Dispersed Camping in Monterey County, California
Showing 199 locations in Monterey County.
ABC Camp
ABC Camp is a primitive walk-in backcountry camp located within the scenic Los Padres National Forest near the Ventana Wilderness.
Airport Boulevard Truck Stop
An industrial parking area along Airport Boulevard near a local commercial truck stop. Overnight parking within the private lot is restricted and prohibited, although some public street parking exists in the surrounding industrial corridor.
Alder Creek Campground
A primitive, remote Forest Service campground located in the Monterey Ranger District. Situated in a quiet wooded canyon, this spot offers a peaceful alternative to busy coastal campgrounds but requires navigating rough access roads.
Alms Campground
A primitive mountaintop camping area positioned high along a coastal ridge, providing panoramic vistas of the surrounding canyon terrain.
Alms Ridge Dispersed Area
Scenic dispersed sites nested along Alms Ridge Road in the Los Padres National Forest. The area features panoramic views of coastal mountains and valleys, providing a quiet forest setting.
Andrew Molera State Park - North of River Walking Camp
A walk-in campground located in Andrew Molera State Park, offering primitive tent camping near the Big Sur River. Guests must carry gear from the designated parking area to the campsites. This location is designed strictly for walk-in tent campers and does not accommodate vehicle-based overnight stays.
Ant Backcountry Camp
A rustic backcountry trail camp located in the scenic Ventana Wilderness, accessible only by hiking trails.
Anytime Fitness
A commercial gym parking lot. While there is no official policy permitting overnight stays, self-contained, low-profile vehicles may park overnight during gym operating hours with high discretion.
Anytime Fitness
This paved parking lot at Anytime Fitness offers a potential low-profile urban overnight option, subject to local municipal codes and management permission.
Anytime Fitness Marina
Paved parking lot at the Anytime Fitness in Marina, suitable primarily for low-profile campervans owned by active gym members.
Anytime Fitness Monterey
An urban commercial parking lot serving the local Anytime Fitness. Overnight stays are highly visible and risky due to citywide vehicle habitation bans, though active gym members keeping a low profile may occasionally find short-term parking tolerated.
Anytime Fitness Prunedale
Paved parking lot of an Anytime Fitness gym in Prunedale. Ideal for members seeking a quick, low-profile overnight stop while traveling along Highway 101.
Anytime Fitness Salinas
Paved parking lot located at an Anytime Fitness facility in Salinas.
Apple Campground
A remote, primitive campsite situated along the rugged South Coast Ridge Road in the Los Padres National Forest. This high-altitude ridge destination offers sweeping vistas of the coastal mountains and is ideal for self-contained, adventurous travelers seeking solitude.
Apple Tree Rustic Campsite
A primitive walk-in backcountry campsite located along the Skinner Ridge Trail within the Ventana Wilderness of Los Padres National Forest.
Arroyo Seco Road / Station Access
This paved forest corridor provides access to the scenic Arroyo Seco area in Los Padres National Forest. It offers a convenient transit point with year-round accessibility for all vehicle types.
Bane Spring Camp
A primitive hike-in trail camp nestled deep in the Silver Peak Wilderness of Los Padres National Forest. Accessible only by foot, this serene backcountry site offers a remote camping experience under the shade of oaks and redwoods near Bane Spring.
Barlow Flat Camp
A spacious backcountry camp situated in a deep redwood flat along the Big Sur River, featuring great swimming holes.
Basket Spring Camp
A remote, walk-in wilderness campsite situated along the rugged trail network in Silver Peak Wilderness. This primitive spot offers a quiet place to pitch a tent in an oak-dotted canyon near Basket Spring.
Bear Basin Camp
A remote, hike-in backcountry trail camp nestled within the Ventana Wilderness along the Pine Ridge Trail.
Big Pines Rustic Campsite
A primitive hike-in trail camp situated along the Skinner Ridge Trail in the Ventana Wilderness of Los Padres National Forest. Nestled in a grove of pine trees near Big Pines Peak, this remote site offers deep wilderness isolation with beautiful mountain peak scenery.
Big Sur Campgrounds and Cabins
A developed private campground featuring tent sites, RV sites, and rustic cabins set under magnificent giant redwood trees. The property includes river access, clean bathhouses, a playground, and laundry facilities.
Bluff Trail Camp
An established backcountry trail camp located along the steep slopes of the Ventana Wilderness, offering a remote wilderness experience reachable only by foot or horseback.
Bottchers Campground Road
A scenic mountain access road winding through the Los Padres National Forest, serving as a gateway to backcountry trailheads and rustic camps.
Buckskin Flat Camp
Buckskin Flat Camp is a remote, hike-in backcountry campsite located along the Carmel River in the Ventana Wilderness of Los Padres National Forest.
Buffalo Wild Wings Boronda
A paved commercial parking lot situated in a plaza shared with various retail outlets. Active establishments nearby provide lighting and relative safety, making this a viable option for a brief, single-night stopover. Neighbors in adjacent lots are known to enforce parking restrictions, so maintaining a low profile is essential.
Cabrillo Highway Pullouts (Boronda Trailhead)
This coastal zone covers the Boronda Trailhead pullouts along Highway 1. Overnight parking and vehicle camping are strictly prohibited at the trailhead and on all highway pullouts by local ordinances, with regular patrol and enforcement. However, hikers can access the Ventana Wilderness via the steep Boronda Trail, where walk-in backpacking camping is permitted at wilderness sites like Timber Top.
