Carrizo Plain National Monument
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
The Carrizo Plain National Monument is one of California's most remarkable public lands, encompassing over 200,000 acres of rolling hills, protected grasslands, and rugged mountain backdrops. This BLM-managed destination is spectacular in the springtime due to its wildflower displays. It has an abundance of wildlife, the San Andreas Fault, and Soda Lake. RV travelers will find it a great escape for opportunities like bird watching, photography, scenic driving, and hiking. While the amenities are limited, many nearby campgrounds and primitive camping areas provide an excellent home base for exploring this somewhat remote landscape.
Quick Facts About RVing in Carrizo Plain National Monument
• RV Friendly: Yes • Max RV Length: No official maximum (varies by campground and campsite) • Camping Type: Developed campgrounds and primitive camping • Reservations: First come, first served • Hookups: No • Dump Station: No • Potable Water: Limited • Cell Service: Limited to none • Pets: Allowed (restrictions apply in some areas) • Roads: Paved and unpaved roads; high-clearance recommended for some routes • Best Season: Spring and fall
Why RV Travelers Love This BLM Area
• Peaceful camping away from crowds • Spectacular spring wildflower displays • Scenic drives through open grasslands • Excellent wildlife and birdwatching • Easy access to Soda Lake viewpoints • Outstanding stargazing opportunities • Unique views of the San Andreas Fault
What to See and Do
Hiking and Biking
Wallace Creek San Andreas Fault Line Hike
During your stay, you'll want to take the Wallace Creek San Andreas Fault Line Hike to see the deep gash that an earthquake left behind. Dogs aren't allowed on the trail, but it's an easy hike.
Length: 1.7 miles
Intensity: Easy
Selby Campground Loop Trail
You'll have views of Painted Rock and the San Andreas Fault line when you hike this loop trail. It also has wildflowers and bird-watching opportunities.
Length: 4.3 miles
Intensity: Easy
Fishing & Boating
You can go fishing at a mountain stream or creek or the Santa Ynez River in the Los Padres National Forest. Fishing is also allowed on Sand Dollar Beach, where you can catch a wide variety of fish that live in the Pacific Ocean. The 10-mile stretch of water along Salmon Creek Trail in the national forest has a lot of trout.
Climbing
You'll find major climbing crags in the Santa Ynez Mountains. These mountains reach 4,000 feet above sea level and feature a narrow strip of land that has the cities of Santa Barbara and Goleta, California. Some areas in the mountains have thick brush and poison ivy, so you should come prepared for protecting your skin.
Wildlife Viewing
Carrizo Plain National Monument is home to several rare and threatened species, including the San Joaquin kit fox, blunt-nosed lizard, and the giant kangaroo rat. Other animals you may see include prairie falcons, owls, quails, and sparrows. In the Los Padres National Forest, you have a chance of seeing sea otters, brown pelicans, doves, quails, turkeys, antelope, elk, Columbian black-tailed deer, California mule deer, and black bears.
Picnicking
You can have a picnic at the Sand Dollar Beach Day Use Area, Willow Creek Beach Day Use Area, Sandstone Day Use Area, and the Pino Alto Day Use Picnic Area. Picnic tables and vault toilets are available at the Sand Dollar Beach Day Use Area and the Pino Alto Day Use Picnic Area. Willow Creek Beach Day Use Area also offers toilets. Two toilets and one trash bin are at the Sandstone Day Use Area.
Hunting
Hunting opportunities in the region are available at some areas of the Carrizo Plain National Monument and the Los Padres National Forest. The types of game you could hunt in the Carrizo Plain National Monument include wild pigs, rabbits, doves, and quails. In the Los Padres National Forest, you could hunt deer, wild boar, black bears, wild pigs, turkeys, rabbits, and doves.
Winter Sports
Cross-country skiing, sledding, tubing, and snowshoeing are winter sports available at the Los Padres National Forest. Mt. Pinos Ranger District, featuring peaks over 9,000 feet, is popular for cross-country skiing. You can also go snowshoeing, sledding, and tubing in designated areas in the district.
Bureau of Land Management Camping
RV Camping 
Selby Campground, Mt. Pinos Campground, and McGill Campground are some of the nearby campgrounds you can go to for RV camping. Selby is a secluded campground that offers vault toilets and horse corrals. Mt. Pinos Campground is close to a lot of trails and provides good privacy for campers. Vault toilets are also available at Mt. Pinos Campground and McGill Campground.
