Dispersed camping options near Redondo Beach, California are largely found in the San Gabriel Mountains and Angeles National Forest region. Most free camping requires driving 40-60 miles from the coast, with overnight stays permitted in specific designated areas. Overnight parking is also available at select locations closer to Redondo Beach. Fire restrictions are common throughout the region, particularly during summer and fall due to high fire danger conditions.
What to do
Hiking trails access: Heaton Flats provides a starting point for the popular Bridge to Nowhere hike. "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," notes one Heaton flats visitor.
City skyline viewing: The roadside pullouts at Angeles Crest Overlook to LA provide urban viewing opportunities. "The view is gorgeous in the morning sunrise! I'd use it again if I needed it as it's hard to find free places to sleep with a great view like that when traveling through cities," shares one camper.
Dog exercise: Several areas permit pets with proper management. At Hare School Park, "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."
What campers like
Quick overnight solutions: For travelers needing a place to stop without amenities, some locations serve basic needs. "Perfect last minute late night hold over stop," says one visitor about Angeles Crest Overlook to LA, while another camper at Hare School Park reports, "You can overnight park here with your RV without problems."
Relative solitude on weekdays: Timing affects the experience significantly. "During the week it's more quiet. Close to town so that is a plus. Would recommend to smaller vans or car sleepers," notes one Angeles Crest visitor.
Vehicle-based camping: Most dispersed camping near Redondo Beach is vehicle-oriented. "It's basically car camping along the Angeles Crest highway, there's small pull out spots and some spots overlooking the forest," explains a camper. Another states, "I loved car camping here! When I stayed, there were no other people who stayed the night."
What you should know
Stay current on regulations: Forest Service rules change frequently based on fire danger and other factors. A Heaton flats visitor cautions: "Camping outside established campgrounds within the Angeles National Forest is sometimes prohibited, you have to be on top of reading recently published orders. Currently, camping is allowed for 7 days or less."
Limited facilities: Free camping areas near Redondo Beach lack basic amenities. One Angeles Crest camper notes: "This is literally just a roadside pull-off. Only really useful in a pinch. No space for a tent. Sleep in your vehicle." Another adds, "There are no toilets, campfire sites or shade but good cell service."
Nighttime activity: Certain areas experience regular traffic after dark. "It did seem like maybe a teen hangout or something - cars did flow in and out occasionally through the night until around midnight," reports one camper. Another warns, "Kids do tend to party up here and drive about 100 miles an hour up and down the road all hours of the night."
Tips for camping with families
Safety considerations: Parents should evaluate site security before staying with children. At Angeles Crest, "You will see cars and vans along the pull outs coming up but I believe you can car camp on the overlook. Be careful though," advises a camper who experienced security concerns.
Dog-friendly locations: Hare School Park provides space for families with pets. "I've been here for a couple days and nobody's mess with us. There's a dog park kind of area with a big field they can run around," reports one visitor.
Cell service variability: Communication options vary by location. "Unfortunately I didn't have any service (Visible/Verizon), so that was a little scary," notes one Angeles Crest camper, while another reports, "There are no toilets, campfire sites or shade but good cell service."
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: Large RVs face significant restrictions at most free camping sites near Redondo Beach. "I'm in a 25 foot Fleetwood RV. It's not tent friendly, I don't believe," explains one visitor at Hare School Park.
Noise tolerance needed: RV campers should expect varying noise levels. "I parked at one end of the area but in the evening lots of couples and teenagers came and the parking area was well used. Some people stood silently admiring the view, while others played loud music," reports an Angeles Crest visitor.
Parking lot camping: Several free camping options are essentially parking areas. "This is just a few parking lots that overlook the valley and gives a view of the city skyline in the distance. Several others were also sleeping in their vehicles along the road and in the parking lots, so you won't be alone," explains one camper.