Cahoon Spring Camp
Cahoon Spring Camp is a highly remote, primitive backcountry camp accessible via a rugged jeep trail in the Los Padres National Forest.
Camp Cawatre Road Dispersed
A rugged dirt corridor winding through the scenic Los Padres National Forest canyon country near the Arroyo Seco Recreation Area, offering secluded dispersed camping sites.
Camp Creek Camp
A remote, primitive walk-in trail camp situated along the Pine Ridge Trail in the Ventana Wilderness. Access is strictly hike-in, offering a serene forested setting next to a seasonal creek.
Camp MC
A secluded backcountry campsite along the Carmel River trail system, ideal for wilderness backpackers seeking quiet canyon scenery.
Cannery Row Parking Lot
A private, paid waterfront parking lot situated in the heart of the Cannery Row historic district. While official city ordinances prohibit overnight vehicle habitation, the private lot operators routinely sell 24-hour passes and permit overnight stays. It offers a highly convenient, though costly, option for walking directly to local shops and the Monterey Bay Aquarium.
Carmel River Camp
Carmel River Camp is a backcountry trail camp located along the Carmel River Trail in the Ventana Wilderness, Los Padres National Forest. This hike-in destination is nestled in a deep canyon along the river, surrounded by redwoods and sycamores.
Carmel-by-the-Sea Urban Stealth
This zone covers residential street parking in Carmel-by-the-Sea, within a few blocks of the beach. Standard parking is highly visible, and local municipal regulations prohibit overnight sleeping in vehicles on public streets.
Carrizo Creek
A remote wilderness hike-in location situated along Carrizo Creek in the Monterey County backcountry.
Carrizo Springs Rustic Campsite
A primitive, walk-in or high-clearance rustic camping area situated in Los Padres National Forest.
Chalk Peak Campground
Chalk Peak Campground is a primitive, shaded Forest Service campground located along Coast Ridge Road. Offering a rustic retreat, the campground is best suited for high-clearance vehicles and campervans due to the rugged access road.
Chalk Peak Campground Road
This unpaved Forest Service corridor in Los Padres National Forest offers basic dispersed camping opportunities with a native dirt surface. The route is generally passable for standard passenger vehicles and provides a quiet wilderness setting.
Chews Ridge Backcountry Camp
This primitive backcountry campsite is located along the trail network near Chews Ridge in the Ventana Wilderness and is accessible only by foot.
Chews Ridge Road Dispersed
Scenic dispersed camping pull-offs nested under massive mature oak trees along the upper section of Chews Ridge Road. This area offers stunning westward sunset vistas over the ridges but is highly remote. Navigating the narrow, steep dirt ascent requires caution, particularly during inclement weather when the route becomes hazardous.
China Camp Campground
Tucked under a thick canopy of pine trees within the scenic Santa Lucia Range, this primitive Forest Service campground offers a peaceful retreat. The site features basic campsites equipped with picnic tables and fire rings, alongside vault toilets. Access is via a steep, winding dirt road, making it unsuitable for trailers or RVs over 20 feet. Visitors should be completely self-sustainable as there is no potable water on site.
Cienega Camp
A primitive backcountry trail camp located deep within the Ventana Wilderness of Los Padres National Forest, accessible only via a strenuous hike.
Ciudad Del Rey Motel and RV Park
A basic, highway-side RV park offering full-hookup sites, mainly catering to permanent residents. Amenities are minimal, and showers are shared with the adjacent truck stop.
Clover Basin Camp
A remote backcountry trail camp located in the Ventana Wilderness of Los Padres National Forest, accessible only by foot or horseback.
Coast Ridge Road Dispersed
Remote dispersed camping corridor located along the high ridges of the Ventana Wilderness in Los Padres National Forest. This dirt road corridor offers exceptional panoramic views of the Big Sur coastline and deep wilderness valleys, though vehicle access is highly restricted by gates, active landslide closures, and rugged terrain. Most sites are best accessed via backpacking or high-clearance 4WD vehicles when gates are open.
Coast Ridge Road Dispersed
Rugged, high-clearance dirt road along the ridge above Big Sur, offering breathtaking coastal canyon views and highly spaced-out dispersed campsites in Los Padres National Forest.
Cold Spring Camp
A primitive backcountry trail camp located along the Cold Springs Trail in the Los Padres National Forest. Offering a tranquil wilderness setting under oaks and pines, it is primarily suited for hikers and backpackers, though extremely rugged 4WD tracks lead near the area.
Comings Rustic Campsite
A primitive, hike-in wilderness campsite nestled along the Skinner Ridge Trail in the scenic Los Padres National Forest.
Cone Peak Road Dispersed
Scenic primitive camping areas located along the rugged Cone Peak Road in Los Padres National Forest. This winding mountain road offers dramatic coastal and mountain vistas but requires a high-clearance vehicle due to rough, steep dirt tracks.
County Road W15 Dispersed
Dispersed camping corridor along Road W15 offers pull-outs in a scenic oak woodland setting.
Danish Creek Camp
This remote backcountry trail camp is located along the Carmel River Trail within the Ventana Wilderness, accessible only by foot and requiring a California Campfire Permit for stove use.
Denny's & Chevron Parking
This flat commercial parking area provides a convenient stopover next to a diner and fuel station. A portion of the surrounding lot is partitioned due to commercial construction, but ample space remains for parking.
