Best Dispersed Camping near Riverside, CA
Dispersed camping options surround Riverside, California in the adjacent San Bernardino National Forest, primarily concentrated in the mountain areas near Big Bear Lake and along forest service roads. The Mill Creek, East Flats, and Bear Lake areas permit primitive camping without developed facilities. Several yellow post sites at Stockton Flats and backcountry zones in the San Gorgonio Wilderness also allow camping with proper permits. These areas typically require no reservation and have minimal to no amenities.
Many dispersed campsites require four-wheel drive or high-clearance vehicles to access. The Mill Creek area features dirt roads with potholes and washboard surfaces that become challenging after rain. According to reviews, some areas like Stockton Flats "definitely needed 4x4" with steep inclines and narrow roads. Most sites lack water, restrooms, and trash service. Fire restrictions vary seasonally, with several areas prohibiting campfires entirely. Camping is generally permitted for up to 14 days, though wilderness areas like San Gorgonio require advance permits that can be reserved for overnight stays.
These primitive sites range from lower elevation desert terrain to high mountain settings reaching 11,500 feet at San Gorgonio Summit Camp. Sites near Big Bear provide flat spaces suitable for tents and small vehicles. Proximity to roads varies, affecting noise levels and privacy. Reviews note that Mill Creek Dispersed Camping has "many large and small sites along the road" with "more than enough spots to have some privacy." Areas near Interstate 15, such as Rim of the World, experience highway noise and passing trains. High Creek Camp and other wilderness sites require substantial hiking to access but reward campers with creekside settings. One camper described East Flats as a "terrific dispersed spot" with "a couple loops and lots of spots."
