For the past four months, I have been camping out of my car, spending most of my time in Southern California. I wanted to create a guide on some of my favorite places to car camp in the area including some sites that are completely free.
In this article:
Car Camping in Joshua Tree National Park
San Diego
Although car camping on most streets in San Diego is illegal, you can either reserve a campground or take part in dispersed camping outside of the city. Dispersed camping is typically free.
Let’s go over my favorite dispersed camping sites and campgrounds in the area, starting with dispersed.
5 Dispersed Camping Spots Around San Diego (Free)
| Dispersed Camping | Reservation? | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Otay Mountain Camp (Otay Truck Trail) | No | Free |
| Cleveland National Forest (Cottonwood Falls Camp) | No | Free |
| Anza-Borrego Desert State Park | No | Free |
| Fiesta Island (Day use only) | No | Free |
| Mission Beach | No | Free |
1. Otay Mountain Camp
Coordinates: 32.61659303, -116.7840705
Located 50 minutes east of San Diego, Otay Open Space Reserve is classified as land owned by BLM which you can camp on for free.
Campers can take the Otay Mountain Truck Trail and can camp anywhere along the road.
Remember, this is a dispersed camping spot so there are zero amenities. Also be sure to pack in, pack out!
Otay Mountain Wilderness is known for its off-road and hiking trails. The area has beautiful sunsets and clear night skies. If you come at the right time, up in the mountains you will be level with the clouds, which is super dreamy.
If you get tired of the desert, Otay Lake is located on the north side of the reserve.
2. Cleveland National Forest
Cleveland National Forest has a few different spots where you can take part in dispersed camping:
- Descanso (619-445-6235)
- Palomar (760-788-0250)
- Trabuco (951-736-1811)
Download the Dispersed Camping Wilderness Permit for the Palomar and Descanso Permit and San Mateo Wilderness Permit.
You can stay on these dispersed lands for up to 14 days.
When in Cleveland National Forest, you can choose from mountains, waterfalls, and creeks.
Not to mention, the forest has its own observatory along one of its trails in the Palomar district.
U.S. National Forest says to attend the observatory you need an “Adventure Pass: To purchase a pass for this location visit a Cleveland National Forest office, find a local Adventure Pass vendor or purchase online at https://www.recreation.gov/.”
3. Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
Camping in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is only allowed on specific BLM land or designated campgrounds. Below are a few BLM areas around the park along with their coordinates.
- Coyote Mountains Wilderness (32.803753, -116.075627).
- Cottonwood Campground (32.800240, -116.338262)
- Sawtooth Mountain Wilderness (33.007513, -116.456406)
- Lark Canyon Campground (32.727884, -116.273656)
The park is known for its beautiful rugged, tall desert landscape and badlands.
While staying in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, be sure to drink tons of water as summer temperatures can reach up to 125°F.
4. Fiesta Island
While it is illegal to sleep overnight at Fiesta Island, I still wanted to share as it is one of the most popular day spots for van-life in the country and happens to be located in San Diego.
You can park right along the ocean from 6am-10pm.
A lot of people living out of their vans will come here and make use of the fire pits, dog park, and over 20 miles of beach.
5. Mission Beach
Directly across from Belmont Park in Mission Park, there is a parking lot that says “Overnight Parking Allowed”. Not to mention, this area is right next to the beach.
Just be stealthy and look at signs before choosing where to park as rules are constantly changing regarding sleeping in your car.
Now onto campgrounds you can car camp at in San Diego:
4 Campgrounds Around in San Diego
| Campgrounds | Reservation? | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| San Elijo State Beach | Required | $15-$75 |
| Silver Strand State Beach | Required | Starting at $50 |
| San Onofre State Beach | Required | Starting at $35 |
| South Carlsbad State Beach | Required | Starting at $35 |
1. San Elijo State Beach
The campground at San Elijo State Beach is situated on a cliff overlooking the ocean less than half an hour from San Diego.
The state beach provides a stairwell straight from the campsites down to the actual beach. The beach also offers swimming, surfing, and picnicking.
The campground provides restrooms, showers, fire pits, and even a camp store.
Camping reservations can only be made through Reserve California at reservecalifornia.com
2. Silver Strand State Beach
Nestled in the embrace of the Coronado Peninsula, the beachside campground offers unrivaled views of both the San Diego Bay and the expansive Pacific Ocean.
