Tips for Snagging a Campsite Reservation
- There are two semi-primitive campsites at Carrizo Plain National Monument. The Selby and KCL campgrounds are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
- There are 12 campsites at KCL, including two that are ADA-compliant, and 13 sites at Selby.
- Both campgrounds accommodate small RVs and trailers.
- Dispersed car camping also is allowed in designated areas around the monument.
When to Go
Fall and spring provide the best weather for enjoying Carrizo Plain National Monument. Springtime draws the biggest crowds as many visitors flock to see the stunning flower-carpeted hillsides. Summertime at the monument can get hot during the day—think 100°F and above hot—so it’s best to avoid extraneous activities at that time of year. During winter, Soda Lake, the largest remaining natural alkali wetland in Southern California, offers a refuge for migratory birds.
Know Before You Go
- Carrizo Plain National Monument is rugged and secluded, so expect a bumpy ride and few services. Pack enough water and food, and start your adventure on a full gas tank.
- Check the weather before you visit, as rain may cause many roads to become impassable.
- Carrizo Plain National Monument welcomes dogs, but they must remain leashed or caged, including at trailheads and camping areas.
- Cell reception is spotty across the plain, so download or print copies of maps and informational materials.
- Campsites include picnic tables, fire pits, horse corrals, and wheelchair-accessible vault toilets. Electricity and drinking water are not available.
- Access to Painted Rock is restricted to prevent vandalism. Reservations for guided or self-guided tours can be made through recreation.gov.
Carrizo Plain National Monument
Witness the splendor of nature in this secluded plain.
Whether you want to stargaze, be wowed by nature, or seek serenity, Carrizo Plain National Monument is a worthy addition to your camping itinerary any time of year. The Carrizo Plain is a popular California destination to witness some of the most dramatic wildflower-painted landscapes in spring, but it’s not its only draw. Traverse across the remote plain for bird watching, biking, and hiking, or take a scenic drive through the fields with its backdrop of mountain ridges, remnants of abandoned ranching structures, and unique wildlife. The Carrizo Plain also offers the opportunity to see a section of the earth-moving San Andreas fault and Native American pictographs found on Painted Rock.
Whether you want to stargaze, be wowed by nature, or seek serenity, Carrizo Plain National Monument is a worthy addition to your camping itinerary any time of year. The Carrizo Plain is a popular California destination to witness some of the most dramatic wildflower-painted landscapes in spring, but it’s not its only draw. Traverse across the remote plain for bird watching, biking, and hiking, or take a scenic drive through the fields with its backdrop of mountain ridges, remnants of abandoned ranching structures, and unique wildlife. The Carrizo Plain also offers the opportunity to see a section of the earth-moving San Andreas fault and Native American pictographs found on Painted Rock.
Tips for Snagging a Campsite Reservation
Tips for Snagging a Campsite Reservation
When to Go
Fall and spring provide the best weather for enjoying Carrizo Plain National Monument. Springtime draws the biggest crowds as many visitors flock to see the stunning flower-carpeted hillsides. Summertime at the monument can get hot during the day—think 100°F and above hot—so it’s best to avoid extraneous activities at that time of year. During winter, Soda Lake, the largest remaining natural alkali wetland in Southern California, offers a refuge for migratory birds.
Know Before You Go
Public campgrounds (book externally) —