Best Dispersed Camping near Norco, CA

If you're looking for a place to dispersed camp near Norco, look no further. With The Dyrt, it's easy to find peaceful dispersed camping near Norco. From secluded to easily reachable, we offer dispersed campsites near Norco just for you.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Norco, CA (11)

    Camper-submitted photo from Stockton Flats Yellow Post Sites 3-8
    Camper-submitted photo from Stockton Flats Yellow Post Sites 3-8
    Camper-submitted photo from Stockton Flats Yellow Post Sites 3-8
    Camper-submitted photo from Stockton Flats Yellow Post Sites 3-8
    Camper-submitted photo from Stockton Flats Yellow Post Sites 3-8
    Camper-submitted photo from Stockton Flats Yellow Post Sites 3-8

    1. Stockton Flats Yellow Post Sites 3-8

    4 Reviews
    6 Photos
    262 Saves
    Wrightwood, California

    These remote camping sites offer isolated scenic locations ideal for tent and car camping or a relaxing picnic far from the crowds. Other than a pit for campfires, these sites do NOT contain the amenities found at developed campgrounds. There is no water, no picnic tables, no restrooms nearby, and no trash containers. Please pack it in - pack it out! All sites are first-come, first-served. Campfire permits are required for any type of fire use - campfires, charcoal BBQ's, or stoves. Campfires may not be allowed certain times of the year. See Current Conditions below or call the Lytle Creek Ranger Station (909-382-2851). These Yellow Post Sites are reached via Forest Road 3N06. Please refer to the Yellow-post site map available by clicking on this link or for free at the Lytle Creek Ranger Station. High-clearance vehicles are recommended for reaching all sites. Four-wheel drive vehicles may also be required depending on current road conditions.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Dispersed
    • Alcohol
    Camper-submitted photo from East Flats
    Camper-submitted photo from East Flats
    Camper-submitted photo from East Flats
    Camper-submitted photo from East Flats
    Camper-submitted photo from East Flats
    Camper-submitted photo from East Flats
    Camper-submitted photo from Rim of the World Byway (near 15 fwy south) Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Rim of the World Byway (near 15 fwy south) Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Rim of the World Byway (near 15 fwy south) Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Rim of the World Byway (near 15 fwy south) Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Rim of the World Byway (near 15 fwy south) Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Rim of the World Byway (near 15 fwy south) Dispersed

    3. Rim of the World Byway (near 15 fwy south) Dispersed

    1 Review
    14 Photos
    48 Saves
    Lytle Creek, California

    Please remember to LNT at dispersed campgrounds

    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Mill Creek Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Mill Creek Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Mill Creek Dispersed Camping

    4. Mill Creek Dispersed Camping

    5 Reviews
    4 Photos
    324 Saves
    Fawnskin, California

    Dispersed, or undeveloped, camping provides more solitude and an opportunity to “rough it.” There are many camping opportunities in general forest areas as well as in wilderness areas. Know before you go: Before traveling visit or call the nearest Ranger Station for current fire restrictions and area closures. No wood or charcoal campfires (check current fire restrictions before you go). Vehicles must remain on roads and associated pullouts. Do not clear vegetation. Portable gas-powered stoves, lanterns and fire rings with a fuel-shutoff valve allowed with a California Campfire Permit and five feet clearance from vegetation. Camp at least 200 feet from springs, water, meadows, trails and roads. Camp at least a quarter-mile from designated campgrounds, picnic areas, trailheads. Camp at least a quarter-mile from private property and state highways. Pack out all trash. Leave no trace!

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Tents
    • Dispersed
    • Alcohol
    Camper-submitted photo from Angeles Crest Overlook to LA
    Camper-submitted photo from San Gorgonio Summit Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from San Gorgonio Summit Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from San Gorgonio Summit Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from San Gorgonio Summit Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from San Gorgonio Summit Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from San Gorgonio Summit Camp

    6. San Gorgonio Summit Camp

    5 Reviews
    55 Photos
    172 Saves
    Forest Falls, California

    Limited, but free wilderness permits for day hiking and overnight camping are required for the San Gorgonio Wilderness and the Cucamonga Wilderness Permits – they are issued by the San Gorgonio Wilderness Association, a Forest Service partner. Parts of the San Gorgonio Wilderness, including the San Bernardino Peak Trail, are still closed due to the El Dorado fire.