The beach is popular among surfers and fishermen, while the back bay area attracts bird watchers and boating enthusiasts
The campsites offer amenities including electrical hookups, restrooms, and showers, making it a comfortable stay despite the rustic surroundings. Venturing beyond your campsite, you may explore the nature trails, engage in beach volleyball, or even spot dolphins swimming offshore.
Camping reservations can only be made through Reserve California at reservecalifornia.com
3. San Onofre State Beach
San Onofre is known for their rugged cliffs, sandy beaches, and thunderous Pacific surf. This iconic destination hosts the San Mateo Campground, a stone’s throw away from the world-renowned Trestles surf break.
The campsites, tucked away in a coastal canyon, offer a sense of seclusion while providing essential amenities like restrooms, showers, and fire pits.
Camping reservations can only be made through Reserve California at reservecalifornia.com
Los Angeles
Sadly, there are street signs banning cars from parking overnight everywhere in Los Angeles. However, you can purchase an Adventure Pass from the U.S. Forest Service which only costs $30 for a whole year and allows campers to choose from a good number of campsites in the Angeles National Forest.
Here is a list of ALL of the campsites in the Angeles National Forest.
| Campground | Reservation? | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Oak Flat Campground | No. First come, first serve. | $ ($30/year*) |
| Sawmill Campground | No. First come, first serve. | $ ($30/year*) |
| Coldbrook Campground | No. First come, first serve. | $ ($30/year*) |
| Buckhorn Campground | No. First come, first serve. | $$ ($12/night) |
| Crystal Lake Rec Area Campground | No. First come, first serve. | $$ ($12/night) |
| Table Mountain | No. First come, first serve. | $$$ ($38/night) |
3 Campsites in Malibu
| Campground | Reservation? | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Leo Carrillo State Park Campground | Required | $45 |
| Point Mugu State Park Campsites | Required | $10-$35 |
| Malibu Creek State Park Campground | Required | $45 |
1. Leo Carrillo State Park Campground
Leo Carrillo State Park, located in Malibu, California, offers a distinctive coastal environment for campers and nature enthusiasts. The park encompasses both beachfront and backcountry areas, boasting rocky coves, tide pools abundant with marine life, and a canopy of sycamore trees that shade many of the campgrounds.
The park’s diverse environment also includes impressive coastal caves and craggy formations, which provide picturesque landscapes.
Amenities: 130 sites, fire rings, picnic tables restrooms and token-operated showers, lifeguard stations, extensive trail system.
2. Point Mugu State Park Campsites
Sycamore Campground
One of my personal favorite campsites in the Los Angeles area, Sycamore Cove Campsite offers campers another coastal escape. The campsite is nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Monica Mountains, providing a harmonious blend of sandy shores and canopied woodland areas populated by sycamore and oak trees.
Amenities: 58 sites, fire rings, picnic tables, showers, restrooms, beach-use
Thornhill Broome Campground
Thornhill Broome Campground presents a stretch of sandy beach juxtaposed against rugged rock formations, making it an ideal spot for those seeking a direct ocean view right from their cars.
Amenities: 68 sites, fire rings, picnic tables, showers, restrooms, beach-use
3. Malibu Creek State Park Campground
Malibu Creek State Park Campground is characterized by rugged terrains, oak woodlands, and the flowing waters of Malibu Creek, all of which have carved out impressive gorges and canyons over millennia.
Amenities: 63 sites, fire rings, picnic tables, and restroom facilities. Potable water sources are accessible, and token-operated showers are available for camper convenience.
Orange County
4 Dispersed Camping Spots in Orange County (Free)
| Dispersed Camping | Reservation? | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| San Mateo Canyon Wilderness | No | Free |
| Cleveland National Forest | No | Free |
| Crystal Cove State Park (hike-in only) | No | Free |
| Rest Stop 5 miles north of Oceanside | No | Free |
1. San Mateo Canyon Wilderness
San Mateo Canyon Wilderness is a part of Cleveland National Forest, meaning free camping is allowed with a permit.
San Mateo Canyon Wilderness is a protected area located in the Santa Ana Mountains of Southern California, encompassing over 37,000 acres of wild lands.
Characterized by its rugged canyons, flowing streams, and diverse ecosystems, it provides habitat for various wildlife species and offers visitors numerous recreational opportunities, including hiking, backpacking, star gazing, and camping.
