Top Free Dispersed Camping near Angeles National Forest

If you're looking for a place to dispersed camp near Angeles National Forest, look no further. Dispersed camping is an excellent way to get away from it all and to disconnect. Each dispersed site offers quick access to one or more of Angeles National Forest's most popular destinations.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Angeles National Forest, CA (10)

    Camper-submitted photo from Angeles Crest Overlook to LA
    • No image available

      2. willow springs blm

      1 Review
      4 Saves
      • RVs
      • Tents
      • Standard (Tent/RV)
      Camper-submitted photo from Stockton Flats Yellow Post Sites 3-8
      Camper-submitted photo from Stockton Flats Yellow Post Sites 3-8
      Camper-submitted photo from Stockton Flats Yellow Post Sites 3-8
      Camper-submitted photo from Stockton Flats Yellow Post Sites 3-8
      Camper-submitted photo from Stockton Flats Yellow Post Sites 3-8
      Camper-submitted photo from Stockton Flats Yellow Post Sites 3-8

      3. Stockton Flats Yellow Post Sites 3-8

      4 Reviews
      6 Photos
      254 Saves

      These remote camping sites offer isolated scenic locations ideal for tent and car camping or a relaxing picnic far from the crowds. Other than a pit for campfires, these sites do NOT contain the amenities found at developed campgrounds. There is no water, no picnic tables, no restrooms nearby, and no trash containers. Please pack it in - pack it out! All sites are first-come, first-served. Campfire permits are required for any type of fire use - campfires, charcoal BBQ's, or stoves. Campfires may not be allowed certain times of the year. See Current Conditions below or call the Lytle Creek Ranger Station (909-382-2851). These Yellow Post Sites are reached via Forest Road 3N06. Please refer to the Yellow-post site map available by clicking on this link or for free at the Lytle Creek Ranger Station. High-clearance vehicles are recommended for reaching all sites. Four-wheel drive vehicles may also be required depending on current road conditions.

      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Tents
      • Group
      • Dispersed
      • Alcohol
      Camper-submitted photo from Heaton flats
      Camper-submitted photo from Heaton flats
      Camper-submitted photo from Heaton flats
      Camper-submitted photo from Heaton flats
      Camper-submitted photo from East Mojave Camp
      Camper-submitted photo from East Mojave Camp
      Camper-submitted photo from East Mojave Camp

      5. East Mojave Camp

      1 Review
      3 Photos
      30 Saves
      • Pets
      • Phone Service
      • ADA Access
      • Dispersed
      • Alcohol
      Camper-submitted photo from Rim of the World Byway (near 15 fwy south) Dispersed
      Camper-submitted photo from Rim of the World Byway (near 15 fwy south) Dispersed
      Camper-submitted photo from Rim of the World Byway (near 15 fwy south) Dispersed
      Camper-submitted photo from Rim of the World Byway (near 15 fwy south) Dispersed
      Camper-submitted photo from Rim of the World Byway (near 15 fwy south) Dispersed
      Camper-submitted photo from Rim of the World Byway (near 15 fwy south) Dispersed

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

      1 Review
      14 Photos
      40 Saves

      Please remember to LNT at dispersed campgrounds

      • RVs
      • Tents
      • Standard (Tent/RV)
      • Dispersed
      • No image available
        • No image available

          8. Lane Ranch Campground — Hungry Valley State Vehicular Recreation Area

          Be the first to review!
          15 Saves

          Hungry Valley SVRA is the third largest unit of California State Park's Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division. Located in the Tejon Pass north of Los Angeles and along the Interstate 5 corridor, Hungry Valley offers 19,000 acres and more than 130 miles of scenic trails for motorcycle, All-Terrain Vehicles (ATV), dune buggies, and 4x4 recreation. All levels of OHV operator skills will be challenged by the wide variety of terrain and trails at Hungry Valley SVRA.

