Best Dispersed Camping near Santa Barbara, CA

Several dispersed camping areas lie within driving distance of Santa Barbara, with most requiring proper preparation for primitive conditions. The Chorro Grande Trail takes hikers to Oak Camp, which has no facilities and demands complete self-sufficiency. When camping in these undeveloped spots, you'll need to carry in all water and pack out everything you bring. Most public lands around Santa Barbara require campers to set up at least 200 feet from any water source to protect these sensitive areas. You can typically stay up to 14 days at these dispersed sites before needing to move on. Many access roads to these camping areas are rough and rutted, making high-clearance vehicles necessary, especially after rain. The remote locations mean you'll likely have plenty of space to yourself, far from crowds and noise. Fire bans frequently affect the area, so check with Los Padres National Forest before planning to have a campfire. Chorma Camp in the Matilija Wilderness sits about 30 miles from town and rewards the difficult drive with mountain views. The best weather for dispersed camping near Santa Barbara comes in spring and fall, as winters can be surprisingly cold at elevation and summers often bring dangerous heat. The nearest supplies are usually in Ojai or Santa Barbara, so stock up before heading out.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Santa Barbara, California (8)

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Santa Barbara, CA

8 Reviews of 8 Santa Barbara Campgrounds


  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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."

  • robherr The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 12, 2018

    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.

  • Roland L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 21, 2025

    Figueroa Mountain Road Pullout 01

    Rough site to camp

    The site is all up hill and really only has a small area where a few vans can fit. But the views are awesome


Guide to Santa Barbara

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Santa Barbara, California, where nature's tranquility meets adventure. With stunning landscapes and unique experiences, these spots offer a perfect escape for outdoor enthusiasts.

Amazing Views for Dispersed Campers

  • The Santa Cruz Island - Del Norte Backcountry provides breathtaking ocean views, especially from site 1, which is known for its privacy and scenic backdrop of mountains.
  • Hikers can enjoy a rewarding trek from Scorpion Harbor to Del Norte Camp, where the vistas are simply unforgettable, making it a great choice for those seeking solitude.
  • Be prepared for windy conditions at this location, which adds to the rugged charm of the camping experience.

Unique Wildlife Encounters While Free Camping Near Santa Barbara

  • At the Santa Cruz Island - Del Norte Backcountry, campers often spot adorable island foxes, adding a delightful touch to the camping experience.
  • Crows can be quite mischievous, so it's essential to keep an eye on your belongings to avoid any surprises from these clever birds.
  • The area is rich in natural beauty, and while you might encounter some wildlife, remember that it's all part of the unique ecosystem of the island.

Top Activities While Dispersed Camping Near Santa Barbara

  • Hiking is a must-do activity at the Santa Cruz Island - Del Norte Backcountry, with trails that lead to stunning views and hidden gems throughout the island.
  • Campers can take advantage of the food storage lockers provided to protect their supplies from wildlife, ensuring a hassle-free experience while enjoying the great outdoors.
  • The lack of amenities means that visitors should pack their own water and be prepared for a truly primitive camping experience, which many find refreshing and invigorating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find dispersed camping sites near Santa Barbara?

Dispersed camping options near Santa Barbara include the Los Padres National Forest, where Los Padres NF - Dispersed Camp offers sites along hiking trails like Chorro Grande. For a unique experience, Santa Cruz Island - Del Norte Backcountry in Channel Islands National Park provides primitive camping with ocean views, though it requires boat transportation and advance planning. Be aware that dispersed camping is restricted in many areas close to Santa Barbara city limits, and always check current regulations before heading out. Most dispersed sites require proper waste management (pack it in, pack it out), have no facilities, and may have seasonal fire restrictions.

Where is BLM land for camping near Santa Barbara?

The primary BLM camping area near Santa Barbara is Carrizzo Plain National Monument Dispersed, located about 2 hours northeast of the city. This area offers wide-open spaces with beautiful hilly landscapes and excellent stargazing opportunities due to minimal light pollution. The monument features dispersed camping with no facilities, so come prepared with everything you need, including water. Some roads can become slick and difficult to navigate when wet, especially for non-4WD vehicles. Be aware that motorized vehicles are restricted in certain areas, and signs indicate where driving is prohibited. Always practice Leave No Trace principles and check BLM website for seasonal closures or fire restrictions before your visit.

What are the best spots for car camping around Santa Barbara?

For car camping near Santa Barbara, Figueroa Mountain Road Pullout 01 offers accessible spots with scenic views in Los Padres National Forest. These pullouts are suitable for passenger vehicles and provide a convenient base for exploring the forest. Alamo Creek is another drive-in option worth considering for car camping accessibility. When car camping near Santa Barbara, be prepared for variable weather conditions, bring all necessary supplies including water, and check road conditions in advance. Most sites are first-come, first-served, so arriving early, especially on weekends, is recommended. Always have a backup plan as sites can fill quickly during peak seasons.

Is there free camping allowed in Santa Barbara and what are the rules?

Free camping is limited in Santa Barbara County but available in specific areas. Morrow Hill Dispersed offers free camping with beautiful views, though the access road can be challenging for larger vehicles. Chorma Camp in Matilija Wilderness provides free backcountry camping but be prepared for windy conditions and no amenities. General rules for free camping include: staying only in designated dispersed areas, camping at least 200 feet from water sources, maximum 14-day stays, packing out all trash, using existing fire rings (when fires are permitted), and having required permits for backcountry areas. Always check current fire restrictions and permit requirements before your trip.