Top Free Dispersed Camping near Santa Paula, CA

If you're looking for a place to dispersed camp near Santa Paula, look no further. Dispersed camping is the perfect way to get off the grid. You're sure to find the perfect dispersed campgrounds for your California camping adventure.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Santa Paula, CA (8)

    Camper-submitted photo from Big Cone Camp - Santa Paula Canyon
    Camper-submitted photo from Los Padres NF - Dispersed Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Los Padres NF - Dispersed Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Los Padres NF - Dispersed Camp

    2. Los Padres NF - Dispersed Camp

    2 Reviews
    3 Photos
    57 Saves
    • Pets
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Chorma Camp in Matilija Wilderness
    Camper-submitted photo from Chorma Camp in Matilija Wilderness
    Camper-submitted photo from Chorma Camp in Matilija Wilderness
    Camper-submitted photo from Santa Cruz Island - Del Norte Backcountry — Channel Islands National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Santa Cruz Island - Del Norte Backcountry — Channel Islands National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Santa Cruz Island - Del Norte Backcountry — Channel Islands National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Santa Cruz Island - Del Norte Backcountry — Channel Islands National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Santa Cruz Island - Del Norte Backcountry — Channel Islands National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Santa Cruz Island - Del Norte Backcountry — Channel Islands National Park

    4. Santa Cruz Island - Del Norte Backcountry — Channel Islands National Park

    3 Reviews
    15 Photos
    137 Saves

    Overview

    For a truly remote getaway full of backpacking and breathtaking scenery, take a backcountry trip to Santa Cruz Island's Del Norte Campground. Del Norte is currently the only backcountry campground on Santa Cruz Island. The National Park Service opened this backcountry site in recognition of its rare wilderness values. As you explore these wild areas, please take the responsibility to help us protect and preserve these delicate natural resources for future generations. While backcountry camping is an incredible experience, it is not for the inexperienced backpacker. Due to difficult weather, rugged terrain, and off-trail hiking, backcountry camping is an arduous endeavor and should be undertaken only by experienced, well-conditioned backpackers. To reach this backcountry site, visitors will backpack along a historic ranch road/trail through a series of canyons and ridges, to a vista about 700 feet above sea level. This moderate to strenuous 3.5-mile hike from Prisoners Harbor travels through island oak woodlands and coastal sage scrub plant communities.

    Recreation

    From Prisoners Harbor, the shortest route to the Del Norte Campground is 3.5 miles via the Del Norte Trail. Follow the Navy Road out of Prisoners Harbor for 1.5 miles (600-foot elevation gain; strenuous). This gravel road is still used daily by vehicles, so please use caution while hiking along it. During winter and spring, visitors need to be prepared for a wet creek crossing at Canada del Puerto in Prisoner's Harbor.At the signed turn-off for Del Norte Trail, leave the gravel road and continue east (left) along the trail for 1.8 miles. The trail winds up and down two canyons (Ca__ada del Agua and Ca__ada del Muro)) to the signed junction with the Del Norte Road that leads .2 miles to the campground. The longer route (5 miles), which provides views of the south side of the island, follows the Navy Road as it climbs 1,200 feet over 4 miles and eventually reaches the junction with the Del Norte Road. At the signed junction, turn north (left) and descend 1 mile to the campground.From Scorpion Anchorage, Del Norte Campground is approximately 12 miles via the Navy Road.Beach access is at Prisoners Harbor. There is no access to the beach at Del Norte Campground.Recreational activities on Santa Cruz Island include hiking, swimming, snorkeling, diving, kayaking and wildlife/wildflower viewing. There are no services on the island, so all gear has to be brought to the island. Guided kayak trips and kayak rentals must be arranged before arriving on the island. For more information about recreational activities in the park, visit https://www.nps.gov/chis/planyourvisit/index.htm .

    Natural Features

    Del Norte is nestled in a shaded oak grove and provides scenic views of the island's pristine coastline. The largest of California's Channel Islands, Santa Cruz Island is one of the five islands that make up the Channel Islands National Park. The island is rich in cultural history, magnificent landscapes, and unique flora and fauna. Native American Indians inhabited the island for over 10,000 years and Europeans explored and ranched on the island for over 150 years. Over 600 plant species, 140 land birds, 11 land mammals and a handful of amphibians and reptiles call the island their home. The island fox and island scrub-jay are exciting finds, as they're unique to the island, found nowhere else in the world.

    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Picnic Table
    • Toilets

    $15 / night

    • No image available

      5. Lane Ranch Campground — Hungry Valley State Vehicular Recreation Area

      Be the first to review!
      15 Saves

      Hungry Valley SVRA is the third largest unit of California State Park's Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division. Located in the Tejon Pass north of Los Angeles and along the Interstate 5 corridor, Hungry Valley offers 19,000 acres and more than 130 miles of scenic trails for motorcycle, All-Terrain Vehicles (ATV), dune buggies, and 4x4 recreation. All levels of OHV operator skills will be challenged by the wide variety of terrain and trails at Hungry Valley SVRA.

      Elevations at Hungry Valley range from 3,000 to nearly 6,000 feet. Occasional snowfalls occur during the winter. Summers are most often hot, dry and dusty. The most pleasant times of the year for OHV fun are during the Spring and Fall months when the temperatures are mild and occasional rain showers make for good traction and reduced dust. Nighttime temperatures often drop below freezing in the Spring and Fall, as well as during the Winter.

      The wide variety of trails at Hungry Valley provides excitement for both beginner and experienced off-roaders. For experienced OHVers challenging trails can be found in the hills and sand washes of the back- country section of the SVRA. Beginners can enjoy the scenery and relative ease of the trails in the Native Grasslands Management Area. Trails in the adjoining Los Padres National Forest are recommended for experienced riders only.

