Top Free Dispersed Camping near Santa Ynez, CA

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Santa Ynez, CA (6)

    Camper-submitted photo from Old Sierra Madre
    Camper-submitted photo from Old Sierra Madre
    Camper-submitted photo from Old Sierra Madre
    Camper-submitted photo from Old Sierra Madre
    Camper-submitted photo from Old Sierra Madre
    Camper-submitted photo from Old Sierra Madre
    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

    2. 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

    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

    3. 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
    • No image available

      5. Old Sierra Madre - Medicine Bow National Forest Dispersed

      Be the first to review!
      3 Saves

      Contact the ranger station for disperse camping information: (805) 925-9538 Mon-Fri, 8:00-4:30pm.

      • Dispersed
      • No image available

      Recent Dispersed Reviews In Santa Ynez

      3 Reviews of 6 Santa Ynez 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.



      Guide to Santa Ynez

      Camping near Santa Ynez, California, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a quiet getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

      What to do:

      • Explore the beach: At Oceano County Campground — Pismo State Beach, you can take a short walk to the dunes or drive right onto the beach. One camper mentioned, "Short walk to the dunes, 5 minute drive to downtown Pismo Beach."
      • Hiking and biking: Cachuma Lake Recreation Area has numerous trails for hiking and biking. A visitor noted, "The sunshine is typically abundant in this California park, and even without full hookups, you can easily get all the power you need with an appropriately sized solar panel system."
      • Fishing and boating: At Lake Casitas Recreation Area, you can enjoy fishing and boating. One reviewer said, "The lake is beautiful and right in the middle of the entire recreation area."

      What campers like:

      • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A visitor at Cachuma Lake Recreation Area mentioned, "The flush bathrooms are clean and spacious."
      • Wildlife sightings: Many enjoy the chance to see wildlife. One camper at Oceano County Campground shared, "We saw and heard hawks, turkey vultures, owls, and many other birds."
      • Proximity to attractions: Campers love being close to local attractions. A reviewer at Santa Cruz Campground — Carpinteria State Beach said, "Carp itself is one of my favorite little towns."

      What you should know:

      • Limited amenities: Some campgrounds, like Emma Wood State Beach, have very few amenities. A camper noted, "Completely dry camping with no showers or bathrooms."
      • Crowded during peak season: Popular spots can get crowded. A visitor at Lopez Lake Recreation Area mentioned, "Check-in involved parking our van and standing in line like Disneyland."
      • Wildlife precautions: Be aware of wildlife, especially at Wheeler Gorge Campground. One camper said, "They let us know there was a bear in the area."

      Tips for camping with families:

      • Choose family-friendly campgrounds: Look for places like Lake Casitas Recreation Area, which has a water park for kids. A reviewer mentioned, "The campground is broken down into a bunch of different camping loops, each with different amenities and vibe."
      • Plan for activities: Make sure to have activities planned, like hiking or fishing. A camper at Cachuma Lake Recreation Area said, "Hiking and mountain biking trails are abundant throughout the area."
      • Pack snacks and drinks: Keep everyone happy with snacks and drinks on hand. One camper at Oceano County Campground mentioned, "There's a great Mexican restaurant down the road also."

      Tips from RVers:

      • Check for hookups: Make sure to check if the campground has electric hookups. A visitor at Cachuma Lake Recreation Area noted, "The sites with hookups will actually be pull-through sites, which was nice."
      • Be prepared for fees: Some campgrounds charge extra for pets or amenities. A camper at Lake Casitas Recreation Area mentioned, "We paid online and we pull up and all of a sudden getting charged $5 a day extra for pets."
      • Know your vehicle size: Make sure your RV fits the campground's size restrictions. A reviewer at Emma Wood State Beach said, "Spots 25 and above are more closer together."

      Camping near Santa Ynez, California, offers a variety of experiences for everyone. Whether you're in an RV or tent, there's something for you!

      Frequently Asked Questions

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

        According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Santa Ynez, CA is Old Sierra Madre with a 4-star rating from 3 reviews.

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

        TheDyrt.com has all 6 dispersed camping locations near Santa Ynez, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.