Best Tent Camping near Alhambra, CA

The Angeles National Forest offers numerous backcountry tent camping options within a short drive of Alhambra, California. Trail camps like Millard, Mount Lowe, and Hoegees provide primitive tent setups accessible primarily by hiking trails rather than vehicle. Most sites are first-come, first-served with no reservation system, requiring campers to arrive early on weekends to secure a spot. The terrain consists mainly of forested mountain areas with sites positioned along creeks or offering views of the Los Angeles basin.

Most tent campgrounds near Alhambra require some hiking to access, with distances ranging from under a mile to several miles of trail. Bear boxes are provided at many locations including Millard Trail Camp and Valley Forge Trail Camp for secure food storage. Vault toilets are available at most established sites, though facilities are basic and often without running water. Fire regulations vary seasonally, with some locations permitting campfires in designated rings while others prohibit open flames entirely. Campers must bring their own water or equipment to filter from nearby streams, as potable water is rarely available at these primitive tent sites.

The backcountry tent camping experience offers a surprising escape from urban surroundings despite proximity to the city. Sites like Henninger Flats provide panoramic views of the Los Angeles basin, while creek-side locations such as Hoegees and Spruce Grove offer cooler temperatures and natural white noise. Trail camps typically include picnic tables and established tent pads, though the ground may be uneven in places. Wildlife sightings are common, with deer, rabbits, and occasionally bears reported near campsites. According to one visitor, "This is more of your traditional campground where you must carry all your food and gear to the campsite. The campground was not busy and this allowed me to pick a spot hidden away from others."

Best Tent Sites Near Alhambra, California (52)

    1. Millard Trail Campground

    9 Reviews
    Altadena, CA
    9 miles
    Website

    "Cool drive to get to the campground. You drive up and down these hilly roads up the mountain to get there. Once there, there's a parking lot that fits about 20 cars."

    "When you can’t do a 2h hike before setting camp, but you also don’t want to camp close to your car, Millard campground is perfect. The parking lot is just behind the corner out of view."

    2. Mount Lowe Trail Campground

    8 Reviews
    Mount Wilson, CA
    10 miles
    +1 (818) 899-1900

    "No water, fountain is capped now"

    "There's no water right now but that could change after first rain or snow. Stayed here last week & it's still great."

    3. Hoegees Trail Camp Campground

    5 Reviews
    Mount Wilson, CA
    10 miles
    +1 (818) 899-1900

    "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."

    "Hoegee’s is 2 miles hike from Chantry Flats by way of the Lower Winter Creek Trail. The site is named for Hoegee’s resort which stood just upstream."

    4. Gould Mesa Trail Campground

    5 Reviews
    La Cañada Flintridge, CA
    10 miles
    Website

    "This is a nice hike-in campground with about ten sites available and a privy. Lots of hikers up here on the weekend ( and weekdays too)."

    "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!"

    5. Valley Forge Trail Camp hike in. no drive

    6 Reviews
    Mount Wilson, CA
    11 miles
    Website

    $5 / night

    "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."

    "Picnic tables and fire rings made food preparing especially easy. It has so much charm!"

    6. Spruce Grove Trail Campground - TEMPORARILY CLOSED DUE TO FIRE

    5 Reviews
    Mount Wilson, CA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (818) 482-8937

    "This is a backpackers campground. First come first serve, picnic tables and fire rings included. I think there is only about 8-10 sites. Nice creek flows though the campground."

    "This is a hike in campground that has stoves and a creek running through. The sites are nicely spaced and there is plenty of shade. Perfect little backpacking trip."

    7. Bear Canyon Campground

    3 Reviews
    Altadena, CA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (818) 899-1900

    "Crossing the tiny bridge at the west end of Switzer Picinic area(park up top during the weekdays, adds half a mile), you’ll see Switzer Trail Camp."

    "But otherwise a great spot to spend a few summer days away from anyone not hale enough to trek in a few miles."

    8. Idlehour Trail Campground

    2 Reviews
    Mount Wilson, CA
    9 miles
    +1 (818) 790-1151

    "Lots of greenery and flowing water in the winter season with wildlife all along the trail and campground."

    9. Glenn Trail Camp Campground

    4 Reviews
    Duarte, CA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (818) 899-1900

    $5 / night

    "Access to this campground is so easy, whether it's by car or by bike."