Developed Campgrounds
The Carrizo Plain National Monument has two primitive developed campgrounds -- Selby Campground and KCL Campground. Both offer basic amenities like picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets. They are available on a first-come, first-served basis, making them a great choice for RV travelers.
Dispersed Camping
Dispersed camping isn't permitted throughout most of the Carrizo Plain National Monument. Most RV travelers should plan on staying at one of the monument's designated campgrounds. These primitive campgrounds provide some basic facilities while helping protect the monument's fragile wildlife habitat, grasslands, and cultural resources. Before you arrive, make sure you have a full fresh water tank and empty holding tanks, as there are no dump stations or hookups available.
Is This BLM Area Good for Your RV?
The Carrizo Plain National Monument is a perfect destination for RV travelers who enjoy remote camping, wide-open California landscapes, and scenic drives. The two primitive campgrounds accommodate many RVs, although there are no dump stations or hookups. Most of the main roads are suitable for RV travel during dry weather. • Camper Vans: Camper vans are a great choice for the Carrizo Plain National Monument due to their compact size. They make it easy to explore the monument's scenic roads, popular attractions, and campgrounds alike. • Travel Trailers: Small and mid-sized travel trailers are best suited for the monument's primitive campgrounds. Staying on the main maintained roads is recommended during the wet season. • Fifth Wheels: Fifth wheels are best suited for the designated campgrounds. Larger units should verify campsite dimensions before arriving. • Class A Motorhomes: Smaller Class A motorhomes can comfortably access the monument's developed campgrounds using the primary access roads. Larger coaches should use caution on unpaved and narrow routes. • Class B Motorhomes: Class B motorhomes are one of the best options for exploring the Carrizo Plain National Monument. They provide exceptional maneuverability while still offering all the comforts needed for primitive camping. • Class C Motorhomes: Class C motorhomes can be perfect for camping throughout the national monument area. Most models can comfortably access the designated campgrounds and provide plenty of space for extended stays.
Free Camping 
Bureau of Land Management free camping is available at Selby Campground. You can also find dispersed camping in the Monterey Ranger District, Santa Barbara Ranger District, Mt. Pinos Ranger District, and Santa Lucia Ranger District of the Los Padres National Forest.
RV Rentals Near Carrizo Plain National Monument Plan your next adventure
Planning your Carrizo Plain National Monument BLM trip
There are sometimes fire restrictions in these regions to reduce the chance of wildfires. With a California campfire permit, you can use portable stoves with gas, pressurized liquid, or jelled petroleum fuel. All vehicles in the Carrizo Plain National Monument need to stay on the road. Carrizo Plain National Monument is a remote area without water, fuel, food, and other important services nearby. Come prepared with extra fuel and water as well as survival equipment. You should drive more cautiously on dirt roads when it's raining. High-clearance vehicles are recommended if you plan on driving in this area.
Non-motorized vehicles, dogs, horses, campfires, and geocache-type activities aren't allowed in the Painted Rock Exclusion Zone of the Carrizo Plain National Monument. You're also not allowed to recreate or sell pictures of the pictographs and petroglyphs in the Carrizo National Monument for commercial use. Boats and flotation devices aren't allowed on Soda Lake.
As a remote area with semi-primitive campgrounds, Carrizo Plain National Monument delivers solitude and serenity. The San Andreas fault, Soda Lake, and historic sites are fascinating attractions to see. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
What RV Travelers Should Know Before Arriving
Realize that the Carrizo Plain National Monument is a remote destination with very limited services. Preparing ahead of time is absolutely essential to a safe and fun experience. There are no dump stations, hookups, fuel stations, or stores within the monument area itself. Potable water is limited to select locations. Groceries, fuel, restaurants, and RV supplies are available in Paso Robles, which is about a 45-minute drive away. Most primary roads are passable for RVs throughout the dry season. However, unpaved roads can become muddy or impassable after rain storms. Cell service ranges from limited to nonexistent throughout much of the monument area.
Leave No Trace 
Following Leave No Trace principles is important while BLM RV camping because it keeps the land safe and beautiful for those who come after you. Leaving food scraps or improperly disposing of human waste can attract animals or spread diseases. It can also harm the ecosystem. You must also avoid taking things from the land or drawing or carving on rocks, trees, or anything else in the area.
