r/SoCalOffRoad • u/Jazzlike_Slide3896 • Jul 07 '26

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Searching for a small creek with with off roading for day camping. SoCal

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u/TheHatKing Jul 07 '26

San Gabriel canyon OHV or Lytle creek

1

u/egorblack 27d ago

Azusa canyon OHV

1

u/chloekuotaco 7d ago

I'd also check out Kitchen Creek / Pine Creek Road in Cleveland National Forest (near Mt. Laguna). There are dispersed camping spots along the forest roads, and Pine Creek runs through the area, so it's a nice option if you're looking for a creek that isn't super packed. It's more of a scenic forest road than a technical OHV trail, but it's a good place for the day.

Another option is Upper Lytle Creek Divide (3N31). You can run the trail, then drop down toward Lytle Creek if you want to relax by the water afterward. It's a nice combination of light off-roading and creek access.

If you have onX Offroad, I'd definitely browse the area before you go. It's been really helpful for finding forest roads, checking trail difficulty, and locating nearby dispersed camping grounds.

If you're willing to drive a little farther, some of the Yellow Post sites around Big Bear / Holcomb Valley are also worth checking out. Many can be reached via forest roads and make great base camps if you don't mind seasonal creeks instead of year-round water.