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GuideDoheny State Beach Campground
Campsites right on the water! Beautiful beach! Lots to walk to. Have stayed there a few times.
Tent Camping near Bell Gardens, CA
2 campgrounds with availability this weekend
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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."
Best Tent Campgrounds near Bell Gardens (53)
1. Millard Trail Campground
"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."
"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."
2. Gould Mesa Trail Campground
"They had fire pits and public toilets and food storage for bears."
"This is a nice hike-in campground with about ten sites available and a privy. Lots of hikers up here on the weekend ( and weekdays too)."
3. Mount Lowe Trail Campground
"No water, fountain is capped now"
"There's no water right now but that could change after first rain or snow. Stayed here last week & it's still great."
4. Hoegees Trail Camp Campground
"You can only access this campground by backpacking in. There's about 12 campsites with picnic benches and fire rings. There's a creek that runs through. it's beautiful and feels completely isolated."
"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."
5. Spruce Grove Trail Campground - Open
"This is a backpackers campground. First come first serve, picnic tables and fire rings included. I think there is only about 8-10 sites. Nice creek flows though the campground."
"This is a hike in campground that has stoves and a creek running through. The sites are nicely spaced and there is plenty of shade. Perfect little backpacking trip."
6. Valley Forge Trail Camp hike in. no drive
"Took some friends for their first ever backpacking trip, great intro to the “experience.” Trail camp is in the canyon so it’s an easy 3.5 mile hike in, but a tough hike out of the canyon."
"Picnic tables and fire rings made food preparing especially easy. It has so much charm!"
Check Availabilityfrom $5 / night
7. Bear Canyon Campground
"Crossing the tiny bridge at the west end of Switzer Picinic area(park up top during the weekdays, adds half a mile), you’ll see Switzer Trail Camp."
"But otherwise a great spot to spend a few summer days away from anyone not hale enough to trek in a few miles."
8. Idlehour Trail Campground
"Lots of greenery and flowing water in the winter season with wildlife all along the trail and campground."
9. China Camp State Park Campground
"The campground was not busy and this allowed me to pick a spot hidden away from others. There are restrooms and a place to get water, but when I was there the showers were closed. "
"This walk-in campground is part of China Camp State Park. Only 33 tent-only sites! Wheeled totes can be borrowed to haul your gear up some little hills to your campsite under oak and bay trees."
12 Sites AvailableAvailable this weekend
from $35 - $175 / night
10. Glenn Trail Camp Campground
"Access to this campground is so easy, whether it's by car or by bike."
"This hike-in/bike-in campground is located 6 1/2 miles behind a locked gate. The small campground is equipped with stream for water (must be treated), and vault potties."
Check Availabilityfrom $5 / night
Drive Time
- 19 min from Los Angeles, CA
- 1 hr 11 min from Oxnard, CA
- 1 hr 40 min from Bakersfield, CA
- 1 hr 47 min from San Diego, CA
Recent Tent Camping Photos near Bell Gardens, CA
81 Photos of 53 Bell Gardens Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Henninger Flat - PERMANENTLY CLOSEDD
Millard Trail Campground
Gould Mesa Trail Campground
Hoegees Trail Camp Campground
Mount Lowe Trail Campground
Spruce Grove Trail Campground - Open
Bear Canyon CampgroundW
Valley Forge Trail Camp hike in. no drive
West Fork Trail Campground - Temporarily Closed
China Camp State Park CampgroundV
Cooper Canyon Trail Camp
Cooper Canyon Trail Campground
Tent Camping Reviews near Bell Gardens, CA
913 Reviews of 53 Bell Gardens Campgrounds
Ramon E.
ScoutTapo Canyon Park
Clean spots great camp host
Will
TravelerRim of the World Byway (near 15 fwy south) Dispersed
You’ll hear the freeway but who cares. It’s a super easy place to pull off at and there’s a McDonalds and gas station right down the street to fill up at.
Tammy L.ScoutLos Alamitos Army Campground
Nice campground with lots of activities for kids to do
James and Susan K.
