Best Campgrounds near Altadena, CA

The San Gabriel Mountains surrounding Altadena, California provide a remarkable range of camping experiences within minutes of urban Los Angeles. Angeles National Forest dominates the landscape, offering both developed campgrounds and primitive backcountry sites. Millard Trail Campground sits just minutes from town, providing creek-side tent camping with minimal facilities but maximum convenience. Further into the mountains, established sites like Chilao Campground and Buckhorn Campground offer seasonal camping from April through November with basic amenities including picnic tables, vault toilets, and fire rings. Trail camps including Mount Lowe, Valley Forge, and Idlehour provide hike-in alternatives for those seeking more seclusion without traveling far from the city.

Fire restrictions and seasonal closures significantly impact camping availability throughout the region. As one camper noted, "This is a beautiful campground up in the hills above Altadena with a great view of the valley below. Lots of greenery and flowing water in the winter season with wildlife all along the trail and campground." Many trail camps require Adventure Passes for parking and have strict fire regulations that change with seasonal conditions. Summer brings crowded conditions to the more accessible sites, while winter may bring snow at higher elevations and frozen water sources. Cell service is generally unreliable in canyons but may be available at higher elevations. Wildlife considerations include bears in some areas, requiring proper food storage in provided bear boxes or personal canisters.

Proximity to urban areas creates a distinctive camping experience with both advantages and challenges. According to one visitor, "If you are in LA and looking for the back-country feel without a long drive, this is just a 3 mile hike or ride up the canyon from Altadena." Trail camps like Valley Forge offer what another camper described as "an easy 3.5 mile hike in, but a tough hike out of the canyon." Spring brings flowing creeks and green meadows to many sites, while summer weekends often bring crowds. Several reviewers mention the contrast between busy, sometimes noisy summer holidays and quieter off-season periods when "this place is much emptier and filled with much more experienced and considerate campers." Most sites require packing out all trash, and many backcountry locations have no running water, requiring visitors to carry their own supplies.

Best Camping Sites Near Altadena, California (165)

    1. Chilao Campground

    17 Reviews
    Mount Wilson, CA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (818) 790-1151

    $12 / night

    "Campground

    We had been driving around the campground loops for more than an hour, and had just about given up, when we say the sign for overflow camping near the exit of the Chilao campground loop"

    "Great spot to get away from the big city being only a 45min drive from the Downtown, couldn’t ask for more"

    2. Millard Trail Campground

    9 Reviews
    Altadena, CA
    2 miles
    Website

    "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."

    "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."

    3. Bonelli Bluffs

    39 Reviews
    South El Monte, CA
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (909) 599-8355

    $76 - $88 / night

    "⭐⭐⭐⭐

    Our experience at Bonelli Bluffs Campground was mostly positive, but there were a couple of aspects that could be improved."

    "The views around the outskirts of B loop are just lovely, the staff has been so friendly and helpful (we’re RV newbies and had a ton of questions) the store was stocked with all of the little things we"

    4. Mount Lowe Trail Campground

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

    "We went in May this year so not much people around. Brand new toilet is nice as well. There was some flowing water still."

    "There's a stream nearby the Mount Lowe Summit Trail, also. Plenty of great sites to choose from."

    5. Angeles National Forest Chilao Campground

    12 Reviews
    Mount Wilson, CA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (626) 574-1613

    "OKAY... seriously this one of the best campgrounds near Los Angeles. My ultimate go to spot for an overnight camping trip."

    "We were told that the water pumps were off but actually managed to camp right next to the one that was working. The bathrooms were super clean too!"

    6. Monte Cristo Campground

    10 Reviews
    Mount Wilson, CA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (661) 269-2808

    $12 / night

    "Or one right next to you if you don't have one. The water does not taste too good, but it serves for washing. A bear was on our stuff the first night. I whistled and it ran away."

    "It’s Close to Hidden Springs and Switzer falls, surrounding area is very beautiful. I’ll be back!"

    7. Thousand Trails Soledad Canyon

    25 Reviews
    Acton, CA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "It's a very hot campground close to a road and train. Sites are big. Tons of things to do for adults and children."

    "Surrounded my mountains, which is nice. Staff is happy and helpful."

    8. Buckhorn Campground

    20 Reviews
    Juniper Hills, CA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (818) 899-1900

    $12 / night

    "Beautiful trails near by, next to a stream, gorgeous views, and of course that mountain air! Trees are perfect for hammocks."

