Best Dispersed Camping near Oak Glen, CA
San Bernardino National Forest surrounds Oak Glen, California with a variety of dispersed camping options that range from primitive backcountry sites to accessible roadside locations. East Flats and Mill Creek Dispersed Camping provide free drive-in access for self-sufficient campers, while the San Gorgonio Wilderness hosts more remote options like High Creek Camp and Vivian Creek Camp for hikers willing to trek into the backcountry. Yellow Post sites, marked by their distinctive yellow markers, offer designated dispersed camping throughout the forest with varying levels of accessibility. Holcomb Valley Climbers Camp attracts outdoor enthusiasts with its proximity to recreational opportunities and historical significance as a gold mining area.
Road conditions vary significantly across the region, with many sites requiring high-clearance vehicles or four-wheel drive to access. According to one camper at Yellow Post #54, "You will earn this spot as the drive from Hwy 38 is long and rocky." Fire restrictions change seasonally, with summer bans common throughout the forest. Most dispersed sites lack amenities, requiring visitors to pack in water and pack out waste. As one reviewer noted at Coon Creek Yellow Post, "You will need a campfire permit to have a fire when permitted, you can get them online from San Berdoo Forest." Cell service remains spotty in many areas, particularly in canyons and remote wilderness zones.
Wildlife sightings enhance the camping experience, with visitors reporting deer, lizards, snakes, and numerous bird species. A camper at South Ridge Yellow Post Sites observed that "mosquitoes come out at dusk—repellent is a must." Weekends typically see higher visitation, especially at more accessible sites like Mill Creek, which one reviewer described as having "many large and small sites along the road, some spots more secluded than others." The region's elevation changes create diverse camping environments, from forested mountain slopes to open valleys. Visitors particularly value the solitude found at more remote sites, with many reviewers highlighting the expansive views and star-gazing opportunities available throughout the area.
