Best Dispersed Camping near Glendora, CA

Dispersed camping near Glendora, California offers several primitive options within Angeles National Forest and surrounding public lands. Angeles Crest Overlook to LA provides roadside pull-offs with city views but limited amenities. Heaton Flats offers walk-in sites near the Bridge to Nowhere trail. Stockton Flats Yellow Post Sites requires 4WD access but rewards with secluded forest camping. Rim of the World Byway provides quick-access sites near the 15 freeway, while Bell Mountain Road offers spacious BLM dispersed camping farther north.

Regulations in Angeles National Forest require close attention. Camping outside established campgrounds is sometimes prohibited, with restrictions changing frequently. According to Leslie R., "You have to be on top of reading recently published orders on the Forest Service website." Currently, dispersed camping is permitted for 7 days or less, but always check for current fire restrictions and closure orders before departure. No drinking water, toilets, or trash service exists at these sites; pack in all supplies and pack out all waste.

Road conditions vary significantly between locations. Stockton Flats demands high-clearance vehicles and true 4WD capability. As one camper noted, "The trail was fun but definitely needed 4x4." Angeles Crest Overlook sites are essentially parking areas along the highway with occasional nighttime traffic and noise. Several visitors report weekend partying and fast drivers on Angeles Crest Highway, making weekday visits preferable for those seeking quiet. Cell service is unreliable at most sites, particularly in canyon areas. For safety, always share your location with someone before heading into remote areas, and bring adequate supplies for self-sufficiency.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Glendora, California (7)

    1. Angeles Crest Overlook to LA

    8 Reviews
    La Cañada Flintridge, CA
    20 miles

    "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."

    "Great view but on the weekend we had multiple cars doing donuts really close to our van. I felt uncomfortable with that."

    2. Heaton flats

    1 Review
    Mount Baldy, CA
    8 miles
    Website

    3. Stockton Flats Yellow Post Sites 3-8

    4 Reviews
    Wrightwood, CA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (909) 382-2851

    "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."

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

    3 Reviews
    Lytle Creek, CA
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (909) 382-2851

    "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 ;)"

    5. Hare School Park

    1 Review
    Westminster, CA
    26 miles

    "There’s a dog park kind of area with a big field they can run around and just clean up after them.There’s no public bathrooms, but there are trash cans so clean up after yourself please."

    6. Bell Mountain Road

    2 Reviews
    Apple Valley, CA
    50 miles

    "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."

    "many Trucks at night. don't drive to the campground just search a space after road ends"

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Glendora, CA

17 Reviews of 7 Glendora Campgrounds


  • Les R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 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.

  • Joseph R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 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.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 10, 2025

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

    Quick stop, nice rocks

    We 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.

  • GThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 16, 2025

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

    Nice stopover for me

    Arrived 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.

  • J
    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.

  • Nathaniel C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 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.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 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!

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 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

  • Panda V.
    Sep. 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.


Guide to Glendora

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Glendora, California, where you can immerse yourself in nature without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. With stunning views and a variety of outdoor activities, this area offers a unique experience for adventurous souls.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Glendora, California

  • Always check for recent regulations regarding camping in areas like Heaton Flats, as rules can change frequently and may affect your plans.
  • Be prepared for limited amenities; many spots, such as Angeles Crest Overlook to LA, do not offer drinking water or restrooms, so bring everything you need.
  • Arrive early to secure a good spot, especially in popular areas like Stockton Flats Yellow Post Sites 3-8, where space can fill up quickly on weekends.

Dispersed campers should check out Angeles Crest Overlook to LA

  • This location is primarily a roadside pull-off, making it suitable for quick stops rather than traditional camping experiences.
  • Expect a lively atmosphere, as the area can attract party-goers and fast drivers, particularly on weekends, so be cautious if you're looking for peace and quiet.
  • If you’re in need of a quick overnight stay, this spot can work, but be aware of the potential for noise and activity throughout the night.

Enjoy scenic views while free camping near Glendora

  • The Rim of the World Byway (near 15 fwy south) offers breathtaking views and easy access, making it a great choice for those who want to enjoy the scenery without venturing too far off the beaten path.
  • While camping here, you can take advantage of nearby hiking trails and explore the natural beauty of the area, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.
  • Keep in mind that proximity to train tracks may result in some noise, but the stunning views and accessibility make it a worthwhile stop.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Glendora, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Glendora, CA is Angeles Crest Overlook to LA with a 3.1-star rating from 8 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Glendora, CA?

TheDyrt.com has all 7 dispersed camping locations near Glendora, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.