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Best Dispersed Camping near Torrance, CA

8 Reviews

Dispersed camping options near Torrance, California are limited, with most sites functioning as urban pullouts rather than true wilderness experiences. Angeles Crest Overlook to LA offers roadside parking areas with views of the city skyline, functioning more as overnight vehicle stops than traditional campsites. "It is not a real campground, just a parking area of a view point," notes one camper. These pullouts attract visitors throughout the night, with reports of loud music, cars "doing donuts," and generally busy conditions, especially on weekends.

Hare School Park provides another option for vehicle-based overnight stays, primarily in the sports fields parking lot. This location prohibits tents, fires, and alcohol, making it suitable only for self-contained vehicles. One reviewer mentions, "You can overnight park here with your RV without problems." Meanwhile, Heaton Flats requires a hike-in approach and has limited amenities, though trash disposal is available. Camping regulations in Angeles National Forest change frequently, with temporary prohibitions possible. Current Forest Service orders should be checked before attempting dispersed camping in the area.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Torrance, California (3)

    1. 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."

    2. Angeles Crest Overlook to LA

    8 Reviews
    La Cañada Flintridge, CA
    29 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."

    3. Heaton flats

    1 Review
    Mount Baldy, CA
    44 miles
    Website
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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Torrance, CA

3 Photos of 3 Torrance Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Torrance, CA

8 Reviews of 3 Torrance 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.

  • 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

  • Andrew S.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 30, 2024

    Angeles Crest Overlook to LA

    Not a campsite

    This is literally just a roadside pull-off. Only really useful in a pinch. No space for a tent. Sleep in your vehicle.

  • Iris A.The Dyrt PRO User
    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.

  • VThe Dyrt PRO User
    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.

Guide to Torrance

Discover the thrill of dispersed camping near Torrance, California, where you can immerse yourself in nature without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. This area offers unique spots for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle while enjoying the great outdoors.

Top Activities While Free Camping Near Torrance

  • Enjoy breathtaking views and stargazing opportunities at Angeles Crest Overlook to LA, perfect for those who appreciate scenic landscapes.
  • Experience the excitement of hiking to the Bridge to Nowhere, with access from Heaton Flats, where you can explore the beautiful trails of the Angeles National Forest.
  • Engage in wildlife watching and photography in the serene surroundings of Heaton Flats, where the natural beauty is complemented by the sounds of a nearby stream.

Dispersed Campers Should Check Out Angeles Crest Overlook to LA

  • This location serves as a convenient pull-off for those needing a quick rest, although it's more suited for car camping than traditional tent setups, as noted by visitors who found it useful in a pinch at Angeles Crest Overlook to LA.
  • Be prepared for a lively atmosphere, as some campers have reported late-night parties and fast-driving cars, making it a spot for the adventurous at heart.
  • If you're looking for a place to park and enjoy the view, this area offers stunning overlooks, but be cautious of the surrounding activity.

Scenic Attractions for Dispersed Campers

  • The trailhead to the Bridge to Nowhere starts at Heaton Flats, making it an ideal base for those eager to tackle this popular hike.
  • Visitors have noted that the area can get crowded on weekends, so plan your trip accordingly to enjoy a more peaceful experience.
  • The nearby stream provides a refreshing backdrop for your camping experience, enhancing the natural ambiance of Heaton Flats.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Torrance, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Torrance, CA is Hare School Park with a 5-star rating from 2 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Torrance, CA?

TheDyrt.com has all 3 dispersed camping locations near Torrance, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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