Best Dispersed Camping near Malibu, CA
Dispersed camping near Malibu, California centers primarily around Angeles National Forest and nearby public lands. The Angeles Crest area offers primitive car camping opportunities along pullouts and overlooks with views of the Los Angeles basin. These are not designated campgrounds but rather roadside parking areas where overnight stays are permitted. Santa Paula Canyon contains the more remote Big Cone Camp, accessible only by hiking through Thomas Aquinas College property, oil fields, and canyon terrain.
Access to Angeles Crest dispersed sites requires navigating mountain roads that can be busy with recreational traffic and local visitors. Most sites lack amenities such as water, toilets, or designated fire rings, and some areas prohibit fires entirely. Cell service is spotty to nonexistent in many locations, particularly deeper in the canyons. These areas are primarily suited for self-contained vehicle camping rather than tent camping. A recent visitor noted, "It's basically car camping along the Angeles Crest highway with small pull out spots overlooking the forest." Noise can be an issue, particularly on weekends.
These primitive camping locations attract diverse users, from overnight travelers seeking free accommodations to local visitors. The Angeles Crest sites offer exceptional views but come with drawbacks including occasional nighttime traffic and noise. According to one camper, "Great view but on the weekend we had multiple cars doing donuts really close to our van." For those seeking a more natural experience, Big Cone Camp provides access to waterfalls and pools known as the "punch bowls," though reaching this site requires a moderate hike. Weekday visits generally offer quieter conditions than weekends. Campers should practice Leave No Trace principles, as these areas receive significant recreational pressure.
