Top Free Dispersed Camping near Anza, CA
Looking for dispersed camping near Anza? Dispersed camping is the perfect way to get off the grid. Find the perfect dispersed campsite for your next adventure.
Best Dispersed Sites Near Anza, CA (32)
1. South Ridge Yellow Post Sites
2 Reviews•7 Photos•45 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- RVs
- Tents
- Group
2. Joshua Tree Lake Dispersed Camping
33 Reviews•60 Photos•612 Saves- Pets
- ADA Access
- RVs
- Tents
- Group
- Standard (Tent/RV)
4. Mecca Hills Wilderness
8 Reviews•17 Photos•270 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- RVs
- Tents
- Group
- Standard (Tent/RV)
5. San Gorgonio Summit Camp
5 Reviews•55 Photos•170 SavesLimited, but free wilderness permits for day hiking and overnight camping are required for the San Gorgonio Wilderness and the Cucamonga Wilderness Permits – they are issued by the San Gorgonio Wilderness Association, a Forest Service partner. Parts of the San Gorgonio Wilderness, including the San Bernardino Peak Trail, are still closed due to the El Dorado fire. Upon completion of your reservation request. you will receive a download. Please retain this download as your permit reservation. You may keep a copy on your phone and show it to a ranger as verification of your permit or you can print it out. If you do not receive a permit use the contact link here: https://sgwa.org/contact/ The Vivian Creek Trail is the shortest and the steepest route to the summit of Mt. San Gorgonio, located in the San Gorgonio Wilderness on the Sand to Snow National Monument. One and two-tenths miles from the trailhead is Vivian Creek Camp (7,100'). Campsites are located upslope to the right of the trail after reaching the stream: one is halfway up the slope, and the other is at the top of the slope (no camping within 200 feet of the trail or creek). One and three-tenths miles from Vivian Creek Camp is Halfway Camp (8,100'). Water is obtained from the creek 200 yards before camp. Two and three-tenths miles further is High Creek Camp (water available - 9,200'). The summit of San Gorgonio (11,499') is 3 miles beyond High Creek. The upper end of this trail offers outstanding views of Yucaipa Ridge and Galena Peak, as well as sweeping panoramic views from the top of Mt. San Gorgonio. General info: No water available. No campfires allowed. Portable gas stoves are allowed with a valid California Campfire Permit. No camping within 200 feet of the trail or creek Wilderness Permit Required - this is a very popular trail, especially on summer weekends. It is suggested you request your permit in advance. Wilderness Permit applications are accepted up to 90 days in advance of your trip. Permits can be obtained from sgwa.org. Fee: Adventure Pass Required $5/day or $30/year. Interagency Passes also accepted.
- Pets
- Tents
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
6. Joshua Tree North BLM
16 Reviews•36 Photos•153 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- RVs
- Tents
- Group
7. Peg Leg Dispersed
1 Review•7 Photos•37 Saves- Pets
- Phone Service
- RVs
- Tents
- Group
- Standard (Tent/RV)
8. Box Canyon Dispersed
5 Reviews•18 Photos•201 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
9. Coachwhip Canyon
3 Reviews•6 Photos•62 SavesAccessibility is not guaranteed, always scout ahead before driving down dirt roads. Learn more: https://www.campendium.com/camping/boondocking-101/
- Pets
- Phone Service
- RVs
- Tents
- Group
- Standard (Tent/RV)
10. High Creek Camp - San Gorgonio Wilderness
2 Reviews•11 Photos•28 SavesGroup size limited to 12 people and 8 pack/riding animals per group. No campfires allowed. Portable gas stoves are allowed with a valid California Campfire Permit. Limited, but free wilderness permits for day hiking and overnight camping are required for the San Gorgonio Wilderness and the Cucamonga Wilderness Permits – they are issued by the San Gorgonio Wilderness Association, a Forest Service partner. Parts of the San Gorgonio Wilderness, including the San Bernardino Peak Trail, are still closed due to the El Dorado fire. Upon completion of your reservation request. you will receive a download. Please retain this download as your permit reservation. You may keep a copy on your phone and show it to a ranger as verification of your permit or you can print it out. If you do not receive a permit use the contact link here: https://sgwa.org/contact/ The Vivian Creek Trail is the shortest and the steepest route to the summit of Mt. San Gorgonio, located in the San Gorgonio Wilderness on the Sand to Snow National Monument. One and two-tenths miles from the trailhead is Vivian Creek Camp (7,100'). Campsites are located upslope to the right of the trail after reaching the stream: one is halfway up the slope, and the other is at the top of the slope (no camping within 200 feet of the trail or creek). One and three-tenths miles from Vivian Creek Camp is Halfway Camp (8,100'). Water is obtained from the creek 200 yards before camp. Two and three-tenths miles further is High Creek Camp (water available - 9,200'). The summit of San Gorgonio (11,499') is 3 miles beyond High Creek. The upper end of this trail offers outstanding views of Yucaipa Ridge and Galena Peak, as well as sweeping panoramic views from the top of Mt. San Gorgonio. General info: No water available. No campfires allowed. Portable gas stoves are allowed with a valid California Campfire Permit. No camping within 200 feet of the trail or creek Wilderness Permit Required - this is a very popular trail, especially on summer weekends. It is suggested you request your permit in advance. Wilderness Permit applications are accepted up to 90 days in advance of your trip. Permits can be obtained from sgwa.org. Fee: Adventure Pass Required $5/day or $30/year. Interagency Passes also accepted.