      Recreational Land Management Providing long-term, sustained OHV recreation opportunity is a top priority in SVRA Management. Provisions in California law require actions to stabilize soils and to provide for healthy wildlife populations in OHV recreation areas. Projects are ongoing to stabilize soil areas by reshaping slopes, reseeding and replanting bare areas. Vegetation creates wildlife habitat while plant roots help stabilize the soil. Project areas are temporarily closed to OHV use through the use of barriers, such as fences, hay bales, brush piles and signing. Where possible, well-designed OHV trails are provided through project areas. Other project areas may be closed for a number of years before being opened again for OHV use. Your understanding and support in staying out of areas closed for restoration helps ensure OHV recreation opportunities for years to come.

      Where to get help The State Park Rangers who patrol Hungry Valley SVRA are peace officers, who are trained Emergency Medical Responders. Entrance station employees and park maintenance personnel can also summon medical help. If no State Park personnel are available, dial 911 from any telephone. Pay phones are located at many business locations in Gorman. Cellular telephone coverage is intermittent throughout most of the SVRA. There are no emergency medical facilities in Gorman. The nearest hospital to Hungry Valley SVRA is Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital, located approximately 30 miles to the south in Valencia. To drive to the hospital, take Interstate Highway 5 south to the McBean Parkway exit and turn left (east) on McBean Parkway. Henry Mayo Hospital is located approximately one mile from I-5 on the left-hand side at 23845 McBean Parkway.

      • Fires
      • RVs
      • Tents
      • Dispersed
      • Toilets
      • No image available
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          • No image available

          Recent Dispersed Reviews In Santa Paula

          4 Reviews of 8 Santa Paula Campgrounds


          • Paul O.
            Camper-submitted photo from Los Padres NF - Dispersed Camp
            Mar. 28, 2022

            Los Padres NF - Dispersed Camp

            No disperse camping allowed along the 33.

            There 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."

          • Jessica P.
            Camper-submitted photo from Los Padres NF - Dispersed Camp
            Oct. 12, 2021

            Los Padres NF - Dispersed Camp

            Good place after a long hike

            This 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.

          • robherr
            Camper-submitted photo from Chorma Camp in Matilija Wilderness
            Sep. 14, 2018

            Chorma Camp in Matilija Wilderness

            Windy and high, Chorma Camp is a quick stop

            Chorma 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.

          • robherr
            Camper-submitted photo from Big Cone Camp - Santa Paula Canyon
            Sep. 12, 2018

            Big Cone Camp - Santa Paula Canyon

            Local easy hike to great waterfalls

            This 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.



          Guide to Santa Paula

          Camping near Santa Paula, California, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are great options to explore.

          What to do:

          • Boating and Fishing: At Cachuma Lake Recreation Area, you can enjoy kayaking and canoeing. One reviewer mentioned, "The lake is perfect for boating... kayaking, canoeing, fishing or sailing on the lake is the perfect way to spend the afternoon."
          • Hiking and Biking: The trails around Leo Carrillo State Park are great for hiking and biking. A visitor shared, "Great location for beach, biking and hiking. Less than 1/2 mile to the beach."
          • Beach Access: Thornhill Broome Beach offers direct beach access. One camper noted, "Can't beat camping on the beach... cooked on the beach and enjoyed throwing rocks into the ocean!"

          What campers like:

          • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the stunning views at Malibu Beach RV Park. One guest said, "Every spot has a great view of the Pacific Ocean from high upon a cliff!"
          • Clean Facilities: Many appreciate the cleanliness of the campgrounds. A reviewer at El Capitán State Beach Campground mentioned, "This campground is clean and quiet... very clean and well maintained."
          • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Campgrounds like Lake Casitas Recreation Area are great for families. One family shared, "This is a huge place, with lots to do... good cell service here at the park."

          What you should know:

          • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Wheeler Gorge Campground, have limited facilities. A visitor noted, "No running water available; fire ban... a lot of the sites are very close together."
          • Noise Levels: Campers at Sycamore Canyon Campground mentioned noise from the nearby highway. One camper said, "The campground was full but not too noisy."
          • Wildlife Encounters: Be prepared for wildlife, especially at Wheeler Gorge Campground. A camper shared, "They let us know there was a bear in the area... cleaning up all of Bucky's messes."

          Tips for camping with families:

          • Plan for Activities: Choose campgrounds with plenty of activities. Cachuma Lake Recreation Area offers a variety of options. One reviewer said, "The sunshine is typically abundant in this California park."
          • Check for Amenities: Look for campgrounds with family-friendly amenities. At Carpinteria State Beach, a camper noted, "Great location, spots are so close to the beach."
          • Pack for Comfort: Bring extra blankets and games for family fun. A visitor at Malibu Creek State Park mentioned, "The sites are nicely spaced out... great vibe."

          Tips from RVers:

          • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Leo Carrillo State Park said, "The sites are small. It is very difficult to back in to a spot when you have campers across from your campsite."
          • Look for Hookups: Choose campgrounds with electric hookups if needed. Lake Casitas Recreation Area offers these amenities. One camper noted, "The sites are clean and the pads are very flat."
          • Plan for Pets: If traveling with pets, check the pet policies. A visitor at Cachuma Lake Recreation Area mentioned, "Pets allowed... great views and clean facilities."

          Camping around Santa Paula, CA, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Enjoy the great outdoors!

          Frequently Asked Questions

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

            According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Santa Paula, CA is Big Cone Camp - Santa Paula Canyon with a 4-star rating from 1 review.

          • What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Santa Paula, CA?

            TheDyrt.com has all 8 dispersed camping locations near Santa Paula, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.