RangerBonelli Bluffs
Big RV resort. Stayed in Area F site 132 as part of RV tour group. All back-in sites. Septic dump opening was located on the side of light pole - had to workaround in order to dump. Public showers/restrooms are not convenient and are old and open concrete.
- Tammy L.Scout
Crystal Cove Beach Cottages — Crystal Cove State Park
Nice view. Hard to book!!!
Sleep with O.ScoutRolling M. Ranch Campground — Chino Hills State Park
Just what I was looking for
- HHarold W.Scout
Seabreeze At Seal Beach
Beautiful spot on seal Beach naval weapons command base. A bit pricey, but has showers and free laundry facilities seems to be on the flight path to John Wayne Airport beautiful grounds must have a DBIDS card to get in and out of base if not military.
- TTanya T.Scout
Mountain Lakes Resort - Membership Campground
OCTOBER 2026
Site is clean, many activities on weekends They also add 1000lb or catfish and trout weekly depending on season. Members were friendly. Downside is wifi when the campsite is 75+ full and only about a dozen paved spots. Major are gravel and dirt.
Guide to Bell Gardens
The San Gabriel Mountains near Bell Gardens offer primitive tent-only sites at elevations between 1,000-3,000 feet, creating cooler conditions than the valley floor. These campgrounds sit within Angeles National Forest jurisdiction, with most requiring wilderness permits for overnight stays. Trail camps feature minimal development, prioritizing environmental protection while allowing access to natural settings.
What to do
Hiking to waterfalls: At Millard Trail Campground, seasonal water features create accessible adventures. "About a 20 minute hike and you can end up at a waterfall which is very pretty," notes camper jonnysunami. The trail maintains shade even during summer heat.
Creek exploration: Follow stream beds for natural cooling during warmer months. "The creek is usually running so come prepared with your own water and something to treat the creek water with," advises tom P. about Spruce Grove Trail Campground. Many sites position campers alongside seasonal water flows.
Wildlife observation: Dawn and dusk offer prime viewing opportunities. "Lots of wildlife all over the place and a great stream in the wet season through summer," reports tom P. Forest inhabitants include deer, rabbits, coyotes and various bird species that frequent camp areas.
What campers like
Quick isolation: The short distance from urban areas creates accessible wilderness experiences. "If 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," writes Edoardo A., highlighting the brief 100-yard walk from parking.
Seasonal water features: Mount Lowe Trail Campground provides elevated experiences with varying water availability. "It was eerily quiet at night. We were the only ones there and can hear our own heartbeats laying there at night," shares Stacy C., describing the solitude found midweek.
Trail connectivity: Connected pathways allow exploration beyond camp boundaries. "You feel deep in the forest & there are plenty of spots, fire pits & flat top stoves," explains Anthony K. about Hoegees Trail Camp Campground, highlighting the backcountry feel despite proximity to urban areas.
What you should know
Campground traffic: Many sites serve as both overnight accommodations and day-use areas. "The campground is situated at a popular trailhead, and there is lots of good hiking nearby. But, this is also a high-traffic area on spring and summer weekends," cautions K B. about Millard Trail Camp.
Vehicle security: Parking areas require special attention. "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 Mathew H.
Water treatment: Valley Forge Trail Camp offers creek access but requires preparation. "If your running low of your water supply, visit the nearby stream, just always remember to treat before you taste," advises David F. Pack filtration systems for all trail camps in the area.
Tips for camping with families
Short backpacking introductions: Several campgrounds serve as entry-level backpacking destinations. "Took some friends for their first ever backpacking trip, great intro to the 'experience.' Trail camp is in the canyon so it's an easy 3.5 mile hike in, but a tough hike out of the canyon," shares Kelly B. about Valley Forge Trail Camp.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent
campsite near Bell Gardens, CA?
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Bell Gardens, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Bell Gardens, CA is Millard Trail Campground with a 3.7-star rating from 9 reviews.
What is the best site to find
tent camping near
Bell Gardens, CA?
What is the best site to find tent camping near Bell Gardens, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 53 tent camping locations near Bell Gardens, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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