2. Cleveland National Forest
Cleveland National Forest has a few different spots where you can take part in dispersed camping:
- Descanso (619-445-6235)
- Palomar (760-788-0250)
- Trabuco (951-736-1811)
Download the Dispersed Camping Wilderness Permit for the Palomar and Descanso Permit and San Mateo Wilderness Permit.
You can stay on these dispersed lands for up to 14 days.
When in Cleveland National Forest, you can choose from mountains, waterfalls, and creeks.
Not to mention, the forest has its own observatory along one of its trails in the Palomar district.
U.S. National Forest says to attend the observatory you need an “Adventure Pass: To purchase a pass for this location visit a Cleveland National Forest office, find a local Adventure Pass vendor, or purchase online at https://www.recreation.gov/.”
3. Crystal Cove State Park (Hike-in)
Crystal Cove State Park has a paid section along the beach where you can car camp. To obtain a free site here, they are accessible only by foot and require at least a 3-mile hike inland from the parking lot.
While it’s not car camping, I figured I would still add this one to the list as it’s free, in the middle of Orange County, and right along the beach.
Crystal Cove State Park’s rolling surf, sandy beaches, tidepools, gently sloping hills, and deeply wooded canyons and ridges provide a delightful contrast to its urban surroundings. Located off the busy Pacific Coast Highway between Corona del Mar and Laguna Beach, Crystal Cove is one of Orange County’s largest remaining examples of open space and natural seashore.
California State Parks
4. Rest Stop 5 Miles North of Oceanside
While it’s not a campsite, sometimes when we car camp, we become desperate. This rest stop is one of the only rest stops along the ocean in all of Southern California (located very close to Camp Pendleton).
There are 30 or more “campsites” and the maximum vehicle length is unlimited. You may stay up to 8 hours here!
Amenities: Drinking water, pets welcome, restrooms, trash cans.
GPS Coordinates: 33.272471, -117.443862
3 Campgrounds in Orange County
| Campgrounds | Reservation? | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Doheny State Beach | Required | $40-$60/night |
| Moro Campground Crystal Cove State Park | Required | Starting at $25/night |
| San Onofre State Beach | Required | $35-$45/night |
Santa Barbara
3 Dispersed Camping Spots Around Santa Babara (Free)
| Dispersed Camping | Reservation? | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Arroyo Hondo Vista Point | No | Free |
| KCL Campground | No | Free |
| Los Padres National Forest | No | Free |
1. Arroyo Hondo Vista Point
Half an hour northwest of Santa Barbara, you can take the Pacific Highway and find yourself at an outlook overlooking the ocean. At Arroyo Hondo Vista Point, you can line up with other cars on the side road.
While you are technically not allowed to “camp” here, you are allowed to stay here for up to 8 hours. That’s a full night of sleep if you ask me!
While there are no amenities other than trash cans and good cell phone service, this place is unbeatable if you want to sleep along the coast.
Update: This campsite is currently temporarily closed due to recent storms.
2. KCL Campground
A little further a drive from the actual city of Santa Barbara, KCL Campground is located 2 hours away on BLM land on mountainous terrain.
This campground offers 12 sites, 2 of which are ADA accessible. There are limited amenities with no electricity, water, or garbage disposal service, but campers can enjoy fire pits, vault toilets, picnic tables, and even horse corals.
The Dyrt
KCL campground runs on a first-come, first-served basis. You can park anywhere you’d like to set up camp in your car!
If you’re looking for a spot that is immersed in nature, here’s what you’ve been looking for.
3. Los Padres National Forest
Los Padres National Forest is a part of the U.S. Forest Service. In National Forests, you can take part in dispersed camping anywhere that is outside of a campground.
All national forests offer land that is free to be explored and camped on with limited rules and regulations compared to National Parks. Without an established campground, you can expect a lack of common amenities like a bathroom, showers, fire rings, and even phone service.
To take part in dispersed camping on national forest land, research the rules to follow beforehand. Most forests have forest roads that can be trickier to find without a map and may require an off-road or high-clearance vehicle to access.
