Dispersed camping opportunities near Summerland, California include several remote sites within Los Padres National Forest that offer varying levels of accessibility and natural features. Most sites require self-sufficiency as they lack basic amenities including water sources. Seasonal fire restrictions frequently apply throughout the region, with complete bans common during summer and fall months. Visitors should verify current regulations with rangers before departure.
What to do
Hike to waterfalls: Big Cone Camp provides access to Santa Paula Canyon's popular swimming holes. "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," notes one camper about Big Cone Camp.
Stargazing: The minimal light pollution at dispersed sites offers excellent night sky viewing. A camper at Carrizzo Plain mentions, "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."
Wildlife observation: Santa Cruz Island provides opportunities to see unique island wildlife. "Saw lots of island foxes - so cute!" reports a visitor to Santa Cruz Island - Del Norte Backcountry, where food storage lockers protect supplies from the native foxes.
What campers like
Protection from elements: Finding natural shelter from winds can significantly improve camping comfort. According to one reviewer, continuing beyond Chorma Camp to Maple Camp offers "a better campsite down in the valley" with less wind exposure.
Remote solitude: Morrow Hill dispersed camping area provides quiet experiences away from crowds. "We had a great and quiet night up there in our 21ft RV... Great view in the morning, beautiful," reports one camper who enjoyed the secluded location.
Unique island experience: Camping on Santa Cruz Island offers rare isolation. "This is such a unique experience! You have to set up a boat trip here and back so do your homework because it takes some coordinating. We picked site 1 unknowingly and it turned out to be the best! It was away from others and felt private with the most spectacular mountains to our back," shares a Del Norte camper.
What you should know
Restricted camping areas: Several areas prohibit dispersed camping despite appearing suitable. A ranger clarifies about Los Padres NF - Dispersed Camp: "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."
Water planning: No reliable water sources exist at most dispersed sites. A Santa Cruz Island camper advises, "Note that there are gear restrictions for the cruise (check the website). Also you have to PACK YOUR OWN WATER."
Temperature fluctuations: Mountain and coastal sites experience significant day-to-night temperature changes. One Carrizzo Plain camper reported, "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."
Tips for camping with families
Choose appropriate hikes: Select trails matching children's abilities. A visitor to Carrizzo Plain National Monument notes the "Beautiful hilly landscape. Despite the absence of trees or bushes for shadow, we had a wonderful evening here, on our way to santa barbara."
Bring entertainment: Limited natural features at some sites means bringing activities for children. "This is open castle range," mentions one camper about Carrizzo Plain, indicating wide open spaces but few natural play features.
Consider difficulty levels: Some sites require challenging access unsuitable for young children. At Figueroa Mountain Road Pullout, a camper warns "The site is all up hill and really only has a small area where a few vans can fit."
Tips from RVers
Road conditions: Access roads to rustic camping near Summerland, California can be challenging for larger vehicles. A camper at Morrow Hill warns, "the road is a little tricky and we almost wouldn't have driven there. Make sure, you really stay at the place up the hill (coordinates) otherwise the landlord will clarify that you're on private property."
Weather impacts: Precipitation can make dirt roads impassable even for capable vehicles. One visitor to Figueroa Mountain Road Pullout 01 experienced difficulty after rain: "The site is all up hill and really only has a small area where a few vans can fit. But the views are awesome."
Space limitations: Many dispersed sites have limited flat areas for larger vehicles. At Carrizzo Plain, one camper noted they "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."