    Upon completion of your reservation request. you will receive a download. Please retain this download as your permit reservation. You may keep a copy on your phone and show it to a ranger as verification of your permit or you can print it out. If you do not receive a permit use the contact link here: https://www.sgwa.org/contact-us

    The Vivian Creek Trail is the shortest and the steepest route to the summit of Mt. San Gorgonio, located in the San Gorgonio Wilderness on the Sand to Snow National Monument. One and two-tenths miles from the trailhead is Vivian Creek Camp (7,100'). Campsites are located upslope to the right of the trail after reaching the stream: one is halfway up the slope, and the other is at the top of the slope (no camping within 200 feet of the trail or creek). One and three-tenths miles from Vivian Creek Camp is Halfway Camp (8,100'). Water is obtained from the creek 200 yards before camp. Two and three-tenths miles further is High Creek Camp (water available - 9,200'). The summit of San Gorgonio (11,499') is 3 miles beyond High Creek. The upper end of this trail offers outstanding views of Yucaipa Ridge and Galena Peak, as well as sweeping panoramic views from the top of Mt. San Gorgonio. General info: No water available. No campfires allowed. Portable gas stoves are allowed with a valid California Campfire Permit. No camping within 200 feet of the trail or creek Wilderness Permit Required - this is a very popular trail, especially on summer weekends. It is suggested you request your permit in advance. Wilderness Permit applications are accepted up to 90 days in advance of your trip. Permits can be obtained from sgwa.org. Fee: Adventure Pass Required $5/day or $30/year. Interagency Passes also accepted.

    • Pets
    • Dispersed
    • Alcohol
    Camper-submitted photo from Holcomb Valley Climbers Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Holcomb Valley Climbers Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Holcomb Valley Climbers Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Holcomb Valley Climbers Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Holcomb Valley Climbers Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Holcomb Valley Climbers Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Heaton flats
    Camper-submitted photo from Heaton flats
    Camper-submitted photo from Heaton flats
    Camper-submitted photo from Heaton flats
    Camper-submitted photo from High Creek Camp - San Gorgonio Wilderness
    Camper-submitted photo from High Creek Camp - San Gorgonio Wilderness
    Camper-submitted photo from High Creek Camp - San Gorgonio Wilderness
    Camper-submitted photo from High Creek Camp - San Gorgonio Wilderness
    Camper-submitted photo from High Creek Camp - San Gorgonio Wilderness
    Camper-submitted photo from High Creek Camp - San Gorgonio Wilderness

    9. High Creek Camp - San Gorgonio Wilderness

    2 Reviews
    11 Photos
    28 Saves
    Forest Falls, California

    Group size limited to 12 people and 8 pack/riding animals per group. No campfires allowed. Portable gas stoves are allowed with a valid California Campfire Permit.

    Limited, but free wilderness permits for day hiking and overnight camping are required for the San Gorgonio Wilderness and the Cucamonga Wilderness Permits – they are issued by the San Gorgonio Wilderness Association, a Forest Service partner. Parts of the San Gorgonio Wilderness, including the San Bernardino Peak Trail, are still closed due to the El Dorado fire.

    Upon completion of your reservation request. you will receive a download. Please retain this download as your permit reservation. You may keep a copy on your phone and show it to a ranger as verification of your permit or you can print it out. If you do not receive a permit use the contact link here: https://www.sgwa.org/contact-us

    The Vivian Creek Trail is the shortest and the steepest route to the summit of Mt. San Gorgonio, located in the San Gorgonio Wilderness on the Sand to Snow National Monument. One and two-tenths miles from the trailhead is Vivian Creek Camp (7,100'). Campsites are located upslope to the right of the trail after reaching the stream: one is halfway up the slope, and the other is at the top of the slope (no camping within 200 feet of the trail or creek). One and three-tenths miles from Vivian Creek Camp is Halfway Camp (8,100'). Water is obtained from the creek 200 yards before camp. Two and three-tenths miles further is High Creek Camp (water available - 9,200'). The summit of San Gorgonio (11,499') is 3 miles beyond High Creek. The upper end of this trail offers outstanding views of Yucaipa Ridge and Galena Peak, as well as sweeping panoramic views from the top of Mt. San Gorgonio. General info: No water available. No campfires allowed. Portable gas stoves are allowed with a valid California Campfire Permit. No camping within 200 feet of the trail or creek Wilderness Permit Required - this is a very popular trail, especially on summer weekends. It is suggested you request your permit in advance. Wilderness Permit applications are accepted up to 90 days in advance of your trip. Permits can be obtained from sgwa.org. Fee: Adventure Pass Required $5/day or $30/year. Interagency Passes also accepted.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Reservable
    • RVs
    • Dispersed
    • Drinking Water
    Camper-submitted photo from Vivian Creek Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Vivian Creek Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Vivian Creek Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Vivian Creek Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Vivian Creek Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Vivian Creek Camp

