Best Dispersed Camping near San Gabriel, CA

Dispersed camping options near San Gabriel, California include several primitive sites within Angeles National Forest, where free camping is permitted with certain restrictions. The Angeles Crest Overlook to LA provides roadside pull-off spots along Angeles Crest Highway, while Heaton Flats offers hike-in camping opportunities. Additional dispersed sites include Stockton Flats Yellow Post Sites and Rim of the World Byway near the 15 freeway. Camping regulations in Angeles National Forest change frequently, with current orders allowing stays of 7 days or less according to Forest Service notices.

Road conditions and access requirements vary significantly between sites. Stockton Flats requires 4x4 vehicles for proper access, with reviewers noting the turn is poorly marked and involves climbing a steep hill. The Rim of the World Byway site is more accessible, located just off the freeway, though some spots may require high-clearance vehicles. Most dispersed sites lack amenities such as toilets, drinking water, or designated fire rings. Fire restrictions are common throughout the area, particularly during dry seasons and high fire danger periods.

These primitive camping areas provide varying experiences based on location and timing. "It's not a typical campground but it does do the job for a couple days," noted one visitor to Angeles Crest Overlook, which offers city views but experiences regular traffic. A camper at Rim of the World mentioned, "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." Weekday visits generally provide quieter experiences than weekends. Cell service is limited or non-existent at most sites, particularly at higher elevations or in canyons. Some areas experience noise from nearby roads or railroad tracks, while others provide more secluded settings.

Best Dispersed Sites Near San Gabriel, California (5)

    1. Angeles Crest Overlook to LA

    8 Reviews
    La Cañada Flintridge, CA
    11 miles

    "I loved car camping here! When I stayed, there were no other people who stayed the night, but quite a few people came throughout the night just for 20 minutes at a time or so."

    "Great view but on the weekend we had multiple cars doing donuts really close to our van. I felt uncomfortable with that."

    2. Hare School Park

    2 Reviews
    Westminster, CA
    22 miles

    "You can overnight park here with your RV without problems."

    "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."

    3. Heaton flats

    1 Review
    Mount Baldy, CA
    22 miles
    Website

    4. Stockton Flats Yellow Post Sites 3-8

    4 Reviews
    Wrightwood, CA
    33 miles
    Website
    +1 (909) 382-2851

    "Great for campers that meet 2 criteria 1) You have a Jeep, Truck it similar vehicle that can go off-road. 2) You enjoy dispersed camping (no water/restrooms etc) If both are yes, this place is amazing"

    "Trail was fun (definitely needed 4x4) and the sites around has good shade and good size open spots. Best to get there early as possible to secure a spot."

    5. Rim of the World Byway (near 15 fwy south) Dispersed

    3 Reviews
    Lytle Creek, CA
    38 miles
    Website
    +1 (909) 382-2851

    "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."

    "Easy in and out but next to train tracks. Quick stop friendly ;)"

Show More
Showing results 1-5 of 5 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Dispersed Camping Reviews near San Gabriel, CA

15 Reviews of 5 San Gabriel Campgrounds


  • Les R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 29, 2024

    Heaton flats

    Not always allowed

    Camping outside esablished campgrounds within the Angeles National Forest is sometimes prohibited, you have to be on top of reading recently published orders on https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/angeles. Currently, camping is allowed for 7 days or less, see here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/angeles/alerts-notices/?aid=78080 The people I saw camping here looked to have been set up somewhat permanently though. 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.

  • Joseph R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 26, 2024

    Angeles Crest Overlook to LA

    Nope

    It’s basically car camping along the Angeles Crest highway, there’s small pull out spots and, some spots overlooking the forest but kids do tend to party up here and, drive about 100 miles a hour up and, down the road all hours of the night. It can get a bit scary, if you’re alone. Oh cell service non-existent unless you’re closer to the bottom but even then it’s spotty. It’s not a typical campground but it does do the job for a couple days. You will see cars vans along the pull outs coming up but I believe you can car camp on the overlook I have not as I’m more a quiet type person. Be careful though there’s a white van that teams up with a black truck they tried to break in my car while I was sleeping. It is very dangerous and luckily I carry at all times and have cameras.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 10, 2025

    Rim of the World Byway (near 15 fwy south) Dispersed

    Quick stop, nice rocks

    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. 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.

  • GThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 16, 2025

    Rim of the World Byway (near 15 fwy south) Dispersed

    Nice stopover for me

    Arrived at 2;30 pm. Windy. 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. Interesting view. If your headed north on I15 do not take thirst access road. Almost a 4x4 road.

  • J
    May. 27, 2024

    Stockton Flats Yellow Post Sites 3-8

    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. You climb a big steep hill to get to the turn in. On the way back down from the turnaround we almost burned out or 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. Disappointed because pictures from others looked great and it is a beautiful area. We found a spot near the road that I’ll post for others.

  • Nathaniel C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 6, 2021

    Stockton Flats Yellow Post Sites 3-8

    Great if you have a 4x4

    Specs if this campground are wrong, no toilets/water/etc.

    Great for campers that meet 2 criteria 1) You have a Jeep, Truck it similar vehicle that can go off-road. 2) You enjoy dispersed camping (no water/restrooms etc)

    If both are yes, this place is amazing.

    Deep in nature, beautiful area, no cost and you can almost always find a spot, even on a Saturday in summer.

    If you go the the end of 3N06 (main off-road path) there is a good hike that you can take for several hours.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 22, 2024

    Angeles Crest Overlook to LA

    Dark, fairly quiet, good view!

    I loved car camping here! When I stayed, there were no other people who stayed the night, but quite a few people came throughout the night just for 20 minutes at a time or so. Wasn’t too noisy at all. Unfortunately I didn’t have any service (Visible/Verizon), so that was a little scary. Other than that, no complaints at all!

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 26, 2024

    Angeles Crest Overlook to LA

    Great view

    Great view but on the weekend we had multiple cars doing donuts really close to our van. I felt uncomfortable with that. Next night we moved to the other look out and someone still did donuts behind us- it’s a smaller lookout. Loud music and people talking next to us until about 1 am there is a pull off before this that was very quiet near a trail and nobody bothered us. During the week it’s more quiet. Close to town so that is a plus. Would recommend to smaller vans or car sleepers. I did not feel unsafe except for the donuts that happened near us. If you have dogs I would recommend the trail pull off my dogs really enjoyed the hike

  • Panda V.
    Sep. 7, 2022

    Stockton Flats Yellow Post Sites 3-8

    Great spot for dispersed camping

    First time headed out here and it was a great spot for a disconnected weekend. Trail was fun (definitely needed 4x4) and the sites around has good shade and good size open spots. Best to get there early as possible to secure a spot.


Guide to San Gabriel

Primitive camping near San Gabriel, California includes several undeveloped sites within Angeles National Forest where camping regulations require permits for overnight stays in certain zones. Vehicle access varies significantly between locations, with some requiring 4x4 capabilities while others provide easier access directly off highways. These dispersed sites generally lack amenities and experience seasonal closures during high fire danger periods, typically from May through November.

What to do

Wildlife viewing opportunities: At Stockton Flats Yellow Post Sites, campers can access hiking trails at the end of forest road 3N06. "If you go the the end of 3N06 (main off-road path) there is a good hike that you can take for several hours," notes one visitor who recommends arriving early to secure a spot.

Overnight parking near urban areas: Urban-adjacent overnight options exist at Hare School Park, where vehicle camping is permitted in the parking lot. "You can overnight park here with your RV without problems," reports one camper, while another mentions, "There's a dog park kind of area with a big field they can run around and just clean up after them."

Train watching: Railroad enthusiasts can observe passing trains from Rim of the World Byway dispersed camping area. Located near Mormon Rocks, this site offers "Easy in and out but next to train tracks," according to one reviewer who found it suitable for quick overnight stops.

What campers like

Sunrise views: Morning views from elevated sites can provide memorable experiences. One camper at Angeles Crest Overlook to LA shared, "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."

Weeknight solitude: Several dispersed sites offer quieter experiences on weeknights compared to weekends. A camper at Angeles Crest Overlook to LA reported, "When I stayed, there were no other people who stayed the night, but quite a few people came throughout the night just for 20 minutes at a time or so. Wasn't too noisy at all."

Terrain variety: The natural landscape provides diverse camping environments within short distances. "Deep in nature, beautiful area, no cost and you can almost always find a spot, even on a Saturday in summer," writes one Stockton Flats visitor who appreciated the remote setting.

What you should know

Fire restrictions: Current Angeles National Forest orders typically allow camping for 7 days or less, but these rules change frequently. A visitor to Heaton Flats advises, "Camping outside established campgrounds within the Angeles National Forest is sometimes prohibited, you have to be on top of reading recently published orders on the Forest Service website."

