Top Free Dispersed Camping near Fullerton, CA

Looking for dispersed camping near Fullerton? Dispersed camping is an excellent way to get away from it all and to disconnect. From secluded to easily reachable, we offer dispersed campsites near Fullerton just for you.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Fullerton, CA (4)

    Camper-submitted photo from Angeles Crest Overlook to LA
    Camper-submitted photo from Stockton Flats Yellow Post Sites 3-8
    Camper-submitted photo from Stockton Flats Yellow Post Sites 3-8
    Camper-submitted photo from Stockton Flats Yellow Post Sites 3-8
    Camper-submitted photo from Stockton Flats Yellow Post Sites 3-8
    Camper-submitted photo from Stockton Flats Yellow Post Sites 3-8
    Camper-submitted photo from Stockton Flats Yellow Post Sites 3-8

    2. Stockton Flats Yellow Post Sites 3-8

    4 Reviews
    6 Photos
    251 Saves

    These 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
    Camper-submitted photo from Heaton flats
    Camper-submitted photo from Heaton flats
    Camper-submitted photo from Heaton flats
    Camper-submitted photo from Heaton flats
    Camper-submitted photo from Rim of the World Byway (near 15 fwy south) Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Rim of the World Byway (near 15 fwy south) Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Rim of the World Byway (near 15 fwy south) Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Rim of the World Byway (near 15 fwy south) Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Rim of the World Byway (near 15 fwy south) Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Rim of the World Byway (near 15 fwy south) Dispersed

    4. Rim of the World Byway (near 15 fwy south) Dispersed

    1 Review
    14 Photos
    33 Saves

    Please remember to LNT at dispersed campgrounds

    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Dispersed

Recent Dispersed Reviews In Fullerton

12 Reviews of 4 Fullerton Campgrounds


  • Camper-submitted photo from Heaton flats
    July 29, 2024

    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.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Stockton Flats Yellow Post Sites 3-8
    May 27, 2024

    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.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Angeles Crest Overlook to LA
    March 26, 2024

    Angeles 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.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Angeles Crest Overlook to LA
    February 26, 2024

    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

  • Camper-submitted photo from Angeles Crest Overlook to LA
    January 22, 2024

    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!

  • Camper-submitted photo from Angeles Crest Overlook to LA
    December 31, 2023

    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.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Angeles Crest Overlook to LA
    August 30, 2023

    Angeles 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.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Stockton Flats Yellow Post Sites 3-8
    September 7, 2022

    Stockton 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.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Stockton Flats Yellow Post Sites 3-8
    June 6, 2021

    Stockton 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 Fullerton

Camping near Fullerton, CA, offers a variety of beautiful spots for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly campground or a peaceful retreat, there are plenty of options to explore.

What to do:

  • Hiking and biking: Many campgrounds, like O'Neill Regional Park, have trails for hiking and biking. One visitor mentioned, "This site is great if you like hiking, biking, MTB, and running."
  • Beach access: Campgrounds such as San Mateo Campground — San Onofre State Beach are just a short distance from the beach. A reviewer noted, "Nice campground. 1.5 miles from the ocean."
  • Wildlife watching: Campers at Dogwood Campground enjoy the natural surroundings. One camper shared, "The campground is located in some lush pines in Angeles forest."

What campers like:

  • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Bonelli Bluffs said, "Possibly the cleanest public bathroom I've ever seen."
  • Spacious sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites. A reviewer at Canyon Campground — Leo Carrillo State Park Campground mentioned, "We camped in site 103 and found it to be an awesome spot."
  • Friendly staff: Campers often highlight the helpfulness of campground hosts. One camper at Malibu Creek State Park Campground noted, "The camp hosts are friendly and knowledgeable."

What you should know:

  • Noise levels: Some campgrounds can get noisy, especially on weekends. A visitor at Doheny State Beach Campground mentioned, "The campground itself is pretty nice... but there was a large group of people blasting their music until 2/3 AM."
  • Limited privacy: Many sites are close together, which can affect your camping experience. A camper at San Clemente State Beach Campground said, "It's like camping in your neighbor's lawn."
  • Reservations recommended: Popular campgrounds can fill up quickly, so it's wise to book in advance. A reviewer at Crystal Cove State Park — Moro Campground noted, "Difficult to find availability."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose family-friendly sites: Look for campgrounds with amenities for kids. One parent at Lake Perris State Recreational Area Campground said, "Great overall experience, campgrounds are general and basic."
  • Plan activities: Bring games and outdoor toys to keep kids entertained. A camper at San Mateo Campground mentioned, "Good access to walking and biking trails."
  • Pack snacks: Having snacks on hand can make a big difference. A visitor at Dogwood Campground shared, "The bathrooms are very convenient, the water stations make cleaning and refills extremely easy."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check site sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site before booking. A camper at Bonelli Bluffs noted, "The week days are really quiet... but weekends fill up completely."
  • Bring your own Wi-Fi: Some campgrounds have limited cell service. A visitor at San Mateo Campground mentioned, "Verizon is basically a dead zone in that area."
  • Use dump stations wisely: Know where the dump stations are located. A camper at Lake Perris State Recreational Area Campground said, "Dump site was closed this weekend... but with our day pass we were able to use the dump site at San Clemente State Beach."

Camping near Fullerton, CA, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Fullerton, CA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Fullerton, 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 Fullerton, CA?

    TheDyrt.com has all 4 dispersed camping locations near Fullerton, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.