Best Dispersed Camping near Lomita, CA

If you're looking for a place to dispersed camp near Lomita, look no further. Dispersed camping gets you off the grid so you can disconnect from the hecticness of everyday life. From secluded to easily reachable, we offer dispersed campsites near Lomita just for you.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Lomita, CA (2)

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Showing results 1-2 of 2 campgrounds

Recent Dispersed Reviews in Lomita

7 Reviews of 2 Lomita Campgrounds


  • 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.

  • 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.


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Guide to Lomita

Discover the thrill of dispersed camping near Lomita, California, where you can immerse yourself in nature without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. This area offers unique spots for those seeking adventure and solitude.

Top Activities While Free Camping Near Lomita

  • Enjoy breathtaking views and stargazing at the Angeles Crest Overlook to LA, where the night sky comes alive away from city lights.
  • Experience hiking opportunities that lead to stunning landscapes, particularly from the Heaton Flats, which serves as a trailhead for the popular Bridge to Nowhere hike.
  • Engage in wildlife observation and photography, as the diverse ecosystems around these areas provide ample opportunities to spot local fauna.

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Lomita, California

  • Always check for the latest regulations regarding camping in the Angeles National Forest, as rules can change frequently, especially at locations like Heaton Flats.
  • Be prepared for limited amenities; for instance, the Angeles Crest Overlook to LA does not offer drinking water or restrooms, so plan accordingly.
  • Keep an eye out for local wildlife and be cautious of your surroundings, especially at night, as some areas may attract unwanted attention, as noted by visitors at the Angeles Crest Overlook to LA.

Safety Considerations for Dispersed Campers

  • Choose your spot wisely; areas like Heaton Flats can get crowded, especially on weekends, so arriving early can help you find a more secluded place.
  • Be aware of your surroundings and potential disturbances, as some visitors have reported rowdy behavior near the Angeles Crest Overlook to LA.
  • Ensure you have a reliable means of communication, as cell service can be spotty in these remote areas, particularly at Heaton Flats.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Lomita, CA is Angeles Crest Overlook to LA with a 3-star rating from 6 reviews.