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Best Dispersed Camping near Long Beach, CA

12 Reviews

Camping options near Long Beach, California primarily consist of dispersed sites in the Angeles National Forest, located approximately 40-60 miles northeast of the city. Areas like Angeles Crest Overlook to LA and Stockton Flats Yellow Post Sites offer primitive camping experiences without developed facilities. Angeles Crest Overlook features roadside pull-offs with city skyline views, suitable mainly for car and van camping rather than traditional tent setups. Stockton Flats provides more secluded forest camping but requires high-clearance or 4x4 vehicles to access. Heaton Flats offers walk-in and hike-in options for those seeking a more remote experience, though it receives mixed reviews for comfort and safety.

Regulations and conditions vary significantly across these dispersed camping areas. Angeles National Forest camping rules change frequently, with temporary prohibitions sometimes in effect. As one camper noted, "Camping outside established campgrounds within the Angeles National Forest is sometimes prohibited, you have to be on top of reading recently published orders." Most sites enforce a 7-day maximum stay limit. Cell service ranges from spotty to non-existent in many locations, particularly at higher elevations. Road access presents challenges, with Stockton Flats requiring navigation of steep, unmarked turns that are "not marked well" according to visitor reports. Weather conditions remain mild year-round, though summer heat can be intense at lower elevations.

Visitor experiences highlight both advantages and concerns with these camping options. Angeles Crest Overlook receives praise for its panoramic views but criticism for nighttime disturbances. Multiple reviewers mention issues with "cars doing donuts" and "loud music until about 1am," particularly on weekends. Weekday visits tend to be quieter. Stockton Flats earns higher marks for natural beauty and seclusion, with one visitor describing it as "deep in nature, beautiful area, no cost and you can almost always find a spot, even on a Saturday in summer." Safety concerns appear in several reviews, particularly for solo campers. Most sites lack basic amenities like toilets, trash service, or drinking water, requiring complete self-sufficiency and proper waste management practices.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Long Beach, California (4)

    1. Hare School Park

    1 Review
    Westminster, CA
    11 miles

    "There’s a dog park kind of area with a big field they can run around and just clean up after them.There’s no public bathrooms, but there are trash cans so clean up after yourself please."

    2. Angeles Crest Overlook to LA

    8 Reviews
    La Cañada Flintridge, CA
    29 miles

    "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."

    "Great view but on the weekend we had multiple cars doing donuts really close to our van. I felt uncomfortable with that."

    3. Stockton Flats Yellow Post Sites 3-8

    4 Reviews
    Wrightwood, CA
    48 miles
    Website
    +1 (909) 382-2851

    "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"

    "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."

    4. Heaton flats

    1 Review
    Mount Baldy, CA
    37 miles
    Website
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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Long Beach, CA

5 Photos of 4 Long Beach Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Long Beach, CA

12 Reviews of 4 Long Beach Campgrounds

  • Les R.The Dyrt PRO User
    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
    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.

  • J
    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.

  • Nathaniel C.The Dyrt PRO User
    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.

  • 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

  • Panda V.
    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.

  • Andrew S.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 30, 2024

    Angeles Crest Overlook to LA

    Not a campsite

    This is literally just a roadside pull-off. Only really useful in a pinch. No space for a tent. Sleep in your vehicle.

  • Iris A.The Dyrt PRO User
    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.

Guide to Long Beach

Dispersed camping near Long Beach, California, offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in nature while enjoying the freedom of camping without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. Here are some insights to enhance your experience.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Long Beach, California

  • Always check for recent regulations regarding camping in areas like Heaton Flats, as camping outside established campgrounds can sometimes be prohibited.

Enjoy scenic views while free camping near Long Beach

  • For breathtaking vistas, consider stopping at Angeles Crest Overlook to LA, where you can enjoy stunning views, but be prepared for potential noise from nearby parties.

Dispersed campers should check out Stockton Flats Yellow Post Sites

  • If you're looking for a more adventurous experience, the Stockton Flats Yellow Post Sites provide a great spot for those with off-road vehicles, allowing you to explore the beautiful surroundings while enjoying the peace of nature.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the options for tent camping around Long Beach?

For tent camping near Long Beach, Stockton Flats Yellow Post Sites offers primitive sites with beautiful natural surroundings, though you'll need a 4x4 vehicle to access them. These sites have no water or restrooms, so come prepared with all supplies. The area features good shade and sizeable open spots that can accommodate tents. Arriving early is recommended to secure a site, especially on weekends. For other options, several established campgrounds in the San Bernardino National Forest and Angeles National Forest provide tent camping with varying levels of amenities. Remember that most dispersed camping areas require that you bring your own water and pack out all waste.

Is boondocking allowed near Long Beach, California?

Yes, boondocking is allowed near Long Beach, primarily in designated areas within nearby national forests. Angeles Crest Overlook to LA offers roadside boondocking opportunities with spectacular views of the city skyline. This is essentially car/van camping in pullout spots along Angeles Crest Highway. For urban boondocking, some have reported staying at Hare School Park without issues, though this isn't officially designated for camping. When boondocking, prepare for no amenities - bring your own water, plan for waste disposal, and be aware that cell service can be spotty in forest areas. Always check for current restrictions before heading out, as regulations can change seasonally.

Where can I find free dispersed camping in Long Beach, CA?

Free dispersed camping near Long Beach is available in the Angeles National Forest. Heaton Flats offers dispersed camping opportunities, though it's important to check current forest orders as restrictions change. Camping is typically allowed for up to 7 days. Angeles National Forest requires an Adventure Pass for parking ($5 daily or $30 annual). Before heading out, verify current fire restrictions and camping regulations at fs.usda.gov/angeles, as forest orders can temporarily prohibit dispersed camping. Most sites are primitive with no facilities, so pack in water and pack out waste. A high-clearance vehicle is recommended for accessing many dispersed sites in the region.

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