Best Dispersed Camping near Gardena, CA
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Best Dispersed Sites Near Gardena, CA (2)
1. Angeles Crest Overlook to LA
La Cañada Flintridge, California6 Reviews•1 Photo•79 Saves- Pets
- Phone Service
- Dispersed
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Recent Dispersed Reviews in Gardena
7 Reviews of 2 Gardena Campgrounds
Leslie R.
Legend
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.
Andrew S.
Guide
Angeles Crest Overlook to LA
Not a campsite
This is literally just a roadside pull-off. Only really useful in a pinch. No space for a tent. Sleep in your vehicle.
- Joseph R.
ScoutAngeles 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.
- NNicole D.Scout
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
- JJaydon C.Scout
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!
- VValerieScout
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.
Iris A.GuideAngeles 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.
Guide to Gardena
Dispersed camping near Gardena, California, offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in nature while enjoying the freedom of camping outside traditional campgrounds. With stunning views and various activities, these spots cater to adventurous spirits looking for a memorable experience.
Dispersed campers should check out Angeles Crest Overlook to LA
- This location provides a scenic pull-off along the Angeles Crest Highway, perfect for those who want to enjoy breathtaking views while car camping. Check it out here.
Thrilling night activities for dispersed campers
- If you're seeking excitement, the area around Angeles Crest Overlook to LA can be lively, with young drivers often racing through the night, making it a hotspot for those who enjoy a bit of adrenaline. More details can be found here.
Hiking adventures while free camping near Gardena
- For those looking to combine camping with hiking, Heaton Flats serves as a trailhead to the popular Bridge to Nowhere, offering a great starting point for your outdoor adventures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Gardena, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Gardena, CA is Angeles Crest Overlook to LA with a 3-star rating from 6 reviews.