Rachel M.
Traveler
TravelerNorth Shore Campground - Lake Arrowhead
DogWood Ca
Beautiful, well maintenance, great experience. So clean.
Camping near Baldwin Park, CA
194 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
Baldwin Park in southern California sits within reach of multiple camping areas in the Angeles National Forest, offering experiences ranging from drive-in RV parks to hike-in backcountry sites. Bonelli Bluffs provides full-hookup RV camping near San Dimas with lakefront views, while trail camps like Hoegees and Spruce Grove offer primitive tent camping accessible only by hiking trails. Crystal Lake Recreation Area north of Azusa accommodates tent campers, RVs, and even features cabins. The mix of developed campgrounds and backcountry sites creates options for both weekend getaways and longer wilderness experiences within an hour's drive of the urban core.
Road conditions and accessibility vary significantly across the region's camping areas, with many forest campgrounds closing seasonally. Most Angeles National Forest campgrounds operate from April through November, including popular spots like Chilao and Buckhorn campgrounds. "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," notes one visitor, highlighting the historical context of these backcountry sites. Primitive campgrounds often require hikers to filter stream water, while developed sites may offer potable water but restrict campfires during high fire danger periods. Cell service remains limited or nonexistent in canyon areas, requiring advance planning and offline maps.
Trail camps in the San Gabriel Mountains receive consistently positive reviews for their sense of seclusion despite proximity to urban areas. Campers describe Spruce Grove as "a great retreat for those times when you need to feel far from LA" with nicely spaced sites and creek access. Weekend crowds significantly impact the experience at developed campgrounds like Bonelli Bluffs, where reviewers note: "If you are coming here for peace and quiet, especially on the weekends, you might want to look elsewhere." The contrast between quiet weekdays and busy weekends affects most mixed-use campgrounds in the region. Wildlife encounters, particularly bears, require proper food storage at backcountry sites, while developed campgrounds provide more amenities but less privacy and natural immersion.
Best Campgrounds near Baldwin Park (194)
1. Bonelli Bluffs
"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"
from $76 - $88 / night
Check Availability2. Crystal Lake Rec Area Campground
"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."
from $20 / night
Check Availability3. Coldbrook Campground
"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."
4. Chilao Campground
"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"
from $20 / night
Check Availability5. Buckhorn Campground
"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."
from $20 / night
Check Availability6. Spruce Grove Trail Campground - TEMPORARILY CLOSED DUE TO FIRE
"Close to the camp that's up there"
"Beyond the falls, the trail takes on a greater feeling of wilderness immersion."
7. Hoegees Trail Camp Campground
"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."
8. Millard Trail Campground
"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."
9. Angeles National Forest Chilao Campground
"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!"
10. Prado Regional Park
"I grew up around in the area so I have been to this park quite a few times for a few different reasons. It is a very expansive and versatile area."
"It's a nice park great for long walks and trail riding on bikes great for the dog 🐕 also a bit windy so you need to keep a eye on your awning, great cell service with at&t ."
from $47 - $120 / night
Check Availability
Drive Time
- 27 min from Los Angeles, CA
- 1 hr 16 min from Oxnard, CA
- 1 hr 45 min from Bakersfield, CA
- 1 hr 50 min from San Diego, CA
Recent Camping Photos near Baldwin Park, CA
317 Photos of 194 Baldwin Park Campgrounds
Anthony K.
Hoegees Trail Camp Campground
David F.
Henninger Flat - PERMANENTLY CLOSED
Brittany N.
Spruce Grove Trail Campground - TEMPORARILY CLOSED DUE TO FIRE
TO T.
Bonelli Bluffs
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
Frances D.
Camp Williams Resort
Will B.
West Fork Trail Campground - Temporarily Closed
Tony C.
Gould Mesa Trail Campground
Les R.
Heaton flats
Recent Reviews near Baldwin Park, CA
1189 Reviews of 194 Baldwin Park Campgrounds
Pamela A.
GuideColdbrook Campground
Awesome place, reasonable price
We have been to this campground quite a few times in the last couple of years and I really love it, personally because it’s really close to home. I also love that it’s first come first serve, which allows us to spontaneously go and enjoy without having to make reservations. I also like the fact that all the campsites have a fire pit and a picnic table, which were very recently replaced so they look very new. They installed metal storage boxes for saving your food overnight, this is super helpful. I love the creek even though the water is freezing cold but it’s truly a favorite. This place is wonderful and even though right now there is no water access until further notice, as long as you know you need to take lots of water for cooking and cleaning up you are good.
Marbly 2.
