Top Tent Camping near Angeles National Forest

Looking for the best options for tent camping near Angeles National Forest? The Dyrt helps you find campsites near Angeles National Forest with tent camping. Each spot offers quick access to one or more of Angeles National Forest, California's most popular destinations.

Best Tent Sites Near Angeles National Forest, CA (61)

    Camper-submitted photo from Millard Trail Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Millard Trail Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Millard Trail Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Millard Trail Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Millard Trail Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Millard Trail Campground

    1.

    Millard Trail Campground

    8 Reviews
    39 Photos
    206 Saves
    Altadena, California

    Gate may be closed due to High Fire danger. ______ Elevation: 1900-Foot ElevationAmenities: 6 hike-in__campsites- Picnic tables and campfire rings, vault toilets, no piped water.__Seasonal stream water may be available (treat before using). However, water flow may be low or non-existent due to reduced rainfall.Hiking: Just a short hike__to the 50' Millard Falls. __Fees:__Camping - Adventure Pass/America the Beautiful Pass Required. Campsites are first come-first served. No reserving or holding of campsites allowed.____ __ __ __ __ Day use -__Adventure Pass/America the Beautiful Pass Required.Millard Trail Camp may occasionally be closed due to bear activity. Be Bear Aware.

    • Tents
    • Group
    • Cabins
    • Tent Cabin
    • Glamping
    • Trash
    Camper-submitted photo from Little Jimmy Trail Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Little Jimmy Trail Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Little Jimmy Trail Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Little Jimmy Trail Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Little Jimmy Trail Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Little Jimmy Trail Campground

    2.

    Little Jimmy Trail Campground

    7 Reviews
    23 Photos
    118 Saves
    Valyermo, California

    Currently NO toilet facilities at this site.

    Just above Crystal Lake lies Little Jimmy trail camp...a backcountry campground nestled just 2 miles off the Angeles Crest Highway.

    It features seven first-come, first-served sites with picnic tables, fire rings, vault/composting toilets, and vintage backcountry ovens.

    Hike-in only (2.5 miles one-way). After parking your vehicle at Islip Saddle, cross the highway and begin hiking for 2.5 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 Bigcone Douglas 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 it please secure your food and scented items in bear-proof boxes provided or bring your own bear canisters. As always, make sure you follow the "Leave No Trace" principles and pack everything in and out!

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Picnic Table
    • Drinking Water
    Camper-submitted photo from Antelope Valley Fairgrounds
    Camper-submitted photo from Antelope Valley Fairgrounds
    Camper-submitted photo from Antelope Valley Fairgrounds
    Camper-submitted photo from Antelope Valley Fairgrounds
    Camper-submitted photo from Antelope Valley Fairgrounds
    Camper-submitted photo from Antelope Valley Fairgrounds

    5.

    Antelope Valley Fairgrounds

    6 Reviews
    43 Photos
    8 Saves
    Lancaster, California

    Enter through Gate 5.

    • Pets
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • ADA Access
    • Tents
    • Group
    Camper-submitted photo from Gould Mesa Trail Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Gould Mesa Trail Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Gould Mesa Trail Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Gould Mesa Trail Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Gould Mesa Trail Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Gould Mesa Trail Campground

    6.

    Gould Mesa Trail Campground

    5 Reviews
    16 Photos
    300 Saves
    La Cañada Flintridge, California

    Water is from a stream - come prepared with your own or have a way to filter/purify

    5 Hike-in campsites- Picnic tables and campfire rings, vault toilets, trash receptacles, no piped water available. Seasonal stream water (treat before using). However, water flow may be low or non-existent due to reduced rainfall. Please bring enough water for cooking, cleaning, drinking, and extinguishing campfires.

    Equestrian: Hitching Rail (52 linear feet).

    Gould Mesa Trail Camp is a hike-in campground located 2 miles from Ventura Street on the Gabrielino Trail. Being only a few miles away La Canada-Flintridge, it offers a quick-respite for the weary hiker. Those choosing to start in Altadena near the Jet Propulsion Laboratories will walk through riparian groves along a tranquil steam surrounded by steep ridges. The trek to Gould Mesa Trail Camp is 5.1 miles round trip with 300 feet of elevation change.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Trash
    Camper-submitted photo from Spruce Grove Trail Campground - TEMPORARILY CLOSED DUE TO FIRE
    Camper-submitted photo from Spruce Grove Trail Campground - TEMPORARILY CLOSED DUE TO FIRE
    Camper-submitted photo from Spruce Grove Trail Campground - TEMPORARILY CLOSED DUE TO FIRE
    Camper-submitted photo from Spruce Grove Trail Campground - TEMPORARILY CLOSED DUE TO FIRE
    Camper-submitted photo from Spruce Grove Trail Campground - TEMPORARILY CLOSED DUE TO FIRE
    Camper-submitted photo from Spruce Grove Trail Campground - TEMPORARILY CLOSED DUE TO FIRE

    9.

