Carrizo Plain area advice

[dyvking]

Originally Posted by Jedi5150

Perfect timing on this thread! I might do a Carrizo Plain ride this weekend or the next. Out of curiosity, is it possible to "stealth camp" in the Carrizo Plain area? Or am I better off looking for a developed campground?

There are only two 'developed' campgrounds inside the monument. But you are allowed to camp outside those two in some areas..essentially the hills. Open camping isn't permitted either on the Carrizo or Elkhorn plains (meaning the flat areas between the two ranges).

Camping rules: http://www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/fo/baker...o/camping.html

The whole place is 'pack it in, pack it out'. No garbage service inside the National Monument.

[Jedi5150]

Originally Posted by dyvking

There are only two 'developed' campgrounds inside the monument. But you are allowed to camp outside those two in some areas..essentially the hills. Open camping isn't permitted either on the Carrizo or Elkhorn plains (meaning the flat areas between the two ranges).

Camping rules: http://www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/fo/baker...o/camping.html

The whole place is 'pack it in, pack it out'. No garbage service inside the National Monument.

Thanks Walt, I checked out the link you provided. Nice to know that open camping is allowed in the foothills. That solves that problem nicely.

PS- I've been checking out your excellent website for the Carrizo Plains. You are quite the expert on the area. Can you suggest some good open camping (wild camping) spots that would offer good views at sunrise or sunset? I'm going to be taking some landscape photos, and would appreciate any suggestions. But on that note, I'm not much into taking panoramas from hilltops or ridges, looking down over valleys. I prefer to take photos from the standpoint of being in the valley, looking up towards ranges and mountains.

[eatpasta]

Originally Posted by goldentaco

Who said anything about a cruiser? Op said he has a big twin and wants to ride dirt. I wouldn't call an 1150GS a cruiser.


J

Usually when people refer to "Big Twins", they are referring to cruisers.....I supposed it could be something else.

But cmon.... there's a magazine!

[DSM8]

Just a note you can get gas at the Marina it is 10 miles past Pozo Saloon, otherwise you have to go into town.

Santa Magarita Lake Road.

They have bankers hours though. But I believe it is Methanol free gas cause its for boats.

Just a little more info.

[dyvking]

I'd say go back up Padrone Canyon and look around there for a spot to camp. There are some decent spots back around Lawson Spring that could fit your requirements.

Originally Posted by Jedi5150

Thanks Walt, I checked out the link you provided. Nice to know that open camping is allowed in the foothills. That solves that problem nicely.

PS- I've been checking out your excellent website for the Carrizo Plains. You are quite the expert on the area. Can you suggest some good open camping (wild camping) spots that would offer good views at sunrise or sunset? I'm going to be taking some landscape photos, and would appreciate any suggestions. But on that note, I'm not much into taking panoramas from hilltops or ridges, looking down over valleys. I prefer to take photos from the standpoint of being in the valley, looking up towards ranges and mountains.

[scottmac]

Is there gas available in New Cuyama???

[spafxer]

Originally Posted by scottmac

Is there gas available in New Cuyama???

My experience is it's hit or miss... not sure why.

Maricopa is no problem or Nipomo on the other side of 166

[Jedi5150]

Originally Posted by dyvking

I'd say go back up Padrone Canyon and look around there for a spot to camp. There are some decent spots back around Lawson Spring that could fit your requirements.

Thanks again Walt!

[scotts_4x]

Red hill road is off of hwy58 and goes south into the los Padres national forest. When you hit the bottom of the hill the road t's. Take a left and follow it around the campground and continue another 3ish miles to the intersection of pozo rd. Right onto pozo rd and out to the pavement 7-10ish miles. Road will t again make another left and follow in to pozo.

-scott

[Team Longriders]

Originally Posted by Jedi5150

Perfect timing on this thread! I might do a Carrizo Plain ride this weekend or the next. Out of curiosity, is it possible to "stealth camp" in the Carrizo Plain area? Or am I better off looking for a developed campground?

I'm sure you can stealth camp anywhere where no one can see you. It's big land out there.

[dman]

By the way, regarding gas in that area, if your Garmin GPS tells you there's Chevron fuel available in Fellows (off 33 between McKittrick and Taft), ignore it. Yeah there's Chevron .... a Chevron oil field. But no gas! DAMHIK. No gas in McKittrick either.

[dyvking]

Originally Posted by scottmac

Is there gas available in New Cuyama???

Yes..there is gas in New Cuyama. Pricey.
Also out in Ventucopa area at the Pistacio farm

[The Letter J]

Originally Posted by dyvking

Yes..there is gas in New Cuyama. Pricey.
Also out in Ventucopa area at the Pistacio farm

The gas station in New Cuyama has been closed for several months now, I've been through 4 or 5 times in the last month most recently this past Sunday. Luckily we already knew that and were carrying fuel bottles for the rider in our group with the little tank, he still barely made it to Ventucopa. Fuel is still available in Ventucopa $4.29 for 87 at the pistachio store and there is another pump several miles further south that is priced similarly, but who can argue when you have no other options?

[spafxer]

Originally Posted by dyvking

Yes..there is gas in New Cuyama. Pricey.
Also out in Ventucopa area at the Pistacio farm

I just called the Burger Barn in New Cuyama.... It's right behind the gas location.

She confirmed the gas has been CLOSED for about 6 months but should be re-opening soon !

Closest gas is The Pistachio store in VentuCopa or the Maricopa Shell...

Sometimes the Pistachio store has run out of gas too, so I don't plan on it.

Since I ride Elkhorn Grade Road more than Soda Lake Road, it's not much out of the way to hit Maricopa anyway.

[dyvking]

Originally Posted by spafxer

I just called the Burger Barn in New Cuyama.... It's right behind the gas location.

She confirmed the gas has been CLOSED for about 6 months but should be re-opening soon !

Closest gas is The Pistachio store in VentuCopa or the Maricopa Shell...

Sometimes the Pistachio store has run out of gas too, so I don't plan on it.

Since I ride Elkhorn Grade Road more than Soda Lake Road, it's not much out of the way to hit Maricopa anyway.

I stand corrected. I guess its been longer than I thought since I stopped for gas there.