Carrizo Plain National Monument Location
Carrizo Plain National Monument is located at 17495 Soda Lake Road, Santa Margarita, California. California Valley is one of the closest locales to the Carrizo Plain National Monument. From California Valley, travel down Soda Lake Road, then turn right to stay on Soda Lake Road. Turn left after about half a mile to continue on Soda Lake Road. Your destination will immediately be on the left.
Ready to visit Carrizo Plain National Monument? An RV rental is a great way to experience your destination. Not only will you be close to all the action, but at the end of a long day exploring, you’ll have your RV to return to for the night where you’ll enjoy a full kitchen, bathroom, and nice soft bed. Not sure about renting an RV? Here’s a step-by-step guide to renting an RV with RVshare.
Plan Your Day at Carrizo Plain National Monument
• Morning: A great start to your day can be driving to Soda Lake Overlook. The cooler morning hours are perfect for photographing spotted pronghorn, tule elk, migratory birds, and the alkali lake. • Afternoon: Spend the afternoon exploring Painted Rock, which is one of the monument's most significant cultural sites. You can continue with the scenic drive along Soda Lake Road, stopping at the various overlooks and wildflower viewing areas throughout the springtime. • Evening: After returning to the campground for dinner in the evening, you can watch the sunset over the Temblor Range. After dark is the perfect opportunity to take advantage of Carrizo Plain's exceptionally dark skies to enjoy stargazing.
Nearby Attractions
Surrounded by scenic drives, outdoor destinations, and historic landmarks, the Carrizo Plain National Monument is a great place to plan an extended RV adventure. Whether you're interested in wildlife, hiking, geology, or local history, there are several worthwhile nearby attractions. • Soda Lake Overlook: Situated right inside the monument area, Soda Lake is one of Carrizo Plain's most recognizable landmarks. It has sweeping views of the seasonal alkali lake and gives you a chance to spot migratory birds and take photographs. • Painted Rock: Located about 20 to 30 minutes from KCL Campground, Painted Rock is one of the largest collections of Native American pictographs in the state of California. Access to this location is seasonal to protect the site, so it's best to check availability before heading out. • San Andreas Fault Viewing Area: Around 15 minutes from Soda Lake is an interpretive area that offers a close look at one of the most famous fault lines in the world. Informational signs explain the vast geology while you observe the visible evidence of the fault crossing the California landscape. • Shell Creek Road Wildflower Area: Around 45 minutes west of the monument is Shell Creek Road. This is another popular destination during California's spring wildflower season. You'll see rolling hills covered in colorful blooms that are perfect for photography and scenic drives. • Bitterwater Valley National Wildlife Refuge: Around 30 minutes north of the monument is a protected refuge that provides additional opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife viewing. You may spot golden eagles, pronghorn, tule elk, and other native species.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are RV hookups or dump stations available? No. There are no hookups or dump stations available in the national monument area. It is a primitive camping destination with limited access to potable water. Can I camp anywhere in Carrizo Plain National Monument? No. Overnight camping is limited to Selby Campground and KCL Campground. Dispersed camping is not permitted to protect the area's sensitive wildlife habitat, grasslands, and cultural resources. What are the road conditions like for RVs? Many visitors access the monument using paved highways that connect to maintained gravel roads. Primary routes are best suited for RVs during dry weather conditions. Secondary roads require high-clearance vehicles and can become muddy or impassable after rainfall events. When is the best time to visit Carrizo Plain National Monument? Both spring and fall are generally considered the best seasons to visit this area because they offer mild temperatures and comfortable conditions for exploring. Spring brings colorful wildflower blooms and active wildlife. Fall offers pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and better opportunities for camping, hiking, and photography. What can I see and do while visiting? Carrizo Plain National Monument offers many different opportunities for hiking, photography, birdwatching, scenic driving, and wildlife viewing. Some popular attractions include Painted Rock, the San Andreas Fault, and Soda Lake. During the spring, the monument is especially well known for its spectacular wildflower displays.
Rent the Right RV for This Trip
Start your Carrizo Plain National Monument adventure by choosing an RV that's well suited for primitive camping and remote travel. Have full fuel tanks and plenty of fresh water, along with all the supplies you need, since services in the monument area are limited. Small to mid-sized travel trailers are well suited for the primary roads and camping at Selby Campground or KCL Campground. From exploring Carrizo Plain's scenic grasslands to its wildlife viewing areas and Soda Lake, there are many great adventures awaiting you at this remote location. Plan your next trip to Carrizo Plain National Monument in California by choosing your ride from these RV Rentals in Paso Robles.