Dispersed camping opportunities around El Toro, California extend into San Bernardino National Forest and nearby public lands. This region, characterized by elevations ranging from 1,500 to 5,000 feet, experiences hot, dry summers and mild winters with occasional snow at higher elevations. Most dispersed sites lack defined boundaries and require visitors to practice leave-no-trace principles.
What to do
Explore Mormon Rocks: Located near the Rim of the World Byway, these distinctive rock formations provide an accessible backdrop for day exploration. "We 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," notes Alexander B. about Rim of the World Byway Dispersed.
Off-road adventures: Many dispersed sites require 4x4 vehicles but reward with greater solitude. "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," explains Panda V. about Stockton Flats Yellow Post Sites.
Stargazing and city views: The high vantage points provide unique perspectives on the Los Angeles basin lights. "Dark, fairly quiet, good view! I loved car camping here," reports Jaydon C. about Angeles Crest Overlook. "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."
What campers like
Easy highway access: Free camping near El Toro, California often includes spots with convenient freeway proximity. "By Rim of the world scenic byway and mormon rocks. Easy in and out but next to train tracks. Quick stop friendly," explains Joe R. about his experience at Rim of the World Byway Dispersed.
Urban proximity with nature escape: Angeles Crest Overlook provides a unique urban-adjacent camping opportunity. "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!" reports Valerie. "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."
Dog-friendly areas: Some sites accommodate pets with room to exercise. "There's a dog park kind of area with a big field they can run around and just clean up after them," notes Rockstar C. about Hare School Park. "There's no public bathrooms, but there are trash cans so clean up after yourself please."
What you should know
Navigation challenges: Finding some sites requires careful planning. "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.
Forest Service closures: Sites within Angeles National Forest may close temporarily. "Camping outside established campgrounds within the Angeles National Forest is sometimes prohibited, you have to be on top of reading recently published orders on the Forest Service website," cautions Les R. about Heaton Flats.
Varying site quality: Some locations advertised as campsites are primarily parking areas. "This is literally just a roadside pull-off. Only really useful in a pinch. No space for a tent. Sleep in your vehicle," states Andrew S. about Angeles Crest Overlook to LA.
Tips for camping with families
Arrival timing matters: During peak seasons, secure your spot early. "Best to get there early as possible to secure a spot," advises Panda V. about the Stockton Flats Yellow Post Sites, which offer more defined camping areas than other dispersed options.
Safety considerations: Some areas attract late-night visitors. "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," notes Joseph R. about Angeles Crest Overlook. "It's not a typical campground but it does do the job for a couple days."
Tent vs. vehicle camping: Not all dispersed sites accommodate tent setups. "It's not tent friendly. I don't believe," states Rockstar C. about Hare School Park, suggesting families with children stick to vehicle camping at this location.
Tips from RVers
Vehicle clearance requirements: Stockton Flats Yellow Post Sites demands appropriate vehicles. "Specs of this campground are wrong, no toilets/water/etc. Great for campers that meet 2 criteria: 1) You have a Jeep, Truck or similar vehicle that can go off-road. 2) You enjoy dispersed camping," explains Nathaniel C.
Size limitations: Large RVs face accessibility challenges at many dispersed sites. "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," reports Joe R. about Stockton Flats. "On the way back down from the turnaround we almost burned out our brakes."
Four-wheel drive advantages: Some areas require higher clearance vehicles. "I wanted a place where I could let Bella off leash, 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," notes Gregg P. about his experience at Rim of the World Byway.