    Spruce Grove Trail Campground - TEMPORARILY CLOSED DUE TO FIRE

    4 Reviews
    12 Photos
    241 Saves
    Mount Wilson, California

    Updated Nov 2022 - Temporarily CLOSED due to the Bobcat Fire. Please call the LA Gateway District Office at (818) 482-8937 for current conditions and additional information.

    Elevation: 3100-Foot Elevation

    Amenities: 7 Hike-in campsites- picnic tables and klamath stoves, vault toilets, no trash receptacles, no piped water available. Seasonal stream water (treat before using). However, water flow may be low or non-existent due to reduced rainfall. Please bring enough water for cooking, cleaning, drinking, and extinguishing campfires. Pack In-Pack Out.

    Hiking: Access to the Upper Winter Creek Trail and the Gabrielino National Recreation Trail.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Tents
    • Trash
    • Picnic Table
    • Toilets
  • 10.

    Joshua Tree Ranch Los Angeles

    6 Reviews
    20 Photos
    287 Saves
    Lake Hughes, California

    Joshua trees 50 miles closer to LA than the Joshua Tree National Park!

    This is 2.5 acres of protected Joshua Tree lands in the Antelope Valley north of LA, between the snowy Tehachapi Mountains, and the rolling green foothills of the also-snowy San Gabriel Mountains. My first time out there I saw BOTH ENDS of a rainbow in front of the snowy Tehachapis!! Super dark skies, and a million stars at night. It feels like the wild west out here. Think long dirt roads, tumbleweeds, bones, and maybe some old bullet shells (there's no shooting allowed on the property anymore).

    The property itself is along a dirt "road" called Avenue C, but I'd be shocked if you encountered anyone driving along there. Except possibly another group of campers. This land used to be the domain of the Ketanemuk tribe, which I think means People From The East. In the summer they would go up and hunt and get pine nuts in the Tehachapi Mountains, and acorns from the oak trees in the San Gabriels. 

    It's about a 20 minute drive from the town of Neenach (pronounced Nee-nack), where there's a general store and a cafe. They make a great breakfast burrito. A few minutes from the State Poppy Reserve, which blooms in the spring with miles of California poppies. If you have a larger group or event in mind, get in touch! We can figure out how to accommodate you.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Alcohol

    $25 / night

Showing results 1-10 of 61 campgrounds

Recent Tent Reviews In Angeles National Forest

639 Reviews of 61 Angeles National Forest Campgrounds


  • Camper-submitted photo from Malibu Creek State Park Campground
    September 5, 2024

    Malibu Creek State Park Campground

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  • Camper-submitted photo from Southfork Campground
    September 2, 2024

    Southfork Campground

    Nature beautiful, human horrible

    There are 21 campsites and not all have tree’s but its walking distance from the creek. Its nestled between mountains and the night sky is gorgeous. We saw wild ducks too and some other desert critters. Has it not been for the nasty animals called inconsiderate humans blasting their music and fighting amongst themselves bringing their family drama until 6am, the camp site would have been marvelous. No ranger to domesticate those animals and remind them of quiet hours. Another group even brought a dj and karaoke. Seriously, no consideration for the rest of the campers. They want to get away from the hustle and bustle and be with nature but they can’f live without the modern day amenities and bring that noise we are all trying to escape to a place of nature. They even had BB guns and shooting them within the campsite. Idiots. The day the ranger did come by he was giving tickets to vehicles with no pass. Wish he came at night when he was most needed. Bathrooms are poorly maintained too. Never coming back for an overnight stay, a day trip will suffice.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Bonelli Bluffs
    August 30, 2024

    Bonelli Bluffs

    Less crowded ocale while visiting family nearby

    Visiting family in Santa Ana and LA. Not to far for them to come to us and all to go to beach. Park clean and well maintained, personnel very kind and friendly Beautiful view from our site on area B. Crowded on weekend, much less during week Campground is not associated to adjacent Frank Bonelli Regional. Charge $12 to enter with vehicle but no fee to ride in on bikes

