Best Dispersed Camping near Green Valley Lake, CA
Dispersed camping near Green Valley Lake offers several primitive options in the San Bernardino National Forest. East Flats provides free camping with a 4.7 rating and allows pets, though it lacks facilities like drinking water or toilets. Mill Creek Dispersed Camping features both drive-in and walk-in sites suitable for tent camping. Holcomb Valley Climbers Camp includes picnic tables and allows campfires when permitted. According to reviews, "You definitely need a high clearance vehicle" for accessing many of these areas, particularly after leaving paved roads.
Most dispersed sites require visitors to be fully self-sufficient. No drinking water is available at these locations, and campers must pack out all trash. A valid campfire permit is required for any open flames when fire restrictions allow. Several campers noted that "camping is designated with a Yellow Post and can be found on both sides of the road" in certain areas. These yellow post sites fill quickly on weekends, particularly during summer months. Cell service varies throughout the region but is generally unreliable.
Road conditions to these sites vary significantly by season and recent weather. Many access roads become rough and rutted after rain, with steep sections and hairpin turns that challenge even 4WD vehicles. Winter conditions may render some areas completely inaccessible. Visitors should check current forest orders before departure, as camping regulations change seasonally. The San Bernardino National Forest typically limits dispersed camping to 14 consecutive days. Wildlife encounters are possible; rattlesnakes are common during warmer months, particularly in the East Flats area.