4 Campgrounds Around Santa Barbara
| Campgrounds | Reservation? | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Carpinteria State Beach | Required | Starting at $10/night |
| El Capitan State Beach | Required | $45 on average/night |
| Refugio State Beach Campground | Required | Starting at $10/night |
| Figueroa Campground | Recommended | $20/night |
1. Carpinteria State Beach
In between Santa Barbara and Ventura, Carpinteria State Beach offers terraced bluffs, dune areas, and a mile of beach for swimming, fishing, tidepool exploring, and camping.
Carpinteria State Beach is the most popular campground in the Santa Barbara area, so it definitely has something worth visiting.
The park provides a range of amenities for visitors, including campsites equipped with picnic tables and fire rings, restrooms with coin-operated showers, and lifeguard services during peak seasons.
2. El Capitan State Beach
El Capitán State Beach is a coastal destination located near Santa Barbara, California. Nature-wise, the area is characterized by tall, rugged cliffs, a mix of sandy beaches and rocky tide pools, and sycamore and oak tree forests providing shade in its backcountry.
Nearby hiking trails give visitors an opportunity to explore the coastal terrain and connect to other regional points of interest.
The campground at El Capitán offers a variety of sites, many of which are situated directly adjacent to the shoreline.
Amenities include campfire rings, picnic tables, potable water sources, restrooms, and coin-operated hot showers. The beach is also equipped with day-use picnic areas and lifeguard stations during the summer season.
Update: Currently temporarily closed due to recent storms.
3. Refugio State Beach Campground
Less than half an hour from central Santa Barbara, Refugio State Beach Campground offers excellent coastal fishing as well as trails and picnic sites. Palm trees planted near Refugio Creek give a distinctive look to the beach and camping area.
Campers at Refugio can avail themselves of facilities such as campsites with picnic tables and fire rings, restrooms, coin-operated showers, and potable water stations. Additionally, there’s a general store on-site catering to basic camping needs.
4. Figueroa Campground
Deeper in nature and cheaper, Figueroa Campground is a part of Los Padres National Forest and is only $20 per night.
Nestled in a grove of beautiful red Manzanita and a variety of oaks and pines, lies Figueroa Campground with its 35 campsites fully equipped with fire rings, pedestal barbeques, and a picnic table at every site. Hard-packed soil makes several of the sites accessible to the three, double vault, wheelchair accessible bathrooms.
There are many hiking trails right by the campsite and in the spring, there are beautiful wildflowers.
Joshua Tree National Park
| Dispersed Camping | Reservation? | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Joshua Tree Lake Dispersed Camping | No | Free |
| Joshua Tree North BLM | No | Free |
| Gold Park Road Camp | No | Free |
3 Dispersed Camping Spots in Joshua Tree (Free)
1. Joshua Tree Lake Dispersed Camping
Joshua Tree Lake Dispersed Camping is just north of Joshua Tree National Park, in between Yucca Valley and Twentynine Palms. The camping spot is on land classified as BLM, meaning you can camp here for free.
Don’t be fooled by the name, the area is actually a giant, dusty, dry lake bed with not much vegetation. However, it’s one of the most spacious dispersed camping areas I’ve seen with gorgeous night skies. Not to mention, you are in perfect viewing distance from Copper Mountain and other surrounding mountains.
They also have fire pits, water hookups, sewer hookups, and decent cell service.
Coordinates: 34.164145256417584 N, -116.21387550484383 W
2. Joshua Tree North BLM
This dispersed camping area is literally just a few miles west of Joshua Tree Lake Dispersed Camping and has just a little more vegetation, but seems to be a little less popular. The area is super flat and large, making it easy to set up camp.
Unlike Joshua Tree Lake Dispersed Camping, there are no hookups.
Tip: It is recommended to arrive before sundown to scout out a good spot and see the beautiful sunset here.
Coordinates: 34.1648 N, -116.2202 W
3. Gold Park Road Camp
Gold Park Road Camp is known more as an off-roading area than a dispersed camping area but the government absolutely allows dispersed camping here on the sides of the road.
Remember to pack it in, pack it out and leave absolutely no trace!
This road is located north of the national park right below Twentynine Palms.
Coordinates: 34.0889882 N, -116.0140737 W
4 Campgrounds in Joshua Tree
| Campgrounds | Reservation? | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Jumbo Rocks Campground | Required | $20/night |
| Ryan Campground | Required | $20/night |
| Indian Cove Campground | Required | $20/night |
| Black Rock Campground | Required | $25/night |
Reserve a campground at Joshua Tree or check out the other campgrounds here.