The Big Santa Anita Canyon Loop on Mount Wilson offers dog friendly free camping immersed in thick mountain woods with babbling creeks and numerous waterfalls. The trail is dotted with one of a kind cabins but the trail camps are as primitive as it gets. Start your hike at the Chantry Flats pack station, don't forget to pay for parking, and be prepared to filter your own water. This is a gorgeous place to put in a few miles, get a little dirty, and feel like you are miles away from it all without even leaving LA.

Pro tips: There are bears in the area so hang your food and keep your campsite clean. Bring your own toilet paper. Parking fills up within an hour on weekends so get there as soon as the parking lot opens at 6am. Finish your hike with burgers from the pack station they really hit the spot!