          Elevations at Hungry Valley range from 3,000 to nearly 6,000 feet. Occasional snowfalls occur during the winter. Summers are most often hot, dry and dusty. The most pleasant times of the year for OHV fun are during the Spring and Fall months when the temperatures are mild and occasional rain showers make for good traction and reduced dust. Nighttime temperatures often drop below freezing in the Spring and Fall, as well as during the Winter.

          The wide variety of trails at Hungry Valley provides excitement for both beginner and experienced off-roaders. For experienced OHVers challenging trails can be found in the hills and sand washes of the back- country section of the SVRA. Beginners can enjoy the scenery and relative ease of the trails in the Native Grasslands Management Area. Trails in the adjoining Los Padres National Forest are recommended for experienced riders only.

          Recreational Land Management Providing long-term, sustained OHV recreation opportunity is a top priority in SVRA Management. Provisions in California law require actions to stabilize soils and to provide for healthy wildlife populations in OHV recreation areas. Projects are ongoing to stabilize soil areas by reshaping slopes, reseeding and replanting bare areas. Vegetation creates wildlife habitat while plant roots help stabilize the soil. Project areas are temporarily closed to OHV use through the use of barriers, such as fences, hay bales, brush piles and signing. Where possible, well-designed OHV trails are provided through project areas. Other project areas may be closed for a number of years before being opened again for OHV use. Your understanding and support in staying out of areas closed for restoration helps ensure OHV recreation opportunities for years to come.

          Where to get help The State Park Rangers who patrol Hungry Valley SVRA are peace officers, who are trained Emergency Medical Responders. Entrance station employees and park maintenance personnel can also summon medical help. If no State Park personnel are available, dial 911 from any telephone. Pay phones are located at many business locations in Gorman. Cellular telephone coverage is intermittent throughout most of the SVRA. There are no emergency medical facilities in Gorman. The nearest hospital to Hungry Valley SVRA is Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital, located approximately 30 miles to the south in Valencia. To drive to the hospital, take Interstate Highway 5 south to the McBean Parkway exit and turn left (east) on McBean Parkway. Henry Mayo Hospital is located approximately one mile from I-5 on the left-hand side at 23845 McBean Parkway.

          • Fires
          • RVs
          • Tents
          • Dispersed
          • Toilets
          • No image available
            • No image available

            Recent Dispersed Reviews In Angeles National Forest

            13 Reviews of 10 Angeles National Forest Campgrounds


            • Leslie R.The Dyrt PRO User
              Camper-submitted photo from Heaton flats
              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.

            • JThe Dyrt PRO User
              Camper-submitted photo from Stockton Flats Yellow Post Sites 3-8
              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.

            • Joseph R.
              Camper-submitted photo from Angeles Crest Overlook to LA
              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.

            • N
              Camper-submitted photo from Angeles Crest Overlook to LA
              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

            • J
              Camper-submitted photo from Angeles Crest Overlook to LA
              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!

            • V
              Camper-submitted photo from Angeles Crest Overlook to LA
              Dec. 31, 2023

              Angeles Crest Overlook to LA

              Parking Lot w/ Incredible View

              This is just a few parking lots that overlook the valley and gives a view of the city skyline in the distance. Several others were also sleeping in their vehicles along the road and in the parking lots, so you won’t be alone. There were two others in our lot that stayed the night too. The view is gorgeous in the morning sunrise!

              That being said, it did seem like maybe a teen hangout or something - cars did flow in and out occasionally through the night until around midnight, so that wasn’t great but not awful either. I’d use it again if I needed it as it’s hard to find free places to sleep with a great view like that when traveling through cities.

            • Iris A.
              Camper-submitted photo from Angeles Crest Overlook to LA
              Aug. 30, 2023

              Angeles Crest Overlook to LA

              dispersed camping next to the road

              It is not a real campground, just a the parking area of a view point. So the view was great. I parked at one end of the area but in the evening lots of couples and teenagers came and the parking area was well used. Some people stood silently admiring the view, while others played loud music. There were also tire tracks on the ground that suggested to me, some young people come here to test their driving skills. I spent the night and no-one took really notice of me. 

