Los Angeles is not a city known for car camping, let alone camping but I was determined to find some cheaper spots to car camp overnight. Here’s what I found.
Although camping on the side of the road is not legal, you can either reserve a campground or take part in dispersed camping on BLM land or land owned by the U.S. Service Forest. In terms of cost, most campgrounds require paying a fee, except for a few dispersed campgrounds in the Angeles National Forest which only require a year-round pass.
Let’s take a look at exactly what the limitations are for car camping, and the best places to do it in Los Angeles.
In this article:
- Why You Can’t Car Camp for Free in Los Angeles
- Closest Thing To Free Camping Near Los Angeles
- Where You Can Camp Near Los Angeles
- Final Thoughts (My Experience + Tips)
Why You Can’t Car Camp for Free in Los Angeles
There are street signs banning cars from parking overnight everywhere in Los Angeles. Law LAMC 85.02 states that the “use of vehicles for dwelling restricted on city streets and that no person shall use a vehicle for dwelling between the hours of 9:00 P.M. and 6:00 A.M. on any residential street”.
When I set out to live out of my car in the Los Angeles area, I went pretty much all over and never found a single spot where street parking was allowed. Even if certain spots are available to camp overnight at, you always run the risk of crime and violence.
Don’t be discouraged though, you can purchase a pass for only $30 a year that allows you at many campsites in Angeles National Forest.
Blog Post: Is Car Camping Legal in California?
Where You Can Camp Near Los Angeles
6 Campsites in Angeles National Forest
If you are looking for the closest thing to free car camping near Los Angeles, I recommend purchasing an Adventure Pass from the U.S. Forest Service. This pass costs only $30 for a whole year and allows campers to choose from a good number of campsites in the Angeles National Forest.
Here is a list of ALL of the campsites in the Angeles National Forest.
| Campground | Reservation? | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Oak Flat Campground | No. First come, first serve. | $ ($30/year*) |
| Sawmill Campground | No. First come, first serve. | $ ($30/year*) |
| Coldbrook Campground | No. First come, first serve. | $ ($30/year*) |
| Buckhorn Campground | No. First come, first serve. | $$ ($12/night) |
| Crystal Lake Rec Area Campground | No. First come, first serve. | $$ ($12/night) |
| Table Mountain | No. First come, first serve. | $$$ ($38/night) |
1. Oak Flat Campground
One hour northwest of the heart of Los Angeles, Oak Flat Campground is a campground nestled in the hills of the forest. There are tons of big boulders with full trees on the campground landscape.
This campsite is especially unique and favorable as you can hike to places like Whitaker Peak or the cool waters of Piru Creek at Frenchman’s Flat.
Amenities: 20 campsites with picnic tables and campfire rings, vault toilets, no water.
2. Sawmill Campground
Northwest of Los Angeles, Sawmill Campground is a small and quiet 8-site campground at an elevation of 5,200 feet.
With this campground being at a higher elevation than others, the trees are larger and the stars seem brighter. It is recommended to have a 4×4 vehicle to get to this campground but is not needed.
Amenities: Eight campsites, picnic tables and campfire rings, vault toilets, trash receptacles, no water.
NOTE: You must access this campground from Pine Canyon Road due to road closure off of Old Ridge Route / Quail Lake Road. – U.S. Forest Service
3. Coldbrook Campground
This super green campsite oftentimes has water running through the area, tall green trees, and hikes such as Smith Mountain Trailhead nearby.
Amenities: 22 campsites with picnic tables, campfire rings, vault (non-flush) toilets, seasonal stream water (treat before using)
4. Buckhorn Campground
Buckhorn Campground can be the quick escape you need from LA. The campground is drenched in fresh air with the smell of incense cedars surrounding visitors. Overnight, campers may spot seasonal constellations, planets, and the occasional shooting star.
U.S Forest Service
Visitors can venture to nearby waterfalls or trails including the Burkhart Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, and Silver Moccasin.
Amenities: 38 total campsites with 3 accessible campsites, 3-single SST toilets, 2-double SST toilets, 2-double vault toilets, picnic tables, piped water, bear-proof boxes available for storage of food and scented items.
5. Crystal Lake Rec Area Campground
At 5,539 feet in elevation, Crystal Lake Rec Area Campground has so much to offer.
Outdoor adventures are everywhere- including hikes to the spectacular peaks of Mt. Islip and Windy Gap or fishing in Crystal Lake. It is only a one-mile hike to Crystal Lake from the campground. Crystal Lake Cafe sells hot meals, sandwiches, and camping necessities including firewood.
Amenities: 50 campsites, picnic tables, drinking water and water for washing your hands is available via outdoor faucets in Loops A, B, C, & D in front of the Crystal Lake Café, vault toilets, meals at the café.
6. Table Mountain
Table Mountain is set in a hilly, oak and pine forest with two large meadows and beautiful views. At an elevation of 7,000 feet, summer temperatures average in the low 80s with cool nights.
Recreation.gov
Campers will find hiking, mountain biking, and countless other recreation opportunities. The surrounding landscape is also ideal for scenic drives.
Amenities: Campfire rings, drinking water, firewood, grills, vault toilets, trash collection, picnic tables, general store, restaurant.
3 Campsites in Malibu
| Campground | Reservation? | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Leo Carrillo State Park Campground | Required | $45 |
| Point Mugu State Park Campsites | Required | $10-$35 |
| Malibu Creek State Park Campground | Required | $45 |
1. Leo Carrillo State Park Campground
Leo Carrillo State Park, located in Malibu, California, offers a distinctive coastal environment for campers and nature enthusiasts. The park encompasses both beachfront and backcountry areas, boasting rocky coves, tide pools abundant with marine life, and a canopy of sycamore trees that shade many of the campgrounds.
The park’s diverse environment also includes impressive coastal caves and craggy formations, which provide picturesque landscapes.
Amenities: 130 sites, fire rings, picnic tables restrooms and token-operated showers, lifeguard stations, extensive trail system.
2. Point Mugu State Park Campsites
Sycamore Campground
One of my personal favorite campsites in the Los Angeles area, Sycamore Cove Campsite offers campers another coastal escape. The campsite is nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Monica Mountains, providing a harmonious blend of sandy shores and canopied woodland areas populated by sycamore and oak trees.
Amenities: 58 sites, fire rings, picnic tables, showers, restrooms, beach-use
Thornhill Broome Campground
Thornhill Broome Campground presents a stretch of sandy beach juxtaposed against rugged rock formations, making it an ideal spot for those seeking a direct ocean view right from their cars.
Amenities: 68 sites, fire rings, picnic tables, showers, restrooms, beach-use
3. Malibu Creek State Park Campground
Malibu Creek State Park Campground is characterized by rugged terrains, oak woodlands, and the flowing waters of Malibu Creek, all of which have carved out impressive gorges and canyons over millennia.
Amenities: 63 sites, fire rings, picnic tables, and restroom facilities. Potable water sources are accessible, and token-operated showers are available for camper convenience.
Final Thoughts (My Experience + Tips)
While this can be a lot of information to sort through, I understand that most people searching “free” or “car camping” in Los Angeles are looking for well, free places to spend the night in their car.
While the city of Los Angeles is strict on where you can park your car overnight, I found that spending the $30 once for a whole year for an Adventures Pass to camp almost anywhere in Angeles National Forest makes the most sense financially.
The second option would be to find the cheapest campsites such as Sycamore Campground, Buckhorn Campground, or Crystal Lake Rec Area Campground.