Best Dispersed Camping near Forest Falls, CA
The San Bernardino National Forest surrounding Forest Falls, California features a range of dispersed camping options, from accessible drive-in sites to remote backcountry locations. East Flats offers free dispersed camping with pet-friendly policies and drive-in access, while the San Gorgonio Wilderness contains several primitive camping areas including Vivian Creek Camp and High Creek Camp. Mill Creek Dispersed Camping provides sites suitable for tents with fire rings when seasonal restrictions allow. Yellow Post sites, marked by yellow markers on posts, are scattered throughout the forest and offer designated dispersed camping with varying levels of accessibility.
Many forest roads leading to camping areas require high-clearance vehicles, particularly after rain or snow melt. As one camper noted, "Access roads are rough and rocky but doable in dry conditions with a careful 2WD. Signage is limited—offline maps recommended." Fire restrictions vary seasonally, with summer bans common throughout the region. Wilderness camping requires permits obtained from the San Bernardino National Forest office, with limits on group size and stay duration. Cell service ranges from good to nonexistent depending on terrain and proximity to Forest Falls. Weather conditions change rapidly with elevation, creating significant temperature variations between valley and mountain sites.
Wildlife encounters are common throughout the camping areas, with visitors reporting deer, lizards, snakes, and various bird species. Campers at Yellow Post sites mention the solitude and expansive views as major draws, though mosquitoes can be problematic at dusk during warmer months. According to a review of Coon Creek Yellow Post, "Multiple free camping spots fill on weekends quickly; road gets rougher the more you continue up to the cabin." Most dispersed sites lack amenities, requiring campers to pack in all supplies and pack out all waste. The combination of mountain views, forest cover, and creek access makes the area particularly popular during spring and fall when temperatures are moderate and before seasonal closures affect higher elevation sites.
