Millard Trail Campground offers tent camping and cabin accommodations near Altadena, California, situated at an elevation of 2,150 feet in the San Gabriel Mountains. The campground has six tent sites with bear boxes for food storage and a stream running through the grounds. Trails lead to nearby natural features, including Millard Falls which remains accessible on a short half-mile hike.
What to do
Waterfall hiking: Millard Falls draws many day visitors, creating a busy atmosphere during peak hours. "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," notes one visitor to Millard Trail Campground.
Bike riding: The paved paths at Bonelli Bluffs provide excellent cycling opportunities near water features. "There is camping, horseback riding, fishing, trails, biking, hiking, picnics, you can use your jet skies in designated areas, swimming on the pool areas, kayaking, Park for kids and plenty more," reports a camper.
Creek exploration: Water features add natural cooling during warm months. At West Fork Trail Campground, a camper mentions, "Perfect stopping point for backpacking. Went here in May and we were the only 2 here. Plenty of water flowing and tree cover from the sun."
Wildlife viewing: The natural setting attracts various wildlife. "While setting up camp we watched wild parrots fly overhead," shares a tent camper at Anaheim Harbor RV Park. At Millard Trail Campground, another camper reports, "Wild life all over the place and a great stream in the wet season through summer."
What campers like
Proximity to urban areas: Many campgrounds offer quick escapes without long drives. At Little Pine Campground, a reviewer notes, "Love this place. Makes you feel like your on top of the world. This place is about 1 hour from Glendale. It is easy to get here."
Quiet evenings: Despite daytime activity, many sites become peaceful after sunset. "At night they lock the gates so its really only you, other campers (usually not more than one or two on the weekdays), and the camp host," reports a camper at Millard Trail Campground.
Fire pits with cooking features: Campfire cooking options enhance the glamping experience. At Little Pine Campground, a visitor shares, "Fire pit came in handy with a cooking grate and parking spaces are large enough for a small RV."
Natural shade: Tree cover provides relief from sun exposure. "Shade is plentiful, and benches and bear boxes available for each of the 6 sites. Few bugs around, so no need to hose yourself down with repellent," writes a reviewer about Millard Trail Campground.
What you should know
Car security concerns: Theft risk exists at some locations. A Millard Trail Campground visitor warns, "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."
First-come availability: Several campgrounds don't accept reservations. "First come first serve sites. Does get crowded in summer season," notes a camper at Little Pine Campground.
Limited privacy: Many sites have minimal separation between campsites. At West Fork Trail Campground, a visitor shares, "The campsites I saw were right next to the trail leading up to the falls. Beautiful area, trail and falls (especially right now - May 2023) but I definitely wouldn't want to camp here."
Uphill return hikes: When planning glamping trips to creek or waterfall locations, prepare for more challenging return journeys. "Warning it's downhill almost exclusively on the way in and therefore... almost entirely uphill on the way out and the last bit is significant climb out," explains a West Fork Trail camper.
Tips for camping with families
Water quality awareness: Natural water sources require treatment. At West Fork Trail Campground, a camper advises, "You do have to hike out your own water or filter from the stream."
Short hikes for children: Child-friendly trail options exist at several locations. At Malibu Creek State Park, a visitor reports, "Between hiking and biking, we were busy for the time we were there. As a bonus, there is a Ralph's just up the street, so you'll never be far from anything you'd need."
Evening activities: Plan for on-site entertainment when daylight ends. At Anaheim Harbor RV Park, a visitor describes their evening: "After setting up camp we had REALLY nice showers, then we spent time in the pool. After that I cooked dinner at our site while my daughters watched television in the adjacent club house."
Bear precautions: Food storage requirements protect both campers and wildlife. "It's in Bear country so they provide food storage for each campsite also trash containers too," notes a visitor to Millard Trail Campground.
Tips from RVers
Tight quarters: Space constraints affect larger vehicles at several locations. At Fairplex RV Park, a reviewer cautions, "Spaces are very tight. Good for 1 nite only stay. Staff was friendly and place is clean but not much room to maneuver a lg. rv. in."
Full hookup availability: Services vary significantly between campgrounds. At Thousand Trails Soledad Canyon, a visitor explains, "This is a good location to explore LA and greater LA area, 45 min to Hollywood sign. Park is a large TT resort with recently remolded lodge in 2019."
Site selection strategies: Choosing optimal locations within campgrounds matters for comfort. At Anaheim Harbor RV Park, a camper suggests, "Get a deluxe site if you can. The standard sites are essentially a large parking spot in a paved parking lot. The deluxe feel more like an RV site with a picnic table and grass. And for only a few bucks more."