    "This hike-in/bike-in campground is located 6 1/2 miles behind a locked gate. The small campground is equipped with stream for water (must be treated), and vault potties."

    10. Camp at the Historic Zorthian Ranch

    1 Review
    Altadena, CA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (626) 797-3359

    $25 - $60 / night

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 52 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Tent Camping Reviews near Alhambra, CA

787 Reviews of 52 Alhambra Campgrounds


  • Luis N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 19, 2020

    Parsons Landing Campground

    Beach side campground

    One of the most amazing campgrounds I’ve ever stayed at. You’re on a sandy beach with waves crashing on the shore. There’s only a handful of sites, so try to book this early. Sites have rocks stacked up as a wind shield, it really helps! You’ll also have a picnic table, food storage box, and a fire pit. Vault toilets are available. No water on site, you must bring your own. Water, firewood, and fire starter are available for purchase. You can buy them at two harbors, which is where they will give you a key for a locker that is at parsons landing which will have all those items. I believe it’s 2 gallons of water.

  • Tony  C.
    Sep. 20, 2020

    Little Jimmy Trail Campground

    Local gem of a campsite

    This campsite is located in California and is one of my favorites. Located above Crystal Lake you’ll find Little Jimmy, it’s a backcountry hike-in only campground nestled just 2 miles off the Angeles Crest Highway. It has around 7 first-come, first-served sites with fire rings, vault toilets (which are currently not in service), and vintage backcountry ovens. After parking at Islip Saddle, cross the highway and begin hiking for 2 miles up the switchbacks until you reach Little Jimmy Campground on your right. Popular with Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops, this scenic spot offers a chance to get away from established campgrounds and live amongst the Coulter Pines and Big Doug Firs. Campers turned hikers have easy access to hop on the legendary Pacific Crest Trail which runs through the camp. There is no fee to camp here other than an Adventure pass for your parking. In the summertime, bears can be common visitors so make sure and secure your food in provided bear boxes or bring your own bear canisters. As always, make sure you follow the "Leave No Trace" principles and pack everything in and out!

  • Les R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 6, 2018

    Buckhorn Campground

    Most beautiful campground in the Angeles National Forest!

    We've wanted to camp here for so long, but we've never been able to get a spot. We finally did this weekend, and it fully lived up to our expectations. Because this campground is set within a ravine that has a stream during the rainier months, so the landscape feels very different than the other nearby campgrounds - very green with tall trees. The campsites have plenty of space between neighbors, so we felt we had privacy and weren't disturbed by any noise from other sites. Each site has a picnic table, firepit, and bear box for food storage. There is a water spigot at the campground, but the ranger advised that it's not potable.

    There's day parking at the end of the campground for the trailhead to Cooper Canyon Falls. In the summer the "waterfall" is barely a trickle, but the hike still has a nice stream and is worth doing.

  • j
    Mar. 25, 2021

    Millard Trail Campground

    Great campground for hiking/biking

    Cool drive to get to the campground. You drive up and down these hilly roads up the mountain to get there. Once there, there's a parking lot that fits about 20 cars. There's about 100 yd hike to the campsites. There's a road that leads to the campsite but it's been blocked off. Only the campsite managers use that road so it's not accessible by RV, just tents. A campsite manager stays in a little trailer overnight so if there's any problems there's somebody there you can go to and ask for help. There's about six campsites and their first come first serve, no reservations. I went during the week and was the only one camping. This place is heavily used for day camping and hiking. There's not a lot of privacy because there's always lots of people passing by who are hiking and biking. You can stay overnight which I did and everything was fine but there's not a lot of privacy. The next day as I was leaving there was another guy sitting up his tent. I bet on the weekends they can fill up pretty fast. It's in Bear country so they provide food storage for each campsite also trash containers too. Each side has a picnic bench and a fire pit. The fire ban has been lifted so you can have a fire. Each fire pit had wood left at it so you didn't have to go searching for campfirewood. Bathrooms included male and female toilets but no showers or water. There's a creek that runs through the campground which makes it very pretty. I saw two to three cabins along the outskirts of the campground that I assume were for rentals. There was one family at one of the cabins the night I stayed. About a 20 minute hike and you can end up at a waterfall which is very pretty. But there are several trails to take for hiking and biking and I saw lots of people doing that. Overall a good campsite four stars. Would have been five stars if they had showers and running water. I didn't see any bears although there was an animal outside my tent at one point in the night I could hear him nosing around. So it's important to keep all of your food and anything with any kind of smell in the bear boxes

