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Best Dispersed Camping near Lucerne Valley, CA

124 Reviews

Several free dispersed camping areas surround Lucerne Valley, California, primarily in the nearby San Bernardino National Forest and Johnson Valley BLM land. Holcomb Valley Climbers Camp offers tent-friendly sites with scattered picnic tables. Access requires high-clearance vehicles as roads feature rough sections with potholes and washboard terrain. According to one visitor, "The road up to the camp area is a bit rough. We were in a Sprinter and definitely nervous for parts."

East Flats and Mill Creek provide additional dispersed camping options with drive-in access. While fire rings are absent at East Flats, campfires are permitted at most locations except during seasonal restrictions. None of these sites offer amenities such as drinking water, toilets, or trash service. Cougar Buttes in Johnson Valley attracts off-road enthusiasts, with a review noting it "can get crazy with big numbers of neighbors" during busy weekends. South Soggy Dry Lake features more remote camping along a lakebed with "a long and very rocky road" leading to spacious sites that accommodate various vehicle sizes. Pack out all waste and bring sufficient water supplies when visiting these primitive areas.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Lucerne Valley, California (31)

    1. Holcomb Valley Climbers Camp

    7 Reviews
    Big Bear Lake, CA
    10 miles
    Website

    "Once you leave the pavement the going gets slower along the trails. You definitely need a high clearance vehicle. There are campgrounds in the area and also yellow post campsites."

    "Because the National forest allows dispersed camping, as long as your off the roads and trails, the camping spots are unlimited."

    2. Cougar Buttes in Johnson Valley

    2 Reviews
    Lucerne Valley, CA
    5 miles

    "There are other cover areas around the buttes to camp in for more privacy as the main area can get crazy with big numbers of "neighbor" (if you like that)."

    3. East Flats

    11 Reviews
    San Bernardino National Forest, CA
    20 miles
    Website

    "Camping at East Flats was great in mid-June. There are a number of campers, but remote locations are easily found. If you bring pets, be aware they may upset Rattlesnakes."

    "As a matter of fact, we got engaged at nearby Jenks Lake and celebrated here after. No facilities, but if you have your supplies, it’s great. There are a couple loops and lots of spots. Enjoy."

    4. Mill Creek Dispersed Camping

    5 Reviews
    Fawnskin, CA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (909) 382-2790

    "Great free camping when campgrounds are booked. Easy to navigate with GPS. Many large and small sites along the road. Some spots more secluded than others. "

    "First come first served dispersed camping just outside Big Bear. Near bike trails. Was not crowded mid week, but spots were filling up closer to the weekend."

    5. South Soggy Dry Lake on Bessemer Mine Road

    1 Review
    Johnson Valley, CA
    12 miles

    "From there you can reach all that Johnson Valley has to offer, can get busy but not nearly like Cougar Buttes, Anderson, or Means Lakebed."

    6. Bear Lake

    1 Review
    Big Bear Lake, CA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (909) 382-2790

    "Nice clean off grid best place so far Rick water slides"

    7. Ord Mountain Dispersed

    1 Review
    Daggett, CA
    17 miles

    "I did the best I could with finding the exact location on the map using The Dyrt's current capabilities to add a new location.  "

    8. Yellow Post #54

    1 Review
    Big Bear City, CA
    18 miles
    Website

    "You will earn this spot as the drive from Hwy 38 is long and rocky."

    9. San Gorgonio Summit Camp

    5 Reviews
    Forest Falls, CA
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (909) 382-2882

    "**** Product Review

    As a Ranger for The Dyrt, I get to test products."

    "There were steep inclines and narrow trails. but beautiful views. Avoid the area should there be rain due to dangerous flash floods."

    10. Coon Creek Yellow Post

    1 Review
    Big Bear City, CA
    22 miles

    "Multiple free camping spots from the Y up to Fish Creek all the way to Coon Creek Cabin. 1st spots on the left are big rig friendly, you do have about a mile of dirt road before you get to them."

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Lucerne Valley, CA

112 Photos of 31 Lucerne Valley Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Lucerne Valley, CA

124 Reviews of 31 Lucerne Valley Campgrounds

  • cal K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 16, 2023

    Joshua Tree North BLM

    Great stop once I scouted a good fit.

    As another reviewer noted - this spot is huge so make sure you are staying on BLM land. There is a lot of trash in some areas and there was some dirt bikes but they didn’t bother me. Car camping I found the area I liked best was as follows: off 62 take Sunfair rd, right on cypress rd (dirt road which my GPS thought was Reagan Rd but is marked with a street sign Cypress) - go past ITH coyote ranch (no sign but may show up on map) Then right on cascade - an unmarked dirt rd. Then there is a large flat BLM area where rvs and vans were quite spread out, and a motorcycle with a tent was my neighbor (quite far away). No trash here when I was there. Zero facilities obviously so pack it out. Hot tip - water and restrooms 10 min away at the Indian Cove ranger station near Indian Cove Campground in JT park. I stayed here two nights car camping.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 25, 2024

    BLM Dispersed Camping at Joshua Tree

    Definition of Dispersed Camping

    Everything about this site is not only free, but literally free to park and camp anywhere. There are private properties around, so just double check, but for the most part its wife open land to camp. Also currently in a fire ban, but that should be getting lifted in October. So campfires would be a great idea out here as well.

