The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Taft. Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near Taft, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Taft and user-submitted reviews.
"At the mentioned location we soon encountered a sign saying the motorized vehicles are prohibited from that point on."
"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."
"Make sure, you really stay at the place up the hill (coordinates) otherwise the landlord will clarify that you're on private property ;) Great view in the morning, beautiful. Would def come back"
"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."
"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"
RangerChorma 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.
ScoutBeautiful 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.
Guide☆ 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.
GuidePicked 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.
GuideI 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.
TravelerEasy 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
LegendThis 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.
GuideThere 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."
TravelerPretty 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.
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Taft, California, where nature awaits with stunning landscapes and serene spots to unwind. Whether you're looking for a quick getaway or a peaceful retreat, these locations offer a unique camping experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Taft dispersed camping located?
Taft dispersed camping areas are located in California, primarily in the Los Padres National Forest region. Specific locations include Old Sierra Madre, which features hilly terrain with spots suitable for vans and smaller vehicles. The area offers beautiful views and is accessible via drive-in routes. Some sites are situated along forest roads with varying degrees of accessibility depending on vehicle size and weather conditions.
What are the rules for dispersed camping at Taft?
Dispersed camping rules at Taft generally prohibit camping directly along Highway 33 and in designated no-camping zones. At Los Padres NF - Dispersed Camp, camping is allowed in designated areas, but not randomly along roads. Be aware of private property boundaries, as noted at Morrow hill dispersed where staying outside marked areas can result in trespassing issues. Always practice Leave No Trace principles, pack out all trash, and check for fire restrictions which vary seasonally.
Is Taft dispersed camping free?
Yes, Taft dispersed camping areas are typically free to use. Sites like Carrizzo Plain National Monument Dispersed and Caliente Mtn Ranch Dispersed don't charge entrance or camping fees. These areas provide budget-friendly options for overnight stays while exploring the region. However, while there's no cost, these free sites generally offer no amenities - you'll need to be self-sufficient with water, waste disposal, and other camping necessities.
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