  • K
    Jan. 5, 2022

    Oakwilde Trail Campground

    Half Sunk, Overgrown

    The camp site looks like it was buried in mud from a flood a few years ago. There’s been no maintenance to this camp. The cook stoves are covered, half of the one picnic table was underground. But still, it’s a beautiful and remote spot. The river was running when I was there in January and it was just gorgeous. Looks like there’s really only one usable flat spot to set up a tent. But you can’t have a fire or anything. I didn’t camp just hiked in and checked it out. Dunno if I would try camping here.

  • Tony  C.
    Jun. 24, 2019

    Henninger Flat - PERMANENTLY CLOSED

    Great local campsite

    I recently moved to WA from Los Angeles so this review is legit 😁 This was and still continues to be one of my favorite campsite close to Los Angeles, I have plenty of fond memories with close friends at this site. It’s completely exposed all the way to the top, a well worth 3 mile uphill hike to three different camp sites. My favorite is the middle site where you get a clear view of the city, beautiful views at night. They say there’s no water but there is, there’s a spout located by the restroom close to the museum, you’ll have to treat it before using (but don’t take my word for it, they tend to shut it off so take plenty of water for your time there and check it out if you need more) If you continue past the middle campsite to the upper site, you’ll have plenty of space for tents and hammocks just no view due to the trees on the edge. If you continue on that trail for another 3 miles i believe, you’ll get to idlehour campground. It’s a small site right next to a creek, you can continue on to Mt Lowe campground and inspiration point. Back to Henninger, plenty of trees for hammocks and sometimes they have firewood collected. At the museum you can buy soda cans so take some change. Hauling a 24 pack of cold Modelos in my pack was not fun at all, but boy did they taste good at the top hahaha. Bugs can get annoying so carry some bug spray, hang your food and PACK IT OUT!!! Leave no trace behind.

  • Lee D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 11, 2022

    Camping @ Quail Run Ostrich Ranch

    Great tour and amenities

    General: This is not an official campground but due to its proximity to the Pacific Crest Trail, the owners make it available for tent and RV campers as well as members of Harvest Host. 

    Site Quality: There are no designated sites so you can park where it best suits you on a large and level gravel lot. Since there was a strong wind advisory to last through the night into the next morning, Jessica recommended we park along the trees, and this made for an effective windbreak. There is also an additional gravel lot where the only other RV camper stayed so we had privacy. 

    Bathhouse: I was hoping for a vault toilet so was pleasantly surprised to find flush toilets with a sink, soap, and paper towels. No showers and no hot water.

    Activities/Other Amenities: Take a tour of the ostrich farm – we learned a lot and it is worth the $10pp. At the end of the tour, you can purchase ostrich oil (many benefits), ostrich eggs (sometimes sold out), local brews, local honey, and a few other items. Other amenities include a propane bbq, fire ring, picnic table, and electric outlets (located by each light pole by the stage/dance floor which is also used for weddings and other gatherings). There is also a peaceful garden and a playground. Other activities include ax throwing and archery, neither of which we tried. (A girl scout troop was doing archery when we were there). Quail Run is a family-owned business and everyone we talked with was very welcoming and communication was thorough. 

    Note: the gates are closed between 5 pm and 8 am (7 pm-7 am during the summer). If you need it, cell coverage via Verizon is available.

  • Tim J.
    Sep. 10, 2018

    China Camp State Park Campground

    Secluded and Quiet

    This is more of your traditional campground where you must carry all your food and gear to the campsite.  It is a short hike from the parking lot to the camping area and the camp hosts can provide containers to carry your items.  The campground was not busy and this allowed me to pick a spot hidden away from others. There are restrooms and a place to get water, but when I was there the showers were closed.  There are many hiking opportunities and chances to see wildlife (deer, wild turkey, rabbits, squirrels, racoons, and birds). Sites include fire pits, picnic tables, and food storage box.

  • Craig M.
    Sep. 2, 2020

    Crystal Lake Rec Area Campground

    Seemed closed, camped anyway

    Looks like I arrived at the peak of their off-season. Complete fire ban, including gas stoves. Trash littered the campground and only one bathroom open. Gates are closed, so you have to park on the street and walk in. Only two other tents in this giant, beautiful campground. I wish I knew when season was so I could see what the regular vibe is like. Several trails and lake access nearby.

