Dispersed camping near Anaheim, California requires substantial travel from the city center, with most primitive sites located at elevations between 3,000-5,500 feet in the surrounding mountains. Access roads typically remain open year-round but can become impassable after winter storms without high-clearance vehicles. Overnight temperatures in dispersed areas drop considerably compared to Anaheim proper, often 15-20°F cooler even in summer months.
What to do
Hiking trails access: Several dispersed camping areas connect to trail systems. The area near Heaton Flats provides direct access to the Bridge to Nowhere trail, though a reviewer notes: "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."
Off-road exploration: Stockton Flats Yellow Post Sites offers terrain suitable for off-road vehicles. According to one camper: "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."
Stargazing opportunities: The elevated areas along Angeles Crest provide unobstructed views of the night sky away from city light pollution. One visitor to Angeles Crest Overlook mentions: "Dark, fairly quiet, good view! I loved car camping here!"
What campers like
City views: The Angeles Crest Overlook to LA offers panoramic views of the basin. A camper notes: "This is just a few parking lots that overlook the valley and gives a view of the city skyline in the distance... The view is gorgeous in the morning sunrise!"
Quick accessibility: Some areas provide convenient overnight options without long drives. Rim of the World Byway offers sites where, as one reviewer states: "Easy in and out by mormon rocks. Easy in and out but next to train tracks. Quick stop friendly."
Open camping areas: Many dispersed sites offer more spacious setups than developed campgrounds. At Stockton Flats, a reviewer appreciates that: "Deep in nature, beautiful area, no cost and you can almost always find a spot, even on a Saturday in summer."
What you should know
Permit verification: Forest regulations change frequently based on fire danger and other factors. One camper at Heaton Flats warns: "Camping outside established campgrounds within the Angeles National Forest is sometimes prohibited, you have to be on top of reading recently published orders."
Vehicle requirements: Many sites require high-clearance or 4WD vehicles. A Stockton Flats visitor cautions: "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."
Party areas: Some viewpoint areas attract nighttime gatherings. A visitor to Angeles Crest Overlook reports: "It did seem like maybe a teen hangout or something - cars did flow in and out occasionally through the night until around midnight."
Tips for camping with families
Dog-friendly options: Hare School Park offers space for pets despite limited facilities. A camper shares: "There's a dog park kind of area with a big field they can run around and just clean up after them. There's no public bathrooms, but there are trash cans so clean up after yourself please."
Safety considerations: Some dispersed areas have reported security issues. One camper warned about Angeles Crest: "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."
Trail access with kids: Several sites connect to short hiking trails suitable for children. Before heading to more remote areas, check recent trail closure notices as conditions change seasonally.
Tips from RVers
Small RV limitations: Many dispersed areas near Anaheim have size restrictions. A reviewer at Stockton Flats noted: "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."
Basic RV parking options: Hare School Park allows simple overnight RV parking without hookups. A camper confirms: "You can overnight park here with your RV without problems," while another adds "I've been here for a couple days and nobody's mess with us... I'm in a 25 foot Fleetwood RV."
Road grade warnings: Many mountain access roads have steep grades requiring careful driving. One RVer cautions: "You climb a big steep hill to get to the turn in. On the way back down from the turnaround we almost burned out our brakes."