    "It is set back from the road a little giving you a quieter experience away from the 2. This would be a good first car camping spot for families with young children."

    9. Angeles Crest Overlook to LA

    8 Reviews
    La Cañada Flintridge, CA
    4 miles

    "Great view but on the weekend we had multiple cars doing donuts really close to our van. I felt uncomfortable with that."

    "This is just a few parking lots that overlook the valley and gives a view of the city skyline in the distance."

    10. Valley Forge Trail Camp hike in. no drive

    6 Reviews
    Mount Wilson, CA
    5 miles
    Website

    $5 / night

    "Trail camp is in the canyon so it’s an easy 3.5 mile hike in, but a tough hike out of the canyon."

    "Forage your way through the Valley Forge Trail, for an intimate night in the wilderness at one of its remote camps."

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Recent Reviews near Altadena, CA

1004 Reviews of 165 Altadena Campgrounds


  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Bonelli Bluffs

    Wish we could stay longer this trip

    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. We will be back for sure, especially since it's less than an hour from home.

  • Jake M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 30, 2025

    Malibu Creek State Park Campground

    Awesome Mountain View’s and spacious sites!

    Every friendly people. Nice open sites that are good for people who just want to be isolated. Showers and bathrooms available. No charging unless you can find an open one in the park. Site 27 is a very good site.

  • Julia G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 27, 2025

    Hare School Park

    Overnight parking ✅

    You can overnight park here with your RV without problems.

  • Lianne A.
    Sep. 23, 2025

    Monte Cristo Campground

    Nice Campground but Fire Restrictions!

    Monte Cristo is a nice campground not far from home. My husband and I visited this campsite for the first time just for one night. There was a fire restriction. No bonfires, no cooking on stoves and there was no water due to a leak. The bathroom that I was using I give it a 2 star.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 19, 2025

    Malibu Beach RV Park

    Great Family Vacation

    Perfect weekend getaway for the family! Loved the store and how close to the beach this place was. Will definitely be coming back!!

  • B
    Aug. 29, 2025

    Tapo Canyon Park

    Favorite spot near LA

    The Camp Hosts here are Very Friendly and welcoming, the campground has a lush grass area and nice covered playground. The showers and bathrooms are nice, we highly recommend Tapo Canyon.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 23, 2025

    Malibu Creek State Park Campground

    Great trip/great site!

    This place is great! We stayed on site 59 and it had so much space you can fit a ton of people on the site. We had a beautiful, big tree and a great view in the back of the site. Site 62 had the most beautiful view but no shade, but I want to book it for the cooler months. Showers and bathrooms were pristine!! Can’t wait to go back!

  • Wayne S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 11, 2025

    Applewhite Campground (Ca) — San Bernardino National Forest

    Nice little park

    Very small campground. Camping sites are spread out. The access road is very narrow. We did it with a 22 foot fifth wheel. Space 41 could hold a much longer rig but it would be a challenge even getting to that space. There were only two other campers here while we were here. Lots of trees but not so thick you dont get some sun. The road getting to the campgrounds is somewhat narrow and has some hairpin turns so again it might be difficult for someone with a long trailer We camped at Applewhite Campground in a Fifth Wheel.


Guide to Altadena

Camping sites near Altadena, California range from high-elevation forest retreats to accessible trail camps just minutes from urban neighborhoods. These locations sit within the Angeles National Forest at elevations between 1,200 and 6,000 feet, creating significant temperature variations even during summer months. Creek access varies dramatically by season, with many water sources drying completely between late June and November.

What to do

Hike to waterfalls: The Millard Falls trail offers a family-friendly half-mile hike from Millard Trail Campground. "There is a nice hike of about 1/2 mile up to Millard Falls that is easy for kids and grown ups," notes one camper. During spring, the creek provides cooling opportunities for pets: "Me and my girlfriend decided to go on this trail with our two doggos on a hot 95 degree day and we had such a good time the waterfall trail is nothing but shade provided by the trees foliage."

Mountain biking access: Monte Cristo Campground sits near several popular biking trails. As one visitor noted, "It's close to Hidden Springs and Switzer falls, surrounding area is very beautiful." The campground provides a convenient base camp with water access. "There are water sources on almost all campsites. Or one right next to you if you don't have one," though one camper warns "The water does not taste too good, but it serves for washing."

