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Camping in the Santa Monicas

Original Post
Tradiban · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Apr 2004 · Points: 11,610

Any dirt bag camping up there?

Guy Keesee · · Moorpark, CA · Joined Mar 2008 · Points: 349

Where exactly???

Are you looking to climb at?

I assume Dirtbag = Free?

G Halsne · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Oct 2011 · Points: 1,487

Heads up- I recently "overnight parked" in my van at echo and woke up to a 6am knock on my van door from ranger becky. It was a saturday though... I havent been bugged on weekdays.

Tradiban · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Apr 2004 · Points: 11,610

Free is good but I would pay a little, not the $45 I'm seeing at the parks.

Nick Mudd · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Nov 2012 · Points: 185

there are a couple of free campsites up highway 33 above ojai. rose valley and middle lion i think. both have latrines, tables, fire rings, but no running water. first come first served, and they tend to fill up on the weekends. you can also reserve a site at wheeler gorge - i think it's $30 or so.

Nick Mudd · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Nov 2012 · Points: 185

there are also a lot of established backcountry campgrounds in the same area that are free, but you can't drive to them.

Sean · · Oak Park, CA · Joined Dec 2004 · Points: 4,402

Santa Monica Mtns span east-to-west from the 405 only to Pt Mugu, and north-to-south from the 101 down to Pacific coast. if you're just looking for a place to car bivvy, there are spots less patrolled than others. if you're looking to set up tent, then prob one of the few campgrounds. it's not a big wilderness area. most trailheads are within 15 mins drive of civilization (and motels) in multiple directions

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

Southern California
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