Best Dispersed Camping near Agua Dulce, CA

Dispersed camping near Agua Dulce, California centers primarily around Angeles National Forest lands and nearby areas. Several primitive sites can be found along Angeles Crest Highway, with the Angeles Crest Overlook providing roadside pull-off spots for overnight stays. Additional options include East Mojave Camp, Stockton Flats Yellow Post Sites, and areas near Rim of the World Byway. These locations generally fall on Bureau of Land Management or Forest Service land where free, primitive camping is permitted with varying regulations.

Most dispersed sites require personal vehicles for access, with some areas demanding high-clearance or 4WD capabilities. Many locations lack basic amenities such as toilets, water sources, trash collection, or established fire rings. Fire restrictions are common, particularly during dry seasons when complete bans may be enforced. Road conditions vary significantly, from paved pullouts along Angeles Crest Highway to unmaintained dirt roads at East Mojave Camp. Camping duration is typically limited to 7 days or less in Angeles National Forest areas, though restrictions may change based on forest orders and seasonal conditions.

The dispersed sites near Agua Dulce offer varying experiences depending on location and proximity to urban areas. Angeles Crest Overlook provides dramatic views but comes with drawbacks. "It is not a real campground, just the parking area of a view point. So the view was great," one camper noted, while others mentioned nighttime traffic and noise. East Mojave Camp provides more seclusion but challenging access. "Very remote absolutely nothing out there. The road to it is unmarked and very unmaintained," according to feedback. Stockton Flats area offers a more traditional forest camping experience but requires appropriate vehicles. Camping outside established areas requires careful attention to current forest orders, as restrictions may change throughout the year based on fire danger, weather conditions, and other factors.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Agua Dulce, California (8)

Show More
Showing results 1-8 of 8 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Dispersed Camping Reviews near Agua Dulce, CA

18 Reviews of 8 Agua Dulce Campgrounds


  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 13, 2023

    East Mojave Camp

    Very very remote

    Very remote absolutely nothing out there. Definitely somewhere you need to be aware of your surroundings. You can get far enough away from the highway that you don’t need to worry about people driving by. There is nothing out here. The road to it is unmarked and very unmaintained Would definitely recommend high clearance vehicle if you want to be further away then 100 feet from the highway. Lots of wash outs. Beautiful sunrise. We were the only people there.

  • Les R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 29, 2024

    Heaton flats

    Not always allowed

    Camping outside esablished campgrounds within the Angeles National Forest is sometimes prohibited, you have to be on top of reading recently published orders on https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/angeles. Currently, camping is allowed for 7 days or less, see here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/angeles/alerts-notices/?aid=78080 The people I saw camping here looked to have been set up somewhat permanently though. I wouldn't feel comfortable setting up a tent here, but it could be an okay rest area at the beginning/end of the hike to Bridge to Nowhere.

  • Joseph R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 26, 2024

    Angeles Crest Overlook to LA

    Nope

    It’s basically car camping along the Angeles Crest highway, there’s small pull out spots and, some spots overlooking the forest but kids do tend to party up here and, drive about 100 miles a hour up and, down the road all hours of the night. It can get a bit scary, if you’re alone. Oh cell service non-existent unless you’re closer to the bottom but even then it’s spotty. It’s not a typical campground but it does do the job for a couple days. You will see cars vans along the pull outs coming up but I believe you can car camp on the overlook I have not as I’m more a quiet type person. Be careful though there’s a white van that teams up with a black truck they tried to break in my car while I was sleeping. It is very dangerous and luckily I carry at all times and have cameras.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 10, 2025

    Rim of the World Byway (near 15 fwy south) Dispersed

    Quick stop, nice rocks

    We stayed here for two nights, and it was a pretty pleasant experience! There were some cars parked near the entrance, but if you go a bit further down alongside the road you can find some nice spots. Use Google Maps; Waze takes you the wrong way, cause it's just right off the freeway, not down a long, very bumpy dirt road.

  • GThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 16, 2025

    Rim of the World Byway (near 15 fwy south) Dispersed

    Nice stopover for me

    Arrived at 2;30 pm. Windy. I wanted a place where I could let Bella off leach, so I put it in 4 wheel drive to pull my TAB trailer. Found a good spot. I can see other bigger rigs they did not require 4x4. Interesting view. If your headed north on I15 do not take thirst access road. Almost a 4x4 road.

  • J
    May. 27, 2024

    Stockton Flats Yellow Post Sites 3-8

    Prepare the climb; also not for big RVs

    The turn is not marked well, in fact the coordinates are a little bit off. If you miss the turn like we did you have to go 5 miles or more to get a turnabout big enough to turn around. You climb a big steep hill to get to the turn in. On the way back down from the turnaround we almost burned out or brakes. We decided not to go to the site because it looked like a one lane road and too tight for our 35 ft bumper pull. Disappointed because pictures from others looked great and it is a beautiful area. We found a spot near the road that I’ll post for others.

  • Nathaniel C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 6, 2021

    Stockton Flats Yellow Post Sites 3-8

    Great if you have a 4x4

    Specs if this campground are wrong, no toilets/water/etc.

    Great for campers that meet 2 criteria 1) You have a Jeep, Truck it similar vehicle that can go off-road. 2) You enjoy dispersed camping (no water/restrooms etc)

    If both are yes, this place is amazing.

