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Best Dispersed Camping near Santa Ynez, CA

11 Reviews

Several dispersed camping options exist in the Los Padres National Forest near Santa Ynez, California. Figueroa Mountain Road offers pull-out spots with mountain views, though the terrain is steep and primarily accommodates vans in small, limited areas. Old Sierra Madre provides more accessible dispersed sites with level spots suitable for car camping and vans, but not recommended for larger RVs or tents due to rocky terrain. Cell service is generally available, and the location offers relative quiet despite occasional road noise.

Carrizzo Plain National Monument permits free dispersed camping with regulations that vary by zone and distance from main roads. The area features open, hilly landscapes with minimal shade and excellent stargazing opportunities due to limited light pollution. Winter campers should prepare for temperatures significantly colder than forecasted. For backpackers, Channel Islands National Park's Santa Cruz Island offers Del Norte Backcountry camping with food storage lockers, picnic tables and toilets, but no water sources. As one camper noted, "Site 1 had the most wind but also the best views of the ocean." Most dispersed sites throughout the region prohibit fires, lack facilities, and require visitors to pack out all waste.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Santa Ynez, California (10)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Santa Ynez, CA

12 Photos of 10 Santa Ynez Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Santa Ynez, CA

11 Reviews of 10 Santa Ynez 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.

  • Gert K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 1, 2025

    Carrizzo Plain National Monument Dispersed

    Beautiful and peaceful

    Beautiful hilly landscape. Despite the absence of trees or bushes for shadow, we had a wonderful evening here, on our way to santa barbara. At the mentioned location we soon encountered a sign saying the motorized vehicles are prohibited from that point on. We drove a bit further down the main road than the gps location suggests, and took the next road to find a spot. The area map with zones for dispersed camping is not too clear, but it seems that you can camp to a certain distance from the main road, and this distance varies. After taking the next road, we found a simple semi-prepared spot. Some warm breezes in the evening, silent night with great views of the night sky.

  • Natalie T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 23, 2024

    Carrizzo Plain National Monument Dispersed

    Rolling Hills & Plains

    ☆ No target shooting allowed ☆ Arrived on a drizzly day & tried going further down the road to other more secluded camping spots. However the dirt road was slick & minivan, loaded down, was slipping & sliding. Backtracked to a nice spot, camaflouged by a small hill, it'll protect my gear tent. This is open castle range.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 22, 2024

    Old Sierra Madre

    Lovely hillside spots

    Picked the first nook from the GPS pin but hiked up road and there are quite a few others, some shaded, some exposed. Bit of highway noise.

  • Jonathan E.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 27, 2025

    Carrizzo Plain National Monument Dispersed

    Peaceful and Beautiful

    I visited in January on my way to the Bay Area and loved this campsite. I didn’t see anyone else around, nor did I see any wildlife, so it was very quiet and peaceful. The stars were also quite visible with minimal light pollution. The area is hilly and beautiful with enough flatness and openness to pitch a tent without issue.

    It was about 15 degrees (F) colder than was forecasted (20 F vs 35 F) at night, so be prepared to be a bit chilly if visiting during the winter.

    All in all, great site and I would definitely return if I need a place to camp in the area again.

  • jThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 4, 2025

    Old Sierra Madre

    Great for Van camping

    Easy spots to turn around and park. Beautiful views, slight road noise if you’re not in the van but quiet inside. Wouldn’t recommend anything bigger than a extended sprinter or transit

  • 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."

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 4, 2024

    Old Sierra Madre

    Nice Car Camping Spot

    Pretty solid! Had great cell service and was a lovely drive to get there. Probably wouldn’t recommend if you have a tent or RV as the spots were a little small and rocky. But I only went a little past where the directions take you, so not sure what else is up there.

    Arrived just at sunset and loved the views! It was very peaceful and far enough from the highway. It seemed like the same truck was driving up and down a couple times which was the only downfall.

    Overall a good experience.

Guide to Santa Ynez

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Santa Ynez, California, where nature lovers can find serene spots away from the crowds. This area offers a variety of locations perfect for those seeking a more rustic camping experience.

Dispersed campers should check out Old Sierra Madre

  • The Old Sierra Madre area is known for its easy access and low-key atmosphere, making it a great choice for a quick getaway.
  • Campers have reported finding level spots right off the road, which is ideal for those who prefer car camping without the hassle of permits.
  • While some highway noise may be present, the overall experience is peaceful, especially during sunset when the views are stunning.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Santa Ynez, California

  • When visiting Los Padres NF - Dispersed Camp, be aware that dispersed camping is not allowed along Highway 33, so plan your route accordingly.
  • This area allows pets and features both drive-in and walk-in access, making it versatile for different camping styles.
  • After a long hike on the Chorro Grande trail, many campers find this site to be a perfect resting spot with beautiful sunrises and sunsets.

Chorma Camp in Matilija Wilderness for dispersed campers

  • Located in the Los Padres National Forest, Chorma Camp in Matilija Wilderness offers a primitive camping experience with no amenities, perfect for those looking to disconnect.
  • The camp is situated high on a bluff, providing breathtaking views, but be prepared for windy conditions as it lacks shelter.
  • Hikers often recommend continuing past Chorma to find better campsites in the valley, which may offer a more sheltered experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find dispersed camping areas in Santa Ynez?

Dispersed camping options near Santa Ynez include Los Padres NF - Dispersed Camp along the Chorro Grande trail, offering convenient pullouts for overnight stays. Morrow Hill Dispersed provides quiet spots suitable for smaller RVs (up to 21ft), though the access road can be challenging. Be careful to stay within designated public land areas to avoid trespassing issues. Other options include Figueroa Mountain Road pullouts and Old Sierra Madre Road. Most dispersed sites in this region require proper waste management as there are no facilities, and many have fire restrictions depending on the season. Always check current regulations with Los Padres National Forest before your trip.

Is glamping available in Santa Ynez as an alternative to dispersed camping?

While traditional dispersed camping is more common in the Santa Ynez area, glamping alternatives do exist nearby. For a unique experience that combines comfort with natural beauty, consider Santa Cruz Island - Del Norte Backcountry in Channel Islands National Park. Though technically backcountry camping, its spectacular ocean views and island setting offer a premium experience worth the boat trip and coordination. For those preferring to stay on the mainland, Carrizzo Plain National Monument Dispersed provides stunning landscapes and star-gazing opportunities that can be enhanced with your own glamping setup. Several private ranches and vineyards in Santa Ynez Valley also offer upscale camping experiences with amenities like furnished tents and outdoor showers.

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 Figueroa Mountain Road Pullout 01 with a 1-star rating from 1 review.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 10 dispersed camping locations near Santa Ynez, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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