No Fee Required Camping around San Diego

Hey Southern Californians,

I'm looking for some good camping around San Diego that doesn't require a permit/fee/registration. I just want to drive out into the wilderness and camp. Desert, mountains, beach, wherever. Anyone have some good suggestions and/or secret spots? For typical weekend trips i'd like to keep the one way distance to around a 2-3 hour drive max from downtown SD.

Thank you!

 

Anza borrego, ocotillo wells

 

Big bear, Johnson valley, Idlewild.

 

I think at Big Bear you need an adventure pass to camp anywhere off the dirt trails.

Can always go camp in the Vons parking lots too. lol

 

All dispersed camping in big bear is free. You do not need an adventure pass. You only need a pass is you are at a highly developed government camp site. Adventure passes are also $5 a day. There is however high fire restrictions up in big bear. And you must also obtain a free camp stove permit if you have one.

 

That's good to know, thanks.