California
Los Padres National Forest Ventana Wilderness Road Dispersed Sites
Dispersed Camping
Scattered pullouts and small clearings along Tassajara Road and side spurs leading into the Ventana Wilderness. Sites tucked among redwoods and madrone with room for 8-10 rigs total. Popular basecamp for backpackers heading to Sykes Hot Springs and day hikers exploring Julia Pfeiffer Burns. Expect cool, foggy mornings even in summer.
Access via Carmel Valley Road to Tassajara Road – last 15 miles are narrow, winding dirt with steep dropoffs. Not suitable for large RVs or trailers. Road conditions vary with winter storms, check with Los Padres National Forest before heading out. No water sources, no facilities.
Wilderness access camping in coastal mountains
Place Details
| Type | Dispersed Camping |
|---|---|
| Elevation (ft) | 3200 ft |
| Nearest town | Carmel, CA |
| Miles from pavement | 24.7 mi |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 2WD |
| Access road surface | Dirt |
| Cell service | None |
| Capacity (# of rigs) | 10 rigs |
| Cost (USD/night, 0 = free) | Free |
| Reservation required | No |
| Stay limit (nights) | 14 nights |
| Best season | April-November |
| Land manager | USFS |
| Permit required | No |
| Amenities | Shade |
| Coordinates | Open directions |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |