Dispersed camping areas in the Angeles National Forest typically close during periods of extreme fire danger, with conditions changing seasonally. The forest covers over 700,000 acres with elevations ranging from 1,200 to 10,064 feet, creating varied camping environments across different areas. Temperature fluctuations between day and night can be significant, with summer highs reaching 90°F and winter nights dropping below freezing at higher elevations.
What to do
Wildlife observation opportunities: Stockton Flats Yellow Post Sites offers excellent viewing opportunities. "Deep in nature, beautiful area, no cost and you can almost always find a spot, even on a Saturday in summer," notes one camper. The area connects to hiking trails where visitors regularly spot deer, rabbits, and various bird species.
Hiking access: Heaton Flats serves as a basecamp for the popular Bridge to Nowhere trail. According to a visitor, "It could be an okay rest area at the beginning/end of the hike to Bridge to Nowhere." The trail follows the East Fork of the San Gabriel River through multiple river crossings.
Rock climbing practice: The distinctive rock formations near Rim of the World Byway attract climbers. "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," reports one visitor who enjoyed the rock formations.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: The dispersed nature of many camping areas provides good separation. At Stockton Flats, "the sites around has good shade and good size open spots," according to a satisfied camper. Most dispersed sites allow camping 100-500 feet from designated roads.
Quick accessibility from highways: Hare School Park offers convenient overnight stops. One RVer reports, "You can overnight park here with your RV without problems." This makes it practical for travelers needing a rest stop while passing through the area.
Free camping options: Several locations offer free camping near Rancho Santa Margarita, California. Rim of the World Byway provides accessible no-cost options. A camper states, "By Rim of the world scenic byway and mormon rocks. Easy in and out but next to train tracks. Quick stop friendly."
What you should know
Vehicle requirements vary by site: Many dispersed camping areas demand appropriate transportation. A Stockton Flats visitor cautions, "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."
Navigation challenges: Several dispersed camping areas have unmarked entrances. When visiting Stockton Flats Yellow Post Sites, one camper advises, "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."
GPS reliability concerns: Navigation apps may provide conflicting directions. For Rim of the World Byway, a visitor recommends, "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."
Seasonal closures: Weather and fire conditions affect availability. One camper reported about Stockton Flats, "The trail was closed as of May 7, 2023. No idea when it will be open."
Tips for camping with families
Plan for self-sufficiency: No facilities exist at most dispersed sites. At Stockton Flats, one visitor clarifies, "Specs of this campground are wrong, no toilets/water/etc. 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."
Dog-friendly options: Some areas accommodate pets with space to roam. At Hare School Park, a camper notes, "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."
Secure early arrival: Popular sites fill quickly during peak periods. A Stockton Flats visitor advises, "First time headed out here and it was a great spot for a disconnected weekend. Best to get there early as possible to secure a spot."
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions matter: Many dispersed sites cannot accommodate larger rigs. A camper at Rim of the World Byway shares, "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. If you're headed north on I15 do not take first access road. Almost a 4x4 road."
Urban overnight options: For those seeking convenient overnight parking near civilization, Hare School Park provides alternatives. "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," reports one visitor.
Limited turnaround space: Be cautious about road width and turnarounds. A Stockton Flats visitor warns, "We found a spot near the road that I'll post for others," after being unable to navigate their 35-foot trailer to the intended camping area.
