Best Dispersed Camping near Lancaster, CA

Searching for the perfect place to dispersed camp near Lancaster? The Dyrt can help you find the best dispersed campsites for your next trip. Whether you're looking for a quiet location in the trees or wide open spaces, The Dyrt makes it easy to find the perfect dispersed campsite.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Lancaster, CA (14)

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Showing results 1-10 of 14 campgrounds

Recent Dispersed Reviews in Lancaster

18 Reviews of 14 Lancaster Campgrounds


  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from BLM Desert Site
    Oct. 17, 2024

    BLM Desert Site

    BLM desert site

    35.08627305276245,-117.54092669125416 Great space. Easy to find. Away from highway enough. Very windy. Great sunset and sunrise.

  • Leslie R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Heaton flats
    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.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    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.

  • Joseph R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Angeles Crest Overlook to LA
    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.

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Angeles Crest Overlook to LA
    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

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Angeles Crest Overlook to LA
    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!

  • VThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Angeles Crest Overlook to LA
    Dec. 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.

  • Iris A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Angeles Crest Overlook to LA
    Aug. 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.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from East Mojave Camp
    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.

  • Panda V.
    Camper-submitted photo from Stockton Flats Yellow Post Sites 3-8
    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.

  • Natalie T.
    Camper-submitted photo from Jawbone Canyon OHV Area — Eastern Kern County Onyx Ranch State Vehicular Recreation Area
    Jul. 11, 2021

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

    Lots of space to spread out!

    Came here with friends to ride and we had a great time. We showed up on a Friday with plenty of sites still available. Everything is so spread out that we had a lot of privacy to ourselves.

    It can get really warm so we set up under a shaded tree which helped a lot. We had a fire pit for the evenings too, so that was nice.

    Lots of trails to ride - for beginners to advanced. We zipped around in a side by side and everyone was responsible and nice.

    I'd definitely recommend this spot of you are looking for a quiet place to camp with privacy and ample space.

  • Nathaniel C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Stockton Flats Yellow Post Sites 3-8
    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.


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Guide to Lancaster

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Lancaster, California, where you can immerse yourself in nature without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. This area offers a variety of options for those seeking adventure and solitude.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Lancaster, California

  • Always be prepared for remote locations, as many spots like East Mojave Camp lack basic amenities such as drinking water and toilets.
  • A high-clearance vehicle is recommended for accessing more secluded areas, especially if you plan to venture further from the main roads, as noted by visitors to Stockton Flats Yellow Post Sites 3-8.
  • Be mindful of your surroundings and practice Leave No Trace principles to keep these beautiful spaces pristine for future visitors.

Jawbone Canyon for dispersed campers

  • The Jawbone Canyon OHV Area offers vast open spaces perfect for those looking to enjoy off-road adventures while camping.
  • Visitors have praised the stunning sunrises and sunsets, making it a picturesque spot for photography and relaxation.
  • While it’s a great place for privacy, be aware that it can get windy, so securing your campsite is essential.

Outdoor activities while free camping near Lancaster

  • Many dispersed camping areas, such as BLM Desert Site, provide ample opportunities for hiking and exploring the surrounding landscapes.
  • For those interested in off-roading, the BLM Jawbone Canyon Dispersed Site is a popular choice, with numerous trails suitable for various skill levels.
  • Fishing and wildlife watching are also popular activities in these areas, especially near natural water sources, enhancing your outdoor experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Lancaster, CA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Lancaster, CA is willow springs blm with a 3.5-star rating from 2 reviews.

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

    TheDyrt.com has all 14 dispersed camping locations near Lancaster, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.