Dispersed cabin camping spots near Azusa sit at elevations ranging from 1,700 to 5,000 feet in the San Gabriel Mountains. Most sites have year-round access, though winter conditions can limit travel on higher-elevation forest roads between December and March. Seasonal temperature swings are significant, with summer highs reaching 95°F and winter nights dropping to near freezing.
What to do
Waterfall hikes: 20-30 minute trek from Millard Trail Campground leads to seasonal falls. "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 a visitor about exploring the area.
Creek exploration: Direct access at Bonita Ranch Campground where the campground borders the water. "Easy access to a pretty trail right behind the campground... Campfire wood was easily available and had its own picnic table. Beautiful scenery and we even got a dusting of snow," shares one camper.
Wildlife viewing: Dawn and dusk offer best opportunities for spotting native animals. "I've woke in the morning to deer on several occasions," explains a West Fork Trail Campground visitor who recommends early morning hikes for wildlife encounters.
Mountain biking: Multiple trails suited for various skill levels near campgrounds. One camper at Millard Trail Campground mentions, "Bikepacked in for a quick overnighter. Nice campground, active stream in the middle of summer. Waterfall 30 minutes hike upstream."
What campers like
Natural water features: Streams active even during summer months at higher elevations. "It's a lovely spot that's close to the city... A great stream in the wet season through summer," a camper noted about Millard Trail Campground.
Proximity to Los Angeles: Under one hour from downtown makes for quick weekend trips. "This campground is a very short drive from Pasadena, CA, and in fact there are some rustic homes adjacent to the campground," explains a reviewer.
Shaded sites: Oak and pine coverage at most campgrounds provides relief during hot months. A visitor to Little Pine Campground shared, "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."
Affordable options: Dispersed sites in Angeles National Forest start at $12 per night. "I enjoyed the scenery and low cost of $12," notes a Little Pine Campground visitor.
What you should know
Bear precautions: Food storage boxes provided at established sites. "It's in Bear country so they provide food storage for each campsite also trash containers too," explains a reviewer who stayed at Millard Trail Campground.
Limited cell service: Most mountain sites have spotty connectivity. A visitor to Thousand Trails Soledad Canyon mentioned, "My Verizon cell service was nonexistent. There was WiFi for a fee which couldn't be shared with multiple devices."
Car break-ins: Trailhead parking areas require precautions. "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," warns one Millard Trail Campground visitor.
Site availability: First-come basis at many locations, especially during peak season. "First come first serve sites. Does get crowded in summer season. Went there this weekend and very few people," explains a Little Pine Campground visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Site selection: Look for flat areas away from high-traffic zones. One camper at Bonelli Bluffs shared, "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."
Recreational options: Multiple activities within short driving distances. A visitor noted, "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."
Water play: Creek access available at several sites but supervise children. "The creek kept our dogs cool as they would jump in and out of the small pools we had a great time," describes one camper about the waterways near Millard.
Seasonal considerations: Summer weekends often crowded with day-use visitors. "It was a bit busy during the day. They close the gate at 10 pm I believe, so the evening was nice and quiet," explains a camper from West Fork Trail Campground.
Tips from RVers
Site limitations: Space restrictions at most mountain campgrounds. An RVer at Camp Williams Resort explained, "A small rushing creek, a friendly staff, a great little Restaurant, and 3 quiet nights. We enjoyed the small location with about 3 RV sites available for overnights."
Hookup availability: Full connections limited to lower-elevation commercial sites. "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," notes a visitor.
Alternate yurt camping: Permanent structures available at select locations for those without equipment. "Cozy getaway in San Bernardino Forest with beautiful hiking trails and waterfall," describes a visitor who stayed in a yurt camping site near Azusa, California.
Access roads: Challenging turns on mountain routes require planning. "Cool drive to get to the campground. You drive up and down these hilly roads up the mountain to get there," warns a camper about accessing higher elevation sites.
