Best Dispersed Camping near Running Springs, CA
Several free dispersed camping areas surround the Running Springs area in the San Bernardino National Forest. East Flats offers numerous level sites accessible via Jenks Lake Road East, with spots suitable for vehicles ranging from sedans to 40-foot RVs. The dirt roads have some rough sections with rocks and drainage ditches but remain passable for most vehicles. Mill Creek Dispersed Camping provides multiple sites along a gravel road, though high clearance is recommended.
Most dispersed sites feature no amenities - no toilets, water, or trash service. Fire regulations vary by location and season, with some areas permitting campfires while others prohibit them entirely. Holcomb Valley Climbers Camp features more established sites with picnic tables, while other areas like Bear Lake provide more primitive camping experiences. "The road up to the camp area is a bit rough. We were in a Sprinter and definitely nervous for parts," noted one camper about Holcomb Valley. Cell service is generally available throughout the region, with one camper reporting, "Starlink internet here was great and we stayed 2 days to work here."