Free Camping Near Los Angeles – Dispersed Camping & Boondocking

Los Angeles might not be the first location that comes to mind when you think of camping, with the city’s notoriety for being loud, busy, and expensive. But when you hire a campervan out of Los Angeles and drive a little way out of the hustle and bustle, you’ll find a whole different side of Southern California just waiting to be discovered. But once you hit the road, where is the best place to set up camp overnight without spending a fortune?

That’s what you’ll find here. Below, we’ve highlighted some of the best free dispersed camping and boondocking sites near Los Angeles, each of which allows you to wake up to some beautiful views without spending hundreds of dollars a night in an expensive RV park. All you need to do is pack your camping gear and decide which campsite you want to visit first.

Are you ready? Let’s go!

Angeles Crest Overlook

Distance from Los Angeles: 20 Miles

Less than 30 minutes from downtown Los Angeles, Angeles Crest Overlook is a peaceful camping spot sitting at an elevation of nearly 6,000 feet. That means you’ll get some incredible views down to the canyon below, but do keep in mind that the temperatures are likely to be cooler, so pack accordingly. It’s totally worth making room for the extra layers, though, if not simply for the chance to camp in a beautiful area, but for the orange and pink-hued sunsets that will have you reaching for your camera time and time again.

This is a dispersed campground, which means there are no designated camping sites, toilets, or water sources, but that’s ideal if you’ve been craving a disconnect from the modern world. Just remember that you need to pack in and pack out your trash, and campfires aren’t permitted without a permit (or at all during the dry season).

Once you’ve rested up, you’ll find yourself perfectly positioned to explore some awesome nearby attractions. The Mount Waterman Loop Trail is 30 miles east, where you can take in some panoramic views or refill your water bottles at the Buckhorn Campground in Pearlblossom. Or, if you’re headed to Los Angeles from further east, you’re only 25 minutes from the city and all the exciting things it has to offer.

FEATURED AMENITIES

• None – Dispersed Camping

Figueroa Mountain Road Pullout 01

Distance from Los Angeles: 137 Miles

Taking you further north from L.A. towards the Santa Ynez Valley, Figueroa Mountain Road Pullout 01 is part of the Los Padres National Forest and has views that are hard to beat. It’s also a great spot for stargazing, with its 3,000 feet elevation giving you clearer skies and slightly cooler temperatures, which is also ideal if you’re camping in the summer and want to escape the heat of the valleys during the night.

However, before you jump in your campervan and head straight here, there are a couple of important things to keep in mind. Firstly, this isn’t an official campground, and while it is both legal and free to camp here, there aren’t any facilities, so make sure you pack with this in mind. Fires are also restricted here due to high fire danger, and since it’s a dispersed campground, you’ll need to pack in and pack out, taking all your trash with you when you leave.

While you’re here, be sure to take the 15-minute drive to the Figueroa Mountain Recreation Area, which has a network of trails that take you through meadows and rocky outcrops, ending with spectacular views. Or, if you’re looking for something a little more cultural, 15 minutes on the road takes you to the small town of Los Olivos, where you can sample local Californian wines and grab something to eat.

• None – Dispersed Camping

Los Padres NF – Dispersed Camp

Distance from Los Angeles: 105 Miles

Slightly closer to Los Angeles now, just past Ojai and the more remote parts of Ventura County, Los Padres NF – Dispersed Camp is a great place to set up camp if you’re looking for some peace and quiet and a chance to reconnect with nature. Just like most dispersed campgrounds, you won’t find any amenities on offer here, but it is only 30 minutes from Reyes Peak if you need to stock up on water en route.

One of the best things about this site, aside from its remote location, is that it’s large enough to accommodate several RVs. This makes it ideal if you’re traveling during the summer and are concerned about finding a free space, and as long as you don’t mind having a few like-minded neighbours, you should be able to pull up without any issues. It’s also set around 70 meters from the Maricopa Highway, taking you far away enough from the road for traffic noise to be less of a concern.

You’re also close to some great hiking trails here. The Piedra Blanca Trailhead, for example, is 30 minutes away and leads you through white sandstone formations that look like something from another planet. Or, if you want to mix in a bit of surf with your forest adventure, an hour’s drive south will take you to the beaches around Ventura.

FEATURED AMENITIES

• None – Dispersed Camping

Find Popular Road Trips From Los Angeles

Looking to explore some other areas outside of Los Angeles? Here are some itineraries you should definitely check out:

• Check out Los Angeles to Dallas Road Trip
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Get the Best Rates on Campervan Rentals in Los Angeles

At Travellers Autobarn, you’ll find the perfect RV for your adventure, with affordable campervan rental in Los Angeles and free unlimited miles as standard, making it possible for you to explore at your own pace without worrying about extra costs.

DISCLAIMER: All information provided, including prices, availability, and site details, is correct at the time of publishing. We recommend contacting campsites or caravan parks directly to confirm the latest details before planning your visit. Please review our Terms and Conditions for additional information.