Harbor ferry landing. Shared the campground with one other group."
"You have to set up a boat trip here and back so do your homework because it takes some coordinating. We picked site 1 unknowingly and it turned out to be the best!"
RangerChorma Camp is the first spot you will encounter on the hike south through Cherry Creek. Situated high on a bluff it gets lots of wind, and with very little shelter around to break it, if you camp here you will get the brunt of it.
There are no amenities at any of the campsites in this area, they are all primitive dispersed camp areas.
Continuing on past Chorma if you can make it to Maple it is better campsite down in the valley.
RangerThis is a fairly easy hike through what would not be considered a typical hike. It starts off going through Thomas Aquinas College, winding through horse property and oil fields, before finally opening up into Santa Paula Canyon. The trail has changed many times over the years because of the nature of flooding through the canyon, but follow the signs through the middle of the canyon and the main trail will head up the mountain to the right.
Atop the hill on the saddle, nestled among the trees is the primitive Big Cone campsite. It is one of my favorite spots simply because it is close and when my kids were young it was a fairly easy hike to get to, and there's a nice reward when you get there.
From Big Cone Camp you can easily reach the waterfalls and pools that make this area known as the "punch bowls". Depending on weather and water conditions there are some nice water rock slides, and a few pools you can jump from the cliffs into.
Please pack out your trash. Because this hike is local and easy, there are many party people that frequent the area and leave their trash.
LegendThis site is next to chorro grande trail which is about a 9 mile hike. After your long hike of you want to rest go up the mountain site across and it’s an awesome place to camp out. This is dispersed campsite. You will also come across many people parked on the side for those who hike the trails so if you go up the little hill mountain you can camp out peacefully with awesome sunrise and sunsets.
GuideThere is a nice hike-in campsite about 1.5 miles up the Chorro Grande trail called Oak Camp. I think the other review here might be unintentionally implying that camping along the 33 is allowed. It isn't. This is from the district web page:
"Disperse camping is NOT allowed on Hwy 33, the Rose Valley Recreation Area or the Pine Mountain Recreation Area or Matilija Canyon Rd. These are Restricted Use Zones."
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Santa Paula, California, where nature lovers can enjoy the great outdoors without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. With stunning landscapes and a variety of activities, this area is perfect for those seeking adventure and tranquility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Big Cone Campground located in Santa Paula?
Big Cone Camp - Santa Paula Canyon is located in Santa Paula Canyon. The trail to reach this dispersed camping area starts at Thomas Aquinas College, winding through horse property and oil fields before opening into the canyon. The route has changed over time due to natural landscape changes. This is a hike-in campground, so you'll need to plan for a trek to reach it, but the journey offers views of the unique Santa Paula Canyon landscape.
What amenities are available at Big Cone Campground for dispersed camping?
As a true dispersed camping area, Chorma Camp in Matilija Wilderness demonstrates the minimal amenities typical of Santa Paula area dispersed camping. There are no facilities provided - no toilets, no picnic tables, no trash service, and no potable water. Campers must pack in all necessary supplies and pack out all waste. The area is exposed to wind, with little natural shelter. Similar minimal conditions can be expected at Big Cone Campground, where visitors should prepare for self-sufficient backcountry camping.
What are the regulations for dispersed camping in Santa Paula?
Dispersed camping in Santa Paula follows strict regulations. At Morrow hill dispersed, campers must be careful to stay within designated areas, as adjacent land is private property. In Los Padres National Forest, dispersed camping is prohibited along Highway 33 and the Rose Valley Road. Instead, use established dispersed sites like Oak Camp (1.5 miles up the Chorro Grande trail). Always practice Leave No Trace principles, pack out all trash, and be aware of seasonal fire restrictions which may require permits for campfires or prohibit them entirely during high fire danger periods.
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