  • Camper-submitted photo from Buckhorn Campground
    August 20, 2024

    Buckhorn Campground

    Perfect peaceful getaway

    Just stayed 8/15-18/24, although hot during the day, it was the getaway we needed. The Burkhart trail to the waterfall was beautiful. Clean campsites. Some neighboring camps were louder than you'd hope but it is what it is. Our second trip here and will return for sure.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Placerita Canyon State Park Group Campsites
    July 29, 2024

    Placerita Canyon State Park Group Campsites

    Haven't stayed, by reservation only for groups

    I haven't stayed in this campground, but I added it to the Dyrt so people can find it as an option if they are searching for large group camping. You MUST call in advance to get permission and reserve for group camping.

    Things to do:

  • Camper-submitted photo from Malibu Creek State Park Campground
    July 24, 2024

    Malibu Creek State Park Campground

    Amazing experience, beautiful sunset

    Great campground, Great spots but unfortunately bit expensive .Very disappointed about the rules regarding fire, but I understood. I left from the campground after the sunset...fire allowed only with courchal...

  • Camper-submitted photo from Castaic Lake State Recreation Area
    July 20, 2024

    Castaic Lake State Recreation Area

    Nice view, not bad, needs work

    We stayed in Loop A on a Thursday night in July. For us, it was a convenient overnight stop. It was a lot less crazy/ crowded than we expected for an LA County campground in the middle of summer! This site is on the lagoon, not the main lake, but had nice views and a good breeze in the heat. Very minimal space, not much shade. But the real issue was that the bathroom stalls in our loop (A) had no doors. I also doubt they are cleaned daily, though it wasn't terrible. Being close to the city, there were a ton of people meandering around, but they all seemed to be doing their own thing (e.g fishing or just walking), few suspicious characters. Lots of families and kids made it feel fairly safe for an urban campground. Not our favorite, but we would stop over here again in a pinch.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Lupine Campground
    July 6, 2024

    Lupine Campground

    Came across this place on a whim

    After trying to find an escape from the fireworks and trying campgrounds in surrounding areas to this one and all of them being full, we just kept driving (ended up off-roading) and found this hidden jem. Quite, dark, and one dirt road in n out. No amenities besides a picnic table & fire pit. There's an outhouse, but it's pretty gross..

  • Camper-submitted photo from Lake Piru Recreation Area
    July 5, 2024

    Lake Piru Recreation Area

    Great campsite

    Campsite was established, picnic table, fireplace, and electricity. Floor is gravel in some areas so bring a rake or broom for tent area. Our site was pretty close to bathrooms that had showers. 1.50 for 8 minutes, uses quarters. Has hot water. Rangers drive by selling wood and ice.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Manker Campground
    July 3, 2024

    Manker Campground

    Mankers campground

    We spent 3days and 2nights here and enjoyed our stay, the caretaker was so nice! Although the restroom are very dirty but overall it was a great stay!

  • Camper-submitted photo from Los Alamos Campground at Pyramid Lake
    June 19, 2024

    Los Alamos Campground at Pyramid Lake

    Close to the lake, can be very hot during the summer

    It usually stay empty and easy to get a site even in the peak season summer and spring but there is limited shades in most campsites and can get very hot during the days. There are not many trees around, Site 42 has really good shade but be aware of pocky leaves from those trees. My air mattress pop both times we camp there. There is not much around to do except pyramid lake close by which is nice and convenient to get to the water and go fishing or tubing. Also close by six flag.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Sawmill Campground
    June 15, 2024

    Sawmill Campground

    Forest road camping outside of Yosemite

    Having to find a spot kind of late at night after other spots were full pretty level spot overlooking a meadow and review of the sunset roads a little rough getting back in there used four-wheel drive pulling a teardrop

  • Camper-submitted photo from Hollywood RV Park
    June 1, 2024

    Hollywood RV Park

    As good as it gets for LA

    This quirky campground was safe, and that was what I needed while visiting friends in LA. This isn't a self-park park...the spaces are so close together that they use a cart to park you. On the upside, the bathrooms and showers were clean and plentiful, there was an area at the back of the park that was fenced for pups, and although the spaces were small, the park was landscaped such that you had some privacy. On the downside, the park is right next to the departure/arrival runway for Burbank and so if you don't fancy airplanes, you may not appreciate the noise. There is quite a bit of noise, but then again, you are in downtown Burbank. The owner is quite a character and told me that they even have an entertainment space where they offer musical performances, plays, etc. by local artists. He also mentioned that most of the park's customers were long-term residents that support the local production companies. I'm not sure if I would stay there again, but then again I'm not sure I'm interested in visiting Burbank again either.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Applewhite Campground (Ca) — San Bernardino National Forest
    May 29, 2024

