Kiabeth C.
Traveler
TravelerBonelli Bluffs
Great camping spot
Cute and nice spot has all amenities has playground pool fishing spot quiet clean and staff are friendly
Best Campgrounds near Arcadia, CA
Camping around Arcadia, California primarily centers on Angeles National Forest, with a mix of established campgrounds and backcountry sites. The region includes both drive-in and hike-in options, from the developed Crystal Lake Recreation Area to trail camps like Hoegees and Spruce Grove. Most campgrounds accommodate tent camping, while select locations like Bonelli Bluffs support RVs with hookups. The area's proximity to Los Angeles makes these mountain retreats particularly valuable for quick wilderness escapes, with many sites situated within 15-20 miles of downtown Arcadia.
Seasonal timing significantly affects camping availability, with many Angeles National Forest campgrounds like Chilao and Buckhorn operating from April through November. Winter closures are common at higher elevations, while lower sites may remain accessible year-round. Fire restrictions frequently impact camping during dry months, particularly in backcountry areas where campfires might be prohibited. Trails to backcountry camps can become challenging after winter storms, with downed trees occasionally blocking paths. According to one visitor, "There can be several hikers around during the day but they usually leave when the sun starts going down, which is a shame cause that's the best time here."
Hike-in campgrounds receive particularly strong reviews for those seeking solitude near Los Angeles. The trail camps such as Hoegees, Valley Forge, and Spruce Grove require physical effort to reach but reward visitors with peaceful settings and flowing creeks. Many backcountry sites feature picnic tables and fire rings or stoves, though amenities remain minimal. Water availability varies seasonally, with most sites requiring filtration of stream water. One camper noted that Hoegees Trail Camp "feels completely isolated" despite being relatively close to urban areas. Nighttime views of the Los Angeles basin from higher elevation camps like Henninger Flat create memorable experiences, with city lights visible from wilderness campsites - a unique juxtaposition that characterizes camping in this region.
Best Camping Sites Near Arcadia, California (185)
1. Bonelli Bluffs
42 ReviewsSouth El Monte, CA14 milesWebsite+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"
2. Chilao Campground
17 ReviewsMount Wilson, CA13 milesWebsite+1 (818) 790-1151$20 / 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"
3. Crystal Lake Rec Area Campground
27 ReviewsValyermo, CA17 milesWebsite+1 (626) 335-1251$20 / night
"We’ve done Crystal Lake probably 6 dozen times or more in our time in California and it never disappoints on the spectacular views."
"Whenever I need to get away from LALA Land, I head up here. I grew up in the mountains of western Pennsylvania, so , sometimes , I need to kick back and recharge."
4. Coldbrook Campground
18 ReviewsGlendora, CA15 milesWebsite"We left LA (Hollywood) on a Friday afternoon around 3, and were setting up camp by 5! Luckily a friend got to the campground before us though, as he snagged the last of the 20 or so sites there."
"Coldbrooke is a excellent campground that is relatively close to the city. The camp host was super helpful in explaining the fire restrictions and overall questions."
5. Buckhorn Campground
20 ReviewsJuniper Hills, CA17 milesWebsite+1 (818) 899-1900$20 / 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."
6. Millard Trail Campground
9 ReviewsAltadena, CA9 milesWebsite"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."
7. Angeles National Forest Chilao Campground
12 ReviewsMount Wilson, CA13 milesWebsite+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!"
8. Spruce Grove Trail Campground - TEMPORARILY CLOSED DUE TO FIRE
6 ReviewsMount Wilson, CA6 milesWebsite+1 (818) 482-8937"Close to the camp that's up there"
"Beyond the falls, the trail takes on a greater feeling of wilderness immersion."
9. Hoegees Trail Camp Campground
5 ReviewsMount Wilson, CA5 miles+1 (818) 899-1900"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."
"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."
10. Valley Forge Trail Camp hike in. no drive
6 ReviewsMount Wilson, CA8 milesWebsite$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."
Recent Camping Photos near Arcadia, CA
295 Photos of 185 Arcadia Campgrounds
Anthony K.
Hoegees Trail Camp Campground
David F.
Henninger Flat - PERMANENTLY CLOSED
Brittany N.
Spruce Grove Trail Campground - TEMPORARILY CLOSED DUE TO FIRE
Kelly B.
Valley Forge Trail Camp hike in. no drive
Stacy C.
Mount Lowe Trail Campground
jonnysunami
Millard Trail Campground
William K.
Bear Canyon Campground
Tony C.
Gould Mesa Trail Campground
Will B.
West Fork Trail Campground - Temporarily Closed
Andres P.
Little pine campground
Les R.
Chilao Campground
Dora O.
Angeles National Forest Chilao Campground
Recent Reviews near Arcadia, CA
1081 Reviews of 185 Arcadia Campgrounds
- RRussell W.
ScoutOrangeland RV Park
Works Well for Disneyland
Our stay has been overall very nice. With campground is in an urban setting, so there is some traffic noise that comes with that, but it wasn't too bad. Very clean and well maintained. Nice staff. Disneyland is 12 minutes. Angles Stadium maybe 3. Can easily walk to a ball game if you wish. This isn't the kind of park that we normally stay at, but it was perfect for our needs in this case.
- E
Emily M.TravelerMalibu Beach RV Park
Bugs
Not ideal for roof top camping or tent camping due to cockroaches being EVERYWHERE. Pill bugs all over the bathroom. Rooftop tents unable to pay for different areas of camp ground even though our rig has the same amenities as a "rental" van. Saw several old pop up campers that were essentially decaying.
Employees were nice, cute dog, and cute outpost. They have laundry, water, etc.
- ssusie W.Traveler
Malibu Creek State Park Campground
Trails not marked well and no soap in bathroom or way to dry hands
The only thing to do here is hike and the trails are not well marked. Tried to get to MASH site and almost missed it do to lack of trail markers.