Divide Camp
Located near Chews Ridge in the Los Padres National Forest, Divide Camp is a primitive trailhead campground offering a rustic staging point for backpacking into the Ventana Wilderness.
Escondido Campground
Nestled in a scenic grassy meadow within the Santa Lucia Mountains, this developed campground is surrounded by spectacular oak trees and unique sandstone rock formations. It features nine designated campsites, each equipped with a picnic table and fire ring, along with basic vault toilets. Visitors must be fully self-sufficient as there is no potable water or dump station on-site. Access is via a dirt and gravel forest road that is typically suitable for passenger vehicles during dry conditions.
Espinosa Camp
Espinosa Camp is a remote, hike-in backcountry trail camp located along the Vicente Flat Trail in the Ventana Wilderness, offering scenic coastal canyon views.
Fernwood Resort and Campground
A well-maintained private resort and campground nestled in the redwoods along the Big Sur River. The facility provides diverse lodging options including RV and tent sites, cabins, a general store, a laundry room, and an on-site bar and restaurant.
Fish Camp
Fish Camp is a remote backcountry trail camp nestled in the Ventana Wilderness of Los Padres National Forest, accessible only by hiking trails.
Fish Camp
A primitive wilderness camp along the Carmel River Trail, offering quiet camping spots under redwood canopy for backpackers.
Forks Trail Camp
A remote backcountry trail camp located at the junction of Rodeo Flat Trail in Los Padres National Forest, accessible only on foot.
Fort Hunter Liggett Campground
A developed military campground located on Fort Hunter Liggett. Accessing the area requires passing through a security checkpoint and obtaining a permit from the base recreation center.
Fox Camp
A peaceful backcountry camp located upstream along the Carmel River Trail, featuring shaded sites near the water.
Goat Camp
A remote backcountry trail camp nestled deep within the Ventana Wilderness, accessible only by a strenuous hike.
Hanging Valley Campground
This remote and primitive wilderness camp is situated deep in the Los Padres National Forest backcountry and is accessible only via a challenging four-wheel-drive road or hiking trail.
Hiding Canyon Camp
A remote, hike-in backcountry trail camp nestled along the Carmel River in the Ventana Wilderness.
Higgins Cabin Camp
A historic backcountry trail camp located along the Higgins Creek trail in the Ventana Wilderness, offering a primitive flat clearing near the creek under a canopy of oak and pine.
Higgins Trail Dispersed Spot
An unmarked backcountry flat suitable for low-impact wilderness backpacking along the trail network near Higgins Creek.
Highlands Camp
Located in the rugged Ventana Wilderness of Los Padres National Forest, Highlands Camp is a hike-in trail camp offering primitive sites amidst redwood-dotted canyons and steep coastal ridges.
Highway 1 Roadside Pullouts (Rigdon Fountain)
Roadside gravel pullouts along California Highway 1 near the disused Rigdon Drinking Fountain and Landels-Hill Big Creek Reserve. These pullouts offer scenic vistas of the Pacific Ocean but are strictly regulated by local county ordinances.
Holiday Inn Express Back Parking Lot
A private parking area located behind the Holiday Inn Express in Salinas, featuring a paved main lot and a flat dirt rear section. Overnight stays are highly restricted and require explicit, polite permission from the front desk staff.
Horse Pasture (Adobe) Primitive Camp
A remote, primitive hike-in campsite situated along the trail in the Ventana Wilderness of Los Padres National Forest.
Horse Pasture Camp
This primitive backcountry campsite offers a quiet retreat in the rugged canyon country of the Ventana Wilderness.
Indian Valley Camp
A remote backcountry campsite situated in Indian Valley along the trail network, offering a serene meadow and oak woodland setting.
Jackson Camp
A shaded primitive backcountry camp situated along the Carmel River in the Ventana Wilderness, accessible only by hiking trails.
Jerky Camp
A highly remote, primitive wilderness campsite located along Piney Creek Road in the rugged backcountry of Los Padres National Forest. Accessible via extremely rough 4WD tracks or on foot, it offers a secluded getaway with basic rock fire rings.
Kasler Point Trailhead Parking
This paved highway turnout near Kasler Point offers spectacular coastal views but is strictly limited to day-use parking, as overnight stays and car camping are prohibited along this section of Highway 1.
King City RS Road Corridor
A convenient access road corridor within Los Padres National Forest near King City. The area offers paved roadside pullouts with quick access to local highway routes and nearby community services.
Kirk Creek Campground
Kirk Creek Campground is a stunning oceanside developed campground perched on a scenic bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean within the Los Padres National Forest. It offers direct views of the rugged coastline and a short walk to a rocky beach, with the Vicente Flat Trailhead located directly across Highway 1. Due to its popularity, reservations are highly recommended, though a few walk-in or first-come, first-served spots may be available. The campground offers pit toilets and trash collection, but there is no drinking water or electricity on-site. The site is open year-round for coastal camping.
Laguna Mountain Primitive Camp
A quiet, primitive camping area located along Laguna Mountain Road within the Laguna Mountain Recreation Area. It provides a peaceful setting nestled in the chaparral and oak hills, with convenient access to nearby hiking trails and the scenic Laguna Falls trail.
