Best Dispersed Camping near Monterey, CA
The coastal mountains around Monterey have several good dispersed camping spots if you're willing to leave facilities behind. Bluff Camp sits within the Ventana Wilderness and connects to the Carmel River Trail, giving backpackers a quiet place to set up. Cone Peak draws campers who don't mind a tough hike for great views of the coast. If you need vehicle access, Nacimiento Road Camp can be reached by car without much planning. These spots have no amenities, so bring everything you need and follow Leave No Trace practices. Forest Service rules require camping at least 200 feet from any water or roads. Fire bans are common, particularly in summer and fall, so check before bringing a stove or planning a campfire. You can stay up to 14 days in any spot. Some roads leading to these areas get rough, and higher clearance vehicles do better, especially after rain. Take out everything you bring in - there's no trash service in these areas. Bears and other wildlife roam these mountains, so hang food properly or use bear canisters. Most people camp here in spring when wildflowers bloom or fall when temperatures cool down. Don't count on phone service, and always let someone know where you'll be and when you plan to return.
