Best Dispersed Camping near Anaheim, CA

Campers looking for dispersed sites can find several options within driving distance of Anaheim, California. The closest primitive camping begins at Anaheim City Park Campground, though you'll need to bring everything you need since there's no running water or toilets. Most dispersed areas around Anaheim require at least 45 minutes of driving, with many spots located in Anaheim Area State Park. These camping areas must be at least 100 feet from water sources and 200 feet from main roads. You can stay up to two weeks at most sites, but you should plan to be completely self-sufficient. Many of the back roads leading to good camping spots become difficult after rain, so trucks or SUVs work best. The Cleveland National Forest, about an hour away, has several free camping areas, but you'll need to pack out all trash and waste. Fire bans are common during the dry summer months when temperatures regularly hit 90°F. Most locals avoid summer camping and instead head out in April-May or September-October when weather is better. Winter camping is possible but nights can drop into the 30s. The nearest supply point is usually 20-30 minutes away from most camping areas.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Anaheim, California (5)

    1. Hare School Park

    1 Review
    Westminster, CA
    8 miles

    "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."

    2. Angeles Crest Overlook to LA

    8 Reviews
    La Cañada Flintridge, CA
    33 miles

    "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."

    "Great view but on the weekend we had multiple cars doing donuts really close to our van. I felt uncomfortable with that."

    3. Stockton Flats Yellow Post Sites 3-8

    4 Reviews
    Wrightwood, CA
    36 miles
    Website
    +1 (909) 382-2851

    "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"

    "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."

    4. Heaton flats

    1 Review
    Mount Baldy, CA
    28 miles
    Website

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

    3 Reviews
    Lytle Creek, CA
    39 miles
    Website
    +1 (909) 382-2851

    "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."

    "Easy in and out but next to train tracks. Quick stop friendly ;)"

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Anaheim, CA

15 Reviews of 5 Anaheim Campgrounds


  • 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.

  • 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!

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 26, 2024

    Angeles Crest Overlook to LA

    Great view

    Great view but on the weekend we had multiple cars doing donuts really close to our van. I felt uncomfortable with that. Next night we moved to the other look out and someone still did donuts behind us- it’s a smaller lookout. Loud music and people talking next to us until about 1 am there is a pull off before this that was very quiet near a trail and nobody bothered us. During the week it’s more quiet. Close to town so that is a plus. Would recommend to smaller vans or car sleepers. I did not feel unsafe except for the donuts that happened near us. If you have dogs I would recommend the trail pull off my dogs really enjoyed the hike

  • Panda V.
    Sep. 7, 2022

    Stockton Flats Yellow Post Sites 3-8

    Great spot for dispersed camping

    First time headed out here and it was a great spot for a disconnected weekend. 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.


Guide to Anaheim

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Anaheim, California, where nature enthusiasts can enjoy the great outdoors without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, there's something for everyone looking to escape the city.

Dispersed campers should check out Heaton Flats

  • Located near the trailhead to the Bridge to Nowhere, Heaton Flats provides a spacious area for camping, though it can get busy on weekends.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Anaheim, California

  • Always check for current regulations, as camping outside established campgrounds in the Angeles National Forest can be restricted; staying informed is crucial when visiting Heaton Flats.

Scenic views and accessibility at Rim of the World Byway

  • The Rim of the World Byway offers easy access for both tents and RVs, making it a convenient stop for those looking to enjoy the scenic beauty of the area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find free camping near Disneyland in Anaheim?

Free camping options near Disneyland are limited, requiring a drive into surrounding mountains. The Angeles Crest Overlook to LA offers free roadside camping with city views about 40 miles from Anaheim. It's essentially a pull-off area along Angeles Crest Highway where you can sleep in your vehicle. Be aware that this spot attracts visitors throughout the night and can get noisy with cars. For more established free camping, head to the San Bernardino Mountains. Always check the Angeles National Forest website for current camping regulations as fire restrictions and closures can affect availability.

What are the best places to boondock near Anaheim?

The best boondocking options near Anaheim are in the surrounding mountain areas. Rim of the World Byway offers convenient dispersed camping just off I-15, with spots suitable for various rig sizes. Some areas are accessible with standard vehicles while others may require 4WD. For a more secluded experience, Stockton Flats Yellow Post Sites 3-8 provides designated dispersed camping in a natural setting, though 4x4 vehicles are recommended for access. These sites have no amenities but offer beautiful surroundings. Arrive early, especially on weekends, as the best spots fill quickly.

What is dispersed camping and where can I do it near Anaheim?

Dispersed camping is primitive camping outside of designated campgrounds, typically with no facilities, water, or restrooms. Near Anaheim, Heaton Flats in Angeles National Forest offers dispersed camping options, though you must check current forest regulations as they change frequently—camping is usually limited to 7 days. You'll need to be self-sufficient with water, waste disposal, and fire safety. Always follow Leave No Trace principles. For dispersed camping, you should be prepared with maps, as sites aren't marked and may be difficult to find. Check the Forest Service website before heading out, as fire restrictions and seasonal closures are common in Southern California's national forests.