- Pets
- Fires
- Reservable
- Tents
- Dispersed
- Drinking Water
Showing results 1-10 of 32 campgrounds
Recent Dispersed Reviews In Anza
135 Reviews of 32 Anza Campgrounds
- T
Tony B.
Traveler
South Ridge Yellow Post Sites
Awesome dispersed site with amazing views
Very nice to find a campsite this private on a weekend in southern California elevation is high enough that temperatures were very enjoyable (mid 80's)
Gabriel S.
Scout
Pine Creek Road Camp
Nice quick and easy getaway
Quite easy to get to. I drive an Acura RDX and had no problems (I actually had a lot of fun driving the road).
There were way more flies than we were expecting. Prepare to get swarmed. Luckily just gnats and no mosquitoes from what we experienced.
We applied for a permit on Friday and did not get it by Saturday when we departed. Luckily, no rangers patrolled during our stay.
Some spots with good shade.
- ddavidTraveler
Pine Creek Road Camp
Peaceful and secluded
A great spot if you want to get away and enjoy some alone time. It’s a little warm in the day in august this time of year so you can’t hike around or explore too much. My girlfriend and I stopped in Julian on our way out to get a late lunch and then head to the campsite. The road is paved until you turn off Lone Creek Road and then it is a dirt road. I have a stock Rav4 and it was able to drive on it although there are a few spots you need to be careful at so you don’t scrape the bottom of your car. We only spent one night but we never saw another person during our stay
Rose D.Traveler
Blair Valley
Quiet
Peaceful dispersed campground. Wide open great views. Didn’t even know I had neighbors until I walked around in the morning and saw neighboring campers over the hill. Clear skies when I went back in November, could get pretty windy. Saw some coyotes pass by my camp.
- SSamay C.Traveler
East Flats
Great secluded location
First time car camping. Solo trip with my fur babies. Trails a little rough but good thing I have X-Mode on my Subaru. Lol. Arrived around 5:30pm on a Wednesday. Drove past a few campers. A few with big RV’s. Closest camper is about 30 yards away. Could barely hear their generator running. Planned on staying a few nights but after the first night I was told there was a big archery event and that the whole campground was reserved so I had to pack up and leave.
- DDee M.Traveler
Mill Creek Dispersed Camping
Over a dozen sites
There are lots of sites on this road. The closer you are to the road the more dust will get in your site from the vehicles passing. The road here. I went a to the second fork after the Bluff lake fork. There’s a private campground near the Bluff Lake entrance which made noises i can hear from my site which was before Bluffs lake fork. There are over a dozen sites along the main road. If you can pull in, it’s a site. Some better than others and spaced out so you may not see your neighbors from your site. 2x4 accessible as long as it’s not muddy or after snow. I saw a Prius on the trail.
Connor M.
GuideMill Creek Dispersed Camping
Plenty of Spots
Overall great campground, there are definitely some permanent residents but there is more than enough spots to have some privacy.
Kique S.TravelerSouth Ridge Yellow Post Sites
Great spot!
This is a great area. I recommend you bring extra mosquito repellent. Have fun!
