Best Dispersed Camping near Lake Hughes, CA

Looking for the best campgrounds near Lake Hughes, CA? Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near Lake Hughes, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Lake Hughes. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Lake Hughes, California (8)

Show More
Showing results 1-8 of 8 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Dispersed Camping Reviews near Lake Hughes, CA

18 Reviews of 8 Lake Hughes Campgrounds


  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 13, 2023

    East Mojave Camp

    Very very remote

    Very remote absolutely nothing out there. Definitely somewhere you need to be aware of your surroundings. You can get far enough away from the highway that you don’t need to worry about people driving by. There is nothing out here. The road to it is unmarked and very unmaintained Would definitely recommend high clearance vehicle if you want to be further away then 100 feet from the highway. Lots of wash outs. Beautiful sunrise. We were the only people there.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 28, 2025

    Jawbone Canyon OHV Area — Eastern Kern County Onyx Ranch State Vehicular Recreation Area

    Jawbone Canyon OHV

    This is BLM land camping in an OHV area that we used for an overnight. For this purpose it was great. A paved road leads to endless dispersed camping options in a beautifully rugged canyon. There were a few OHVs but we arrived late on a weekday and OHV traffic stopped altogether in the evening. Wind was a problem and made sleeping hard. We camped in a 24’ travel trailer with a high clearance truck. While not necessary, the larger truck was nice to have on the dirt portions. There are sites that would be accessible by car as well just be more discerning. Verizon was at 1 bar the whole time.

  • 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.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 24, 2025

    East Mojave Camp

    Off Hwy 58

    Huge ruts in dirt road, there’s room to go around them. Several Joshua Trees .

  • 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

  • robherr The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 12, 2018

    Big Cone Camp - Santa Paula Canyon

    Local easy hike to great waterfalls

    This is a fairly easy hike through what would not be considered a typical hike. It starts off going through Thomas Aquinas College, winding through horse property and oil fields, before finally opening up into Santa Paula Canyon. The trail has changed many times over the years because of the nature of flooding through the canyon, but follow the signs through the middle of the canyon and the main trail will head up the mountain to the right.

    Atop the hill on the saddle, nestled among the trees is the primitive Big Cone campsite. It is one of my favorite spots simply because it is close and when my kids were young it was a fairly easy hike to get to, and there's a nice reward when you get there.

    From Big Cone Camp you can easily reach the waterfalls and pools that make this area known as the "punch bowls". Depending on weather and water conditions there are some nice water rock slides, and a few pools you can jump from the cliffs into.

    Please pack out your trash. Because this hike is local and easy, there are many party people that frequent the area and leave their trash.


Guide to Lake Hughes

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Lake Hughes, California, where nature enthusiasts can enjoy the great outdoors without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. This area offers a variety of options for those looking to escape into the wilderness.

Dispersed campers should check out Willow Springs BLM

  • Located in a remote area, Willow Springs BLM provides a free camping experience with no reservations required, making it a great choice for spontaneous trips.
  • This site is accessible by vehicle, allowing for easy access to your camping gear and supplies.
  • Keep in mind that there are no amenities like showers or toilets, so come prepared for a true back-to-nature experience.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Lake Hughes, California

  • Always check the road conditions before heading to East Mojave Camp, as the access road can be unmarked and poorly maintained.
  • Bring plenty of water and supplies, as many dispersed camping areas, including Jawbone Canyon OHV Area, do not offer drinking water or trash disposal.
  • Be aware of your surroundings and choose a spot that feels safe and secluded, especially in remote areas like Big Cone Camp - Santa Paula Canyon.

Scenic spots for dispersed campers

  • For those seeking stunning views, Angeles Crest Overlook to LA offers breathtaking scenery, though it’s more suited for car camping than traditional tent setups.
  • If you’re looking for a place to enjoy nature while still being close to town, Lane Ranch Campground is a great option with easy access to trails and outdoor activities.
  • Don’t miss the chance to explore the unique landscapes at Cottonwood Campground, where you can enjoy a peaceful environment away from the hustle and bustle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Lake Hughes, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Lake Hughes, 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 Lake Hughes, CA?

TheDyrt.com has all 8 dispersed camping locations near Lake Hughes, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.