Top Free Dispersed Camping near South Pasadena, CA

Planning a dispersed camping trip near South Pasadena? Dispersed camping means that no facilities or amenities are provided, so that you can truly disconnect and get back to nature. You're sure to find the perfect dispersed campsite for your California excursion.

Best Dispersed Sites Near South Pasadena, CA (4)

    Camper-submitted photo from Angeles Crest Overlook to LA
    Camper-submitted photo from Stockton Flats Yellow Post Sites 3-8
    Camper-submitted photo from Stockton Flats Yellow Post Sites 3-8
    Camper-submitted photo from Stockton Flats Yellow Post Sites 3-8
    Camper-submitted photo from Stockton Flats Yellow Post Sites 3-8
    Camper-submitted photo from Stockton Flats Yellow Post Sites 3-8
    Camper-submitted photo from Stockton Flats Yellow Post Sites 3-8

    2. Stockton Flats Yellow Post Sites 3-8

    4 Reviews
    6 Photos
    254 Saves

    These remote camping sites offer isolated scenic locations ideal for tent and car camping or a relaxing picnic far from the crowds. Other than a pit for campfires, these sites do NOT contain the amenities found at developed campgrounds. There is no water, no picnic tables, no restrooms nearby, and no trash containers. Please pack it in - pack it out! All sites are first-come, first-served. Campfire permits are required for any type of fire use - campfires, charcoal BBQ's, or stoves. Campfires may not be allowed certain times of the year. See Current Conditions below or call the Lytle Creek Ranger Station (909-382-2851). These Yellow Post Sites are reached via Forest Road 3N06. Please refer to the Yellow-post site map available by clicking on this link or for free at the Lytle Creek Ranger Station. High-clearance vehicles are recommended for reaching all sites. Four-wheel drive vehicles may also be required depending on current road conditions.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Dispersed
    • Alcohol
    Camper-submitted photo from Heaton flats
    Camper-submitted photo from Heaton flats
    Camper-submitted photo from Heaton flats
    Camper-submitted photo from Heaton flats
    Camper-submitted photo from Rim of the World Byway (near 15 fwy south) Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Rim of the World Byway (near 15 fwy south) Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Rim of the World Byway (near 15 fwy south) Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Rim of the World Byway (near 15 fwy south) Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Rim of the World Byway (near 15 fwy south) Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Rim of the World Byway (near 15 fwy south) Dispersed

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

    1 Review
    14 Photos
    38 Saves

    Please remember to LNT at dispersed campgrounds

    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Dispersed

Recent Dispersed Reviews In South Pasadena

12 Reviews of 4 South Pasadena Campgrounds


  • Leslie R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Heaton flats
    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.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Stockton Flats Yellow Post Sites 3-8
    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.

  • Joseph R.
    Camper-submitted photo from Angeles Crest Overlook to LA
    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.

  • N
    Camper-submitted photo from Angeles Crest Overlook to LA
    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

  • J
    Camper-submitted photo from Angeles Crest Overlook to LA
    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!

  • V
    Camper-submitted photo from Angeles Crest Overlook to LA
    Dec. 31, 2023

    Angeles Crest Overlook to LA

    Parking Lot w/ Incredible View

    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. There were two others in our lot that stayed the night too. The view is gorgeous in the morning sunrise!

    That being said, it did seem like maybe a teen hangout or something - cars did flow in and out occasionally through the night until around midnight, so that wasn’t great but not awful either. 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.

  • Iris A.
    Camper-submitted photo from Angeles Crest Overlook to LA
    Aug. 30, 2023

    Angeles Crest Overlook to LA

    dispersed camping next to the road

    It is not a real campground, just a the parking area of a view point. So the view was great. 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. There were also tire tracks on the ground that suggested to me, some young people come here to test their driving skills. I spent the night and no-one took really notice of me. 

    There are no toilets, campfire sites or shade but good cell service.

  • Panda V.
    Camper-submitted photo from Stockton Flats Yellow Post Sites 3-8
    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.

  • Nathaniel C.
    Camper-submitted photo from Stockton Flats Yellow Post Sites 3-8
    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.



Guide to South Pasadena

Camping near South Pasadena offers a great escape into nature without straying too far from the city. With a variety of campgrounds nearby, you can find the perfect spot to relax, hike, or enjoy some family time.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails around Crystal Lake Rec Area Campground. One visitor mentioned, "The hike to the lake mainly follows a paved service road, but it does veer away at times into some really nice scenery."
  • Fishing: At Prado Regional Park, you can enjoy fishing along with other activities. A camper noted, "Beautiful park with fun for all. Baseball fields, soccer fields, disc golf, fishing and more."
  • Beach Time: If you’re up for a drive, Bolsa Chica State Beach Campground offers beach camping. One reviewer said, "Nothing better than an ocean view and a fire pit!"

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness at places like Bonelli Bluffs. One review stated, "Possibly the cleanest public bathroom I've ever seen."
  • Friendly Staff: Many visitors enjoy the welcoming atmosphere. A camper at Malibu Beach RV Park shared, "The owners have a great plan and it looks like they are achieving their goal!"
  • Scenic Views: Campgrounds like Table Mountain Campground offer stunning landscapes. A happy camper remarked, "Really nice spot with amazing views."

What you should know:

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can get noisy, especially on weekends. A visitor at Soledad Canyon RV and Camping Resort mentioned, "It is a beautiful valley outside of LA... but it was a tad worse."
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. For instance, Malibu Creek State Park Campground lacks electric hookups, which some campers found inconvenient. One reviewer said, "Showers are coin operated and cold."
  • Wildlife: Be cautious of wildlife, especially at Coldbrook Campground. A camper warned, "Be careful with your garbage... bears appear looking for food."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Playground Needs: Families might want to check for playgrounds or kid-friendly activities. A parent at Bonelli Bluffs noted, "We were hoping for playgrounds... unfortunately, the absence of such facilities meant we had to get creative."
  • Proximity to Attractions: Choose campgrounds close to family-friendly attractions. One family enjoyed the convenience of Malibu Creek State Park Campground, stating, "The sites are nicely spaced out."
  • Plan for Downtime: Bring games or activities for kids during downtime. A camper at Buckhorn Campground mentioned, "The stars flickering in the night is the best thing that I love."

Tips from RVers:

  • Space Availability: RVers at Thousand Trails Soledad Canyon appreciated the spacious sites. One said, "The best are the back in sites at the top of the campground because you back up to a gorgeous Mountain View Cliff."
  • Connectivity: Be prepared for limited cell reception. A visitor noted, "We normally have pretty bad cell reception. Starlink works well though if you don’t park under one of the few trees."
  • Check for Amenities: Make sure to check what amenities are available. A reviewer at Malibu Beach RV Park highlighted, "Every spot has a great view of the Pacific Ocean from high upon a cliff!"

Whether you're looking for the best camping near South Pasadena, CA, or just a quick getaway, these campgrounds offer something for everyone.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near South Pasadena, CA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near South Pasadena, CA is Angeles Crest Overlook to LA with a 3-star rating from 6 reviews.

  • What is the best site to find dispersed camping near South Pasadena, CA?

    TheDyrt.com has all 4 dispersed camping locations near South Pasadena, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.