The bathrooms are clean but no soap or way to dry hands.
Visitors center is a hike and only open on weekends if volunteers are available.
RV dump station usage is not included in site fee. Extra $10 per dump
Most of sites are not even close level!
- NNameScout
Malibu Creek State Park Campground
Beautiful campground
A hikers dream . This campground has several trails and there are many others within minutes away. Showers are token however machines are right there. Fire pits on every site as well as concrete picnic tables. Malibu Beach is 15 to 20 minutes away right on Pacific Coast Highway.
Rangers were all amazing. They actually came by last night around 9 PM and told me quiet time was at 8 PM so I guess I had them backwards. I thought it was 8 AM to 10 PM but it’s actually 10 AM to 8 p.m. Firewood is available from the Camp Host who incidentally was amazing in helping and answering a lot of my questions If I was to critique anything, it would be how short the sites are my rig is 31 feet and I have a I don’t know maybe seven or 8 foot overhang from the last wheel if I didn’t have that there’s no way I would’ve fit and then the distance from here to the side across from me is pretty short so you have to Jimmy in and out if there’s somebody there, but that was the only thing that I could say that was negative and it really isn’t negative it just fact. 
Winter T.
LegendEl Cariso Campground
Right by the road but gorgeous view of the stars
They have bathrooms and trash and pull up sites and rangers are nice
Kimberly L.
GuideO'Neill Regional Park
Nice, cheap, and quiet
The title says it all. It's nice, cheap, and quiet. Sites are spacious but beware of the ground squirrels. They're everywhere. Site 42 has a lot of traffic due to trail heads at the back of the site.
Kevin M.
RangerMount Pacifico Campground
Very Remote for Close to L.A. and I LIKE IT!
The Views are fantastic sites are rugged but very cool locations, This is mainly a Hike in CG most of the time and better have some serious clearance to get there even when the road is open in summer, BUT very worth it!
- JJon T.Traveler
Dockweiler Beach RV Park
Great location!
Camping at the beach in LA! Large country campground that has sites designed for motorhomes and sites designed for travel trailers and fifth wheels. It asphalt campsites, but you’re at the BEACH! My only complaints are the electrical was not working properly, (I had to connect to 30A instead of 50A), and people don’t pick up after themselves.
Guide to Arcadia
The Angeles National Forest encompasses numerous camping options within 30 minutes of Arcadia, California. Campgrounds like Chilao, Crystal Lake Recreation Area, and Coldbrook provide both tent and RV accommodations with varying levels of amenities. Several hike-in trail camps including Hoegees, Mount Lowe, and Millard offer primitive tent camping for those seeking a more secluded experience. The San Gabriel Mountains backdrop creates a mountainous forest setting that contrasts with the nearby urban environment.
Seasonal considerations heavily influence camping availability in this region, with most established campgrounds operating from April through November. Angeles National Forest campgrounds require Adventure Passes for parking at developed recreation sites, while trail camps are typically free but operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Road conditions to destinations like Crystal Lake can be challenging, particularly during winter months when snow may affect higher elevations. Water sources are inconsistent across sites, making proper preparation essential. A camper noted, "There are bears in the area so hang your food and keep your campsite clean. Bring your own toilet paper."
Many visitors highlight the striking views as a primary attraction when camping in this region. The proximity to Los Angeles provides unique nighttime panoramas from elevated sites like Henninger Flat. Trail camps generally feature basic amenities such as picnic tables, fire rings, and occasionally pit toilets, though most require packing out all trash. Several campgrounds follow creek beds, offering natural water sources that require treatment before consumption. According to one visitor who stayed at Spruce Grove, "The sites are nicely spaced and there is plenty of shade. Perfect little backpacking trip." The secluded nature of many trail camps provides a surprising wilderness experience despite their proximity to urban areas, though several locations remain temporarily closed due to past fire damage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What amenities are available at Arcadia campsites?
What amenities are available at Arcadia campsites?
Campsites near Arcadia offer varied amenities based on location and type. Ronald W. Caspers Wilderness Park provides grassy sites beneath coastal live oak trees, with basic facilities. Bonelli Bluffs offers family-friendly RV camping, though reviewers note it lacks playgrounds. Many area campgrounds provide fire rings, picnic tables, and vault toilets. Little Jimmy Trail Campground features first-come, first-served sites with fire rings and vault toilets. Some locations offer shower facilities, while others have potable water available. Amenities typically vary between developed campgrounds and more primitive backcountry sites.
Where can I find camping in Arcadia?
Where can I find camping in Arcadia?
Arcadia offers several nearby camping options in the surrounding areas. O'Neill Regional Park is tucked back in a canyon and provides clean sites perfect for hiking and mountain biking enthusiasts. For a more secluded experience, Millard Trail Campground is just a short drive from Pasadena, offering rustic sites near excellent hiking trails. Other options include Chilao Campground and Coldbrook Campground in the Angeles National Forest, both offering drive-in access with basic amenities like water and toilets. These campgrounds provide convenient options for those looking to camp near the Arcadia area.
How much does camping in Arcadia cost?
How much does camping in Arcadia cost?
Camping costs near Arcadia vary by location and amenities. Bolsa Chica State Beach Campground offers beachfront sites with water and electric hookups, typically ranging from $50-75 per night. Dockweiler Beach RV Park provides premium oceanfront RV camping at higher rates, reflecting its prime location. For more budget-friendly options, primitive sites at Lake Campground and other Angeles National Forest locations generally run $12-25 per night. Some backcountry campgrounds like Valley Forge Trail Camp may offer sites at minimal cost or even free. Expect to pay more for sites with hookups, shower access, and proximity to attractions.
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