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The San Gabriel Mountains and Angeles National Forest provide numerous dispersed camping options within an hour's drive of Claremont, California. East Flats and Holcomb Valley Climbers Camp consistently receive high ratings for their spacious sites and natural settings. Mill Creek Dispersed Camping offers convenient free camping just outside Big Bear, while Stockton Flats Yellow Post Sites provide more remote experiences. The Angeles Crest Highway features several roadside pull-offs that accommodate car camping with scenic views. Most sites are primitive with no amenities, requiring campers to pack in all supplies including water and practice leave-no-trace dispersed camping principles.
Road conditions vary significantly throughout the region, with many sites requiring high-clearance or 4WD vehicles. As one camper noted, "You definitely need a high clearance vehicle. Once you leave the pavement the going gets slower along the trails." Fire restrictions change seasonally, with complete bans common during dry summer months. Camping regulations in Angeles National Forest require vigilance, as one visitor explained: "Camping outside established campgrounds within the Angeles National Forest is sometimes prohibited; you have to be on top of reading recently published orders." Most dispersed sites have a 14-day stay limit, though some areas restrict camping to 7 days or less.
Weekday visits typically offer more solitude than weekends, particularly at popular sites like East Flats where campers report "ample spaces to choose from" and "great cell service." Wildlife encounters include rattlesnakes, particularly during warmer months. The Angeles Crest Overlook areas receive mixed reviews, with some praising the views while others note weekend noise issues: "On weekends we had multiple cars doing donuts really close to our van. During the week it's more quiet." Sites near Big Bear Lake and Jenks Lake provide water access, though these fill quickly during summer months. Campers consistently praise the region for its accessibility to urban areas while offering genuine wilderness experiences.
"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."
"There were some cars parked near the entrance, but if you go a bit further down alongside the road you can find some nice spots."
"It was easy to find and access based on information on The Dyrt posted by other users. Great for train enthusiasts. Lots of traffic noise from the highway."
"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."
"You can overnight park here with your RV without problems."
"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."
"Camping at East Flats was great in mid-June. There are a number of campers, but remote locations are easily found. If you bring pets, be aware they may upset Rattlesnakes."
"As a matter of fact, we got engaged at nearby Jenks Lake and celebrated here after. No facilities, but if you have your supplies, it’s great. There are a couple loops and lots of spots. Enjoy."
"Once you leave the pavement the going gets slower along the trails. You definitely need a high clearance vehicle. There are campgrounds in the area and also yellow post campsites."
"Because the National forest allows dispersed camping, as long as your off the roads and trails, the camping spots are unlimited."
"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. "
"Awesome spot not far outside of town, dirt road has some bumps but nothing crazy. Got up in a 2wd compact SUV with no issues, tons of spots and nice and quiet"
"We pulled in at night and passed a few other people camping, but there are so many little roads/trails around we had no problem finding a spot."
"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."
"This is a dispersed yellow post 9 site. It’s up around 7500ft approximately four miles from Running Springs. I spent three days here and absolutely loved this spot."
GuideGreat 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.
LegendCamping 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.
GuideIf you’re into panning for gold you just might find some along Holcomb Creek. There are active claims in the area so be respectful. Once you leave the pavement the going gets slower along the trails. You definitely need a high clearance vehicle. There are campgrounds in the area and also yellow post campsites. There wasn’t many other vehicles around the times I’ve been out there. Nice scenery and peaceful.
ScoutIt’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.
LegendBecause the National forest allows dispersed camping, as long as your off the roads and trails, the camping spots are unlimited. We like coming here if we want to be guaranteed a spot, no early arrivals or reservations needed. Dogs are allowed, and the trails in the area are dog-friendly.
ScoutWe stayed here for two nights, and it was a pretty pleasant experience! There were some cars parked near the entrance, but if you go a bit further down alongside the road you can find some nice spots. 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.
GuideCamping at East Flats was great in mid-June. There are a number of campers, but remote locations are easily found. If you bring pets, be aware they may upset Rattlesnakes.
ScoutArrived at 2;30 pm. Windy. 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. Interesting view. If your headed north on I15 do not take thirst access road. Almost a 4x4 road.
