Dispersed camping near Chino Hills, California requires driving between 1-2 hours to reach suitable locations in the San Bernardino Mountains or Angeles National Forest. Most primitive camping areas sit at elevations between 5,000-7,000 feet, creating temperature differences of 15-20 degrees cooler than Chino Hills. Winter access is frequently limited by snow, while summer months often bring fire restrictions that can change on short notice.
What to do
Hiking opportunities: Mill Creek Dispersed Camping provides immediate access to forest trails. "Great free camping when campgrounds are booked. Easy to navigate with GPS. Many large and small sites along the road," notes camper Dickie Simmons.
Creek exploration: Vivian Creek Camp offers waterfall access in San Gorgonio Wilderness. "There is a lovely creek that lead to a waterfall that some repel down. If you hike down to the creek and head South, that is where you will find the end of the waterfall," reports Brittany N.
Rock climbing: Mormon Rocks near dispersed camping along Rim of the World Scenic Byway provide climbing opportunities. "By Rim of the world scenic byway and mormon rocks. Easy in and out but next to train tracks," explains Joe R.
What campers like
City views: Angeles Crest Overlook offers panoramic views of Los Angeles. "This is just a few parking lots that overlook the valley and gives a view of the city skyline in the distance. The view is gorgeous in the morning sunrise!" shares Valerie.
Proximity to Big Bear: Dispersed camping near Big Bear Lake provides wilderness experience close to town amenities. "First come first served dispersed camping just outside Big Bear. Near bike trails," according to Eileen S.
Budget-friendly options: Mill Creek Dispersed Camping offers free sites with decent cell coverage. "Good cellular reception in my particular location," notes Dickie Simmons, while Connor M. adds, "Overall great campground, there are definitely some permanent residents but there is more than enough spots to have some privacy."
What you should know
Vehicle requirements: Stockton Flats Yellow Post Sites demands proper vehicles. "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," reports Panda V.
Road conditions: Many primitive sites near Chino Hills require careful driving. "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. about Stockton Flats.
Wildlife encounters: Rattlesnakes appear frequently during warmer months. "Becaful here though for I have seen a rattle snake not to far from the camp!" cautions a Vivian Creek Camp visitor.
Tips for camping with families
School parking lot option: Hare School Park offers an unexpected overnight option closer to town. "I've been here for a couple days and nobody's mess with us. There's a dog park kind of area with a big field they can run around and just clean up after them," shares Rockstar C.
Weekday timing: Schedule trips Monday-Thursday for better site selection. "Was not crowded mid week, but spots were filling up closer to the weekend. There are a lot of flat spots to choose from," advises a Mill Creek camper.
Forest permits: Children under 18 camp free but permits are still required for wilderness areas. San Gorgonio Wilderness requires advance permits for all overnight stays, regardless of age.
Tips from RVers
Site accessibility: Rim of the World Byway offers larger vehicle access. "I wanted a place where I could let Bella off leach, so I put it in 4 wheel drive to pull my TAB trailer. Found a good spot. I can see other bigger rigs they did not require 4x4," shares Gregg P.
Navigation warnings: Many GPS systems provide incorrect directions to primitive sites. "Use Google Maps; Waze takes you the wrong way, cause it's just right off the freeway, not down a long, very bumpy dirt road," advises Alexander B. about Rim of the World Byway.
Challenging access: Most dispersed sites aren't suitable for larger RVs. "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. about Mill Creek.
