Backpacking is the primary option for tent camping near Cerritos, California, with most sites requiring hikes of 2-8 miles to reach. The terrain typically ranges from 1,000 to 5,000 feet in elevation with Mediterranean climate conditions resulting in hot, dry summers and mild, sometimes rainy winters. Many primitive campsites in the Angeles National Forest require visitors to carry all water or filter from seasonal creeks that may be dry during summer and fall months.
What to do
Creek exploration and swimming: At Millard Trail Campground, visitors can access a stream running through the campground and hike to nearby waterfall. "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 enjoyed the diverse recreational options.
Mountain biking on designated trails: Riders can access several mountain biking trails from camping areas in the San Gabriel Mountains. One camper at China Camp State Park Campground reports, "Located on the west side of the San Rafael/Richmond Bridge, on San Francisco Bay, this park is extremely popular with mountain bikers... The trail running and hiking is great too."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Many campers report significant wildlife sightings at most tent camping areas. "We were the only ones there and can hear our own hearbeats laying there at night. We went in May this year so not much people around," shares a visitor at Mount Lowe Trail Campground, noting the unusual quiet and solitude despite proximity to urban areas.
What campers like
Stream access for water filtration: At Hoegees Trail Camp Campground, visitors appreciate the reliable water source. "I camped here a couple wks ago & it was great. You feel deep in the forest & there are plenty of spots, fire pits & flat top stoves... Winter Creek was flowing well," shares one camper who appreciated the natural water source.
Privacy between sites: Many trail camps offer surprisingly secluded sites. A camper at Valley Forge Trail Camp notes, "Campgrounds are spread out nicely. Perfect quiet place... Toilets available, we filtered water from the West Fork San Gabriel River that seems more like a creek. Picnic tables and fire rings made food preparing especially easy."
Year-round camping availability: Most tent sites remain accessible throughout the year, though winter can bring cooler temperatures and occasional precipitation. "The park itself is classic country California - oak, madrone, and even the occasional redwood. It's often foggy in the morning, and sunny in the afternoon. You can camp here year round," explains a visitor to China Camp State Park.
What you should know
No potable water sources: Most primitive campsites require carrying or filtering all water. "There is no running water but the creek is usually running so bring something to treat the water," advises a camper about Gould Mesa Trail Campground, highlighting the importance of water planning.
Strict fire regulations: Fire permits may be required and seasonal bans are common. "Check on camp fires permitted (last time I was there ABSOLUTELY NO FIRES ALLOWED)," warns a Mount Lowe visitor, demonstrating how regulations can change based on fire danger levels.
Wildlife precautions required: Bears and smaller animals may pose risks to food storage. "The raccoons here are AGGRESSIVE! They won't attack you, but they will walk right up to your camp and try to steal your food," cautions a China Camp visitor who experienced unwanted nocturnal visitors.
Crowded weekends: Many trail camps experience high visitation on weekends. "This place is heavily used for day camping and hiking. There's not a lot of privacy because there's always lots of people passing by who are hiking and biking," reports a camper who stayed at Millard Trail Camp.
Tips for camping with families
Choose accessible trail camps: For families with children, select camps with shorter access trails. "Me and my husband and 3 kids and our puppy... The hosts are friendly, cheap firewood, china beach village is just down the road and perfect to explore and swim," shares a family who enjoyed Doheny State Beach Campground, noting the beach access and family-friendly atmosphere.
Plan for temperature fluctuations: Prepare for both hot days and cool nights with appropriate clothing layers. "It's often foggy in the morning, and sunny in the afternoon... In the winter, spring and summer... the proximity to the bay means it probably won't get too hot," advises a China Camp visitor.
Start with shorter backpacking distances: For first-time backpackers, Valley Forge offers an appropriate challenge. "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 group leader who successfully introduced newcomers to backpacking.
Tips from RVers
Consider tent-only options: Most of the best tent camping near Cerritos requires hiking rather than RV access. "The sites are on top of each other. No privacy and are definitely built for RVs and Trailers," notes a tent camper at Doheny State Beach who found the established campground less ideal for tent camping than backcountry options.
Day-use then backpack: RV travelers can use developed campgrounds as base camps before backpacking excursions. "I come here often, and I've never had a bad time," shares a China Camp visitor who notes that the area works well as part of a larger trip combining different camping experiences in the region.
