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.
"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."
"Easy in and out but next to train tracks. Quick stop friendly ;)"
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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. "
"First come first served dispersed camping just outside Big Bear. Near bike trails. Was not crowded mid week, but spots were filling up closer to the weekend."
"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."
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"There were steep inclines and narrow trails. but beautiful views. Avoid the area should there be rain due to dangerous flash floods."
"Nice clean off grid best place so far Rick water slides"
"This campground is located just around the corner from the permit required sign. There is a lovely creek that lead to a waterfall that some repel down. The campground is up the right of the trail."
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.
LegendI did the best I could with finding the exact location on the map using The Dyrt's current capabilities to add a new location. This site is located at 34.684300,-116.960600, across the 247 road from Sawtooth Canyon Campground / New Jack City rock climbing area. Hopefully someone can go in at some point and fix the location to be more precise.
We checked this place out but didn’t stay. We liked the beautiful wide open surroundings, the good cell reception, and the easy access from the main road, but it seemed like this is a place better suited for bigger groups, especially those who will be riding ATVs or dirt bikes around. So, if you’re looking for a big open space to hang out with a big group where you can be loud and not disturb anyone, this would be a good place for it. We also heard gun shots nearby so further down the road is probably a good shooting area.
Obviously no amenities so please pack in/ pack out. It was surprisingly not too trashed so that was nice. We made it down the dirt road fine in our 26 ft class c. Proceed at your own comfort level, but it seems like a road that would be ok for any rig (maybe not a class A?) if you go slow and watch for dips and bumps.
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.
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?
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 3.7-star rating from 3 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Fontana, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 22 dispersed camping locations near Fontana, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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