Best Dispersed Camping near Beverly Hills, CA

Angeles National Forest offers dispersed camping opportunities within a 30-60 minute drive from Beverly Hills. Primary options include Angeles Crest Overlook, which functions as an informal overnight parking area rather than a traditional campsite, and Stockton Flats Yellow Post Sites, located deeper in the forest. Additional primitive sites can be found at Heaton Flats and Big Cone Camp in Santa Paula Canyon, though these require hiking to access.

Vehicle access varies significantly between locations. Angeles Crest Overlook consists of roadside pullouts along Angeles Crest Highway with no amenities, no restrooms, and no water sources. Reviews indicate this area serves more as an emergency stopover than a proper camping destination. Stockton Flats requires four-wheel drive and high-clearance vehicles to navigate unpaved forest roads. Fire restrictions apply seasonally throughout the forest, with complete bans common during high fire danger periods. Most locations lack basic facilities, requiring visitors to pack out all waste and bring sufficient water.

These primitive sites present distinct challenges and experiences. Angeles Crest Overlook provides panoramic views of Los Angeles but experiences frequent nighttime traffic and activity. "It is not a real campground, just the parking area of a viewpoint. In the evening lots of couples and teenagers came and the parking area was well used," noted one visitor. Another mentioned, "It's basically car camping along Angeles Crest highway... kids do tend to party up here and drive about 100 miles an hour up and down the road." Stockton Flats offers more traditional dispersed camping further from urban areas, with one camper reporting it as "a great spot for a disconnected weekend." Primitive hiking-access sites like Big Cone Camp provide greater seclusion but require carrying in all supplies.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Beverly Hills, California (5)

    1. Angeles Crest Overlook to LA

    8 Reviews
    La Cañada Flintridge, CA
    16 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."

    2. Hare School Park

    1 Review
    Westminster, CA
    32 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."

    3. Stockton Flats Yellow Post Sites 3-8

    4 Reviews
    Wrightwood, CA
    49 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. Big Cone Camp - Santa Paula Canyon

    1 Review
    Santa Paula, CA
    45 miles
    Website

    "The trail has changed many times over the years because of the nature of flooding through the canyon, but follow the signs through the middle of the canyon and the main trail will head up the mountain"

    5. Heaton flats

    1 Review
    Mount Baldy, CA
    38 miles
    Website
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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Beverly Hills, CA

6 Photos of 5 Beverly Hills Campgrounds


Dispersed Camping Reviews near Beverly Hills, CA

13 Reviews of 5 Beverly Hills 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.

  • 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

  • robherr The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 12, 2018

    Big Cone Camp - Santa Paula Canyon

    Local easy hike to great waterfalls

    This is a fairly easy hike through what would not be considered a typical hike. It starts off going through Thomas Aquinas College, winding through horse property and oil fields, before finally opening up into Santa Paula Canyon. The trail has changed many times over the years because of the nature of flooding through the canyon, but follow the signs through the middle of the canyon and the main trail will head up the mountain to the right.

    Atop the hill on the saddle, nestled among the trees is the primitive Big Cone campsite. It is one of my favorite spots simply because it is close and when my kids were young it was a fairly easy hike to get to, and there's a nice reward when you get there.

    From Big Cone Camp you can easily reach the waterfalls and pools that make this area known as the "punch bowls". Depending on weather and water conditions there are some nice water rock slides, and a few pools you can jump from the cliffs into.

    Please pack out your trash. Because this hike is local and easy, there are many party people that frequent the area and leave their trash.

  • 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.

  • Andrew S.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 30, 2024

    Angeles Crest Overlook to LA

    Not a campsite

    This is literally just a roadside pull-off. Only really useful in a pinch. No space for a tent. Sleep in your vehicle.


Guide to Beverly Hills

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Beverly Hills, California, where you can escape the hustle and bustle of city life and immerse yourself in nature. With a variety of options available, you can find the perfect spot to unwind and enjoy the great outdoors.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Beverly Hills, California

  • Always check for any local regulations or restrictions before setting up camp, as some areas may have specific rules regarding camping, like at Heaton Flats.
  • Bring all necessary supplies, including water and food, since many dispersed camping spots, such as Angeles Crest Overlook to LA, lack amenities like drinking water and toilets.
  • Be prepared for potential noise from nearby roads or parties, especially in popular areas like Stockton Flats Yellow Post Sites 3-8, where you might encounter lively gatherings.

Dispersed campers should check out Big Cone Camp - Santa Paula Canyon

  • This spot offers a scenic hike leading to beautiful waterfalls, making it a great destination for families looking for a rewarding outdoor experience at Big Cone Camp - Santa Paula Canyon.
  • The area is known for its picturesque views and natural beauty, perfect for those who appreciate a more primitive camping experience.
  • Remember to pack out your trash to help maintain the cleanliness of this popular hiking route.

Enjoy thrilling activities while free camping near Beverly Hills

  • For those seeking adventure, the trails around Heaton Flats provide access to exciting hikes and the famous Bridge to Nowhere.
  • If you're into off-roading, the paths leading to Stockton Flats Yellow Post Sites 3-8 are ideal for 4x4 enthusiasts looking to explore rugged terrain.
  • Keep an eye out for wildlife and enjoy the serene surroundings while camping at Angeles Crest Overlook to LA, where you can also take in stunning views of the landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Beverly Hills, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Beverly Hills, 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 Beverly Hills, CA?

TheDyrt.com has all 5 dispersed camping locations near Beverly Hills, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.