Map showing campground location near Lytle Creek, California

Camper submitted image from Rim of the World Byway (near 15 fwy south) Dispersed

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

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Highway noise and train whistles define the overnight experience at this free dispersed site along the Rim of the World Scenic Byway, just off Interstate 15 near Lytle Creek. The entrance sits directly opposite Lone Pine Canyon Road, making it straightforward to find, though reviewers note that the first access road heading northbound on I-15 runs rough enough to warrant four-wheel drive. The second entrance is considerably more manageable, with at least one camper pulling a trailer in without engaging 4WD.

Spots near the entrance tend to fill first. Driving further down alongside the road opens up more room, and rigs up to 35 feet have used the area without issue. Cell service is available. The site sits near the Mormon Rocks formation, and train traffic runs through at night, an important detail for light sleepers. One reviewer described it as "a launching off point for destinations in Nevada, Utah, and Colorado," which reflects how most people use it: a convenient overnight stop before a longer drive rather than a destination in itself.

Trash left by previous visitors has been a recurring issue, and wildlife, including at least one coyote that approached a trailer, has apparently been conditioned by people feeding it. Campers with dogs can let them off-leash in the open terrain, though the wind can pick up in the afternoon. Nearby services include convenience stores and a fast-food restaurant within a short drive. Those wanting more developed options can look into Applewhite Campground a few miles south, or browse camping near Lytle Creek for additional sites in the corridor. This site works best for road-trippers and OHV users who need a no-cost, drive-in stop close to the freeway.

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Map & DirectionsRim of the World Byway (near 15 fwy south) Dispersed is located in California near Lytle Creek

Dispersed Camping

Coordinates

34.31673017266277 N
117.49414009865244 W

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Connectivity

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Excellent Coverage
Verified by 5 users
Last on 8/28/26
Verizon5G
Excellent Coverage
Verified by 16 users
Last on 8/28/26
AT&T5G
Excellent Coverage
Verified by 12 users
Last on 8/28/26

Connectivity

Presented by

T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More

T-Mobile5G
Excellent Coverage
Verified by 5 users
Last on 8/28/26
Verizon5G
Excellent Coverage
Verified by 16 users
Last on 8/28/26
AT&T5G
Excellent Coverage
Verified by 12 users
Last on 8/28/26

Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site

Site Types

Tent Sites
RV Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)
Dispersed

Features

For Campers

Phone Service
Alcohol
Pets

Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.

Contact

General Info

Drive Time

1 hr 8 min from Los Angeles, CA
1 hr 50 min from Oxnard, CA
1 hr 52 min from San Diego, CA
2 hrs 11 min from Bakersfield, CA

Reviews5 Camper Reviews - Rim of the World Byway (near 15 fwy south) Dispersed

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1 Star

4.0

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5 Reviews

This dispersed camping spot offers easy freeway access with scenic views near Mormon Rocks. Multiple campers mentioned train track proximity creating noise, while navigation requires care as some GPS apps provide incorrect directions leading to rough 4x4 roads.

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Richard T.

Guide

Reviewed Jun. 20, 2026

Great spot for a quick overnighter

The entrance is opposite of lone pine canyon rd . At night the train goes by . We saw a dead drop pickup in the morning. We woke to a car and motorcycle parked nearby- a lady and heavily tattooed guy were out walking around. They dug out 3 black bags from some brush and took off. So that was exciting.

Month of VisitJune

(8) View All

Glen C.

Guide

Reviewed May. 23, 2026

Great free camping for a one night stay

It was easy to find and access based on information on The Dyrt posted by other users. Great for train enthusiasts. Lots of traffic noise from the highway. We even encountered a rare black coyote. Unfortunately I didn’t have the mental presence to snap a picture but it came right up to the trailer. I don’t believe in feeding wildlife but probably others had. Unfortunately there was lots of trash left behind by previous campers or local partiers. I plan to use this location regularly as a launching off point for destinations in Nevada, Utah, and Colorado. Very convenient location, there are also convenience stores, a McDonalds, and very expensive gasoline nearby.

SiteNot applicable

Month of VisitMay

Gregg P.

Scout

Reviewed Jul. 16, 2025

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.

Sitepiece of Dyrt

Month of VisitJuly

Alexander B.

Scout

Reviewed Jun. 10, 2025

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.

Month of VisitJune