    Cafe by the campground only has a handful of items, hamburger and hot dog and other basic stuff. Store was well stocked with junk food, but not much I would consider “camping supplies.”

    Overall it looked like a neglected campground and recreation area but during season it’s probably a fun place to be.


Guide to Alhambra

Tent camping options near Alhambra, California center primarily on the Angeles National Forest, where elevations range from 1,200 to 8,000 feet across varied terrain. Trail camps in this area typically sit between 2,000-3,000 feet elevation, with summer temperatures reaching 90°F during day and dropping to 60°F at night. Winter camping requires preparation for temperatures that can drop below freezing, especially at higher elevation sites.

What to do

Waterfall hiking: Visit Millard Trail Campground where a 30-minute upstream hike leads to a waterfall that remains flowing even in summer months. "Waterfall 30 minutes hike upstream. Nice campground, active stream in the middle of summer," notes Jeff B., who visited for a quick bikepacking trip.

Multi-day treks: Connect various trail camps for longer adventures using the extensive trail network. At Mount Lowe Trail Campground, hikers can access multiple connecting trails. "You can get here multiple ways but once you do it's totally worth it. Secluded campground with toilets, fire pits & many info plaques with photos from the old tavern on site," writes Anthony K.

Stream exploration: Follow winter creeks through canyon bottoms where water levels vary seasonally. "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," according to Mandy E. who camped at Hoegees Trail Camp.

What campers like

Proximity to nature despite urban closeness: Campers appreciate feeling remote while being just miles from the city. "It's a nice little getaway without leaving the city, perfect for a one nighter or to backpack in with the kiddos," writes Tony C. about Gould Mesa Trail Campground.

Beginner-friendly options: Several locations provide accessible first-time backpacking experiences. "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.

Solitude on weekdays: Mid-week visits offer significantly less crowding at most trail camps. "I went during the week and was the only one camping. This place is heavily used for day camping and hiking," reports a visitor to Millard Trail Campground.

What you should know

Vehicle security concerns: Car break-ins occur at some trailhead parking areas. "WARNING: 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. at Millard Trail Campground.

Day hiker traffic: Most trail camps sit along popular hiking routes with daytime foot traffic. "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," explains Jessica P. about her experience at Millard.

Seasonal water availability: Stream flow varies dramatically by season and recent rainfall. "No water right now but that could change after first rain or snow," notes Anthony K. about Mount Lowe Trail Campground during a November visit.

Wildlife considerations: Bears inhabit the area, requiring proper food storage. "There are bears in the area so hang your food and keep your campsite clean," advises Mandy E. who camped in the Big Santa Anita Canyon.

Tips for camping with families

Stream-adjacent sites for children: Choose camps with water features for natural entertainment. "The site is named for Hoegee's resort which stood just upstream. The concrete foundation in the center of the campground was a private cabin which burned down decades ago," explains David F. about Hoegees Trail Camp Campground, adding that it has "15 campsites, each with table, fire ring and wood-burning stove."

Short distance options: Select trail camps with briefer hikes for younger children. "It's around 2 miles to camp on a leveled surface with a few stream crossings," notes Tony C. about Gould Mesa Trail Campground.

Educational opportunities: Some camps feature historical elements kids can explore. "Secluded campground with toilets, fire pits & many info plaques with photos from the old tavern on site," writes Anthony K. about Mount Lowe Trail Campground.

Tips from RVers

Bikepacking alternative: When vehicle camping isn't available, consider bikepacking to accessible trail camps. "Access to this campground is so easy, whether it's by car or by bike. The trailhead to the campground is impossible to miss, as it is marked by a large parking lot and a sign marked 'Cogswell Dam'," explains Kevin L. about Glenn Trail Camp Campground, adding that "this campground is so perfect for bikepacking novices or those looking to do a gear check because it's an honest 6.5 miles of a relatively flat paved road."

Parking limitations: Most trailheads have limited parking that fills quickly on weekends. "Parking fills up within an hour on weekends so get there as soon as the parking lot opens at 6am," advises Mandy E. who camped in the area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Alhambra, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Alhambra, CA is Millard Trail Campground with a 3.7-star rating from 9 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Alhambra, CA?

TheDyrt.com has all 52 tent camping locations near Alhambra, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.