Laguna Mountain Recreation Area
A scenic Bureau of Land Management area offering free designated camping and nearby roadside pull-offs. Nestled in a quiet valley with oak trees, the location provides access to hiking trails and fire roads. The access route is paved but narrow, winding, and bumpy, making it best suited for standard vehicles and smaller campers. The designated campground features shade structures, picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets, while the nearby roadside spots offer a more secluded alternative when the campground is full.
Laguna Seca RV Park
An expansive county-run campground perched high in the hills adjacent to the WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. It offers multiple loops ranging from paved hookup sites to dry camping areas, all with panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The campground operates with non-event pricing during standard periods and tight restrictions or mandatory race tickets during major event weekends.
Last Chance Trail Camp
A popular backcountry trail camp situated along the Last Chance Trail in the Ventana Wilderness, offering a shaded camping spot near a seasonal creek.
Launtz Creek Camp
A primitive walk-in backcountry camp located along the Pine Ridge Trail in the Ventana Wilderness, offering a peaceful redwood-shaded setting next to the creek.
Limekiln State Park - Beach, Lower Creek and Redwood Loops
Nestled in a redwood canyon where the creek meets the Pacific Ocean, this highly scenic state park campground offers a mix of beachfront and redwood-shaded sites. It features flush toilets, coin-operated hot showers, and direct beach access under the towering Highway 1 bridge. Note that spaces are tight and best suited for smaller rigs and campervans. The park has experienced temporary closures due to storm damage, so check official alerts before visiting.
Little Pines Camp
Little Pines Camp is a remote wilderness trail camp nestled in the scenic Los Padres National Forest, accessible only via backcountry hiking trails.
Little Sur Camp
A secluded backcountry trail camp nestled along the Little Sur River in the rugged Ventana Wilderness.
Lone Pine Camp
A remote backcountry trail camp nestled in the rugged Ventana Wilderness of Los Padres National Forest, accessible only by hiking trails.
Los Burros Road Dispersed
Located along the steep and rugged Los Burros Road (FR 23S01) in Los Padres National Forest, this corridor offers challenging access to remote campsites with stunning ocean vistas. The route is highly vulnerable to washouts and landslides, often resulting in prolonged emergency road closures, as experienced in Summer 2023. The native-surface road becomes extremely steep, narrow, and rutted, requiring a high-clearance 4WD vehicle.
Lost Valley Camp
Lost Valley Camp is a remote, primitive backcountry trail camp located deep within the Ventana Wilderness of Los Padres National Forest. Accessible primarily via hiking trails, this quiet camp offers a pristine escape surrounded by rugged canyon walls and natural wilderness scenery.
Love's Truck Stop - Salinas
A busy truck stop in Salinas offering overnight parking for RVs and standard vehicles, as well as amenities like showers, bulk propane, a dump station, and fuel. Overnight stays are permitted but strictly enforced from sunset to sunrise only, and travelers must check in at the counter to register their vehicle.
Lower Bee Camp
Lower Bee Camp is a primitive walk-in trail camp nested in the Ventana Wilderness of Los Padres National Forest. Accessible only via backpacking trails, it provides a quiet, secluded shelter for wilderness hikers.
Lower Piney Camp
A secluded walk-in or high-clearance 4WD accessible campsite situated along Piney Creek. Ideal for backpacking and remote wilderness exploration, featuring pristine natural surroundings and a quiet atmosphere.
Marina Coastal Stealth Parking Area
Coastal parking areas near Marina State Beach with historical informal overnight parking reports. Local municipal ordinances strictly prohibit overnight sleeping in vehicles on public streets and beach access areas.
Marina Debbie Drive Urban Street Parking
This urban street parking area along Debbie Drive is situated near commercial developments and residential apartments. Overnight vehicle parking and habitation are prohibited by local municipal codes.
Marina Dunes RV Resort
A fully developed RV resort offering full hookups, water and electricity options, and a tent area located near Marina State Beach. Amenities include clean restrooms, hot showers, and camp fireplaces, though the proximity to the highway brings noticeable traffic noise.
Marina Urban Stealth Parking
An urban street parking area in Marina near local parks. While street spaces lack signs, local municipal ordinances restrict overnight vehicle habitation. This area is best suited for low-profile vehicles requiring a quick, discreet stop close to coastal amenities.
Memorial Park Campground
Escape the bustle of city life at Memorial Park Campground, a remote and scenic developed campground nestled in the Santa Lucia Mountains of Los Padres National Forest. Set along a beautiful trout stream beneath towering pines and sprawling oaks, this location offers eight rustic first-come, first-served campsites equipped with fire rings and picnic tables. Visitors must be completely self-sufficient as there is no potable water or trash service onsite, though vault toilets are available. This peaceful spot serves as an excellent basecamp for hiking, backpacking, and horseback riding along nearby forest trails.
Merced Street Urban Stealth Parking
An urban corridor along Merced Street in Salinas, offering public street parking adjacent to hotels and quick-service dining. The area is highly exposed to traffic and local municipal oversight.
Miguel Campground
A remote, rustic National Forest campground tucked into the scenic oak and pine woods of the Santa Lucia Range.
Mill Creek Road Dispersed
Scenic pullouts and dispersed sites situated along Mill Creek Road within Los Padres National Forest. This winding road climbs steep canyon walls from Highway 1, providing impressive vistas of the rugged Big Sur coast. Dispersed camping is allowed on standard National Forest lands along the upper sections, but strict rules and day-use only restrictions apply near the highway and designated trailheads.
