Dispersed camping areas near Pomona, California offer alternatives to traditional campgrounds at higher elevations ranging from 4,000 to 7,000 feet. These primitive sites sit primarily within Angeles National Forest and San Bernardino National Forest, where summer temperatures average 10-15 degrees cooler than Pomona. Most locations lack cell service and require visitors to obtain a California Campfire Permit when seasonal fire restrictions allow open flames.
What to do
Explore hiking trails: Several unmarked paths branch from Mill Creek Dispersed Camping areas, providing access to forest terrain. "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," notes reviewer Eileen S.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Early mornings offer chances to spot mule deer, coyotes and various bird species. According to one camper at Angeles Crest Overlook, "The view is gorgeous in the morning sunrise!" The elevated positions of many rustic camping spots near Pomona provide panoramic observation points.
Stargazing at higher elevations: The distance from city lights makes dispersed camping ideal for astronomy. One visitor to Angeles Crest noted, "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."
What campers like
Budget-friendly options: Free primitive camping provides cost-effective alternatives when established campgrounds fill up. Dickie Simmons S. mentions about Mill Creek: "Great free camping when campgrounds are booked. Easy to navigate with GPS. Many large and small sites along the road."
Off-road experiences: Vehicle-accessible sites offer varying challenges for different driver skill levels. At Stockton Flats Yellow Post Sites, Panda V. reports, "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."
Midweek solitude: Weekday visitors report significantly fewer campers and quieter conditions. "It was not crowded mid week, but spots were filling up closer to the weekend. There are a lot of flat spots to choose from," says one Mill Creek camper.
What you should know
Vehicle requirements vary significantly: Many sites require specific vehicle capabilities. Nathaniel C. advises about Stockton Flats: "Specs if this campground are wrong, no toilets/water/etc. 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."
Road conditions can change seasonally: Winter and spring storms may create difficult access points. At Rim of the World Byway, a visitor noted, "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."
Navigation challenges: Access points may be unmarked or poorly marked. Joe R. found at Stockton Flats that "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 proximity to main roads: For safety and quick exit if needed, some families prefer sites closer to primary routes. Alexander B. says about Rim of the World: "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."
Select sites with natural boundaries: Areas with trees or rock formations provide natural containment for children. One reviewer observed at Mill Creek, "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."
Urban proximity considerations: Heaton Flats offers primitive camping closer to urban areas but has specific limitations. Les R. cautions, "Camping outside established campgrounds within the Angeles National Forest is sometimes prohibited, you have to be on top of reading recently published orders on the Forest Service website."
Tips from RVers
Size-appropriate site selection: Large rigs face significant limitations in these areas. Francisco F. warns about Mill Creek: "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."
Urban parking alternatives: For RVers seeking stopover locations, Hare School Park provides an urban option. ROCKSTAR C. reports, "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. I'm in a 25 foot Fleetwood RV."
Leveling challenges: Most dispersed sites near Pomona require manual leveling on uneven terrain. Dee M. advises about Mill Creek, "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. 2x4 accessible as long as it's not muddy or after snow. I saw a Prius on the trail."
