Primitive camping near La Puente, California exists primarily on public lands within the San Gabriel Mountains, where elevations range from 1,800 to 5,500 feet. Road conditions vary dramatically throughout the Angeles National Forest, with some sites accessible via paved highways while others require high-clearance vehicles. Train noise affects several sites near Cajon Pass due to their proximity to active rail corridors.
What to do
Hiking from camp: Heaton Flats serves as a trailhead for the Bridge to Nowhere trail, though camping regulations frequently change. One visitor noted, "Camping outside established campgrounds within the Angeles National Forest is sometimes prohibited, you have to be on top of reading recently published orders."
Off-road exploration: Stockton Flats Yellow Post Sites offers opportunities for off-road enthusiasts. A camper shared, "If you go to the end of 3N06 (main off-road path) there is a good hike that you can take for several hours."
Urban stargazing: Light pollution affects most sites, but Angeles Crest Overlook provides unique nighttime city viewing. "The view is gorgeous in the morning sunrise!" reported one visitor who stayed overnight.
What campers like
Solitude on weekdays: Midweek visits provide quieter experiences at most primitive sites. One camper at Angeles Crest Overlook to LA mentioned, "During the week it's more quiet. Close to town so that is a plus."
Pet-friendly areas: Several dispersed locations welcome pets with space to roam. A camper at Hare School Park mentioned, "There's a dog park kind of area with a big field they can run around and just clean up after them."
No reservation stress: Free sites operate on first-come basis. A visitor to Stockton Flats noted, "Deep in nature, beautiful area, no cost and you can almost always find a spot, even on a Saturday in summer."
What you should know
Vehicle requirements: Many sites demand appropriate vehicles. At Stockton Flats Yellow Post Sites, a reviewer warned, "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."
Overnight party spots: Several viewpoint locations attract evening visitors. A camper at Angeles Crest Overlook observed, "It did seem like maybe a teen hangout or something - cars did flow in and out occasionally through the night until around midnight."
Safety considerations: Urban-adjacent locations present unique challenges. One camper reported, "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."
Tips for camping with families
Avoid roadside pullouts: Multiple reviews indicate roadside spots may be unsuitable for families. At Angeles Crest Overlook to LA, a visitor commented, "This is literally just a roadside pull-off. Only really useful in a pinch. No space for a tent. Sleep in your vehicle."
Consider noise levels: Train noise impacts camping near transportation corridors. At Rim of the World Byway, a camper noted it was "Easy in and out but next to train tracks."
Check seasonal closures: Weather impacts site availability throughout the year. A reviewer at Stockton Flats stated, "The trail was closed as of May 7, 2023, No idea when it will be open."
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions: Many dispersed sites cannot accommodate larger rigs. At Rim of the World Byway, a visitor with a small trailer advised, "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."
Overnight parking options: Some urban-adjacent areas permit RV parking. A camper at Hare School Park reported, "You can overnight park here with your RV without problems."
Brake management on steep roads: Mountain descents require careful driving. A camper attempting to reach Stockton Flats warned, "On the way back down from the turnaround we almost burned out our brakes."