Mocho Camp
A remote backcountry trail camp nestled along the Carmel River trail network in the Ventana Wilderness of Los Padres National Forest. Ideal for backpackers seeking a quiet forest setting, it requires a strenuous hike to access and offers no motorized vehicle option.
Monte Bella Park Street Parking
Located in a residential neighborhood of Salinas, this street-side parking option sits adjacent to Monte Bella Park. It provides flat, paved spots with access to public restrooms during daytime hours. Be highly mindful of local residents and active street sweeping restrictions.
Monterey District, Los Padres National Forest
Spot
Monterey Downtown Street Parking
A cluster of street parking options throughout downtown Monterey, primarily located around El Estero Park, the ball fields, and nearby residential/commercial corridors. While overnight stays are frequently attempted by vehicles keeping a low profile, municipal codes technically outlaw habitation on public streets. Daytime parking is heavily restricted with strictly enforced time limits, requiring early morning departures to avoid ticketing.
Monterey Fairgrounds RV Park
An urban fairgrounds RV park located close to downtown Monterey and adjacent to a golf course. The site is a paved, gated parking lot with full hookups and clean, basic restroom facilities, though spaces are highly packed. Expect noise from departing flights at the nearby airport.
Monterey Moose Lodge
A secure paved parking lot at the Monterey Moose Lodge, offering overnight parking for both members and nonmembers for a fee. The property features excellent amenities including hot showers, restrooms, and pool access.
Moss Landing KOA
A well-maintained, developed RV park located right next to the harbor and within walking distance to the beach. Note that strict local management policies prohibit tents, car camping, and custom campervan conversions; only factory-built, self-contained RVs are permitted.
Moss Landing North Harbor
A spacious coastal parking lot managed by the harbor district, offering scenic waterfront overnight parking for a fee. The flat asphalt lot is popular with boaters and kayakers, providing easy access to the water and scenic views of local marine life.
Nacimiento Campground
A scenic developed campground situated along the Nacimiento River in the Monterey Ranger District of Los Padres National Forest, offering standard primitive sites surrounded by oaks and pines.
Nacimiento Campground
A small, secluded developed campground tucked into the mountains along a creek. It serves as an excellent alternative option when coastal Big Sur parks are full, offering quiet, shaded camping under a tree canopy.
Nacimiento Station Dispersed
This scenic corridor in the Los Padres National Forest offers dispersed camping opportunities along a native material road near Nacimiento Station. It provides a peaceful wooded setting with access to nearby hiking and scenic peaks.
Oak Flat Campground
A scenic BLM-managed developed campground with six sites nestled along Clear Creek. Features include a vault toilet, covered picnic tables, and level parking pads. Access requires navigating a dirt road that can be rutted with washouts.
Ojito Camp
This primitive hike-in trail camp offers a secluded wilderness setting along the trail systems near Cone Peak.
Old Wagon Cave Campground
A primitive, remote campsite tucked away in the Monterey Ranger District of Los Padres National Forest, offering basic stone fire rings near historic oak-shaded rock formations.
Outlaw Camp
A primitive backcountry campsite along the Pine Ridge Trail in the Ventana Wilderness, ideal for backpackers seeking solitude.
Pacific Grove Residential Street Parking
Residential street parking options in the coastal community of Pacific Grove, concentrated near Crocker Avenue and George Washington Park. This zone offers a quieter, greener environment than downtown Monterey, but sits within highly sensitive residential neighborhoods where neighbors are exceptionally vigilant. Municipal regulations ban sleeping in vehicles, and resident complaints frequently trigger prompt local police intervention.
Pacific Valley Station Road
An accessible paved corridor in the Pacific Valley area of Los Padres National Forest. Located just off Highway 1, this road provides close access to the rugged Big Sur coast, nearby hiking trails, and beach picnic areas.
Pat Springs Camp
A popular backcountry campsite located near Pat Springs along the Skinner Ridge Trail. Surrounded by pine forests and offering wilderness views, this campsite is a favorite stopover for backpackers hiking through the Ventana Wilderness.
Pfeiffer Beach Day Use Area
This is a scenic day-use area managed by the U.S. Forest Service that provides access to the iconic Pfeiffer Beach. Overnight parking, camping, and sleeping in vehicles are strictly prohibited along the access corridor and within the parking area.
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park - Group Camp A
A scenic group campground located within Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. Situated under majestic towering redwoods along the Big Sur River, it provides a quiet natural environment with immediate access to several state park hiking trails.
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park - Group Camp B
A developed group campground within Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. Positioned among redwoods along the river, this site is ideal for larger organized groups looking for an immersive nature experience.
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park - Pine Ridge Trail Access
Located near the Pine Ridge Trailhead in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, this area serves as a gateway to the Ventana Wilderness. Developed camping is available within the state park at designated campgrounds, which require reservations and fees. Dispersed camping is prohibited within the state park boundaries, though backcountry camping is permitted further along the trail once entering the National Forest.
Pico Blanco Area Hike-in Camp
A remote hike-in wilderness site located in the rugged backcountry of the Ventana Wilderness near Big Sur.
Pico Blanco Camp
A secluded hike-in wilderness campsite situated along the Little Sur River near the striking limestone peak of Pico Blanco.
Pine Creek Camp
A remote, primitive walk-in trail camp located within the Ventana Wilderness of Los Padres National Forest, accessible only via hiking trails.
Pine Ridge Camp
A scenic hike-in wilderness trail camp located on a ridgeline with sweeping views of the surrounding canyon.
