Best Tent Camping near Bell Gardens, CA
Several tent-only campgrounds populate the hills surrounding Bell Gardens, California, with most options concentrated in the San Gabriel Mountains to the north. Campgrounds like Millard Trail Camp, Gould Mesa Trail Camp, and Hoegees Trail Camp offer accessible tent sites within a short drive from the urban areas. These established campgrounds provide primitive accommodations for tent campers seeking an escape from city life while remaining relatively close to Los Angeles. Most sites are first-come, first-served and require short hikes from parking areas to reach the designated camping zones.
Trail camps in the area typically feature basic amenities geared toward tent campers with minimal infrastructure. Sites include fire rings or stoves where fires are permitted, though campers should check current fire restrictions before visits. Most locations have vault toilets but lack running water, requiring campers to filter water from nearby streams or pack in their own supply. Bear boxes are provided at some locations for food storage, as wildlife encounters are possible. The tent-only sites are generally small, accommodating 1-2 tents on dirt or forest floor surfaces, with some offering picnic tables.
The tent camping experience near Bell Gardens provides urban residents quick access to natural settings without extended travel. Most campgrounds sit alongside popular hiking trails, offering convenient base camps for day hikes but limited privacy during daylight hours when day-hikers pass through. Many sites feature creek access, providing both water sources and pleasant natural soundscapes. Winter and spring bring flowing water to creeks, while summer and fall offer drier, warmer conditions. Elevation provides cooler temperatures than the city below, with scenic viewpoints available from many camps. A review of Millard Trail Camp noted, "There is a stream that runs through the campground which makes it very pretty. About a 20 minute hike and you can end up at a waterfall which is very pretty."