Backcountry exploration: For those seeking more remote experiences, the trail to Valley Forge Trail Camp offers challenging terrain. "Trail leading to the camp can also be filled with downed trees. Takes a little climbing and going around obstacles but not too bad." The payoff includes stream access in wetter months: "In April the creek was full, with several creek crossings on the hike and crisp, fresh water along the campsite that contribute to a beautifully green oasis of a meadow."

What campers like

Cooler temperatures: Buckhorn Campground sits at over 6,000 feet elevation, providing relief from summer heat. "Beautiful campground. A little over 6000 feet up in the pine trees," writes one camper. Another adds, "We found this gem, just 1 1/2hrs from LA and you'd never know you were anywhere near the city... amazingly quiet space, so tranquil and an absolute perfect temperature in August during the day and night."

Seclusion between sites: Many campers appreciate the privacy at certain campgrounds. At Angeles National Forest Chilao Campground, "The campsites are very spacious and clean (bathrooms were clean too!)." Another camper notes, "Campsites are well kept plenty of room to make you feel like your alone." This contrasts with more developed sites where visitors may feel crowded.

Winter and off-season access: While many campgrounds close seasonally, some remain open year-round. Monte Cristo Campground operates throughout the year, though winter brings different conditions. Campers appreciate the temperature variations: "It's in between two peaks (hills on east and west) so you can sleep in and in late afternoon, you're not being blasted by the sun. It got hot, but it was bearable."

What you should know

Bear activity: Wildlife encounters require proper preparation at several camping areas near Altadena. At Monte Cristo Campground, one camper reported: "A bear was on our stuff the first night. I whistled and it ran away. In the morning today, we seen another, casually walking into the grounds." Bears typically avoid confrontation: "It didn't seem aggressive or particularly interested in humans. It seemed more curious just to take a stroll and look."

Fire restrictions: Regulations vary significantly by location and season. Some areas permit fires only in designated fire rings, while others prohibit them entirely during high-risk periods. One camper at Buckhorn Campground mentioned "Fire pits at every campground and easy to walk to hiking trail," but visitors should always check current restrictions.

Vehicle security concerns: At certain locations, particularly those near urban areas, vehicle break-ins occur. "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 one Millard Trail Campground visitor.

Tips for camping with families

Choose accessible sites: Chilao Campground offers family-friendly amenities close to Los Angeles. "There are easy hiking trails all over & good trees for hanging my hammock," notes one visitor. Another adds it's "the perfect spot for beginner outdoor enthusiasts. It's such a short and easy drive for LA, and the drive up campspots are always in great condition."

Wildlife viewing opportunities: Children often enjoy observing local animals. One camper at Monte Cristo mentioned, "Wild life all over the place and a great stream in the wet season through summer." At other locations, bird watching proves popular: "From my favorite the Jet black Ravens, rabbits, coyotes, and interesting botany there are plenty of creatures to aww and be thankful for."

Plan for temperature swings: Mountain camping means preparing for significant day-to-night temperature changes. At Buckhorn Campground, "Even though the daily high was 79 degrees, the low at night was 56, and it was still only 61 degrees by 7 am." Packing appropriate layers for children becomes essential, especially during spring and fall.

Tips from RVers

Limited big rig access: Most forest campgrounds have size restrictions. At Buckhorn Campground, one reviewer noted, "Good for small RVs. Over 24 foot not recommended." Access roads present challenges with tight turns and steep grades, particularly when approaching from certain directions.

Spacing considerations: RV campers at Bonelli Bluffs report mixed experiences with site proximity. "Good camp ground if you like being 6 ft away from your neighbors. More of a group or community campground," notes one visitor. However, others find certain areas more spacious: "The C9 RV spot was very spacious, I also liked the A & B area. Not every site has a fire pit."

Hookup availability: Full-service options are limited but exist at select locations. Bonelli Bluffs provides "all hookups 30/50 amp. Cable TV," while most Angeles National Forest sites offer no hookups. RVers should prepare accordingly with filled water tanks and charged batteries when selecting forest locations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Altadena, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Altadena, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 165 campgrounds and RV parks near Altadena, CA and 5 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Altadena, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Altadena, CA is Chilao Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 17 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Altadena, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 5 free dispersed camping spots near Altadena, CA.

What parks are near Altadena, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 10 parks near Altadena, CA that allow camping, notably Angeles National Forest and Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area.