Dispersed camping near Paramount, California requires traveling to the San Bernardino Mountains and Angeles National Forest, typically 35-70 miles northeast of the city. These primitive sites sit at elevations ranging from 2,000-5,000 feet, creating significant temperature differences from the Los Angeles basin. Summer daytime temperatures in these areas average 10-15 degrees cooler than Paramount, while winter conditions can include snow at higher elevations.
What to do
Hiking from base camps: Heaton Flats offers access to several hiking trails including the path to Bridge to Nowhere. One visitor notes, "It could be an okay rest area at the beginning/end of the hike to Bridge to Nowhere."
Off-road exploration: Areas like Stockton Flats Yellow Post Sites provide access to forest trails. A camper mentions, "If you go to the end of 3N06 (main off-road path) there is a good hike that you can take for several hours."
Stargazing opportunities: Angeles Crest Overlook sites provide nighttime sky viewing with minimal light pollution during weeknights. "I loved car camping here! When I stayed, there were no other people who stayed the night," notes one visitor.
What campers like
Easy access from urban areas: Rim of the World Byway provides quick overnight options. A camper states, "Easy in and out but next to train tracks. Quick stop friendly."
Rock formations and scenery: Many dispersed sites feature distinctive geological formations. One reviewer mentions, "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."
Dog-friendly spaces: Hare School Park offers areas for pets. "There's a dog park kind of area with a big field they can run around and just clean up after them," reports a camper who stayed multiple days.
What you should know
Access regulations change seasonally: Forest Service restrictions frequently limit primitive camping near Paramount. A visitor to Heaton Flats states, "Camping outside established campgrounds within the Angeles National Forest is sometimes prohibited, you have to be on top of reading recently published orders."
Vehicle requirements critical: Many sites require appropriate transportation. For Stockton Flats, a camper advises, "Great for campers that meet 2 criteria: 1) You have a Jeep, Truck or similar vehicle that can go off-road. 2) You enjoy dispersed camping (no water/restrooms etc)."
Accurate navigation essential: GPS coordinates may be inaccurate. One visitor warns, "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."
Tips for camping with families
Consider urban-adjacent alternatives: Some locations closer to Paramount provide camping experiences. A reviewer of Hare School Park notes, "I've been here for a couple days and nobody's mess with us. There's other people that are staying in another parking lot attached that are homeless in their vehicles mostly cars and vans."
Plan for weekday visits: Weekend crowds and behavior patterns change significantly at many sites. One camper observed at Angeles Crest Overlook, "During the week it's more quiet. Close to town so that is a plus."
Prepare for no amenities: No water, restrooms or trash service exists at these primitive sites. "There are no toilets, campfire sites or shade but good cell service," reports one camper about roadside locations.
Tips from RVers
Size limitations matter: Many forest service roads cannot accommodate larger vehicles. A Rim of the World visitor shares, "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."
Overnight parking options exist: Several areas permit RV overnight stays without traditional camping setups. "You can overnight park here with your RV without problems," confirms one visitor to Hare School Park.
Steep terrain challenges: Brake systems face extreme stress on mountain descents. "On the way back down from the turnaround we almost burned out our 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," cautions an RVer.
