Dispersed camping near West Hollywood requires venturing into Angeles National Forest, which sits at elevations between 1,600 and 8,500 feet. Vehicle access becomes progressively challenging the farther from metropolitan areas you travel. Fire restrictions vary seasonally with complete bans common during summer months when temperatures regularly exceed 90°F.
What to do
Trail hiking from campsites: The area near Heaton Flats connects with the Bridge to Nowhere trail. While camping may not always be permitted, the location serves as a strategic starting point for hikers. "It could be an okay rest area at the beginning/end of the hike to Bridge to Nowhere," notes one visitor.
Early morning photography: Angeles Crest provides unique vantage points for sunrise photography overlooking Los Angeles. According to one camper, "The view is gorgeous in the morning sunrise!" Photographers should prepare for temperature drops of 15-20 degrees overnight compared to daytime highs.
Off-road exploration: The routes to Stockton Flats Yellow Post Sites require serious off-road capability. A visitor explains, "Trail was fun (definitely needed 4x4) and the sites around has good shade and good size open spots." Trail conditions deteriorate significantly after rainfall, often resulting in temporary closures.
What campers like
Urban proximity with forest isolation: Many campers appreciate that rustic camping near West Hollywood offers relative wilderness within an hour's drive of the city. One visitor at Big Cone Camp notes, "It is one of my favorite spots simply because it is close and when my kids were young it was a fairly easy hike to get to, and there's a nice reward when you get there."
Nighttime views: The elevation provides exceptional views of city lights. At Angeles Crest Overlook, campers report, "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." The best visibility occurs during weeknights with less air pollution.
Last-minute options: The accessibility of these sites makes them valuable for spontaneous trips. One camper describes Angeles Crest as a "Perfect last minute late night hold over stop." Most dispersed sites cannot be reserved in advance, functioning strictly as first-come, first-served options.
What you should know
Permit requirements change: Forest Service rules fluctuate based on fire danger, drought conditions, and staffing. "Currently, camping is allowed for 7 days or less," notes one camper, who adds that it's essential to stay updated with "recently published orders on [the Angeles National Forest website]."
Vehicle requirements: Many sites require specialized vehicles. At Stockton Flats Yellow Post Sites, one reviewer cautions, "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." Steep grades exceed 15% on some access roads.
Limited facilities: None of these dispersed camping options provide amenities. According to visitors, even sites listed with facilities often lack them: "Specs of this campground are wrong, no toilets/water/etc." All water must be packed in, with the nearest fill stations typically 30+ minutes away by car.
Tips for camping with families
Consider Big Cone Camp: This hike-in option works well for families with some hiking experience. "This is a fairly easy hike through what would not be considered a typical hike... when my kids were young it was a fairly easy hike to get to, and there's a nice reward when you get there." The trail to Big Cone runs approximately 3.5 miles each way.
Avoid weekend crowds: Weekends bring increased traffic and sometimes problematic behavior. One camper at Angeles Crest reports, "on the weekend we had multiple cars doing donuts really close to our van. I felt uncomfortable with that." Weeknight stays between Monday and Wednesday generally provide more peaceful experiences.
Pack ear protection: Road noise affects most sites within 45 minutes of Los Angeles. Campers note that "cars flow in and out occasionally through the night" and some people "played loud music." Tent camping families should bring foam earplugs for sensitive sleepers.
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions apply: Most Angeles National Forest dispersed sites cannot accommodate larger RVs. At Hare School Park, one RVer states, "I'm in a 25 foot Fleetwood RV. There's a dog park kind of area with a big field they can run around and just clean up after them." RVs exceeding 25 feet face severely limited options.
Check turning radius: Forest roads feature tight switchbacks and limited turnaround space. One RVer recounts, "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." RVs should carry detailed forest maps showing road widths and turnaround points.
Limited leveling options: Most roadside pullouts near Angeles Crest have uneven surfaces. Bring adequate leveling blocks and wheel chocks as elevation changes create significant grades. Self-contained waste systems are mandatory as no dump stations exist within the forest boundaries.