              There are no toilets, campfire sites or shade but good cell service.

            • S
              Camper-submitted photo from East Mojave Camp
              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.

            • Panda V.
              Camper-submitted photo from Stockton Flats Yellow Post Sites 3-8
              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.

            • Nathaniel C.
              Camper-submitted photo from Stockton Flats Yellow Post Sites 3-8
              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.



            Guide to Angeles National Forest

            Camping near Angeles National Forest, California, offers a fantastic escape into nature with a variety of campgrounds to choose from. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a family-friendly adventure, there's something for everyone in this beautiful area.

            What to do:

            • Hiking: There are numerous trails for all skill levels. Many campers enjoy the Burkhart Trail leading to a waterfall, which one visitor described as “beautiful” during their stay at Buckhorn Campground.
            • Fishing: Anglers can find great spots at nearby lakes. One family at Castaic Lake State Recreation Area noted, “Fishing was fantastic, hiking was breathtaking. Loved every minute.”
            • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for bears and other wildlife. A camper at Chilao Campground shared their experience of encountering a bear at night, saying, “We yelled ‘go bear’ and it did in fact, go.”

            What campers like:

            • Clean Facilities: Many campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms. One visitor at Bonelli Bluffs remarked, “Possibly the cleanest public bathroom I've ever seen.”
            • Friendly Staff: Campers often mention the helpfulness of the staff. A reviewer at Crystal Lake Rec Area Campground said, “Very nice and friendly people work at the cafe at the entrance.”
            • Scenic Views: Campgrounds like Table Mountain Campground offer stunning views. One camper noted, “Really nice spot with amazing views.”

            What you should know:

            • Crowded on Weekends: Many campgrounds fill up quickly on weekends. A camper at Soledad Canyon RV and Camping Resort mentioned, “The weekdays are really quiet, maybe 15 to 20 RVs in the F area, but weekends fill up completely.”
            • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may lack certain amenities. A visitor at Lake Piru Recreation Area pointed out, “It’s a little hard to feel like you’re getting away with how close the sites are to each other.”
            • Wildlife Precautions: Bears are known to roam in the area. A camper at Coldbrook Campground advised, “Be careful with your garbage and everything around it as bears appear looking for food.”

            Tips for camping with families:

            • Bring Entertainment: Some campgrounds lack playgrounds or activities for kids. A family at Bonelli Bluffs had to get creative to keep their children entertained due to the absence of such facilities.
            • Plan for Distance: If you’re near a lake, be prepared for a longer walk. One family at Crystal Lake Rec Area Campground found the walk to the lake longer than expected, making spontaneous trips less feasible.
            • Pack Snacks: Having snacks on hand can help keep kids happy during downtime. A camper at Buckhorn Campground enjoyed the peacefulness and noted that it was a great spot for family BBQs.

            Tips from RVers:

            • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A visitor at Soledad Canyon RV and Camping Resort mentioned that some sites are not suitable for larger RVs.
            • Be Prepared for Limited Connectivity: Many campgrounds have poor cell reception. A camper at Thousand Trails Soledad Canyon noted, “We normally have pretty bad cell reception.”
            • Bring Your Own Wi-Fi: If you need internet access, consider using a mobile hotspot or satellite service. A reviewer at Soledad Canyon RV and Camping Resort mentioned that Starlink works well if you don’t park under trees.

            Camping near Angeles National Forest, California, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors with family and friends. With a little planning and the right expectations, you can have a memorable experience in this beautiful area.

            Frequently Asked Questions

            • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Angeles National Forest?

              According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Angeles National Forest is Angeles Crest Overlook to LA with a 3-star rating from 6 reviews.

            • What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Angeles National Forest?

              TheDyrt.com has all 10 dispersed camping locations near Angeles National Forest, with real photos and reviews from campers.