    10. Vivian Creek Camp

    1 Review
    9 Photos
    40 Saves
    Forest Falls, California

    Limited, but free wilderness permits for day hiking and overnight camping are required for the San Gorgonio Wilderness and the Cucamonga Wilderness Permits – they are issued by the San Gorgonio Wilderness Association, a Forest Service partner. Parts of the San Gorgonio Wilderness, including the San Bernardino Peak Trail, are still closed due to the El Dorado fire.

    Upon completion of your reservation request. you will receive a download. Please retain this download as your permit reservation. You may keep a copy on your phone and show it to a ranger as verification of your permit or you can print it out. If you do not receive a permit use the contact link here: https://www.sgwa.org/contact-us

    The Vivian Creek Trail is the shortest and the steepest route to the summit of Mt. San Gorgonio, located in the San Gorgonio Wilderness on the Sand to Snow National Monument. One and two-tenths miles from the trailhead is Vivian Creek Camp (7,100'). Campsites are located upslope to the right of the trail after reaching the stream: one is halfway up the slope, and the other is at the top of the slope (no camping within 200 feet of the trail or creek). One and three-tenths miles from Vivian Creek Camp is Halfway Camp (8,100'). Water is obtained from the creek 200 yards before camp. Two and three-tenths miles further is High Creek Camp (water available - 9,200'). The summit of San Gorgonio (11,499') is 3 miles beyond High Creek. The upper end of this trail offers outstanding views of Yucaipa Ridge and Galena Peak, as well as sweeping panoramic views from the top of Mt. San Gorgonio. General info: No water available. No campfires allowed. Portable gas stoves are allowed with a valid California Campfire Permit. No camping within 200 feet of the trail or creek Wilderness Permit Required - this is a very popular trail, especially on summer weekends. It is suggested you request your permit in advance. Wilderness Permit applications are accepted up to 90 days in advance of your trip. Permits can be obtained from sgwa.org. Fee: Adventure Pass Required $5/day or $30/year. Interagency Passes also accepted.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Reservable
    • Dispersed
    • Alcohol
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Showing results 1-10 of 11 campgrounds

Recent Dispersed Reviews in Norco

40 Reviews of 11 Norco Campgrounds


  • Ciara W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from East Flats
    Aug. 7, 2024

    East Flats

    Wildlife but super dusty!

    Starlink internet here was great and we stayed 2 days to work here. Saw multiple deer walking by our site.

    Easy to drag in dust and very annoying. We easily found a spot for our van.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from East Flats
    Aug. 1, 2024

    East Flats

    Great secluded location

    First time car camping. Solo trip with my fur babies. Trails a little rough but good thing I have X-Mode on my Subaru. Lol. Arrived around 5:30pm on a Wednesday. Drove past a few campers. A few with big RV’s. Closest camper is about 30 yards away. Could barely hear their generator running. Planned on staying a few nights but after the first night I was told there was a big archery event and that the whole campground was reserved so I had to pack up and leave.

  • 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.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Mill Creek Dispersed Camping
    Jul. 23, 2024

    Mill Creek Dispersed Camping

    Over a dozen sites

    There are lots of sites on this road. The closer you are to the road the more dust will get in your site from the vehicles passing. The road here. I went a to the second fork after the Bluff lake fork. There’s a private campground near the Bluff Lake entrance which made noises i can hear from my site which was before Bluffs lake fork. There are over a dozen sites along the main road. If you can pull in, it’s a site. Some better than others and spaced out so you may not see your neighbors from your site. 2x4 accessible as long as it’s not muddy or after snow. I saw a Prius on the trail.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from East Flats
    Jun. 28, 2024

    East Flats

    Quiet & Fresh Air

    We are here RN! It is so peaceful and the air is so fresh! Pines, and clear blue skies! What more can you ask for a few hours away from LA proper…

  • Dickie Simmons  S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Mill Creek Dispersed Camping
    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.