Navigation challenges: Many sites have poor signage or incorrect GPS coordinates. "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," warns a Stockton Flats visitor.

Overnight safety considerations: Some roadside pullouts experience nighttime activity. A camper at Angeles Crest Overlook noted, "Dark, fairly quiet, good view! Unfortunately I didn't have any service (Visible/Verizon), so that was a little scary." Another visitor reported, "It did seem like maybe a teen hangout or something - cars did flow in and out occasionally through the night until around midnight."

Tips for camping with families

Site selection priorities: When camping with children, choose locations away from traffic and road noise. At Angeles Crest Overlook, a camper recommends, "There is a pull off before this that was very quiet near a trail and nobody bothered us. During the week it's more quiet. If you have dogs I would recommend the trail pull off my dogs really enjoyed the hike."

Space requirements: Many pullout areas have limited flat space for tents. "This is literally just a roadside pull-off. Only really useful in a pinch. No space for a tent. Sleep in your vehicle," warns one Angeles Crest visitor about site limitations.

Facilities planning: No public restrooms exist at most dispersed sites, requiring advance preparation. At Hare School Park, a camper notes, "There's no public bathrooms, but there are trash cans so clean up after yourself please. It's not tent friendly. I don't believe."

Tips from RVers

Vehicle requirements: High clearance or 4x4 vehicles are necessary for accessing many primitive sites. "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 (no water/restrooms etc)," advises a Stockton Flats visitor.

Size restrictions: Large RVs face significant access limitations at most sites. One camper reported about Rim of the World Byway: "I can see other bigger rigs they did not require 4x4. Interesting view. If your headed north on I15 do not take thirst access road. Almost a 4x4 road."

Alternative routing: GPS services may provide conflicting directions to dispersed sites. A camper at Rim of the World advises, "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."

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find dispersed camping in the San Gabriel Mountains?

Dispersed camping opportunities exist throughout the San Gabriel Mountains in Angeles National Forest. Heaton Flats offers primitive dispersed camping with a 7-day maximum stay limit. Another option is Angeles Crest Overlook to LA, which provides car camping along Angeles Crest Highway with pull-out spots and views overlooking the forest. For current dispersed camping regulations and restrictions, check the Angeles National Forest website as camping outside established campgrounds is sometimes prohibited due to seasonal fire danger or other conditions. Most dispersed sites require high-clearance vehicles, have no facilities, and follow Leave No Trace principles.

Do I need a permit for dispersed camping in San Gabriel National Forest?

Yes, you need an Adventure Pass (daily or annual) to park in most recreation areas within the Angeles National Forest, including for dispersed camping. This serves as your basic permit for forest access. Additionally, during your stay at Rim of the World Byway or other dispersed sites, you must follow the forest's regulations, including maximum stay limits (typically 7 days) and proper waste disposal. For backpacking and hiking into wilderness areas, a free wilderness permit may be required depending on the specific location. Purchase Adventure Passes at forest service offices, visitor centers, or participating vendors before arriving at your camping destination.

What are the best times of year for dispersed camping in San Gabriel?

Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) offer the most pleasant conditions for dispersed camping in the San Gabriel Mountains. Summer months can be extremely hot, especially at lower elevations, with temperatures potentially exceeding 90°F. Winter brings snow and cold temperatures to higher elevations, making access difficult without appropriate vehicles and gear. If visiting Hare School Park or other lower elevation sites, winter camping can be enjoyable with milder temperatures. Note that seasonal fire restrictions may limit camping options during late summer and early fall when fire danger is highest. Spring offers wildflowers and more reliable water sources, while fall provides cooler temperatures and fewer crowds.

Are campfires allowed at dispersed camping sites in San Gabriel?

Campfire regulations in the San Gabriel Mountains are strictly controlled and change frequently based on fire danger levels. Currently, campfires are often prohibited at dispersed sites during high fire risk seasons, which can include much of the summer and fall. At Stockton Flats Yellow Post Sites 3-8, designated fire rings exist, but fire restrictions may still apply. When fires are permitted, they must be in established fire rings only, completely extinguished before leaving, and never left unattended. Always check the latest fire restrictions on the Angeles National Forest website before your trip, as violations can result in hefty fines. A portable camp stove is a safer alternative that may be allowed when campfires are not.