GuideThe 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.
Dispersed camping near Claremont, California offers access to several wilderness areas within the San Bernardino National Forest. Elevations in the region range from 2,000 to over 8,000 feet, creating varied ecosystems from chaparral to alpine forests. Seasonal fire restrictions typically run from May through November, with complete bans common during high fire danger periods.
Hiking opportunities: East Flats provides easy access to San Gorgonio Mountain trails. "There are wild hikes surrounding the campground that are really fun. Just remember where you camped," reports one visitor who enjoyed spring camping when "we still had a little bit of snow."
Gold panning history: Holcomb Valley Climbers Camp sits in a historically significant area. "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," notes edward W., who recommends high-clearance vehicles for access.
Wildlife viewing: Early mornings at dispersed sites offer opportunities to spot local wildlife. "Saw multiple deer walking by our site," reports a camper at East Flats. Rattlesnakes are common during warmer months, particularly in rocky areas, so maintain awareness while hiking.
Remote camping experiences: Mill Creek Dispersed Camping attracts campers seeking accessibility to Big Bear without campground fees. "Great free camping when campgrounds are booked. Easy to navigate with GPS. Many large and small sites along the road," writes one reviewer who appreciated the good cellular reception.
Night sky viewing: Stockton Flats Yellow Post Sites offers minimal light pollution for stargazing. "Deep in nature, beautiful area, no cost and you can almost always find a spot, even on a Saturday in summer," according to Nathaniel C., who notes the location requires 4WD access.
Convenience to hiking trails: Dispersed sites around Big Bear provide direct trail access. "Near bike trails. Was not crowded mid week, but spots were filling up closer to the weekend," reports Eileen S. about Mill Creek Dispersed Camping, noting "there are a lot of flat spots to choose from."
Vehicle requirements: Many dispersed sites require appropriate vehicles. "You definitely need a high clearance vehicle. Once you leave the pavement the going gets slower along the trails," explains a reviewer about Holcomb Valley. For easier access areas, Bell Mountain Road offers "plenty of parking on the way" without requiring difficult driving.
Camping permit variations: Heaton Flats and other Angeles National Forest areas have specific regulations. "Camping outside established campgrounds within the Angeles National Forest is sometimes prohibited, you have to be on top of reading recently published orders," advises one visitor, noting that rules change frequently.
Site selection timing: Weekday arrivals provide better options. "First time headed out here and it was a great spot for a disconnected weekend. Trail was fun and the sites around has good shade and good size open spots. Best to get there early as possible to secure a spot," recommends a Stockton Flats visitor.
Beginner-friendly locations: Choose established dispersed areas for first-time family camping. "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," shares a family at Mill Creek.
Activity planning: Angeles Crest Overlook to LA provides views but limited recreation space. "If you have dogs I would recommend the trail pull off my dogs really enjoyed the hike," suggests Nicole D., who found quieter spots away from the main overlook areas.
Water considerations: Pack extra water for all family members. East Flats offers no drinking water sources, with one camper noting "no amenities but still nice and the price is right!" Most dispersed camping areas require families to bring all necessary water for drinking, cooking, and basic hygiene.
RV accessibility assessments: Carefully research road conditions before bringing larger rigs. "We found a good spot. I can see other bigger rigs they did not require 4x4. Interesting view," reports an RVer at Rim of the World Byway who successfully navigated with a TAB trailer using 4-wheel drive.
Leveling considerations: Look for naturally flat areas in dispersed camping zones. "The campsite was easy to find there are plenty of spots and they are level multiple spots for a class a 34 foot motorhome," shares a visitor at East Flats, demonstrating that larger rigs can access certain areas with proper planning.
Generator courtesy: When using generators in dispersed camping areas, maintain distance from other campers. "I am far enough away where I don't hear everyone talking," notes an RVer at East Flats, highlighting the importance of spacing when using generators in non-designated campgrounds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Claremont, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Claremont, CA is Stockton Flats Yellow Post Sites 3-8 with a 3-star rating from 4 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Claremont, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 16 dispersed camping locations near Claremont, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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