Kimberly E.
Scout
ScoutBear Lake
Exceptional camping experience. Beautiful, secluded, but not far from town. Would recommend a vehicle you feel comfortable with off roading terrain.
Dispersed Camping near Fontana, CA
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Several dispersed camping areas surround the San Bernardino National Forest near Fontana, California. East Flats offers free camping on forest service roads with level sites suitable for various vehicle sizes. Reviews indicate the area has good cellular reception and accommodates large RVs up to 34 feet. The Mill Creek Dispersed Camping area provides numerous flat spots along gravel roads, though access requires navigating steep inclines and hairpin turns that are challenging for larger vehicles.
The Rim of the World Byway dispersed sites sit alongside the highway near Mormon Rocks, providing easy access for overnight stays but with noise from nearby train tracks. For those seeking more remote experiences, Stockton Flats Yellow Post Sites require 4x4 vehicles to access but offer more secluded camping. A review noted, "Trail was fun and the sites around have good shade and good size open spots." Most dispersed areas have minimal to no facilities, with no toilets, trash service or water. Fire restrictions vary by location and season, with several sites prohibiting fires entirely. Permits are required for camping in wilderness areas like San Gorgonio.
Best Dispersed Campgrounds near Fontana (24)
1. Rim of the World Byway (near 15 fwy south) Dispersed
"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."
2. Stockton Flats Yellow Post Sites 3-8
"Very windy and need high clearance vehicles"
"You definitely need high clearance vehicles or you will not make it here"
3. Mill Creek Dispersed Camping
"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"
4. East Flats
"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."
5. Heaton flats
6. Yellow Post Number 9
"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."
7. Holcomb Valley Climbers Camp
"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."
8. San Gorgonio Summit Camp
"**** Product Review
As a Ranger for The Dyrt, I get to test products."
"There were steep inclines and narrow trails. but beautiful views. Avoid the area should there be rain due to dangerous flash floods."
9. Bear Lake
"Nice clean off grid best place so far Rick water slides"
"Would recommend a vehicle you feel comfortable with off roading terrain."
10. Bell Mountain Road
"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."
Drive Time
- 58 min from Los Angeles, CA
- 1 hr 42 min from Oxnard, CA
- 1 hr 44 min from San Diego, CA
- 2 hrs 10 min from Bakersfield, CA
Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Fontana, CA
49 Photos of 24 Fontana Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Rim of the World Byway (near 15 fwy south) DispersedJ
Stockton Flats Yellow Post Sites 3-8
Heaton flats
Yellow Post Number 9
Mill Creek Dispersed Camping
High Creek Camp - San Gorgonio Wilderness
East FlatsS
Holcomb Valley Climbers Campe
San Gorgonio Summit Camp
Bell Mountain RoadC
Yellow Post #54
Angeles Crest Overlook to LA
Dispersed Camping Reviews near Fontana, CA
68 Reviews of 24 Fontana Campgrounds
- A
Aaron S.
TravelerStockton Flats Yellow Post Sites 3-8
Dope spot
Very windy and need high clearance vehicles
- AAaron S.Traveler
Stockton Flats Yellow Post Sites 3-8
Pretty spot very windy
You definitely need high clearance vehicles or you will not make it here
- DDennis D.Scout
Mill Creek Dispersed Camping
Mill Creek
Easy to get to. I have an AWD sprinter no problem. Son has an Acura TLX made it up no issue had a few spin outs on steeper parts. Higher sites are nice and spaced.
- JJenna S.Traveler
Mill Creek Dispersed Camping
camping with family
it was amazing used this app to find this road in big bear first time camping went amazing i would definitely recommend 10/10 highly recommend
Jenny L.ScoutEast Flats
Lovely place near Big Bear
Peaceful,beautiful place to stay. Got to camp @1130 pm. I had no trouble finding a spot. No fires.
- GGarrett B.Traveler
Mill Creek Dispersed Camping
Great spot!
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
- RRichard T.
GuideRim of the World Byway (near 15 fwy south) Dispersed
Great spot for a quick overnighter
The entrance is opposite of lone pine canyon rd . At night the train goes by . We saw a dead drop pickup in the morning. We woke to a car and motorcycle parked nearby- a lady and heavily tattooed guy were out walking around. They dug out 3 black bags from some brush and took off. So that was exciting.
- JJermiahScout
Angeles Crest Overlook to LA
Nice
It wasn't sure about camping there parks and camped in the tent wasn't bothered by anybody but we did see a bear so be cautious
Guide to Fontana
Several dispersed camping areas surround Big Bear Lake east of Fontana, California, with East Flats being particularly popular for its level terrain and accessibility. This free camping area accommodates vehicles of various sizes, including 34-foot Class A motorhomes, while offering enough space between sites for privacy. The dirt roads are generally navigable, though some rougher sections benefit from higher clearance vehicles. A review mentioned, "There are a number of campers, but remote locations are easily found."
Mill Creek Dispersed Camping provides another option with numerous campsites spread along forest service roads, though access requires consideration. The main road is paved, but the final approach features gravel with potholes and washboard sections. A steep section with a hairpin turn limits larger vehicles. As one camper noted, "There are over a dozen sites along the main road. If you can pull in, it's a site." Rim of the World Byway offers more accessible sites for those seeking quick access from Interstate 15, while Stockton Flats Yellow Post Sites require 4x4 vehicles but reward with deeper forest immersion. No facilities, water, or trash service exist at these locations, and fire restrictions frequently apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed
campsite near Fontana, CA?
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Fontana, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Fontana, CA is Rim of the World Byway (near 15 fwy south) Dispersed with a 3.8-star rating from 5 reviews.
What is the best site to find
dispersed camping near
Fontana, CA?
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Fontana, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 24 dispersed camping locations near Fontana, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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