Dispersed camping near Cedarpines Park, California offers free options on public lands within the San Bernardino National Forest. The area ranges from 5,000 to 11,500 feet in elevation with significant temperature variations between seasons. Many sites require navigation of unmarked forest roads with varying conditions throughout the year, particularly after winter storms or during summer's peak visitation.
What to do
Rock climbing opportunities: Holcomb Valley Climbers Camp attracts climbing enthusiasts but welcomes all campers. "This area is used almost exclusively by rock climbers, but anyone is welcomed. As long as you follow the guidelines for the area, you can set up your tent anywhere you see a spot," notes Les R.
Gold panning history: Search for gold flakes in Holcomb Creek where discoveries date back to the 1800s. "If you're into panning for gold you just might find some along Holcomb Creek. There are active claims in the area so be respectful," advises edward W.
Mountain biking access: East Flats provides convenient access to local trails. "Lots to do with San Gorgonio Mt right here, Jenks Lake, Santa Ana river (and River Trail for MTB)," explains Mike M.
Summit hiking: For experienced hikers seeking a challenge, San Gorgonio Summit Camp offers the ultimate elevation gain. "The hike to the peak was nuts - we stayed at halfway camp in negative degree weather - and then summited on day 2," shares Kate W.
What campers like
Cellular connectivity: Many dispersed sites maintain decent cell service despite their remote locations. At East Flats, campers report consistent reception. "Loved this spot. Easy to find & very lowkey, with ample spaces to choose from. No amenities & great cell service," notes Alexis O.
Wildlife viewing: Forest camping provides opportunities to spot local wildlife. "Starlink internet here was great and we stayed 2 days to work here. Saw multiple deer walking by our site," reports Ciara W.
Sunrise views: Elevated camping spots offer spectacular morning vistas. At San Gorgonio Summit Camp, "We were lucky enough to have a beautiful, clear, not-windy night and morning. Just out of my tent I could see the sun rising," describes Brittany N.
Privacy options: Campers can find secluded spots by venturing deeper into forest roads. "We decided the next day to go a little further in the woods where you're no longer in the campground base. So this is called wild camping. And that was amazing not a single sound far from everybody, off the grid," shares seth B.
What you should know
Vehicle requirements vary: Many roads demand high-clearance or 4WD vehicles. At Stockton Flats Yellow Post Sites, "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," explains Nathaniel C.
Road navigation challenges: Unmarked forest roads can be confusing. "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," warns Joe R.
Seasonal closures: Weather conditions impact accessibility. "The trail was closed as of May 7, 2023, No idea when it will be open," reports Romi E.
Permit requirements: Some wilderness areas mandate permits. For San Gorgonio Summit Camp, campers must obtain wilderness permits before their trip, especially during summer months when they become limited.
Tips for camping with families
Look for flat sites: Some dispersed areas offer more family-friendly terrain than others. At Mill Creek Dispersed Camping, "First come first served dispersed camping just outside Big Bear. Near bike trails. Was not crowded mid week, but spots were filling up closer to the weekend. There are a lot of flat spots to choose from," recommends Eileen S.
Dust management: Be prepared for dusty conditions that affect comfort. "Starlink internet here was great and we stayed 2 days to work here. Saw multiple deer walking by our site. Easy to drag in dust and very annoying," notes Ciara W.
Exploration opportunities: Kids enjoy freedom to roam in forest settings. "The road up to the camp area is a bit rough. We were in a Sprinter and definitely nervous for parts. But, it was worth it once we got there! It's secluded and has enough trees for a hammock. Our kids loved being able to explore, but they were covered in sand/dirt by the end of the trip," shares Allie N.
Site selection for noise reduction: Choose camping spots away from main roads. "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," advises Dee M.
Tips from RVers
Length restrictions matter: Larger RVs face significant limitations on forest roads. "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," warns Francisco F.
Hairpin turns challenge: Sharp turns on steep roads create particular difficulties. "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 is kind of thick," continues Francisco F.
Class A options exist: At Bell Mountain Road, RVers find suitable terrain for larger vehicles. "We didn't follow the directions all the way to the pin, there was plenty of parking on the way. There is some garbage, target shooting in the distance and the occasional maniac driving through too fast and kicking up lots of dust. Generally it was quiet," notes HOWARD S.
Try sites near main entrances: For easier access with larger vehicles, stay closer to main forest roads. "Great spot right off of Jenks Lake Road East that allows dispersed camping. There are a lot of spaces and larger rigs will do just fine within the first 1/4 mile, roads are a bit rough with rock and drainage ditches but our 40' trailer had zero issues," advises Mike M.
