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Dispersed camping can be found within the Angeles National Forest and San Bernardino National Forest areas near Norco, California. Several free primitive camping zones are located along forest service roads including Stockton Flats Yellow Post Sites, Rim of the World Byway, and Mill Creek Dispersed Camping. These areas typically require no reservations but operate on a first-come, first-served basis. The Angeles Crest area also permits roadside camping at designated pull-offs, though this is not formal camping. Most sites are primitive with no established facilities and fall under U.S. Forest Service management, requiring campers to practice Leave No Trace principles.
Many access roads to dispersed camping sites require high-clearance or 4WD vehicles, particularly at Stockton Flats where the approach includes steep inclines and rough terrain. As one camper noted, "Trail was fun (definitely needed 4x4) and the sites around had good shade." The Mill Creek area offers better accessibility, with a reviewer mentioning, "There are over a dozen sites along the main road. If you can pull in, it's a site." Most areas have no drinking water, restrooms, or trash service. Fire restrictions vary seasonally, with complete bans common during dry months. Camping duration is typically limited to 7 days in Angeles National Forest, and permits may be required for backcountry sites in the San Gorgonio Wilderness.
These dispersed camping areas provide varying experiences from mountain views to creekside settings. The Rim of the World Byway offers dramatic vistas but limited privacy. A camper described it as having an "easy in and out but next to train tracks," making it suitable for overnight stops rather than extended stays. Angeles Crest Overlook sites function more as roadside pull-offs than traditional camping areas, with one reviewer cautioning that "kids do tend to party up here and drive about 100 miles an hour up and down the road all hours of the night." For more secluded options, Mill Creek Dispersed Camping features wooded sites where "some spots are more secluded than others" with "good cellular reception" in certain locations.
"You can overnight park here with your RV without problems."
"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."
"There were some cars parked near the entrance, but if you go a bit further down alongside the road you can find some nice spots."
"It was easy to find and access based on information on The Dyrt posted by other users. Great for train enthusiasts. Lots of traffic noise from the highway."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"This is a dispersed yellow post 9 site. It’s up around 7500ft approximately four miles from Running Springs. I spent three days here and absolutely loved this spot."
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"There were steep inclines and narrow trails. but beautiful views. Avoid the area should there be rain due to dangerous flash floods."
GuideGreat 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.
LegendCamping 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.
GuideIf 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.
ScoutIt’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.
LegendBecause the National forest allows dispersed camping, as long as your off the roads and trails, the camping spots are unlimited. We like coming here if we want to be guaranteed a spot, no early arrivals or reservations needed. Dogs are allowed, and the trails in the area are dog-friendly.
ScoutWe stayed here for two nights, and it was a pretty pleasant experience! There were some cars parked near the entrance, but if you go a bit further down alongside the road you can find some nice spots. Use Google Maps; Waze takes you the wrong way, cause it's just right off the freeway, not down a long, very bumpy dirt road.
GuideCamping 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.
ScoutArrived at 2;30 pm. Windy. I wanted a place where I could let Bella off leach, so I put it in 4 wheel drive to pull my TAB trailer. Found a good spot. I can see other bigger rigs they did not require 4x4. Interesting view. If your headed north on I15 do not take thirst access road. Almost a 4x4 road.
GuideThe 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.
Dispersed camping near Norco, California provides access to both Angeles National Forest and San Bernardino National Forest. Located at elevations between 5,000 and 11,000 feet, the camping areas feature diverse terrain from dense pine forests to desert-like conditions. Seasonal temperature variations can be extreme, with summer highs reaching 90°F at lower elevations and winter lows dropping below freezing at higher elevations.
Hiking San Gorgonio peak: The trail from Vivian Creek Camp offers challenging elevation gain to Southern California's highest point. "This was probably one of the most epic camping experiences ever. The hike to the peak was nuts - we stayed at halfway camp in negative degree weather - and then summited on day 2," notes one camper who completed the journey.
Rock climbing: The Holcomb Valley Climbers Camp area caters specifically to climbing enthusiasts. "This area is used almost exclusively by rock climbers, but anyone is welcomed. As long as you follow the guidelines for the area, you can set up your tent anywhere you see a spot," explains one visitor.
Gold panning: Try your luck at finding gold in historic mining areas. "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," advises one camper about the Holcomb Valley area, which was "site of gold discovery in the 1800s."
Privacy in wooded settings: Many free camping spots near Norco offer secluded options. At East Flats, campers appreciate the natural separation: "Great spot right off of Jenks Lake Road East that allows dispersed camping. There are a lot of spaces and larger rigs will do just fine within the first 1/4 mile," according to one reviewer.
Accessibility for quick getaways: Some areas provide convenient camping within a short drive from urban areas. "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," shares one East Flats camper.
Wildlife viewing: Camping at higher elevations offers opportunities to see native animals. "Saw multiple deer walking by our site," notes a visitor to East Flats, highlighting the natural encounters possible at free camping sites near Norco.
Vehicle requirements: Many dispersed camping areas require appropriate vehicles. At Stockton Flats Yellow Post Sites, "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," cautions one camper.
Cell service varies: Connectivity is inconsistent throughout the forests. "Good cellular reception in my particular location," notes a camper at Mill Creek Dispersed Camping, while other areas may have limited or no service.
Seasonal closures: Weather and maintenance can affect access. "The trail was closed as of May 7, 2023, No idea when it will be open," reports a disappointed visitor to Stockton Flats, highlighting the importance of checking conditions before departure.
Choose accessible sites: Some free camping near Norco offers easier terrain for children. "Wasn't hard to find a little rough but fairly easy to reach with our Sedan," notes a reviewer about East Flats, making it suitable for family vehicles.
Look for areas with exploration space: Kids benefit from open areas to play. "The road up to the camp area is a bit rough. We were in a Sprinter and definitely nervous for parts. But, it was worth it once we got there! It's secluded and has enough trees for a hammock. Our kids loved being able to explore," shares a visitor to Holcomb Valley.
Consider overnight stays versus extended camping: For families new to dispersed camping, shorter trips work best. "Perfect last minute late night hold over stop," explains a camper at Angeles Crest Overlook, describing its use as a convenient option.
Size limitations: Larger RVs face access challenges at most free camping locations. "My wife and I were looking for good boondocking spots yesterday and we decided to check out this spot... the road up to the actual spot is gravel, with lots of potholes and washboard areas, which would make it difficult for an RV," explains a visitor to Mill Creek.
Scout before committing: RVers should investigate routes before attempting them. "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," notes a Stockton Flats visitor who encountered difficulties.
Check clearance requirements: Ground clearance often determines access to free camping near Norco. "I went a to the second fork after the Bluff lake fork... 2x4 accessible as long as it's not muddy or after snow. I saw a Prius on the trail," reports a Mill Creek camper, providing valuable context about vehicle capabilities.
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 Hare School Park with a 4-star rating from 3 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Norco, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 17 dispersed camping locations near Norco, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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