Rachel M.
Traveler
TravelerNorth Shore Campground - Lake Arrowhead
DogWood Ca
Beautiful, well maintenance, great experience. So clean.
Camping near Claremont, CA
265 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Search destinations
Add dates
SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
The Claremont, California area features several established campgrounds within an hour's drive of the city, with diverse accommodation options ranging from tent camping to RV sites and cabins. Bonelli Bluffs, located in nearby San Dimas, offers lakefront camping with full hookups for RVs and tent sites with views of Puddingstone Lake. Crystal Lake Recreation Area Campground in Azusa provides a more rustic mountain experience approximately 25 miles northwest of Claremont in the Angeles National Forest. Most campgrounds in the region support both tent and RV camping, with several locations like Coldbrook and Buckhorn campgrounds offering primitive camping options with basic amenities.
Reservations are strongly recommended at most developed campgrounds in the area, particularly during summer months and holiday weekends when sites fill quickly. Angeles National Forest campgrounds typically operate seasonally, with many only open from April through November due to mountain weather conditions. Urban-adjacent camping areas like Bonelli Bluffs and Fairplex RV Park remain open year-round but often require advance booking. Campers should note that fire restrictions are common throughout the region, especially during California's dry season, with several campgrounds prohibiting open flames entirely. Road access varies significantly by location, with mountain campgrounds requiring careful driving on narrow, winding roads. A camper at Bonelli Bluffs noted, "We had an awesome site that was right above the water. Nice grass areas between sites. Plenty of walking and hiking trails."
Many reviewers highlight the convenience of Bonelli Bluffs for its proximity to urban amenities while still providing natural scenery. The campground receives positive mentions for its lakefront views, well-maintained facilities, and multiple recreation options. According to one visitor, "Beautiful views with tons of trees and hills. Love it here wish I could stay forever." Several campgrounds in the region face weekend crowding issues, with reviewers noting noise concerns at some locations. Crystal Lake and other forest campgrounds tend to offer more seclusion but with fewer amenities than developed sites. Urban-adjacent camping locations provide conveniences like laundry facilities, full hookups, and proximity to shopping, but campers should expect higher site density and less privacy at these locations compared to more remote forest campgrounds.
Best Campgrounds near Claremont (265)
1. Bonelli Bluffs
"Our experience at Bonelli Bluffs Campground was mostly positive, but there were a couple of aspects that could be improved."
"The views around the outskirts of B loop are just lovely, the staff has been so friendly and helpful (we’re RV newbies and had a ton of questions) the store was stocked with all of the little things we"
from $76 - $88 / night
Check Availability2. Prado Regional Park
"I grew up around in the area so I have been to this park quite a few times for a few different reasons. It is a very expansive and versatile area."
"It's a nice park great for long walks and trail riding on bikes great for the dog 🐕 also a bit windy so you need to keep a eye on your awning, great cell service with at&t ."
from $47 - $120 / night
Check Availability3. Crystal Lake Rec Area Campground
"We’ve done Crystal Lake probably 6 dozen times or more in our time in California and it never disappoints on the spectacular views."
"Whenever I need to get away from LALA Land, I head up here. I grew up in the mountains of western Pennsylvania, so , sometimes , I need to kick back and recharge."
from $20 / night
Check Availability4. Coldbrook Campground
"We left LA (Hollywood) on a Friday afternoon around 3, and were setting up camp by 5! Luckily a friend got to the campground before us though, as he snagged the last of the 20 or so sites there."
"Coldbrooke is a excellent campground that is relatively close to the city. The camp host was super helpful in explaining the fire restrictions and overall questions."
5. Manker Campground
"Close by Hobit trails clear and inviting trails .rivers and in the winter snow....lots of campsites.... seen deer..rabbits and a multitude of squirrels. ..."