    Applewhite Campground (Ca) — San Bernardino National Forest

    Great place

    I had a positive impression of this small campground, located just 5-7 miles away from the 215 highway, amidst natural surroundings. I can join many activities here such as playing merge fruit. However, I was taken aback to discover that the campground was closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. It would be great if they were open full-time, although it didn't affect our stay as we had planned to leave by Monday night. While the bathroom facilities could benefit from some renovations, the actual campsite itself was quite enjoyable. Despite a previous reviewer mentioning that the road near the campground was busy, we personally didn't find it bothersome as there were only occasional cars passing by during the day, and the traffic volume was relatively light during our visit

  • Camper-submitted photo from Stockton Flats Yellow Post Sites 3-8
    May 27, 2024

    Stockton Flats Yellow Post Sites 3-8

    Prepare the climb; also not for big RVs

    The turn is not marked well, in fact the coordinates are a little bit off. If you miss the turn like we did you have to go 5 miles or more to get a turnabout big enough to turn around. You climb a big steep hill to get to the turn in. On the way back down from the turnaround we almost burned out or brakes. We decided not to go to the site because it looked like a one lane road and too tight for our 35 ft bumper pull. Disappointed because pictures from others looked great and it is a beautiful area. We found a spot near the road that I’ll post for others.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Little pine campground
    May 19, 2024

    Little pine campground

    Great weekend get away spot

    Nice sized spot. We stayed on site 15, with a great view. Fire pit came in handy with a cooking grate and parking spaces are large enough for a small RV.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Saddleback Butte State Park Campground
    May 13, 2024

    Saddleback Butte State Park Campground

    Desolate

    The only thing more desolate than this campground is the landscape, but perhaps that's your thing. I'm the only one here on a Sunday night in May. A couple pulled in before me, but after a once-around, they left. Each campsite is well sheltered from the sun and wind -- 8' tall plywood windbreak wall plus lattice ceiling with room under it for two picnic tables and your tent. Too much noise from the nearby highway. By the way, if Google maps leads you to the closed picnic area, don't worry, there's a separate campground entrance south of it on the connecting street.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Manker Campground
    May 10, 2024

    Manker Campground

    Clean and near trails

    I went on a Wednesday afternoon in May and got my pick of sites.  There were only 4-6 other campers each night so it was very quiet.  Bathrooms were clean and supplied with TP.  

    No AT&T service.  Only one car per campsite.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Bonelli Bluffs
    May 3, 2024

    Bonelli Bluffs

    Quiet & Peaceful

    ⭐⭐⭐⭐

    Our experience at Bonelli Bluffs Campground was mostly positive, but there were a couple of aspects that could be improved. As a family with young children, we were hoping for playgrounds or similar amenities to keep them entertained throughout our stay. Unfortunately, the absence of such facilities meant we had to get creative in finding ways to occupy their time during downtime.

    Additionally, while the campground's proximity to the lake was appealing, the walk to get there was longer than expected, especially with little ones in tow. This made spontaneous trips to the lake less feasible and slightly inconvenient.

    However, despite these minor inconveniences, the campground itself was well-maintained, and the surrounding natural beauty made for a peaceful retreat. The staff were also friendly and helpful, adding to the overall positive experience.

    In summary, while Bonelli Bluffs Campground could benefit from adding playgrounds and reducing the distance to the lake, it still offers a pleasant camping experience for families looking to reconnect with nature.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Prado Regional Park
    March 10, 2024

    Prado Regional Park

    Prado Regional Park: Has been one of our fav’s

    This the second time we’ve stayed here. It’s always very scenic and SO quiet it’s very peaceful. But lucky us this time some campers came in apparently for the wknd and played their music so loud you could hardly hear TV. Why do people do this? I don’t enjoy other people’s parties and prefer not to hear it. Camper walls are pretty thin. Whatever wood they were burning gave us both headaches and the loud music they shared with the park didn’t help. If you want to play music outside that’s your prerogative but it’s my prerogative to not hear it!!!!!!!

  • Camper-submitted photo from Thousand Trails Soledad Canyon
    March 6, 2024

    Thousand Trails Soledad Canyon

    We stay at this Thousand Trails all the time!

