Carrizo Plain National Monument Dispersed Sites

The Carrizo Plain offers primitive camping scattered across the monument’s backcountry roads, best known for spectacular wildflower displays in wet years. Sites are basically pull-offs along dirt roads crossing the expansive grassland, with zero shade and constant wind. Spring brings incredible color but also crowds; fall and winter offer solitude under big skies.

Access roads can be rough and muddy after rain — high-clearance recommended. Soda Lake Road and other monument roads provide access to various camping areas. Bring everything including water and firewood. The nearest services are 50+ miles away in any direction.

Big sky camping in California's grassland Serengeti