- CChandra B.Guide
East Flats
Quiet & Fresh Air
We are here RN! It is so peaceful and the air is so fresh! Pines, and clear blue skies! What more can you ask for a few hours away from LA proper…
Dickie Simmons S.TravelerMill Creek Dispersed Camping
Convenient free camping just outside of town
Great free camping when campgrounds are booked. Easy to navigate with GPS. Many large and small sites along the road. Some spots more secluded than others. Smaller rigs, medium clearance and lite off-road capabilities recommended. Good cellular reception in my particular location.
Francisco F.TravelerMill Creek Dispersed Camping
Beautiful Spot For 4x4, But NOT For RVs
My husband and I were looking for good boondocking spots yesterday and we decided to check out this spot, after finding it on The Dyrt and a few other sites. It's definitely a beautiful place, and most of the road to the site is paved, but the road up to the actual spot is gravel, with lots of potholes and washboard areas, which would make it difficult for an RV. But the biggest issue for RVs is an area of the road that is very steep and immediately turns into a hairpin turn that we didn't even want to try in our 4x4, since the road is very thin and our SUV (a 2009 Nissan Pathfinder) is kind of thick. I'm sure it's probably nothing for people who are used to using their 4x4 for more than regular driving in the snow, etc., but it was too dodgy for us. There is no way that even a Class C rig would be able to take that steep incline and immediately do that sharp turn. And since there's nowhere to turn around in that spot, you'd have to back your rig down the incline and then quite a ways down the pitted, gravel road to get out of it.
It's full of trees and seems fairly remote, but we had 5 cars pass us as we were backing away from the incline, so it's obviously a busy spot - you wouldn't be there alone, and this was on a Thursday.
Alexis O.TravelerEast Flats
great spacious area
loved this spot. easy to find & very lowkey, with ample spaces to choose from. no amenities & great cell service.
- RRaymond M.Scout
East Flats
Nice lake!
No amenities but still nice and the price is right!
Carter M.ScoutBlair Valley
Beautiful area but lots of bugs
Here in late May and the bees and other bugs have been nonstop on me the whole time I've been here. It's a really beautiful area and the spots are spacious
- NNani D.Scout
Pine Creek Road Camp
Dispersed Camping
This was a last minute Memorial Day weekend trip with my boyfriend and 2 dogs. Friday sent an email to SM.FS.DescansoRD@usda.gov requesting the free permit (after doing research and finding out you need one), filled out the form, and got it back in the same day. Easy to get there, easy directions once there just make you pass the sign that says leaving the recreation area after that you can find any spot and camp. It was a little bumpy but nothing too bad. Drove with my jeep renegade that isn’t a 4wheel drive. A little busy due to the holiday but not too bad. Cyclist riding by, vehicles, and hikers. Which was nice saying hi. Hardly any service for my carrier which is T-Mobile. Definitely will camp out here again.
- MMo H.Traveler
Painted Canyon
Amazing stars
Absolutely quiet and an amazing starry sky
Ideal for tents
- DDaniel H.Traveler
Joshua Tree Lake Dispersed Camping
GOOD ENOUGH
The area was easy to navigate; even when we pulled in late at night. There were a lot of people coming in and out as well. I wouldn’t recommend if you’re looking for privacy. Aside from that, I would camp if you’re looking for something easy, safe, and accessible.
- JJin S.Scout
Joshua Tree Lake Dispersed Camping
Some areas are private land
Nice area but we were told that some areas have now become private land, so that’s something to watch out for.
Anne M.ScoutBlair Valley
Great weeknight spot
Visited early May. Arrived right before sunset, there were people close to the bathrooms, but lots of space to spread out if you drive a little.
Heather K.
RangerBlair Valley
Great spot for a night or two
Tons of dispersed spots down the road.
- Dickie Simmons S.Traveler
Blair Valley
Great off grid camping w/ easy access
Easy access to most designated campsites. Enjoy the changing colors at dusk. My area had 2 bars of verizion service.
- JJoe C.Scout
Box Canyon Dispersed
Sweet spot
Pretty sandy - would recommend 4wd but i suspect you could get in without. got my jeep deep into the canyon between coachella weekends and was the only person there.
Rainer R.Scout
North Joshua Tree
Nice stay, plenty of space
We arrived early in the afternoon around 4:30 pm and found a vast, open place witziges only few, dispersed campers. Access was easy, Solid ground . Only the partly littered areas prevent us from giving 5 stars.
- AAbe C.Guide
Yaqui Wash
If you just want to get outdoors...
