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Best Dispersed Camping near Santa Paula, CA

4 Reviews

Los Padres National Forest offers several dispersed camping areas near Santa Paula, California. Big Cone Camp requires a hike through Santa Paula Canyon, starting at Thomas Aquinas College and passing through oil fields before reaching the campsite. A local camper described it as "fairly easy" with the reward of nearby waterfalls and pools known as the "punch bowls" where visitors can swim. The site is primitive with no facilities.

Other dispersed options include Morrow Hill, which accommodates small RVs but requires navigating tricky roads. A camper noted, "We had a great and quiet night up there in our 21ft RV. But the road is a little tricky." Chorma Camp in Matilija Wilderness is another primitive option accessible by hiking south through Cherry Creek, though reviews mention it's "windy and high" with "very little shelter." Contrary to some information, dispersed camping is not permitted along Highway 33, as this is a Restricted Use Zone according to forest service regulations. Most sites in the area maintain fire restrictions and require visitors to pack out all trash.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Santa Paula, California (8)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Santa Paula, CA

6 Photos of 8 Santa Paula Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Santa Paula, CA

4 Reviews of 8 Santa Paula Campgrounds

  • robherr The Dyrt PRO User
    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 The Dyrt PRO User
    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.

  • Jessica P.The Dyrt PRO User
    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.

  • Paul O.
    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."

Guide to Santa Paula

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.

Scenic Hiking Trails for Dispersed Campers

  • The Los Padres NF - Dispersed Camp is conveniently located next to the Chorro Grande trail, offering a beautiful 9-mile hike that leads to peaceful camping spots with breathtaking sunrises and sunsets.
  • For a more secluded experience, consider hiking to Oak Camp, a hike-in site about 1.5 miles up the Chorro Grande trail, where you can enjoy a serene environment away from the crowds.
  • If you're up for a challenge, the trail to Big Cone Camp - Santa Paula Canyon takes you through diverse landscapes and leads to stunning waterfalls and natural rock slides.

Unique Activities While Free Camping Near Santa Paula

  • At Chorma Camp in Matilija Wilderness, you can enjoy the thrill of hiking through Cherry Creek, but be prepared for windy conditions as this site is perched high on a bluff.
  • The area around Big Cone Camp - Santa Paula Canyon is known for its easy access to waterfalls, making it a great spot for families looking to cool off and explore natural swimming holes.
  • For those who appreciate solitude, the Santa Cruz Island - Del Norte Backcountry offers a unique camping experience with limited sites and stunning ocean views, perfect for a peaceful getaway.

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Santa Paula, California

  • Always check local regulations before setting up camp, as some areas, like along Hwy 33, do not allow dispersed camping, ensuring you stay within designated zones.
  • Bring plenty of water and supplies, especially when visiting remote sites like Santa Cruz Island - Del Norte Backcountry, where water sources are scarce and you must pack in your own.
  • Respect the environment by packing out all trash and being mindful of wildlife, particularly at sites like Big Cone Camp - Santa Paula Canyon, where litter can attract unwanted visitors.

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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