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Best Campgrounds near South El Monte, CA

1,034 Reviews

Camping near South El Monte, California sits at the intersection of urban convenience and mountain wilderness, with options ranging from full-service RV parks to primitive backcountry sites. The San Gabriel Mountains provide a dramatic backdrop to the north, where Angeles National Forest offers numerous camping opportunities within a 30-minute drive. Bonelli Bluffs in nearby San Dimas provides lakeside camping with full hookups for RVs, while trail camps like Millard, Hoegees, and Valley Forge offer more rustic experiences for hikers willing to trek into the mountains. Crystal Lake Recreation Area, located in Azusa about 25 miles northeast, serves as a popular destination for both tent and RV campers seeking higher elevation and forest surroundings.

Most developed campgrounds in the area require reservations, especially during peak season from April through October when temperatures are most comfortable. An Adventure Pass is required for parking and camping at many Angeles National Forest sites. Fire restrictions are strictly enforced throughout the region, particularly during the dry summer months when wildfire danger is highest. Urban campgrounds like Bonelli Bluffs operate year-round with full amenities, while mountain sites such as Chilao Campground are seasonal, typically open from April through mid-November. Cell service is generally reliable at lower elevation sites but becomes spotty or nonexistent in canyon locations and higher mountain campgrounds.

Trail camps provide a wilderness experience surprisingly close to the metropolitan area. According to reviews, Millard Trail Campground is "a very short drive from Pasadena" with "lots of good hiking nearby," though visitors should be prepared to carry gear about 150 yards from the parking area. Valley Forge Trail Camp offers "an easy 3.5 mile hike in, but a tough hike out of the canyon," making it suitable for beginner backpackers. Crystal Lake receives mixed reviews, with campers noting it "never disappoints on the spectacular views" but warning that "summer holiday weekends spent up here will be filled with drunk yelling and loud radios," suggesting off-season visits for those seeking tranquility.

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Best Camping Sites Near South El Monte, California (177)

    1. Bonelli Bluffs

    38 Reviews
    South El Monte, CA
    15 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"

    2. Millard Trail Campground

    9 Reviews
    Altadena, CA
    13 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. Chilao Campground

    17 Reviews
    Mount Wilson, CA
    19 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"

    4. Hoegees Trail Camp Campground

    5 Reviews
    Mount Wilson, CA
    11 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."

    5. Anaheim Harbor RV Park

    13 Reviews
    Anaheim, CA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (714) 535-6495

    $55 - $70 / night

    "Nice bathrooms and hot showers with laundry on location. Good amount of space between sites. Very short drive or 20ish minute walk to Disneyland. Extremely helpful and kind staff."

    "Park is within walking to the Disneyland park.

    The tent sites are very small with a picnic table and AstroTurf."

    6. Crystal Lake Rec Area Campground

    26 Reviews
    Valyermo, CA
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (626) 335-1251

    "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."

    7. Rosemead 12 miles to DT Los Angeles

    2 Reviews
    Monterey Park, CA
    3 miles
    +1 (323) 540-8451

    $25 - $1000 / night

    8. Coldbrook Campground

    18 Reviews
    Glendora, CA
    21 miles
    Website

    "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."

    9. Mount Lowe Trail Campground

    6 Reviews
    Mount Wilson, CA
    13 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."

    10. Valley Forge Trail Camp hike in. no drive

    6 Reviews
    Mount Wilson, CA
    13 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 Camping Photos near South El Monte, CA

312 Photos of 177 South El Monte Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near South El Monte, CA

1034 Reviews of 177 South El Monte Campgrounds

Guide to South El Monte

Camping near South El Monte, California, offers a variety of beautiful spots for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're looking for a beachside retreat or a serene mountain escape, there are plenty of options to explore.

What to do:

  • Beach Access: Enjoy the sun and surf at Thornhill Broome Beach — Point Mugu State Park. Campers love the beachfront camping experience, with one reviewer saying, "Awesome spot for boondocking! Can't beat camping on the beach."
  • Hiking and Biking: Check out Sycamore Canyon Campground — Point Mugu State Park for great trails. A visitor mentioned, "Great location. Less than 1/2 mile to the beach, hiking and MTB/gravel trails accessible from the campground."
  • Wildlife Watching: At Dogwood Campground, you can enjoy the lush surroundings. One camper noted, "The campground is located in some lush pines... well maintained and a pretty area."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Many campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms. A review for Bonelli Bluffs stated, "Possibly the cleanest public bathroom I've ever seen."
  • Spacious Sites: Campers at San Mateo Campground — San Onofre State Beach enjoy the privacy between sites. One reviewer said, "The campground is setup as a bunch of loops with a large common area between the rear of every campsite."
  • Beautiful Views: The scenery at Moro Campground — Crystal Cove State Park is a highlight. A visitor shared, "Almost every site has an ocean view of some kind."

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Thornhill Broome Beach, have minimal facilities. A camper mentioned, "No water, no dump station, only portable bathrooms on site."
  • Noise Levels: Campers at Doheny State Beach Campground have reported noise issues. One review noted, "Every day and night multiple other campers had music blasting and were yelling and screaming."
  • Crowded on Weekends: Many campgrounds can get busy, especially on weekends. A visitor at Bonelli Bluffs said, "Crowded on weekend, much less during week."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for spots like San Mateo Campground that offer privacy and space. One family shared, "The campground is setup as a bunch of loops with a large common area between the rear of every campsite."
  • Plan for Activities: Bring bikes for easy access to trails and the beach. A reviewer at Lake Perris State Recreational Area Campground mentioned, "You can bike to the water pretty easily."
  • Pack Snacks and Drinks: Having food on hand can make family outings easier. A camper at Dogwood Campground noted, "The hosts drive through constantly to make sure things are in order."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the campground. A visitor at Sycamore Canyon Campground said, "The spaces are pretty small, so they are not meant for large RVs."
  • Bring Your Own Water: Some campgrounds, like Thornhill Broome Beach, lack water hookups. A camper mentioned, "Went to Sycamore campground to fill up on water."
  • Be Prepared for Limited Connectivity: Many areas have poor cell service. A reviewer at Point Mugu State Park noted, "No reception for T-Mobile users."

Camping near South El Monte, CA, has something for everyone, whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun family adventure. Enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near South El Monte, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, South El Monte, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 177 campgrounds and RV parks near South El Monte, CA and 4 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near South El Monte, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near South El Monte, CA is Bonelli Bluffs with a 4.4-star rating from 38 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near South El Monte, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 4 free dispersed camping spots near South El Monte, CA.

What parks are near South El Monte, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 10 parks near South El Monte, CA that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.

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