Best Dispersed Camping near Blue Jay, CA

Blue Jay, CA is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Blue Jay is surrounded by family-friendly activities. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Blue Jay, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Blue Jay, California (21)

    1. East Flats

    8 Reviews
    32 Photos
    272 Saves
    San Bernardino National Forest, California
    • Pets
    • Dispersed
    • WiFi
    • Alcohol

    2. Holcomb Valley Climbers Camp

    6 Reviews
    36 Photos
    441 Saves
    Big Bear Lake, California
    • Pets
    • Dispersed
    • Alcohol

    3. Mill Creek Dispersed Camping

    5 Reviews
    4 Photos
    346 Saves
    Fawnskin, California

    Dispersed, or undeveloped, camping provides more solitude and an opportunity to “rough it.” There are many camping opportunities in general forest areas as well as in wilderness areas. Know before you go: Before traveling visit or call the nearest Ranger Station for current fire restrictions and area closures. No wood or charcoal campfires (check current fire restrictions before you go). Vehicles must remain on roads and associated pullouts. Do not clear vegetation. Portable gas-powered stoves, lanterns and fire rings with a fuel-shutoff valve allowed with a California Campfire Permit and five feet clearance from vegetation. Camp at least 200 feet from springs, water, meadows, trails and roads. Camp at least a quarter-mile from designated campgrounds, picnic areas, trailheads. Camp at least a quarter-mile from private property and state highways. Pack out all trash. Leave no trace!

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Tents
    • Dispersed
    • Alcohol

    4. San Gorgonio Summit Camp

    5 Reviews
    55 Photos
    176 Saves
    Forest Falls, California

    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://www.sgwa.org/contact-us

    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
    • Dispersed
    • Alcohol

    5. Stockton Flats Yellow Post Sites 3-8

    4 Reviews
    6 Photos
    277 Saves
    Wrightwood, California

    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

    6. Bear Lake

    1 Review
    60 Saves
    Big Bear Lake, California

    The number of visitors admitted to the wilderness is limited. On summer weekends some wilderness areas may fill to capacity well in advance. Wilderness campsites are accessible by foot and/or horseback only and require a free wilderness permit, which may be reserved up to three months in advance. Use of certain trailheads that have facilities like restrooms require an Adventure Pass or an Interagency Pass, which must be displayed on the parked vehicle. When camping in the wilderness, lightweight stoves are recommended. Campfires are not allowed in Wilderness areas on the San Bernardino National Forest. No wood or charcoal campfires (Read the current fire restrictions) Vehicles must remain on roads and associated pullouts Do not clear vegetation Portable gas-powered stoves, lanterns and fire rings with a fuel-shutoff valve allowed with a California Campfire Permit and five feet clearance from vegetation. Camp at least 200 feet from springs, water, meadows, trails and roads Camp at least a quarter-mile from designated campgrounds, picnic areas, trailheads Camp at least a quarter-mile from private property and state highways Pack out all trash Leave no trace For more information, please read the Forest Order on use of dispersed areas: https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5155166.pdf

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Dispersed
    • Alcohol

    7. High Creek Camp - San Gorgonio Wilderness

    2 Reviews
    11 Photos
    30 Saves
    Forest Falls, California

    Group 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://www.sgwa.org/contact-us

    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
    • RVs
    • Dispersed
    • Drinking Water

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

    1 Review
    14 Photos
    56 Saves
    Lytle Creek, California

    Please remember to LNT at dispersed campgrounds

    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Dispersed

    9. Vivian Creek Camp

    1 Review
    9 Photos
    44 Saves
    Forest Falls, California

    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://www.sgwa.org/contact-us

    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
    • Dispersed
    • Alcohol

    10. Bell Mountain Road

    1 Review
    15 Saves
    Apple Valley, California
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Dispersed
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Showing results 1-10 of 21 campgrounds

Recent Dispersed Reviews near Blue Jay, CA

40 Reviews of 21 Blue Jay Campgrounds



Guide to Blue Jay

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Blue Jay, California, where nature lovers can find serene spots away from the crowds. With a variety of locations to choose from, you can enjoy the great outdoors while soaking in the stunning landscapes of the San Bernardino National Forest.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Blue Jay, California

  • Make sure to arrive early to secure a good spot, especially at popular locations like Mill Creek Dispersed Camping, where many sites fill up quickly during peak times.
  • Bring a vehicle with good clearance, as some roads can be rough; for instance, Holcomb Valley Climbers Camp requires a 4x4 or all-wheel drive for access.
  • Be prepared for limited amenities; places like Vivian Creek Camp offer a more rustic experience with no drinking water or toilets available.

Dispersed campers should check out Holcomb Valley Climbers Camp

  • This location is well-reviewed for its peaceful forest setting, making it a great escape for those looking to unwind in nature.
  • The area is rich in history, as it was the site of gold discovery in the 1800s, providing a unique backdrop for your camping experience.
  • With plenty of space and the option for wild camping, you can enjoy solitude while still being close to trails for hiking and exploration.

Enjoy wildlife sightings while free camping near Blue Jay

  • At East Flats, campers have reported seeing deer and other wildlife, making it a fantastic spot for nature enthusiasts.
  • The clear skies and fresh air create an ideal environment for stargazing at night, especially in less crowded areas.
  • Many sites, like Bear Lake, allow for campfires, enhancing the experience of enjoying the great outdoors while surrounded by the sounds of nature.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Blue Jay, CA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Blue Jay, CA is East Flats with a 4.6-star rating from 8 reviews.

  • What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Blue Jay, CA?

    TheDyrt.com has all 21 dispersed camping locations near Blue Jay, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.