Tent camping near Paramount, California centers primarily on hike-in experiences within Angeles National Forest. Located within an hour's drive of the city, these primitive campsites sit at elevations between 1,800-4,000 feet in the San Gabriel Mountains. Most require hikes ranging from a quarter mile to 3.5 miles to access sites, with seasonal stream access common during winter and spring months.
What to do
Hiking to waterfalls: Millard Trail Campground offers access to waterfalls with a short 30-minute hike. "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," notes one camper at Millard Trail Campground.
Mountain biking: Trail networks near Mount Lowe Trail Campground connect to extensive mountain biking routes. "You can get here multiple ways but once you do it's totally worth it. Secluded campground with toilets, fire pits & many info plaques with photos from the old tavern on site," explains a visitor who enjoyed the trail connections.
Creek exploration: Seasonal streams provide opportunities for cooling off during hotter months. "Me and my girlfriend decided to go on this trail with our two doggos on a hot 95 degree day and we had such a good time the waterfall trail is nothing but shade provided by the trees foliage and the creek kept our dogs cool," reports a visitor to Millard Trail Camp.
What campers like
Wilderness proximity: Despite being close to urban areas, campers appreciate the sense of remoteness. A visitor to Hoegees Trail Camp notes: "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."
Uncrowded weekday camping: Most primitive sites see lighter use during weekdays. "I went during the week and was the only one camping. This place is heavily used for day camping and hiking," reports a visitor to Millard Trail Campground, highlighting the difference between weekday and weekend use.
Cooling water features: Streams and small waterfalls provide natural cooling during summer months. A camper at Valley Forge Trail Camp shared: "In April the creek was full, with several creek crossings on the hike and crisp, fresh water along the campsite that contribute to a beautifully green owasis of a meadow."
What you should know
Limited water access: Most sites require bringing water or filtering from seasonal streams. "Bring your own water and something to treat the creek water with," advises a camper at Idlehour Trail Campground, emphasizing the importance of preparation.
Vehicle security concerns: Some trailhead parking areas have reported break-ins. "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 a camper from Millard Trail Camp.
Trail conditions vary seasonally: Winter and spring offer flowing creeks while summer brings drier conditions. "When the creek is ice-cold, you are just spoiled," notes a Bear Canyon visitor, while another cautions that trail access "can be filled with downed trees. Takes a little climbing and going around obstacles but not too bad."
Fire restrictions: Permits are typically required for campfires, with total bans during high-risk seasons. "Check for permits," reminds a visitor to Idlehour, while others note restrictions are strictly enforced during summer months.
Tips for camping with families
Short introductory backpacking: Valley Forge offers manageable access for beginners. "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," explains a visitor.
Kid-friendly locations: Choose sites with shorter approaches for children. A camper at Bear Canyon Campground shared: "Crossing the tiny bridge at the west end of Switzer Picinic area... you snake up the hill and see breathtaking views from the top of the canyon."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Many campgrounds offer chances to spot local animals. "Wild life all over the place and a great stream in the wet season through summer," notes a Millard Trail Camp visitor, making these areas educational for children interested in nature.
Tips from RVers
RV-accessible alternatives: While most primitive sites aren't suitable for RVs, Musch Trail Camp offers a good compromise. "Musch Camp is an easy one mile hike from the Trippet Ranch Parking Lot in Topanga State Park. If you want a longer hike you can hike up the East Topanga Fire Road and then drop down into Musch Camp on the Backbone Trail," explains a visitor, noting that you can park in a proper parking lot while tent camping nearby.
Day-use parking options: Several parks permit day-use RV parking for accessing trail camps. "Park for $7/night at Trippet Ranch and hike one mile to the campgrounds. It's an easy hike and very quiet," notes a Musch Trail Camp visitor, identifying an affordable option for RVers wanting to tent camp.
