Best Dispersed Camping near Thousand Oaks, CA
Looking for the best dispersed camping near Thousand Oaks? Dispersed camping is the perfect way to get off the grid. Search nearby dispersed campgrounds or find top-rated spots from other campers.
Best Dispersed Sites Near Thousand Oaks, California (8)
1. Big Cone Camp - Santa Paula Canyon
1 Review•1 Photo•144 SavesSanta Paula, California- Fires
- Dispersed
2. Angeles Crest Overlook to LA
6 Reviews•1 Photo•84 SavesLa Cañada Flintridge, California- Pets
- Phone Service
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
3. Santa Cruz Island - Del Norte Backcountry — Channel Islands National Park
3 Reviews•15 Photos•139 SavesCarpinteria, CaliforniaOverview
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
6. Aliklik Campground — Hungry Valley State Vehicular Recreation Area
Be the first to review!•6 SavesFrazier Park, California- Fires
- Picnic Table
- Toilets
7. Cottonwood Campground — Hungry Valley State Vehicular Recreation Area
Be the first to review!•17 SavesFrazier Park, California- Fires
- Tents
- Dispersed
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Toilets
Recent Dispersed Reviews near Thousand Oaks, California
10 Reviews of 8 Thousand Oaks Campgrounds
robherr
Ranger
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.
Paul O.
Guide
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.
LegendLos 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.
- VValerie
Scout
Angeles Crest Overlook to LA
Parking Lot w/ Incredible View
This is just a few parking lots that overlook the valley and gives a view of the city skyline in the distance. Several others were also sleeping in their vehicles along the road and in the parking lots, so you won’t be alone. There were two others in our lot that stayed the night too. 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, so that wasn’t great but not awful either. I’d use it again if I needed it as it’s hard to find free places to sleep with a great view like that when traveling through cities.
- robherrRanger
Big Cone Camp - Santa Paula Canyon
Local easy hike to great waterfalls
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. The trail has changed many times over the years because of the nature of flooding through the canyon, but follow the signs through the middle of the canyon and the main trail will head up the mountain to the right.
Atop the hill on the saddle, nestled among the trees is the primitive Big Cone campsite. It is one of my favorite spots simply because it is close and when my kids were young it was a fairly easy hike to get to, and there's a nice reward when you get there.
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.
Please pack out your trash. Because this hike is local and easy, there are many party people that frequent the area and leave their trash.
- Joseph R.Scout
Angeles Crest Overlook to LA
Nope
It’s basically car camping along the Angeles Crest highway, there’s small pull out spots and, some spots overlooking the forest but kids do tend to party up here and, drive about 100 miles a hour up and, down the road all hours of the night. It can get a bit scary, if you’re alone. Oh cell service non-existent unless you’re closer to the bottom but even then it’s spotty. It’s not a typical campground but it does do the job for a couple days. You will see cars vans along the pull outs coming up but I believe you can car camp on the overlook I have not as I’m more a quiet type person. 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. It is very dangerous and luckily I carry at all times and have cameras.
Andrew S.GuideAngeles Crest Overlook to LA
Not a campsite
This is literally just a roadside pull-off. Only really useful in a pinch. No space for a tent. Sleep in your vehicle.
- JJaydon C.Scout
Angeles Crest Overlook to LA
Dark, fairly quiet, good view!
I loved car camping here! When I stayed, there were no other people who stayed the night, but quite a few people came throughout the night just for 20 minutes at a time or so. Wasn’t too noisy at all. Unfortunately I didn’t have any service (Visible/Verizon), so that was a little scary. Other than that, no complaints at all!
- NNicole D.Scout
Angeles Crest Overlook to LA
Great view
Great view but on the weekend we had multiple cars doing donuts really close to our van. I felt uncomfortable with that. Next night we moved to the other look out and someone still did donuts behind us- it’s a smaller lookout. Loud music and people talking next to us until about 1 am there is a pull off before this that was very quiet near a trail and nobody bothered us. During the week it’s more quiet. Close to town so that is a plus. Would recommend to smaller vans or car sleepers. I did not feel unsafe except for the donuts that happened near us. If you have dogs I would recommend the trail pull off my dogs really enjoyed the hike
Iris A.GuideAngeles Crest Overlook to LA
dispersed camping next to the road
It is not a real campground, just a the parking area of a view point. So the view was great. I parked at one end of the area but in the evening lots of couples and teenagers came and the parking area was well used. Some people stood silently admiring the view, while others played loud music. There were also tire tracks on the ground that suggested to me, some young people come here to test their driving skills. I spent the night and no-one took really notice of me.
There are no toilets, campfire sites or shade but good cell service.
Guide to Thousand Oaks
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Thousand Oaks, California, where nature enthusiasts can enjoy the great outdoors without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, there's something for everyone.
Top Activities While Free Camping Near Thousand Oaks
- Enjoy a scenic hike to the stunning waterfalls and natural pools at Big Cone Camp - Santa Paula Canyon, perfect for families and adventure seekers alike.
- Experience the thrill of off-roading at the Aliklik Campground — Hungry Valley State Vehicular Recreation Area, where you can drive in and explore the rugged terrain.
- Take in breathtaking views and enjoy a peaceful night under the stars at Santa Cruz Island - Del Norte Backcountry — Channel Islands National Park, accessible by boat or hike.
Dispersed Campers Should Check Out Chorma Camp
- Located in the Matilija Wilderness, Chorma Camp in Matilija Wilderness offers a primitive camping experience with stunning views, but be prepared for windy conditions.
- This hike-in site is ideal for those looking to escape the crowds and immerse themselves in nature, making it a great choice for solitude seekers.
- Remember to pack out all trash, as this area is known for its lack of amenities and the importance of preserving its natural beauty.
Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Thousand Oaks, California
- If you're planning to camp near the Chorro Grande trail, consider the Los Padres NF - Dispersed Camp for a peaceful spot after a long hike, but be aware that dispersed camping is restricted along certain roads.
- For a unique experience, check out Angeles Crest Overlook to LA, but be cautious of the area’s safety concerns and the potential for noise from nearby parties.
- Always carry enough water and supplies, especially when visiting remote areas like Cottonwood Campground — Hungry Valley State Vehicular Recreation Area, where amenities are limited.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Thousand Oaks, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Thousand Oaks, CA is Big Cone Camp - Santa Paula Canyon with a 4-star rating from 1 review.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Thousand Oaks, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 8 dispersed camping locations near Thousand Oaks, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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