ScoutGolden Shore RV Resort
Great for campers looking to unhook their campers and explore the area
The place is simple, well maintained and extremely clean. There’s back in sites that accommodate smaller 20ft campers and bigger 30ft campers, with there being some pull through sites that are big enough for RV’s, however no camping with tents allowed. Would recommend against bringing in campers with damage or DIY repairs as they “have to maintain sightly appearance”. Overall great for the price. Extremely clean bathrooms with free showers with a pool and jacuzzi plus a short walk to the beach. Only about a 45 min drive to LA with no traffic. The only bad is the constant noise from the port that doesn’t go away at night.
Trash M.GuideLake Perris State Recreational Area Campground
A CRAP HOLE
If you like camping in a Walmart parking lot or on the streets, this place is for you.
No rangers working after the park close for day use. Didn't see one going through the campground. If you like to party all night and you have a loud system no problem. NO RAGERS AROUND. Be prepared keep your food in your car lot of rats, mice, skunks and coyotes. THE LAKE SUCKS, hard to launch your boat on and off, docks will mess up your boat. Fishing no fish they don't stock the lake. Marina is very over priced and out in the sunny parking lot. I live in LA I now got to SILVERWOOD LAKE, just as close as this place, and nicer, if you like to stay up all night Perris Lake is for you. If you want to work hard to get you boat on and off lake so you don't damage your boat, this place is for you.
- Trash M.Guide
Mesa Campground — Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area
GREAT Time 👍👍👍👍👍
Campground,restrooms area very clean. Lots of paths to ride or hike. Lot of friendly rangers and staff. The lake is Very easy to use your boat and jet skis. Nice ramps and docks. I live in LA I was going to Perris Lake a crap hole, this place a lot nicer and just as close as driving to Perris. COME HERE YOU'LL LOVE IT.
Gary L.ScoutNorth Shore Campground Lake Arrowhead
Not so bad
Booked this last minute on Rec.Gov and didn't do a lot of background research. Took me a while going around to find my site, there are private roads within the campsite. Also the entrance of the site is a City sized hospital which threw me off.
Next day the nice and quiet little campsite was awaken by the roaring sounds of motorbikes. I found out the site was next to a trail hike which is also next to a moto-dirt bike trail.
Not so bad overall since all I needed was to sit in front of my little campfire in the quiet evening listening to crickets and howls.
Coming from Long Beach, the traffic wasn't so bad compare to going to San Bernardino area.
- johnathonTraveler
Manker Campground
Relatively BA good for climbers and repealing check out San Antonio fall about 85ft drop/climb
Be sure to come early. Great location for families and small groups. Peaceful close to a city within 40min small town with church ect 15 minutes away.
Lee D.
LegendDockweiler Beach RV Park
Beachfront camping but you'd better like the sound of jet planes!
General: Two sections: RV camping and dry camping
Site Quality: If you have a larger RV and/or need hookups, you will be in a parking space with ZERO privacy between spaces (it is literally a parking space!). If you have a small RV or van conversion (smaller than 19 feet), there is dry camping. Concrete driveway; minimal privacy but a direct view of the beach. You must have a bed, dinette, sink, and small water supply to be in these spots. A concrete picnic table is included in each site.
Bath/Shower: Six-digit codes (that change regularly) needed to enter (and a different one for each bathroom). One all-in-one with a sink, toilet, urinal, and diaper changing station. The other has two shower stalls, two toilets, and one sink. The shower in the one closest to the dry camping area left much to be desired. I couldn’t get the ADA-accessible shower to work, and the other one had a push-button flow that took some time to get warm and had to be repeatedly pushed to complete the shower. Hooks and bench are outside the shower stall, compromising privacy. My biggest disappointment, however, was that there were NO electrical outlets. I took a chance and walked to the other end of the campground (by the entrance and full hookup sites) where I discovered the bathroom was much nicer. Not only did it have electrical outlets, but it looked like the showers were much nicer.
Activities/Amenities: You are right on the beach! There is a paved path for walking, running, or bicycling. Laundry was temporarily out of order when we were there.
There are very limited options for camping in this area, and the price was $55/night for dry camping. You are in the direct flight path of LAX, so have earplugs at the ready if the sound of jet planes overhead is not your thing!
Mary O.ScoutGolden Shore RV Resort
Perfect!
My golden shore experience was nothing short of amazing the camping ground was clean. The poop ,electricity and water where working just fine there was enough space for our 40 ft RV. The palm trees added a beach atmosphere. The greatest part was the pool and the jacuzzi they where the cherry on top the pool was clean and the jacuzzi where just right! I absolutely loved it 5 stars.
