Dispersed camping near Simi Valley, California encompasses diverse terrain ranging from 1,000 to 8,000 feet elevation within the surrounding national forest areas. Summer temperatures often exceed 90°F at lower elevations while winter brings occasional snow to higher camps. Fire restrictions typically extend from May through November, with complete bans in effect during peak fire season.
What to do
Hiking to waterfalls: Big Cone Camp serves as a base for exploring the Santa Paula Canyon's natural water features. A visitor noted, "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."
Trail exploration: Los Padres NF - Dispersed Camp provides access to the Chorro Grande trail system. A camper explained, "This site is next to chorro grande trail which is about a 9 mile hike. After your long hike if you want to rest go up the mountain site across and it's an awesome place to camp out."
Stargazing: The higher elevation pullouts along Angeles Crest Highway offer exceptional night sky viewing opportunities. One camper at Angeles Crest Overlook to LA described the experience as "Dark, fairly quiet, good view! I loved car camping here!"
What campers like
Sunrise viewing: The overlook areas provide dramatic morning vistas. A camper reported, "The view is gorgeous in the morning sunrise! That being said, it did seem like maybe a teen hangout or something - cars did flow in and out occasionally through the night until around midnight."
Solitude at higher elevations: Chorma Camp in Matilija Wilderness sits on a high bluff with expansive views. A visitor noted, "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."
Convenience for short stays: Some sites serve as practical overnight stops rather than destination campgrounds. As one camper at Angeles Crest Overlook stated, "Perfect last minute late night hold over stop."
What you should know
Limited facilities: Most dispersed sites offer no amenities. A camper at Angeles Crest Overlook explained, "There are no toilets, campfire sites or shade but good cell service."
Access restrictions: Not all areas permit dispersed camping despite appearances. At Alamo Creek, visitors must adhere to Los Padres National Forest regulations, and as one reviewer clarified about nearby areas, "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."
Roadside safety considerations: Pull-off areas may have traffic issues. One camper warned, "Kids do tend to party up here and drive about 100 miles an hour up and down the road all hours of the night. It can get a bit scary if you're alone."
Tips for camping with families
Appropriate hike distances: Choose sites with manageable approach trails for children. A parent shared about Big Cone Camp - Santa Paula Canyon, "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."
Pack extra water: No reliable water sources exist at most sites, requiring families to carry all drinking water. During summer months, plan for at least one gallon per person per day.
Select sites with basic facilities: When camping with children, consider areas like Aliklik Campground which offers toilets and picnic tables while remaining free to access.
Tips from RVers
Vehicle size limitations: Most dispersed sites accommodate smaller vehicles only. A camper at Angeles Crest Overlook advised, "This is literally just a roadside pull-off. Only really useful in a pinch. No space for a tent. Sleep in your vehicle."
Cell service coverage: Connectivity varies significantly by location. One RVer reported, "Unfortunately I didn't have any service (Visible/Verizon), so that was a little scary."
Security considerations: Some areas may require additional vigilance. A visitor cautioned, "Be careful though there's a white van that teams up with a black truck they tried to break in my car while I was sleeping."
