Camping near Alhambra, California includes several options within the Angeles National Forest at elevations ranging from 2,000-5,000 feet. Many backcountry sites lie in canyons with seasonal streams that typically flow strongest from winter through early summer. Temperatures vary significantly by elevation and season, with summer highs often reaching 90°F at lower elevations while higher camps remain 10-15 degrees cooler.
What to do
Creek exploration: Hoegees Trail Camp offers multiple water features for hot days. "You can only access this campground by backpacking in. There's about 12 campsites with picnic benches and fire rings. There's a creek that runs through. It's beautiful and feels completely isolated," notes Morgan F.
Night sky viewing: Angeles Crest Overlook provides city light panoramas. "Great view but on the weekend we had multiple cars doing donuts really close to our van. I felt uncomfortable with that. Next night we moved to the other look out and someone still did donuts behind us," warns Nicole D. Visit on weeknights for fewer disruptions.
Waterfall hiking: Millard Trail Campground serves as a base for waterfall exploration. "Bikepacked in for a quick overnighter. Settled on one of the 6 tent sites. Nice campground, active stream in the middle of summer. Waterfall 30 minutes hike upstream," shares Jeff B.
What campers like
Easy proximity to home: Many campsites offer quick escapes without long drives. "The wife and I wanted to get away but had to be close enough to get home in a hurry. Drove up on Friday morning and had a wonderful weekend," explains Jordan R. about his Chilao Campground stay.
Seasonal water features: Winter and spring bring flowing streams to many camps. "You feel deep in the forest & there are plenty of spots, fire pits & flat top stoves. The toilets were boarded up but Winter Creek was flowing well," notes Anthony K. at Hoegees Trail Camp.
Mix of developed and primitive options: Sites range from basic to equipped. "A little pricey but very nice facility. All hookups 30/50 amp. Cable TV. There's a pool. A tent area. Some spaces monumentally better than others," reports Dennis B. about Bonelli Bluffs.
What you should know
Security concerns: Vehicle break-ins occur at some trailheads. "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," advises Mathew H. about Millard Trail Campground.
Fire restrictions: Rules change seasonally and by location. "If you take the Upper Winter Creek Trail it's an easier hike but not as pretty as the Lower one. Campsite is very nice with enough sites for about 20 campers with a privy but no running water," notes Tom P., who advises to "be aware of any fire restrictions" at Hoegees.
Popularity levels: Weekend crowds affect experience. "I mean what do you expect everyone wants to go out and enjoy the outdoors and awesome views. This place is nice better close to winter, not too hot but it does get cold at night," says Jessica P. about Chilao, noting it gets crowded on weekends.
Tips for camping with families
Start with short hikes: Gould Mesa Trail Campground offers accessible backpacking. "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," recommends Tony C.
Seek water features: Children enjoy creek exploration. "Go behind campsite one and you will find a 6 mile hike in and out to two different waterfalls. Really fun and refreshing, limited shade in hike, so a dip at the end is so nice!" explains Luke V. at Gould Mesa.
Choose beginner-friendly trail camps: Some sites work well for new backpackers. "Took some friends for their first ever backpacking trip, great intro to the 'experience.' Trail camp is in the canyon so it's an easy 3.5 mile hike in, but a tough hike out of the canyon," shares Kelly B. about Valley Forge Trail Camp.
Tips from RVers
Consider hookup options: Full-service sites exist but fill quickly. "We chose Bonelli for our shakedown trip in our new trailer (first time RVers). SO quiet. Numerous residents, but spots are mostly keep up nicely. Our rental spot has 3 trees, a picnic table, a firepit, level parking(!) and full hookups," reports Aostara K.
Select sites strategically: Not all spaces are equal. "Awesome for RVs but maybe not the best for tent camping. After experiencing both amenities this place is more or less for RVs and 4/10 as for they do have the tent camping on the steep incline and not too many sites but for RVs couldn't be happier," advises Sara H. at Bonelli Bluffs.
Research seasonal operations: Many campgrounds close in winter. Jordan R. at Chilao recommends: "Clean vault toilets and facilities, very well maintained. If you are there in the evening check out the sunsets through the canyons but make sure you are well insulated as the wind blew hard Saturday night."