  • Francisco F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Mill Creek Dispersed Camping
    Jun. 8, 2024

    Mill Creek Dispersed Camping

    Beautiful Spot For 4x4, But NOT For RVs

    My husband and I were looking for good boondocking spots yesterday and we decided to check out this spot, after finding it on The Dyrt and a few other sites. It's definitely a beautiful place, and most of the road to the site is paved, but the road up to the actual spot is gravel, with lots of potholes and washboard areas, which would make it difficult for an RV. But the biggest issue for RVs is an area of the road that is very steep and immediately turns into a hairpin turn that we didn't even want to try in our 4x4, since the road is very thin and our SUV (a 2009 Nissan Pathfinder) is kind of thick. I'm sure it's probably nothing for people who are used to using their 4x4 for more than regular driving in the snow, etc., but it was too dodgy for us. There is no way that even a Class C rig would be able to take that steep incline and immediately do that sharp turn. And since there's nowhere to turn around in that spot, you'd have to back your rig down the incline and then quite a ways down the pitted, gravel road to get out of it. 

    It's full of trees and seems fairly remote, but we had 5 cars pass us as we were backing away from the incline, so it's obviously a busy spot - you wouldn't be there alone, and this was on a Thursday.

  • Alexis O.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from East Flats
    Jun. 7, 2024

    East Flats

    great spacious area

    loved this spot. easy to find & very lowkey, with ample spaces to choose from. no amenities & great cell service.

  • 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.

  • eThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Holcomb Valley Climbers Camp
    Nov. 8, 2023

    Holcomb Valley Climbers Camp

    Site of gold discovery in the 1800s.

    If you’re into panning for gold you just might find some along Holcomb Creek. There are active claims in the area so be respectful. 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. There wasn’t many other vehicles around the times I’ve been out there. Nice scenery and peaceful.

  • 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.

  • Cyndy & Selena R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from East Flats
    Jun. 19, 2023

    East Flats

    East Flats-very nice

    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.

  • Patrizia H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from East Flats
    Feb. 20, 2023

    East Flats

    Awesome spot with internet reception!

    Many even spots even for bigger vehicles. Very quiet and I even have internet (Telekom)!

  • 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.


Drive Time


Guide to Norco

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Norco, California, where nature meets adventure. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, outdoor enthusiasts can find the perfect spot to unwind and explore.

Scenic Trails for Dispersed Campers

  • The Heaton flats area serves as a popular trailhead for hikes like the Bridge to Nowhere, making it an ideal starting point for outdoor adventures.
  • Campers can enjoy the sound of nearby streams and rivers, enhancing the natural ambiance while resting at sites like Mill Creek Dispersed Camping.
  • For those seeking a more secluded experience, Stockton Flats Yellow Post Sites 3-8 offers a peaceful environment surrounded by nature.

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Norco, California

  • Always check for any recent regulations or restrictions before heading out, especially in areas like Heaton flats, where camping rules can change frequently.
  • Arrive early to secure a good spot, particularly at popular locations such as High Creek Camp - San Gorgonio Wilderness, which can fill up quickly on weekends.
  • Be prepared for limited amenities; for example, Vivian Creek Camp has no drinking water or toilets, so plan accordingly.

Activities While Free Camping Near Norco

  • Enjoy hiking and exploring the scenic trails around Rim of the World Byway (near 15 fwy south), which offers easy access to breathtaking views and natural beauty.
  • For those interested in off-roading, Stockton Flats Yellow Post Sites 3-8 provides a great base for 4x4 adventures in the surrounding terrain.
  • Fishing and relaxing by the water are popular activities at Bear Lake, where visitors can enjoy the tranquility of nature while casting a line.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Norco, CA is Stockton Flats Yellow Post Sites 3-8 with a 3-star rating from 4 reviews.

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

    TheDyrt.com has all 11 dispersed camping locations near Norco, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.