Guide to Baldwin Park
Angeles National Forest surrounds Baldwin Park, California, with camping options at elevations ranging from 1,200 to 6,000 feet. Seasonal temperature variations dramatically impact campground accessibility, with lower elevation sites remaining open year-round while higher mountain locations typically close from November through March. Primitive trail camps and developed sites offer different experiences within a 30-mile radius of the city.
What to do
Waterfall hiking: 1-mile round trip at Millard Trail Camp provides easy access 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 one visitor who appreciates the trail options.
Mountain biking: Access multiple trail systems near Crystal Lake Recreation Area with varying difficulty levels for riders. "Bring your dirt bike and hit some of the trails, it's a definite must!" recommends a regular visitor who considers this their "favorite place to go considering we end up here almost every other weekend year around."
Wildlife observation: Dawn and dusk viewing at Mount Lowe Trail Camp rewards patient visitors. "Wild life all over the place and a great stream in the wet season through summer," reports one camper who documented numerous animal sightings during their spring visit.
What campers like
Secluded creek-side sites at Hoegees Trail Camp provide natural white noise and respite from summer heat. "You feel deep in the forest & there are plenty of spots, fire pits & flat top stoves," explains one backpacker who accessed the site via an 8-mile hike from Eaton Canyon.
First-come wilderness experience at Coldbrook Campground offers accessibility without extensive hiking. "Very mellow and quiet camp area. Spots are first come first serve which was perfect for us," notes a camper who appreciated the more primitive setting close to Highway 39.
Year-round accessibility at lower elevation sites provides camping options when mountain campgrounds close. "The campsite was nice. Facilities were also clean. Bonus for being so close to LA!" reports a winter camper who found this particularly valuable during off-season trips.
What you should know
Bear encounters: Proper food storage required at backcountry sites where wildlife activity increases seasonally. "We have camped here a few times. Had an encounter with a bear both times. Lost our marshmellows," warns a Coldbrook visitor, highlighting the importance of securing food items.
Fire restrictions: Variable by season and location with complete bans during high fire danger periods. "Camp fire pits but check for permits," advises one experienced camper, as regulations change frequently, particularly during summer and fall months.
Water availability: Seasonal concerns affect accessibility and planning requirements at primitive sites. "There is a creek that might or might not have water in it. Bring a way of making the water potable," suggests a Hoegees camper who experienced variable conditions throughout different seasons.
Parking limitations: Early arrival necessary at popular trailheads and campgrounds, particularly on weekends. "Parking fills up within an hour on weekends so get there as soon as the parking lot opens at 6am," advises a visitor to Angeles National Forest Chilao Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Choose loop campgrounds with facilities for easier first-time experiences with children. "Fun little campground with decent facilities and beautiful surroundings. Lots of trails all around with a nice hike of about 1/2 mile up to Millard Falls that is easy for kids and grown ups," recommends a family who found this ideal for younger campers.
Pack children's rain gear regardless of season as mountain weather changes rapidly. "If there's weather coming it can get dangerous fast! The skies were blue on the hike out but suddenly hail started and it poured," cautions a visitor who experienced unexpected weather while camping near Baldwin Park.
Select sites with shade coverage during summer months when temperatures exceed 90°F. "Get there early to get a spot with shade... we arrived in the late afternoon and the only spots had zero shade. It was so hot!!" warns a family who learned this lesson at Chilao Campground.
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions limit vehicle options for campers visiting Angeles National Forest near Baldwin Park. "Good for small RVs. Over 24 foot not recommended," notes a reviewer at Buckhorn Campground where narrow roads and small parking areas restrict larger vehicles.
Electrical hookups primarily available at Bonelli Bluffs where full RV accommodations contrast with forest options. "A little pricey but very nice facility. All hookups 30/50 amp. Cable TV. There's a pool," explains one RVer who preferred these amenities over more primitive options.
Off-season camping provides better experience for RV campers seeking quieter conditions. "We chose Bonelli for our shakedown trip in our new trailer. SO quiet. Numerous residents, but spots are mostly keep up nicely," notes a first-time RVer who appreciated mid-week availability.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Baldwin Park, CA?
What camping is available near Baldwin Park, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Baldwin Park, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 194 campgrounds and RV parks near Baldwin Park, CA and 5 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Baldwin Park, CA?
Which is the most popular campground near Baldwin Park, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Baldwin Park, CA is Bonelli Bluffs with a 4.4-star rating from 42 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Baldwin Park, CA?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Baldwin Park, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 5 free dispersed camping spots near Baldwin Park, CA.
What parks are near Baldwin Park, CA?
What parks are near Baldwin Park, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 10 parks near Baldwin Park, CA that allow camping, notably Angeles National Forest and Mojave River Dam.
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