    Deep in nature, beautiful area, no cost and you can almost always find a spot, even on a Saturday in summer.

    If you go the the end of 3N06 (main off-road path) there is a good hike that you can take for several hours.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 24, 2025

    East Mojave Camp

    Off Hwy 58

    Huge ruts in dirt road, there’s room to go around them. Several Joshua Trees .

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 22, 2024

    Angeles Crest Overlook to LA

    Dark, fairly quiet, good view!

    I loved car camping here! When I stayed, there were no other people who stayed the night, but quite a few people came throughout the night just for 20 minutes at a time or so. Wasn’t too noisy at all. Unfortunately I didn’t have any service (Visible/Verizon), so that was a little scary. Other than that, no complaints at all!


Guide to Agua Dulce

Dispersed camping near Agua Dulce, California primarily centers on public lands within Angeles National Forest, with elevation ranging from 2,000 to 5,000 feet depending on location. These sites experience significant temperature variations, with summer highs reaching 100°F and winter nights frequently dropping below freezing. Most areas require visitors to obtain a California Campfire Permit when seasonal fire restrictions aren't in place, though many areas implement complete fire bans during high fire danger periods.

What to do

Hiking options: Several dispersed camping areas provide direct access to trail systems. The Stockton Flats area connects to forest trails where "there is a good hike that you can take for several hours" according to Nathaniel C. Most trails require proper footwear and adequate water supplies.

Wildlife viewing: Dawn and dusk offer opportunities to observe native species. At East Mojave Camp, campers note the remote setting creates ideal conditions. "Very remote absolutely nothing out there... Beautiful sunrise," reports Sawyer P., highlighting the natural environment.

Night sky observation: Areas farther from Los Angeles provide clearer views. Angeles Crest Overlook gives "a view of the city skyline in the distance" as Valerie mentions, while also noting "the view is gorgeous in the morning sunrise!"

What campers like

Solitude: Several areas offer genuine seclusion from crowds. At East Mojave Camp, Sawyer P. notes, "We were the only people there," making it ideal for those seeking isolation. However, access requires preparation as "the road to it is unmarked and very unmaintained."

Vehicle-accessible sites: Many locations allow camping directly from vehicles without lengthy hikes. At Rim of the World Byway, Gregg P. explains, "I can see other bigger rigs they did not require 4x4. Interesting view." This accessibility makes these sites practical for overnight stays.

Technical driving challenges: For off-road enthusiasts, certain sites offer adventure getting there. Panda V. describes Stockton Flats Yellow Post Sites: "Trail was fun (definitely needed 4x4) and the sites around has good shade and good size open spots. Best to get there early as possible to secure a spot."

What you should know

Changing regulations: Forest orders frequently modify where and when camping is permitted. At Heaton Flats, Les R. warns, "Camping outside established campgrounds within the Angeles National Forest is sometimes prohibited, you have to be on top of reading recently published orders." Always check current restrictions before departing.

Limited facilities: Most dispersed areas provide no amenities whatsoever. Angeles Crest Overlook is "literally just a roadside pull-off" according to Andrew S., who advises to "sleep in your vehicle" as there's "no space for a tent."

Road conditions: Many sites require careful vehicle selection. Joe R. cautions about accessing Stockton Flats: "The turn is not marked well, in fact the coordinates are a little bit off. If you miss the turn like we did you have to go 5 miles or more to get a turnabout big enough to turn around."

Security considerations: Remote locations present safety challenges. At Angeles Crest Overlook, Joseph R. notes that "kids do tend to party up here and, drive about 100 miles a hour up and, down the road all hours of the night. It can get a bit scary, if you're alone."

Tips for camping with families

Trail access with children: Select sites with manageable hiking options. Big Cone Camp in Santa Paula Canyon offers "a fairly easy hike" that's approachable for families. As robherr explains, "when my kids were young it was a fairly easy hike to get to, and there's a nice reward when you get there."

Noise assessment: Consider timing for quieter experiences. At Angeles Crest Overlook, Jaydon C. reports, "When I stayed, there were no other people who stayed the night, but quite a few people came throughout the night just for 20 minutes at a time or so. Wasn't too noisy at all."

Wildlife safety: Store food properly in animal-resistant containers, particularly in remote forest locations. Pack trash out completely as many areas show signs of improper waste disposal from previous visitors.

Tips from RVers

Turning radius: Large rigs face challenges at several sites. Joe R. notes about Stockton Flats, "We decided not to go to the site because it looked like a one lane road and too tight for our 35 ft bumper pull."

Level parking: Most dispersed sites offer limited level areas. At Rim of the World Byway, Alexander B. advises, "There were some cars parked near the entrance, but if you go a bit further down alongside the road you can find some nice spots."

Navigation accuracy: GPS systems often provide conflicting directions. Alexander B. warns about Rim of the World Byway, "Use Google Maps; Waze takes you the wrong way, cause it's just right off the freeway, not down a long, very bumpy dirt road."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Agua Dulce, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Agua Dulce, CA is Angeles Crest Overlook to LA with a 3.1-star rating from 8 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Agua Dulce, CA?

TheDyrt.com has all 8 dispersed camping locations near Agua Dulce, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.