Off-road Primitive Camping near Los Angeles

Hi all!

Im looking for some easy off-roading near Los Ángeles. I’m not trying to go the San Diego Direction though. I’m really looking for something not too hard as I only have a stock Tacoma right now. I have a pit bike I’m loading up with me as well so I’m really looking for somewhere I can do both truck and bike off-roading and has primitive camping.

So… does anyone have good spots with efficient directions that has off-roading and primitive camping? I don’t want to camp in a campground… I’m looking more for places in the direction of vegas or Joshua tree. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

 

Look up Mojave Trail. I haven't ran it but I know there's plenty of offroading and camping

 

Calico is a good area.

 

If you’re by SFV area about 45 minutes up is Hungry Valley. There’s even a park you can practice at with different obstacles of your liking. It’s closed right now though due to the recent winter storms. Another area would be up in Lytle Creek. If you want to go further out then Big Bear but the trails start to get harder over there.

 

Johnson Valley, Stoddard Valley, Jawbone Canyon

 

Rowher flats

 

Is it open again? I heard it was closed.

 

Look up yellow post sites (a few in big bear) if you’re looking to avoid the cold anza borrego is perfect right now and pretty wide open, I highly recommend you check out fonts point for the most beautiful sunrise you will witness in California

 

I know this a dumb question but I’m also new too off roading. Do we need any special permits when we are in SoCal to off-road

 

No, not if you’re just off-roading with your truck.

 

Lots of open BLM land in the desert - go and primitive came anywhere you want out there. You mentioned JTNP- can’t primitive camp there (must be in campground’s there) but check out Gold Crown Road north of the Park, or go out near Afton Canyon off the 40 east of Barstow-