    We love the Soledad Canyon Thousand Trails! It’s gigantic, so you almost always can find a spot. The best are the back in sites at the top of the campground because you back up to a gorgeous Mountain View Cliff. Their pool and spa are FINALLY open and finished with maintenance. The grounds are kept decently but could be a bit cleaner. We normally have pretty bad cell reception. Starlink works well though if you don’t park under one of the few trees. You can tell TT is trying to make the campground even better. They’ve installed a new leveled section as well as a paved bridge! Expecting more to come! All in all, this is a solid thousand trails to stay at for sure, especially if you can land a cliffside site!

  • Camper-submitted photo from LA RV Resort at Action Camp
    March 1, 2024

    LA RV Resort at Action Camp

    No wifi.

    I stayed here for a few weeks and although there was a train that went by several times a day it was very quiet. But, the campground sure needed a lot of work. So many of the buildings were in horrible shape. They all needed repairs and repainted. The laundry was good with easy payment options. If you're passing through it's a nice stop. You're very close to the world famous Vasquez rocks. Big downsize is not having any wifi there.



Guide to Angeles National Forest

Camping near Angeles National Forest, California, offers a fantastic escape into nature with a variety of campgrounds to choose from. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a family-friendly adventure, there's something for everyone in this beautiful area.

What to do:

  • Hiking: There are numerous trails for all skill levels. Many campers enjoy the Burkhart Trail leading to a waterfall, which one visitor described as “beautiful” during their stay at Buckhorn Campground.
  • Fishing: Anglers can find great spots at nearby lakes. One family at Castaic Lake State Recreation Area noted, “Fishing was fantastic, hiking was breathtaking. Loved every minute.”
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for bears and other wildlife. A camper at Chilao Campground shared their experience of encountering a bear at night, saying, “We yelled ‘go bear’ and it did in fact, go.”

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Many campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms. One visitor at Bonelli Bluffs remarked, “Possibly the cleanest public bathroom I've ever seen.”
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often mention the helpfulness of the staff. A reviewer at Crystal Lake Rec Area Campground said, “Very nice and friendly people work at the cafe at the entrance.”
  • Scenic Views: Campgrounds like Table Mountain Campground offer stunning views. One camper noted, “Really nice spot with amazing views.”

What you should know:

  • Crowded on Weekends: Many campgrounds fill up quickly on weekends. A camper at Soledad Canyon RV and Camping Resort mentioned, “The weekdays are really quiet, maybe 15 to 20 RVs in the F area, but weekends fill up completely.”
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may lack certain amenities. A visitor at Lake Piru Recreation Area pointed out, “It’s a little hard to feel like you’re getting away with how close the sites are to each other.”
  • Wildlife Precautions: Bears are known to roam in the area. A camper at Coldbrook Campground advised, “Be careful with your garbage and everything around it as bears appear looking for food.”

Tips for camping with families:

  • Bring Entertainment: Some campgrounds lack playgrounds or activities for kids. A family at Bonelli Bluffs had to get creative to keep their children entertained due to the absence of such facilities.
  • Plan for Distance: If you’re near a lake, be prepared for a longer walk. One family at Crystal Lake Rec Area Campground found the walk to the lake longer than expected, making spontaneous trips less feasible.
  • Pack Snacks: Having snacks on hand can help keep kids happy during downtime. A camper at Buckhorn Campground enjoyed the peacefulness and noted that it was a great spot for family BBQs.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A visitor at Soledad Canyon RV and Camping Resort mentioned that some sites are not suitable for larger RVs.
  • Be Prepared for Limited Connectivity: Many campgrounds have poor cell reception. A camper at Thousand Trails Soledad Canyon noted, “We normally have pretty bad cell reception.”
  • Bring Your Own Wi-Fi: If you need internet access, consider using a mobile hotspot or satellite service. A reviewer at Soledad Canyon RV and Camping Resort mentioned that Starlink works well if you don’t park under trees.

Camping near Angeles National Forest, California, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors with family and friends. With a little planning and the right expectations, you can have a memorable experience in this beautiful area.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular tent campsite near Angeles National Forest?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Angeles National Forest is Millard Trail Campground with a 3.8-star rating from 8 reviews.

  • What is the best site to find tent camping near Angeles National Forest?

    TheDyrt.com has all 61 tent camping locations near Angeles National Forest, with real photos and reviews from campers.