Dispersed camping near Universal City, California requires travel to surrounding forest areas, typically 25-35 miles from the city center. Most sites lack basic facilities and necessitate self-sufficiency with food, water, and waste management. Fire restrictions change seasonally, with California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection maintaining current restriction information for all nearby Angeles National Forest dispersed camping areas.
What to do
Hiking trails access: At Heaton Flats, visitors can use the camping area as a base for day hikes or backpacking trips. "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," notes one visitor regarding the area's suitability for quick stops versus extended stays.
Waterfall exploration: Big Cone Camp offers access to natural water features. "From Big Cone Camp you can easily reach the waterfalls and pools that make this area known as the 'punch bowls'. Depending on weather and water conditions there are some nice water rock slides, and a few pools you can jump from the cliffs into," reports a camper familiar with the area.
Off-road vehicle trails: Stockton Flats Yellow Post Sites provides access to off-road paths for those with appropriate vehicles. A visitor notes, "If you go to the end of 3N06 (main off-road path) there is a good hike that you can take for several hours." The combination of vehicle trails and hiking options creates multiple recreational possibilities at this location.
What campers like
Urban proximity with isolation: The Angeles Crest area provides relatively quick access from Universal City while offering forest surroundings. One camper at Angeles Crest Overlook states, "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."
Vehicle accessibility: Hare School Park provides parking lot camping options for those with vehicles. A visitor reports, "I've been here for a couple days and nobody's mess with us. There's other people that are staying in another parking lot attached that are homeless in their vehicles mostly cars and vans. I'm in a 25 foot Fleetwood RV."
Morning views: Several dispersed sites offer scenic morning perspectives. One Angeles Crest Overlook visitor comments, "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. The view is gorgeous in the morning sunrise!"
What you should know
Roadside safety concerns: Some overlook areas experience traffic and social activity throughout the night. A camper at Angeles Crest Overlook warns, "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."
Legend