Pine Ridge Trail Wilderness Camps
A collection of secluded, hike-in backcountry trail camps located along the scenic Pine Ridge Trail in the Ventana Wilderness.
Pine Valley Camp
Pine Valley Camp is a remote backpacking destination nested in a scenic pine forest valley within the Ventana Wilderness of Los Padres National Forest. Surrounded by impressive sandstone cliffs, including nearby Castle Rock, this peaceful backcountry area is highly popular with hikers but completely inaccessible to motorized vehicles.
Piney Creek Campground
This primitive developed campground offers basic, quiet camping along Piney Creek in the scenic Los Padres National Forest.
Piney Creek Road Dispersed
Dispersed camping corridor along Piney Creek in the Los Padres National Forest, offering access to primitive forest sites.
Pinnacles Campground
A developed national park campground situated on the eastern side of Pinnacles National Park, surrounded by unique volcanic rock formations. It offers easy access to the park's trail network, caves, and climbing routes.
Pinnacles National Park East Campground
Pinnacles National Park East Campground offers standard developed campsites nestled near the eastern entrance of the park. This facility accommodates tent camping, campervans, and larger RVs, with designated loops offering electric hookups. High-quality hiking trails are accessible directly from the campground, and wild condors are occasionally spotted in the surrounding hills. Amenities include flush toilets, token-operated hot showers, a dump station, a small camp store, and a seasonal swimming pool. Note that the eastern and western park entrances are not connected by road.
Pinnacles National Park
Spot
Planet Fitness Parking Lot
A paved parking lot situated next to a 24-hour gym, making it a convenient overnight option for members needing shower and restroom access. The lot is well-lit and active, with regular local police patrols and occasional late-night noise from traffic. Overnight stays are generally tolerated, but visitors should remain discreet and confirm permission with management.
Planet Fitness Salinas
A paved retail parking lot at Planet Fitness suitable for a brief, low-profile overnight stay with active gym membership.
Plaskett Creek Campground
Plaskett Creek Campground is a beautifully maintained developed campground in the Los Padres National Forest, situated just a short walk from Sand Dollar Beach. It offers spacious family-friendly sites with picnic tables, fire pits, and grills. Amenities include flush toilets and potable water, though visitors should bring their own firewood. Large shade trees are scattered throughout, though privacy between campsites is relatively low. Tight turns can be challenging for trailers due to large roadside rocks.
Plaskett Ridge Road Dispersed
Scenic dispersed camping along Plaskett Ridge Road in Los Padres National Forest, offering coastal forest views.
Plaskett Ridge Road Dispersed
Scenic dispersed camping corridor along Plaskett Ridge Road in the Los Padres National Forest, offering beautiful ridge views and quiet forested pullouts.
Ponderosa Campground
A scenic developed campground situated along the Nacimiento River within Los Padres National Forest. The campground features paved parking spurs, vault toilets, drinking water, and trash collection, with picnic tables and fire rings at each campsite. It serves as an excellent base for hiking, swimming, and exploring the surrounding wilderness, though access can be limited by seasonal road conditions on Nacimiento Road.
Prewitt Ridge Dispersed
An iconic ridge-top camping area offering spectacular panoramic views of the Big Sur coastline and surrounding mountains. Accessible via a winding dirt road that can become slippery when wet, standard dispersed rules apply and California campfire permits are strictly required.
Prunedale Commuter & Stealth Parking
This urban commuter corridor in Prunedale sits along Highway 156. It features a public Park & Ride lot suitable for short-term transit parking, as well as nearby roadside turnouts. Local roadside pull-offs are increasingly restricted or blocked with debris as of Spring 2025, making the paved commuter lot the primary viable option for a brief overnight rest.
Rainbow Camp
A primitive walk-in camp located along the Carmel River in the scenic Ventana Wilderness. Accessible only by foot via wilderness trails, this site provides a peaceful, vehicle-free wilderness experience under the forest canopy.
Redwood Camp
Redwood Camp is a secluded backcountry campsite nestled deep within the canyon of the Ventana Wilderness, accessible only via a strenuous hike.
Redwood Creek Camp
This hike-in backcountry campsite is situated along the Pine Ridge Trail within the Ventana Wilderness, accessible only by foot and offering a pristine redwood-forested setting next to Redwood Creek.
Ringtail Camp
A shaded hike-in backcountry camp situated under the forest canopy along the Pine Ridge Trail.
Riverside Campground and Cabins
An established private campground situated along the Big Sur River. It offers traditional camping spots and cabins under a dense redwood forest canopy, making for a tranquil and scenic base.
Rocky Creek Camp
A remote wilderness trail camp located along Rocky Creek in Los Padres National Forest, accessible only via hiking trails.
Round Rock Camp
A secluded wilderness trail camp located along the Carmel River trail system.
Saddle Mountain Ranch Campground
A private campground set in a wooded canyon offering full hookup RV sites, tent areas, and glamping cabins. The site features excellent amenities including hot showers and hiking trails, but sites can feel cramped and tight to navigate for larger vehicles.
Saddle Rock Environmental Campground
Saddle Rock Environmental Campground offers highly exclusive, hike-in tent sites on the ocean cliffs of Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. Situated near McWay Falls, these sites provide spectacular panoramic views of the Big Sur coastline and the Pacific Ocean. Access requires carrying all gear from the paved highway parking area to the blufftop sites.