There are a bunch of campsites along a service road that is parallel to a main road, several hundred feet away. This whole area is essentially within one valley, so you have mountains on both sides. It is well vegetated and allows for fairly easy hikes up the soft slopes.
The parking spots are right alongside the road, so for van camping is not so great, but tents can be put away from the road and therefore it's much more suitable for tenting.
The stretch of dirt road closest to the main road is Sandy, but manageable bull in a two wheel drive. This is where most of the campsites are. Further along the road, there are fewer camp sites, so they are more dispersed, however the road becomes more rocky and jutted, but for those wanting a bit more privacy, this is the spot to be.
I would like to come back in camp in this location. So i'm going to mark it to return another time.
- AAbe C.Guide
Yaqui Pass Camp
Easy stop if you need, otherwise keep driving
Drove in..., drove out. As another review noted, it's a big parking lot. Fine if you just need a place to pull over, nothing of value there..., maybe proximity to a hiking trail.
Emmi O.GuideJoshua Tree Lake Dispersed Camping
Ok for one night stay
We arrived late in the evening and spent one night there. There was couple of other campers too, so we felt safe. No trash but smelled like urine. Cell service was okay.
Maura G.ScoutJoshua Tree Lake Dispersed Camping
Stolen Tent
Not a bad spot in close proximity to Joshua Tree, but our tent disappeared from our site on 3/12. We left in the morning to hike and returned to our site to find that every piece of our tent and sleeping gear was gone.
Guide to Anza
Camping near Anza, California, offers a unique blend of stunning landscapes and outdoor adventures. Whether you're into hiking, rock climbing, or just soaking up the sun, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful area.
What to do
- Hiking: Explore the numerous trails in the area. Campers rave about the hikes, with one reviewer noting, "Numerous hikes are nearby for numerous outings and is very family friendly" at Jumbo Rocks Campground.
- Rock Climbing: If you’re into climbing, Hidden Valley is a hotspot. One visitor shared, "The rocks are great to boulder, scramble, or climb on" at Hidden Valley Campground.
- Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. A camper at Indian Cove Campground mentioned, "Talk about waking up with the sound of coyotes in your camp."
What campers like
- Scenic Views: Many campers appreciate the breathtaking views. One reviewer at South Carlsbad State Beach Campground said, "Couldn’t have better views. We watched dolphins and seals playing in the waves."
- Clean Facilities: Clean bathrooms and well-maintained sites are a big plus. A visitor at William Heise County Park noted, "The park was clean and well-maintained, and the staff was friendly and helpful."
- Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Campgrounds like Jumbo Rocks Campground are noted for being family-friendly, with one reviewer stating, "The site is very popular so finding an open site to book can be difficult, but not impossible if you check every day."
What you should know
- Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Hidden Valley Campground, have no water or electric hookups. A camper mentioned, "The Campground offers the most basic accommodations as toilets; no water or showers."
- First-Come, First-Serve: Many sites operate on a first-come, first-serve basis. A visitor at Black Rock Campground said, "The campground while on the edge of Joshua Tree is not really inside the park."
- Crowded During Peak Season: Expect busy weekends, especially in popular spots. One camper at South Carlsbad State Beach Campground noted, "It can get very crowded and packed."
Tips for camping with families
- Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for spots like Jumbo Rocks Campground that offer privacy and fun activities. A reviewer mentioned, "We had a ton of privacy and fun rocks to climb on."
- Plan for Activities: Bring games and outdoor gear to keep kids entertained. One family at William Heise County Park enjoyed fishing, saying, "The hiking trails were great for exploring and getting some exercise."
- Pack Snacks and Meals: Having food on hand can save you trips to the store. A camper at Lake Hemet Campground advised, "Bring your own shade for this campsite, your own water too."
Tips from RVers
- Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Black Rock Campground noted, "The roads could use some work and if you have a RV/Trailer/Van you may want some block to help get you level."
- Be Prepared for Limited Services: Some campgrounds may not have full hookups. A visitor at Indian Cove Campground mentioned, "Smaller rigs only. Not very level sights."
- Plan for Noise: Be ready for some noise from nearby roads or other campers. One camper at San Mateo Campground said, "There is a ton of road noise coming off of the highway even late at night."
Camping near Anza, California, offers a mix of adventure and relaxation. With the right planning, you can enjoy everything this beautiful area has to offer!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Anza, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Anza, CA is South Ridge Yellow Post Sites with a 5-star rating from 2 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Anza, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 32 dispersed camping locations near Anza, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.