Top Free Dispersed Camping near La Cañada Flintridge, CA

Searching for a dispersed campsite near La Cañada Flintridge? Dispersed camping is an excellent way to get away from it all and to disconnect. Each dispersed site offers quick access to one or more of La Cañada Flintridge's most popular destinations.

Best Dispersed Sites Near La Cañada Flintridge, CA (4)


Recent Dispersed Reviews In La Cañada Flintridge

12 Reviews of 4 La Cañada Flintridge 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 La Cañada Flintridge

Camping near La Cañada Flintridge, California, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are several campgrounds nearby that cater to different preferences.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the scenic trails at Malibu Creek State Park Campground. One reviewer mentioned, "Nice, small campground with hiking trails easily accessible," making it a great spot for nature lovers.
  • Beach Access: If you’re in the mood for some sun and sand, check out Thornhill Broome Beach — Point Mugu State Park. A camper shared, "Really a special spot. Not crowded and a place you can rarely camp beachfront in Southern California."
  • Biking: For biking enthusiasts, O'Neill Regional Park offers plenty of trails. One visitor noted, "This site is great if you like hiking, biking, MTB, and running."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A review for Bonelli Bluffs stated, "Possibly the cleanest public bathroom I've ever seen."
  • Scenic Views: Many campgrounds boast stunning views. A camper at Moro Campground — Crystal Cove State Park said, "Almost every site has an ocean view of some kind."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often mention the helpfulness of the staff. One review for Dogwood Campground highlighted, "Camp hosts are friendly and knowledgeable."

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Thornhill Broome Beach, have minimal facilities. A camper noted, "No water, no dump station, only portable bathrooms on site."
  • Crowded on Weekends: Popular spots like Doheny State Beach Campground can get packed. One visitor mentioned, "The middle sites are small and tight, offering little privacy."
  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds are near busy roads or train tracks. A review for Point Mugu State Park mentioned, "You will still hear all the traffic from the road."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Spacious Sites: Look for campgrounds with larger sites, like Canyon Campground — Leo Carrillo State Park Campground. A family camper shared, "We camped in site 103 and found it to be an awesome spot."
  • Plan for Activities: Make sure to have activities planned. One family at Bonelli Bluffs mentioned, "We were hoping for playgrounds or similar amenities to keep them entertained."
  • Pack Snacks: Keep snacks handy for the kids. A camper at Malibu Creek State Park Campground noted, "The sites are nicely spaced out," which is great for kids to play.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A review for Malibu Beach RV Park mentioned, "Every spot has a great view of the Pacific Ocean from high upon a cliff!"
  • Bring Your Own Water: Some campgrounds may not have water hookups. A visitor at Dogwood Campground said, "No water hookups."
  • Be Prepared for Crowds: If you’re camping on weekends, expect more people. A camper at Doheny State Beach Campground noted, "The weekends fill up completely."

For those seeking the best camping near La Cañada Flintridge, CA, these campgrounds offer a variety of experiences, from beachside relaxation to mountain adventures.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near La Cañada Flintridge, CA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near La Cañada Flintridge, 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 La Cañada Flintridge, CA?

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