Dispersed Camping Near Santa Barbara, CA
There are 292 dispersed camping spots within driving distance of Santa Barbara, CA in the Camphive database — primitive, mostly free sites on BLM land and in national forests, listed closest-first. The nearest is Forbush Flat Camp, about 6 miles away. 3 score 8 or higher on the Vistas scenic scale. Every listing links to a full page with location, fees, and details.
Back to all campgrounds near Santa Barbara.
Closest dispersed spots to Santa Barbara
- Forbush Flat Camp — 6 mi from Santa Barbara · CA · Free · Vistas 6.9
- Cottam Camp — 7 mi from Santa Barbara · CA · Free · Vistas 7.5
- Lower Camuesa Camp — 9 mi from Santa Barbara · CA · Free · Vistas 6.8
- P-Bar Flat Campground — 9 mi from Santa Barbara · CA · Free
- Middle Santa Ynez Campground — 9 mi from Santa Barbara · CA · Free
- Middle Camuesa Camp — 10 mi from Santa Barbara · CA · Free · Vistas 7
- Los Prietos Boys Camp — 10 mi from Santa Barbara · CA · Free · Vistas 6.5
- Sage Hill Campground — 10 mi from Santa Barbara · CA · Free · Vistas 6.5
- Los Prietos Campground — 10 mi from Santa Barbara · CA · Free
- Carpinteria State Beach: Anacapa — 10 mi from Santa Barbara · CA · Vistas 8.2
- Carpinteria State Beach: Santa Cruz — 10 mi from Santa Barbara · CA · Vistas 8.2
- Hidden Potrero Camp — 10 mi from Santa Barbara · CA · Free · Vistas 7
- Paradise Campground (Fed) — 11 mi from Santa Barbara · CA · Free
- 19 Oaks Camp — 11 mi from Santa Barbara · CA · Free · Vistas 6.8
- Fremont Campground — 11 mi from Santa Barbara · CA · Free
- Rock Camp Campground — 11 mi from Santa Barbara · CA · Vistas 7.2
- Meadow — 11 mi from Santa Barbara · CA · Free · Vistas 7.5
- Alder Creek Camp — 12 mi from Santa Barbara · CA · Free · Vistas 6.6
- Upper Caliente Camp — 12 mi from Santa Barbara · CA · Free
- Happy Hollow Camp — 13 mi from Santa Barbara · CA · Free · Vistas 6.2
- Little Pine Spring Camp — 13 mi from Santa Barbara · CA · Free · Vistas 6.7
- Upper Santa Ynez Camp — 15 mi from Santa Barbara · CA · Free
- Santa Cruz Camp — 15 mi from Santa Barbara · CA · Free · Vistas 6.9
- Bluff Camp — 18 mi from Santa Barbara · CA · Free · Vistas 7.5
- Cachuma Lake Recreation Area — 18 mi from Santa Barbara · CA · Vistas 7.2
- Big Pine Camp — 19 mi from Santa Barbara · CA · Free · Vistas 6.9
- Matilija Camp — 19 mi from Santa Barbara · CA · Free
- Osprey — 20 mi from Santa Barbara · CA · Free · Vistas 5.9
- Mallard — 20 mi from Santa Barbara · CA · Free · Vistas 8
- Kingfisher — 20 mi from Santa Barbara · CA · Free · Vistas 5.8
Open the interactive map near Santa Barbara to filter by free camping, RV access, and scenic rating, or to draw a drive-time radius from your own location.
Dispersed Camping near Santa Barbara FAQ
Is dispersed camping allowed near Santa Barbara?
Generally yes, on BLM land and in national forests outside developed recreation areas and posted closures. The 292 spots here near Santa Barbara, CA are on public land where primitive camping is usually allowed; always confirm current rules and fire restrictions with the local ranger district or BLM office first.
How far is dispersed camping from Santa Barbara?
The closest dispersed spot in the database is Forbush Flat Camp, about 6 miles from Santa Barbara, CA. Pack in water, pack out trash, and download an offline map — many of these areas have no cell coverage.