Tent campsites near Chino Hills, California offer varied backpacking options within the Angeles National Forest at elevations ranging from 3,000 to 7,000 feet. The San Gabriel Mountains contain over 700,000 acres of protected wilderness with seasonal creek access that typically flows strongest between January and May. Numerous trail camps require hikes ranging from 1 to 6 miles to reach, creating natural buffers from urban environments.
What to do
Hike to waterfalls: During wet months, trek to Millard Falls located a short 30-minute hike from Millard Trail Camp. One visitor noted, "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."
Summit nearby peaks: Mount Baldy provides challenging day hiking opportunities from nearby tent-only areas. A camper shared, "Nice little campground to pitch a tent and climb Mt. Baldy" while staying at Manker Campground, making it an excellent base for summit attempts.
Fish in seasonal creeks: Stream fishing opportunities exist at several backcountry sites, particularly in winter and spring months. At Glenn Trail Camp Campground, "This road is lined with fishing platforms for all sorts of trout, as the road follows a river the entire way," according to one visitor who combined biking and fishing.
What campers like
Mountain solitude: Despite proximity to urban areas, some trail camps offer unexpected isolation. A visitor to Mount Lowe Trail Campground observed, "It was eerily quiet at night. We were the only ones there and can hear our own hearbeats laying there at night."
Creek access: Many sites feature stream access for filtering water. At Valley Forge Trail Camp, "There is usually a stream for filtering water. Plenty of sites for camping. Usually quiet when not too many people around," reported one backpacker who visited multiple times.
Pacific Crest Trail connections: Several sites serve as connector points for longer hikes. One camper at Little Jimmy Trail Campground explained, "Campers turned hikers have easy access to hop on the legendary Pacific Crest Trail which runs through the camp."
What you should know
Bear safety requirements: Food storage is essential and provided at most sites. At Millard Trail Camp, "It's in Bear country so they provide food storage for each campsite also trash containers too," according to a recent camper who added, "I didn't see any bears although there was an animal outside my tent at one point in the night I could hear him nosing around."
Limited facilities: Most trail camps offer only basic amenities. A visitor to Hoegees Trail Camp Campground reported, "There's no running water but the creek is usually running so come prepared with your own water and something to treat the creek water with."
First-come, first-served system: No advance reservations are possible at most trail camps. As one visitor observed, "Campsites are first come-first serve only. Stream water must be boiled or filtered. You can get a free fire permit from the pack station."
Tips for camping with families
Consider hiking distance: Some trail camps are more accessible than others for children. One parent who visited Spruce Grove Trail Campground wrote, "Great spot with beautiful hikes! We were there with a larger group for a scout trip and it was great. Lots of room for our tents."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Many children enjoy spotting local animals. A visitor noted, "There are many hiking opportunities and chances to see wildlife (deer, wild turkey, rabbits, squirrels, racoons, and birds)."
Pack entertainment: Trail camps lack structured recreation facilities. One camper suggested, "Bring your own toilet paper. Bring your mountain bike and shoes suitable for hiking and trail running."
Tips from RVers
Regional alternatives: When trail camps don't accommodate vehicles, nearby options exist. At Yucaipa Regional Park, "Great tent camping facilities, privacy from neighbors, access to Zanja Peak Trail head, 3 lakes for fishing, water park during the summer, and friendly helpful staff," according to one camper.
Limited RV access: Most trail camps near Chino Hills prohibit vehicle access entirely. A frustrated visitor learned this the hard way, reporting, "The road has a gate on it, which is locked 8pm-6am... you'll soon hit another, this one closed to all motorized vehicles."
Day-use alternatives: Some RVers use developed campgrounds as bases for day hikes to trail camps. One visitor reported, "There's no larger wildlife, like bears, so less stressful when you have pets or kids. Plenty of space to bring bikes and ride around."
