Best Dispersed Camping near El Monte, CA
Searching for a dispersed campsite near El Monte? Dispersed camping is the perfect way to get off the grid. Search dispersed campsites you've visited before, or discover new spots and read camper reviews.
Best Dispersed Sites Near El Monte, CA (4)
1. Angeles Crest Overlook to LA
La Cañada Flintridge, California6 Reviews•1 Photo•78 Saves- Pets
- Phone Service
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
2. Stockton Flats Yellow Post Sites 3-8
Wrightwood, California4 Reviews•6 Photos•257 SavesThese 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
4. Rim of the World Byway (near 15 fwy south) Dispersed
Lytle Creek, California1 Review•14 Photos•44 SavesPlease remember to LNT at dispersed campgrounds
- RVs
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Dispersed
Recent Dispersed Reviews in El Monte
12 Reviews of 4 El Monte Campgrounds
Leslie R.
Legend
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.
Andrew S.
Guide
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.
- JJoe R.Guide
Rim of the World Byway (near 15 fwy south) Dispersed
Easy in and out by mormon rocks
By Rim of the world scenic byway and mormon rocks. Easy in and out but next to train tracks. Quick stop friendly ;)
- JJoe R.Guide
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.
- Joseph R.
ScoutAngeles 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.
- NNicole D.Scout
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
- JJaydon C.Scout
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!
- VValerieScout
Angeles Crest Overlook to LA
Parking Lot w/ Incredible View
This is just a few parking lots that overlook the valley and gives a view of the city skyline in the distance. Several others were also sleeping in their vehicles along the road and in the parking lots, so you won’t be alone. There were two others in our lot that stayed the night too. The view is gorgeous in the morning sunrise!
That being said, it did seem like maybe a teen hangout or something - cars did flow in and out occasionally through the night until around midnight, so that wasn’t great but not awful either. I’d use it again if I needed it as it’s hard to find free places to sleep with a great view like that when traveling through cities.
Iris A.GuideAngeles Crest Overlook to LA
dispersed camping next to the road
It is not a real campground, just a the parking area of a view point. So the view was great. I parked at one end of the area but in the evening lots of couples and teenagers came and the parking area was well used. Some people stood silently admiring the view, while others played loud music. There were also tire tracks on the ground that suggested to me, some young people come here to test their driving skills. I spent the night and no-one took really notice of me.
There are no toilets, campfire sites or shade but good cell service.
- RRomi E.Scout
Stockton Flats Yellow Post Sites 3-8
Trail Closed
The trail was closed as of May 7, 2023, No idea when it will be open.
Panda V.
TravelerStockton 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.
Nathaniel C.ScoutStockton 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.
Guide to El Monte
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near El Monte, California, where nature meets adventure. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, outdoor enthusiasts can find the perfect spot to unwind and explore.
Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near El Monte, California
- Always check for any recent regulations regarding camping in the Angeles National Forest, as some areas may have restrictions on camping outside established sites. For more information, visit Heaton flats.
Scenic Views and Relaxation for Dispersed Campers
- For breathtaking views and a chance to enjoy the outdoors, consider stopping at Angeles Crest Overlook to LA, where you can park and take in the stunning scenery, though be prepared for some late-night activity from local drivers.
Adventure Awaits: Hiking and Exploring
- If you're looking for a great hiking experience, Heaton flats serves as a trailhead to the Bridge to Nowhere, making it an ideal spot for those who want to combine camping with a memorable hike.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near El Monte, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near El Monte, CA is Angeles Crest Overlook to LA with a 3-star rating from 6 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near El Monte, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 4 dispersed camping locations near El Monte, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.