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Dispersed Camping
Occupancy and Use Forest Order 5-07-00-24-02 effective February 6, 2024 through February 5, 2026
Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.S0(a), and to provide for public safety and protect natural resources, the following act is prohibited within the Los Padres National Forest. This Order is effective from February 6, 2024, through February 5, 2026.
1. Camping:
a. in a developed campground, for a period longer than 14 consecutive days or for more than 28 days during a calendar year; or
b. anywhere other than a developed campground, for a period longer than seven consecutive days or for more than 21 days during a calendar year.
36 C.F.R. § 261.58(a).
Monterey Ranger District
Contact the Monterey Ranger District for disperse camping information. The District Office is open Monday - Friday, 8:00am m- 4:30pm. Call: (831) 385-5434 x 0. You can also send an email to district personnel for more information.
Santa Lucia Ranger District
Contact the Santa Lucia Ranger District for information about dispersed camping. Call: (805) 925-9538 ext. 0 Monday -Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm.
In the San Luis Obispo area, disperse camping is allowed along West Cuesta Ridge Rd/T.V Tower Rd off of Hwy 101. You need to pack all of your trash out with you and human waste. Please do your part to keep this area clean for others to enjoy too. This road is more suitable for sleeping in your car. There is very little room along the road and pull-outs for tents.
DISPERSE CAMPING IS PROHIBITED IN THE CUESTA RIDGE BOTANICAL SPECIAL INTERST AREA.
CAMPFIRES ARE PROHITIBED. Camp stoves are allowed with a CA Campfire Permit which you can obtain at www.readyforwildfire.org.
Figueroa Mountain Area in the Santa Ynez Valley
Disperse camping is allowed in turn-outs on Figueroa Mountain Rd and Happy Canyon Rd. When the Catway/Zaca Ridge Road/Catway Rd is open, disperse camping is allowed on this road at turn-outs and alongside the road. Disperse camping is NOT allowed at day use areas or trailhead parking areas. Please pack out all of your trash and human waste. Please check current fire restrictions.
Santa Barbara Ranger District
Disperse camping is allowed at turn-outs on Happy Canyon Rd. Disperse camping is also allowed within the Los Padres National Forest boundary on East and West Camino Cielo. CAMPFIRES ARE PROHITIBED. Camp stoves are allowed with a CA Campfire Permit which you can obtain at www.readyforwildfire.org. Disperse camping is NOT ALLOWED on Painted Cave Rd.
You need to pack all of your trash out with you and human waste. Please do your part to keep these areas clean for others to enjoy too. These roads are more suitable for sleeping in your car. There is very little room along the roads and pull-outs for tents.
For more information, contact the Santa Barbara Ranger District at (805) 967-3481.
Ojai Ranger District
Contact the Ojai Ranger District for disperse camping information. Calls are answered Thursday - Saturday from 9:00am - 2:00pm. Disperse camping is NOT ALLOWED along Hwy 33.
Mt. Pinos Ranger District
Contact the Mt. Pinos Ranger District for disperse camping information. The District Office is open Tuesday - Saturday, 8:00am m- 4:30pm. Call: (661) 245-3731 x 0.