Best Tent Camping near Azusa, CA
The Angeles National Forest surrounding Azusa, California offers numerous primitive tent camping options, many accessible only by hiking trails. Tent campers can choose from established walk-in sites like Spruce Grove Trail Camp, Hoegees Trail Camp, and Valley Forge Trail Camp, all located within a short drive from Azusa. Little Jimmy Trail Campground, situated along the Pacific Crest Trail, provides tent-only sites with picnic tables and fire rings at higher elevations.
Most tent campgrounds in the area require hikers to pack in all supplies, as amenities are minimal. Sites typically feature dirt or forest duff surfaces with basic fire rings and picnic tables, though fire restrictions are common during dry seasons. Bear activity necessitates proper food storage, with some sites providing bear boxes. Vault toilets are available at several locations including Glenn Trail Camp and Valley Forge, but running water is scarce. Campers should bring water treatment supplies to utilize nearby creeks. Adventure Passes are required for parking at most trailheads leading to these primitive tent setups.
The secluded nature of these hike-in tent sites offers a genuine wilderness experience despite proximity to urban areas. Glenn Trail Camp provides an excellent introduction to bikepacking or backpacking, with a 6.5-mile relatively flat access trail following a river. Higher elevation sites like Little Jimmy offer cooler temperatures and scenic views, making them popular summer destinations. According to one visitor, "Little Jimmy is a backcountry hike-in only campground nestled just 2 miles off the Angeles Crest Highway with around 7 first-come, first-served sites with fire rings and vintage backcountry ovens." Many tent campers use these sites as starting points for longer backpacking trips, with easy access to extensive trail networks including segments of the Pacific Crest Trail.