Best Dispersed Camping near Norco, CA

Searching for the best camping near Norco, CA? Norco is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. Find the best campgrounds near Norco, CA. Read reviews from campers like you and find your perfect campsite.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Norco, California (15)

    1. Stockton Flats Yellow Post Sites 3-8

    4 Reviews
    Wrightwood, CA
    27 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."

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

    3 Reviews
    Lytle Creek, CA
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (909) 382-2851

    "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."

    "Easy in and out but next to train tracks. Quick stop friendly ;)"

    3. Hare School Park

    1 Review
    Westminster, CA
    26 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."

    4. Heaton flats

    1 Review
    Mount Baldy, CA
    25 miles
    Website

    5. East Flats

    11 Reviews
    San Bernardino National Forest, CA
    44 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."

    6. Angeles Crest Overlook to LA

    8 Reviews
    La Cañada Flintridge, CA
    41 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."

    7. Mill Creek Dispersed Camping

    5 Reviews
    Fawnskin, CA
    40 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."

    8. Holcomb Valley Climbers Camp

    7 Reviews
    Big Bear Lake, CA
    47 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."

    9. San Gorgonio Summit Camp

    5 Reviews
    Forest Falls, CA
    44 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. Vivian Creek Camp

    1 Review
    Forest Falls, CA
    40 miles
    Website
    +1 (909) 382-2882

    "This campground is located just around the corner from the permit required sign. There is a lovely creek that lead to a waterfall that some repel down. The campground is up the right of the trail."

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Norco, CA

47 Reviews of 15 Norco Campgrounds


  • 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.

  • 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.

  • eThe Dyrt PRO User
    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.

  • 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.

  • Les R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 25, 2018

    Holcomb Valley Climbers Camp

    unlimited backcountry camping

    Because 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.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 10, 2025

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

    Quick stop, nice rocks

    We 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.

  • Cyndy & Selena R.The Dyrt PRO User
    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.

  • GThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 16, 2025

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

    Nice stopover for me

    Arrived 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.

  • 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.


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 15 dispersed camping locations near Norco, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.