Angeles National Forest provides various tent campsites near Acton, California at elevations between 3,000-7,000 feet. Many sites remain below 60°F even during summer months when lower elevations exceed 90°F. The forest's camping options include both established campgrounds with basic amenities and primitive backcountry sites that require hiking between 1.75-7 miles to access, with seasonal creek access common throughout the area.
What to do
Stream exploration: At Bear Canyon Campground, hikers can follow the creek which is "GORGEOUS with waterfalls and shade in the spring" according to one camper. The trail becomes challenging in spots but follows a natural flow, with the creek switching direction as you approach camp.
Waterfall hiking: From Millard Trail Campground, a 30-minute hike leads to a waterfall that's especially impressive after winter rains. A visitor noted the trail is "nothing but shade provided by the trees foliage and the creek kept our dogs cool as they would jump in and out of the small pools."
Night sky viewing: Camp at higher elevations like Mount Pacifico Campground for optimal stargazing. This remote site offers "great views 360 degrees once you're on top" and can be accessed via a "7 mile hike north on the Pacific Crest Trail from mill creek fire station."
What campers like
Historical features: Mount Lowe Trail Campground contains remnants of the area's past with "many info plaques with photos from the old tavern on site." The campground can be accessed multiple ways and features toilets, fire pits, and nearby streams.
Creek access: Many backcountry tent campsites near Acton feature running water. One camper at Valley Forge Trail Camp mentioned, "We filtered water from the West Fork San Gabriel River that seems more like a creek. Picnic tables and fire rings made food preparing especially easy."
Proximity to LA: Despite feeling remote, most Angeles Forest camping areas remain relatively close to urban areas. A camper at Gould Mesa Trail Campground appreciated that "It's a nice little getaway without leaving the city, perfect for a one nighter or to backpack in with the kiddos. It's around 2 miles to camp on a leveled surface with a few stream crossings."
What you should know
Fire restrictions: Check current regulations before planning to build fires. At Bear Canyon Campground, a reviewer warned: "There are fire rings but use responsibly- have lots of water at the pit to put it out, and make sure you do do that completely before you go to sleep. That place would go up faster than you can run."
Vehicle security: Some trailheads have experienced car break-ins. At Millard Trail Camp, one camper advised: "Make sure to leave your car doors unlocked, and nothing of value inside. You'd rather have someone root through your car and walk away empty handed than have a window broken and items stolen."
Visitor traffic: Many sites experience day hikers passing through, especially on weekends. A camper at Millard noted: "this campground is not a campground if you want to get away from people because there is a lot of people passing by looking at you. You can't really be isolated or have privacy."
Tips for camping with families
Beginner-friendly options: For first-time backpackers with children, choose closer sites. Valley Forge Trail Camp offers "a beautifully green owasis of a meadow" and is "an easy 3.5 mile hike in, but a tough hike out of the canyon," making it ideal for new backpackers.
Water considerations: Most backcountry sites require filtering creek water or packing in supplies. At Spruce Grove Trail Campground, a "nice creek flows though the campground" but campers must come "prepared with your own water and something to treat the creek water with."
Wildlife awareness: Animal encounters are common throughout Angeles National Forest. Keep food in provided bear boxes when available and properly dispose of waste. One reviewer mentioned seeing various wildlife and finding "this vertebrae next to the table, might have been a deer."
Tips from RVers
Fairground alternative: When forest campgrounds are closed or full, Antelope Valley Fairgrounds provides a developed option with hookups. One visitor mentioned it has "nice showers, well kept bathrooms, good parking. food shopping is close by. nice power hookups."
Access limitations: Many Angeles Forest campgrounds cannot accommodate RVs. Roads often have gates with limited hours (typically 6am-8pm) and many sites require hiking. One frustrated camper noted: "The road has a gate on it, which is locked 8pm-6am... Once past that gate, you'll soon hit another, this one closed to all motorized vehicles."