  • Dickie Simmons S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 16, 2024

    Mill Creek Dispersed Camping

    Convenient free camping just outside of town

    Great free camping when campgrounds are booked. Easy to navigate with GPS. Many large and small sites along the road. Some spots more secluded than others.  Smaller rigs, medium clearance and lite off-road capabilities recommended. Good cellular reception in my particular location.

  • Gillian C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 20, 2021

    Joshua Tree Lake Dispersed Camping

    No frills free camping

    Free camping just outside Joshua Tree. No amenities or designated campsites. Large open area where you can camp wherever you'd like. Previous campers have built fire pits from the rocks laying around. Beautiful views, off road vehicle recommend.

  • Jonathan G.
    Oct. 25, 2020

    Joshua Tree Lake Dispersed Camping

    BLM. What else can you ask for?

    It's free camping so be respectful and clean up after yourself. That said, there are no facilities so pack it in and pack it out. The road going in isn't too rough, and you'll likely find makeshift fire pits. Work with what is already there instead of making making a mess. Bring your own shade too.

  • Dipam A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 31, 2023

    Joshua Tree North BLM

    Large open area

    My favorite place to camp near Joshua Tree. Lots of space. Although one of the nights I stayed there it rained, the water filled the potholes in the dirt road so my ford fusion couldn’t really go through them so it took a while trying to figure out a way going around the holes. It’s great for AWD vehicles though. Other than that it’s directly in the sun, no shade but I like the spacious land it has to offer. Far away from other campers.

  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 7, 2024

    Ord Mountain Dispersed

    Actual location 34.684300, -116.960600

    I did the best I could with finding the exact location on the map using The Dyrt's current capabilities to add a new location.  This site is located at 34.684300,-116.960600, across the 247 road from Sawtooth Canyon Campground / New Jack City rock climbing area. Hopefully someone can go in at some point and fix the location to be more precise.

    We checked this place out but didn’t stay. We liked the beautiful wide open surroundings, the good cell reception, and the easy access from the main road, but it seemed like this is a place better suited for bigger groups, especially those who will be riding ATVs or dirt bikes around. So, if you’re looking for a big open space to hang out with a big group where you can be loud and not disturb anyone, this would be a good place for it. We also heard gun shots nearby so further down the road is probably a good shooting area. 

    Obviously no amenities so please pack in/ pack out. It was surprisingly not too trashed so that was nice. We made it down the dirt road fine in our 26 ft class c. Proceed at your own comfort level, but it seems like a road that would be ok for any rig (maybe not a class A?) if you go slow and watch for dips and bumps.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 21, 2025

    North Joshua Tree

    Decent, but noisy and trashy

    The pros: free, tons of space to park and camp wherever you’d like, and close to Joshua Tree NP. The cons: locals use it as a shooting range and off-roading area, there’s trash and items used for target practice all over the land, and there’s a lot of rough areas that require high clearance (and plenty of areas that don’t).

  • Andrew B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 17, 2024

    Joshua Tree Hilltop

    High clearance 4x4 camping JT

    High clearance 4x4 required Can be windy Great views

Guide to Lucerne Valley

Dispersed camping near Lucerne Valley, California, offers a chance to immerse yourself in nature without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. With a variety of locations to choose from, you can enjoy the serenity of the outdoors while still having access to essential amenities.

Dispersed campers should check out East Flats

  • Located in the San Bernardino National Forest, East Flats is a great spot for those looking for a peaceful retreat with ample space to set up camp.
  • This area allows pets and is free to use, making it an excellent choice for families or solo adventurers traveling with furry friends.
  • Visitors have noted the presence of wildlife, including deer, which adds to the charm of this well-reviewed location.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Lucerne Valley, California

  • When visiting Holcomb Valley Climbers Camp, be prepared for rough trails; a 4x4 vehicle is recommended for easier access.
  • Many dispersed camping spots, like Mill Creek Dispersed Camping, are first-come, first-served, so arriving early can help secure a more secluded site.
  • Keep in mind that some areas may have limited amenities, so it's essential to pack in everything you need and practice Leave No Trace principles.

Enjoy hiking and breathtaking views while free camping near Lucerne Valley

  • For those seeking adventure, San Gorgonio Summit Camp provides access to challenging hikes with stunning views at the peak.
  • The trails around Bear Lake are perfect for hiking enthusiasts, offering scenic landscapes and opportunities for wildlife spotting.
  • If you're looking for a more off-the-beaten-path experience, Ord Mountain Dispersed is ideal for larger groups wanting to explore the area with ATVs or dirt bikes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Lucerne Valley, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Lucerne Valley, CA is Holcomb Valley Climbers Camp with a 4.7-star rating from 7 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Lucerne Valley, CA?

TheDyrt.com has all 31 dispersed camping locations near Lucerne Valley, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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