Best Dispersed Camping near Redondo Beach, CA
Dispersed camping near Redondo Beach, California is limited to a few specific areas in the surrounding region. Angeles National Forest provides the primary opportunities for primitive camping, with Angeles Crest Overlook to LA serving as one option approximately 40 miles northeast of Redondo Beach. This location is not a designated campground but rather a series of roadside pull-offs along Angeles Crest Highway where overnight parking is tolerated. Heaton Flats, located deeper in the Angeles National Forest, offers another dispersed camping option accessible by hiking or walking in.
Road access varies significantly between locations. Angeles Crest Overlook consists primarily of paved pullouts directly off the highway with no amenities or facilities. Camping is vehicle-based, as there is minimal space for tent setup. Heaton Flats requires foot access and has no drinking water, electricity, or restroom facilities, though trash collection is available. Fire restrictions are strictly enforced throughout these areas, with no campfires permitted at either location. Camping duration in Angeles National Forest is typically limited to 7 days, though regulations change frequently and campers should check current forest orders before planning trips.
These primitive sites attract different user experiences based on location. Angeles Crest Overlook provides panoramic views of Los Angeles but experiences significant traffic and activity. "It is not a real campground, just a parking area of a viewpoint. In the evening lots of couples and teenagers came and the parking area was well used," noted one visitor. The area sees regular nighttime traffic and occasional disruptive behavior. Heaton Flats offers a more traditional backcountry experience but comes with important restrictions. A recent camper cautioned, "Camping outside established campgrounds within the Angeles National Forest is sometimes prohibited, you have to be on top of reading recently published orders." Cell service is generally unreliable in both locations, with Angeles Crest offering better connectivity than the more remote Heaton Flats area.
