San Bernardino National Forest — Lytle Creek Wash North Fork Dispersed Camp

Pull off into the sandy flats north of Lytle Creek Road before the pavement gives way to the main canyon climb. This stretch of San Bernardino National Forest sees mostly weekend warriors from the Inland Empire, so arrive Friday night or stay through Monday and you’ll have more elbow room. Wash-bottom sites are flat and free, but the loose sand and occasional flood debris will filter out the low-clearance crowd fast. No facilities, no signage — just the creek noise and the Angeles Crest in your windshield.

High-clearance is strongly recommended; sandy creek crossings can deepen significantly after any upstream rain. Fire restrictions flip to Stage II hard by late June most years — check the SBNF website before you light anything. Cell is spotty at best down in the wash. Stay limit is 14 days; don’t overstay or the forest service will find you on their weekly patrol loop.

Sandy wash camp at the base of the San Gabriels.