Safeway Market
A quiet and highly tolerated overnight parking spot behind the CVS and Safeway in the Crossroads Carmel shopping center. Self-contained campervans and motorhomes park along the west tree line and perimeter spaces. It is a reliable option for a single night in a region with strict camping regulations.
Salinas Urban Stealth Parking
An urban area in Salinas with street parking options. Salinas enforces local overnight parking restrictions and vehicle weight limits on residential and industrial streets.
Salsipuedes Road Dispersed
A scenic dispersed camping corridor located along Forest Route 21S03 (Salsipuedes Road) within the Los Padres National Forest. This area offers spacious, flat, and private sites next to a flowing river and distinctive stone formations. Access requires driving through a military training area on public roads and navigating an unmaintained dirt road with multiple stream crossings.
San Lorenzo Recreational Area and Campgrounds
A large county-run recreation area and developed campground situated along the Salinas River just off Highway 101. It features historic exhibits, spacious park grounds, and roaming wildlife like peacocks, making it an easy and convenient stopover.
Seaside Urban Stealth Zone
This urban zone in Seaside covers roadside pull-offs and streets near local fairgrounds and services. Standard municipal codes strictly prohibit sleeping in vehicles, making overnight stays highly risky.
Skinner Creek Camp
A rustic walk-in backcountry camp situated near Skinner Creek along the wilderness trail system.
Skinner Ridge Trail Dispersed Camp
A small primitive backcountry clearing along the Skinner Ridge Trail, ideal for backpackers seeking an alternative camping spot near Pat Springs. Surrounded by pristine wilderness.
South Coast Ridge Road Dispersed
Scenic dispersed camping along South Coast Ridge Road in Los Padres National Forest. Nestled among oaks, these primitive sites offer stunning views toward the coast. The road is native dirt but generally passable for passenger cars in dry weather. Rigs must be fully self-contained as no facilities or water are available.
South Coast Ridge Road Dispersed
This scenic dirt road corridor winds through the coastal ridges of Los Padres National Forest, offering dispersed camping with stunning views of the surrounding mountains and coastline. The route is passable for passenger cars in dry conditions, though native material surfaces can become challenging when wet.
South Fork Camp
This remote backcountry trail camp is nestled under redwood and oak trees along the South Fork of the Carmel River within the Ventana Wilderness.
Spacious Acre Open Land Near Monterey
A private, spacious acre-sized property nestled under tall sequoia trees in Prunedale, offering full hookups, laundry facilities, and convenient proximity to Monterey and Carmel.
State Park - Andrew Molera Trail Camp
A walk-in campground situated in a scenic meadow near the Big Sur coast, requiring a short hike from the parking lot. Vehicle camping is strictly prohibited, making this exclusively a tent-camping destination.
State Park - Pfeiffer Big Sur Campground
Set among coastal redwoods along the Big Sur River, this large developed state park campground offers nearly 200 sites. Facilities include token-operated hot showers, picnic tables, fire pits, and food lockers. An en-route parking option allows self-contained vehicles to camp overnight in designated day-use parking lots when the main campground is full.
Strawberry Camp
Strawberry Camp is a remote, walk-in wilderness campsite shaded by oaks near a seasonal creek within the Ventana Wilderness.
Sulphur Springs Camp
Sulphur Springs Camp is a backcountry trail camp along the Carmel River Trail in the Ventana Wilderness, Los Padres National Forest. Accessible only by foot, it sits near natural sulphur springs in a forested canyon.
Sweetwater Laguna Mountain Campground
A quiet and free developed BLM campground featuring six spacious sites equipped with covered picnic tables and fire rings. Situated in the scenic Laguna Mountain area, this peaceful spot provides a clean vault toilet. Access is via a paved road that is bumpy with potholes and paved dips at water crossings, but manageable for most standard vehicles and rigs. It is a highly convenient legal option roughly 45 minutes from Pinnacles National Park.
Sycamore Canyon Road
This narrow coastal corridor winds through scenic redwoods towards Pfeiffer Beach. Overnight camping and parking are strictly prohibited along the entire length of the road.
Sykes Camp
A historic backcountry campground in the Ventana Wilderness, accessible only via a strenuous 10-mile hike along the Pine Ridge Trail.
Tan Oak Camp
Tan Oak Camp is a rustic backcountry campsite nestled under a dense canopy of tanoaks along the Ventana Wilderness trail system.
Target - Seaside
A standard commercial parking lot off Tioga Avenue in Seaside, CA. While the location provides convenient access to local retail and laundromat services, sleeping in vehicles is strictly prohibited throughout the municipality.
Tassajara Creek Campground
A primitive backcountry campground located near Tassajara Creek in the rugged Los Padres National Forest.
Terrace Creek Campsite
Redwood-shaded backcountry campsite located along the Pine Ridge Trail, providing a steep but scenic stopover.
Thorpe Camp
Thorpe Camp is a remote hike-in backcountry campsite located along the Pine Ridge Trail in the Ventana Wilderness of Los Padres National Forest, offering a primitive escape accessible only by foot.
Tin House Camp
A historic backcountry trail camp offering panoramic ocean views from the ridges of Big Sur, accessible only via a steep hike.
Tony Trail Primitive Camp
A remote, walk-in primitive camp situated along the Tony Trail in the Ventana Wilderness. This site offers quiet isolation for hikers exploring the rugged canyon terrain.
Tony Trail Wilderness Camp
A secluded wilderness camping clearing situated along the trail network in the rugged interior of the Ventana Wilderness.
Trail Spring Camp
This primitive trail camp in the Ventana Wilderness is accessible only by hiking trail and sits in a rugged pine forest near Cone Peak.
Turner Creek Rustic Camp
A remote, primitive walk-in trail camp situated along Turner Creek in the Ventana Wilderness.
Upper Higgins Camp
A primitive wilderness trail camp located further up Higgins Creek, providing excellent isolation for backcountry travelers seeking complete quiet.
Upper Last Chance Wilderness Camp
An unnamed primitive wilderness camp footprint located on the trail network just north of Last Chance Camp in the Ventana Wilderness.
Upper Piney Camp
A primitive, deep-backcountry campsite located along the upper reaches of Piney Creek Road. Requires a capable four-wheel-drive vehicle or a rugged hike, offering absolute solitude under a dense forest canopy.
Urban Stealth Parking (Del Rey Oaks)
An urban street-parking corridor located along Darwin Street in Del Rey Oaks, adjacent to a local park. While overnight parking is sometimes utilized here, street stays are highly exposed and subject to local municipal ordinances.
Urban Stealth Parking (Greenfield)
Wide public street parking located near Tuscany Park in Greenfield. The road accommodates larger commercial vehicles and offers a paved, flat surface, though overnight stays are subject to local municipal restrictions.
Urban Stealth Parking (King City)
Wide street shoulders and municipal street parking areas near local city parks and fairgrounds. Offers quiet, paved options for standard-sized vehicles seeking a short overnight stay within walking distance of local services.
Vado Camp
A tranquil walk-in backcountry campsite nested along the trail in the rugged Ventana Wilderness.
Valero Truck Stop
A exceptionally quiet Valero truck stop offering a designated paved truck parking area behind the main store. It is well-regarded for minimal traffic disruption despite its proximity to Highway 101, with clean restrooms and showers available on-site.
Ventana Camp
This developed campground is nestled within a dense redwood canyon in the scenic Big Sur region, offering tent and small campervan sites close to coastal hiking trails.
Ventana Wilderness Backcountry Camps
A collection of remote, hike-in backcountry trail camps located deep within the Ventana Wilderness of Los Padres National Forest. These primitive camps, positioned along Higgins Creek and the Carmel River trail network, offer pristine wilderness seclusion accessible only by foot or horseback.
Ventana Wilderness Backcountry Pocket
This is a remote walk-in backcountry campsite located in the Ventana Wilderness of Los Padres National Forest, accessible only by foot via surrounding trail networks near Chews Ridge.
Veteran's Memorial Park Campground
A scenic, city-operated developed campground located on a wooded hillside just minutes from downtown Monterey. Features include hot showers, restrooms, a playground, walking trails, and water with a dump station. It serves as an excellent base for exploring the Monterey Peninsula, though sites are first-come, first-served with strict vehicle length limits.
Vicente Flat Camp
A spectacular backcountry trail camp nestled under giant redwood trees in the Ventana Wilderness. This hike-in campsite is accessible via a steep, multi-mile trek on the Vicente Flat Trail and provides a serene wilderness basecamp for exploring the Big Sur backcountry.
West Bernal Drive Street Parking (Salinas)
Temporary street parking along West Bernal Drive in Salinas. Typically used during major local arena events when extra facilities and temporary horse-trailer accommodations are set up. Outside of active events, municipal overnight restrictions apply.
White Oaks Campground
An intimate, wooded primitive campground shaded by towering oak and pine trees in Los Padres National Forest. Ideal for tent campers and smaller campervans, the facility features basic vault toilets, picnic tables, and fire pits near the scenic Pine Ridge Trailhead. Flying insects can be highly active during the summer season.
White Oaks Campground Road Dispersed
Dispersed camping corridors and dirt pullouts along the forest road leading to White Oaks Campground in Los Padres National Forest. These rustic spots offer quiet, forested sites but require careful driving, especially during wet weather.
Wildcat Campground
This remote backcountry campground, located within the Los Padres National Forest near the Ventana Wilderness, is accessible only via hiking trails such as the Horse Pasture Trail.
Willow Creek Road Corridor
A scenic coastal corridor where Willow Creek Road meets Highway 1 in the Big Sur region. Overnight camping is strictly prohibited on Highway 1 pullouts by Monterey County ordinance, but dispersed camping is permitted on the upper section within Los Padres National Forest under standard forest rules. Anyone camping in the forest must possess a valid California campfire permit for gas stoves and open fires.
Willow Creek Spur Dispersed Camping
Scenic dispersed sites nested along Willow Creek Spur in Los Padres National Forest. This primitive dirt road offers secluded camps within the rugged Monterey Ranger District, accessible for standard passenger vehicles in dry conditions.
Willow Springs Campground
A primitive backcountry camp located in the Ventana Wilderness of Los Padres National Forest, accessible only by hiking trails. Ideal for backpackers seeking a quiet, remote wilderness setting.
Yank's RV Resort
A premium, well-maintained commercial RV resort located in Greenfield, California. It features level concrete pads, exceptional facilities, a pool, laundry, and a courteous staff, making it a reliable option when regional public campgrounds are full.
Zigzag Camp
A primitive, backcountry trail camp located along the Zigzag Creek Trail in the deep Ventana Wilderness. Offers flat tent spaces in a secluded wooded canyon near the creek.