"Top of mt Baldy road.. almost as far as you can drive. Not many sites, about 20. One giant loop. No reservations needed."
from $20 / night
Check Availability6. Rolling M. Ranch Campground — Chino Hills State Park
"This is a nice, small campground with easy access to many freeways. "
"That probably makes sense since a side entrance is only a mile down the road from us. We hike this several times a month."
from $30 - $120 / night
Check Availability7. Table Mountain Campground
"If you have a chance after - drive the whole Angeles crest highway! Worth the trouble. You are also located close to the PCT, take a hike!"
"We got a campsite that was on the outside of the loop. We were in Cherokee loop in campsite #87."
from $30 - $500 / night
Check Availability8. Bonita Ranch Campground
"Easy access to a pretty trail right behind the campground. Very quiet and interspersed with long time stayers and temporary campers. I stayed in my van and had my cat and dog with me."
"It's definitely not that far away from the city roughly a 7-10 minute drive up the mountain very chill environment awesome staff very home like feel you're literally a box throw away from the creek if"
from $35 - $45 / night
Check Availability9. China Camp State Park Campground
"You won't be able to drive up to your campsite. You have to carry your gear in a short distance from the parking lot."
"Located on the west side of the San Rafael/Richmond Bridge, on San Francisco Bay, this park is extremely popular with mountain bikers. "
from $35 - $175 / night
Check Availability10. Buckhorn Campground
"Beautiful trails near by, next to a stream, gorgeous views, and of course that mountain air! Trees are perfect for hammocks."
"It is set back from the road a little giving you a quieter experience away from the 2. This would be a good first car camping spot for families with young children."
from $20 / night
Check Availability
Drive Time
- 43 min from Los Angeles, CA
- 1 hr 25 min from Oxnard, CA
- 1 hr 51 min from San Diego, CA
- 1 hr 53 min from Bakersfield, CA
Recent Camping Photos near Claremont, CA
500 Photos of 265 Claremont Campgrounds
TO T.
Bonelli Bluffs
Les R.
Heaton flats
Frances D.
Camp Williams Resort
johnathon
Manker Campground
Dan T.
Prado Regional Park
Lizzie B.
Coldbrook Campground
William S.
Rolling M. Ranch Campground — Chino Hills State Park
Veronica H.
China Camp State Park Campground
merlinda M.
Lupine Campground
Nathaniel C.
Stockton Flats Yellow Post Sites 3-8
Forest G.
Crystal Lake Rec Area Campground
Freddy L.
Angeles National Forest Deer Flats Group Campground
Recent Reviews near Claremont, CA
1484 Reviews of 265 Claremont Campgrounds
Pamela A.
GuideColdbrook Campground
Awesome place, reasonable price
We have been to this campground quite a few times in the last couple of years and I really love it, personally because it’s really close to home. I also love that it’s first come first serve, which allows us to spontaneously go and enjoy without having to make reservations. I also like the fact that all the campsites have a fire pit and a picnic table, which were very recently replaced so they look very new. They installed metal storage boxes for saving your food overnight, this is super helpful. I love the creek even though the water is freezing cold but it’s truly a favorite. This place is wonderful and even though right now there is no water access until further notice, as long as you know you need to take lots of water for cooking and cleaning up you are good.
Marbly 2.
ScoutGolden Shore RV Resort
Great for campers looking to unhook their campers and explore the area
The place is simple, well maintained and extremely clean. There’s back in sites that accommodate smaller 20ft campers and bigger 30ft campers, with there being some pull through sites that are big enough for RV’s, however no camping with tents allowed. Would recommend against bringing in campers with damage or DIY repairs as they “have to maintain sightly appearance”. Overall great for the price. Extremely clean bathrooms with free showers with a pool and jacuzzi plus a short walk to the beach. Only about a 45 min drive to LA with no traffic. The only bad is the constant noise from the port that doesn’t go away at night.
Trash M.GuideLake Perris State Recreational Area Campground
A CRAP HOLE
If you like camping in a Walmart parking lot or on the streets, this place is for you.
No rangers working after the park close for day use. Didn't see one going through the campground. If you like to party all night and you have a loud system no problem. NO RAGERS AROUND. Be prepared keep your food in your car lot of rats, mice, skunks and coyotes. THE LAKE SUCKS, hard to launch your boat on and off, docks will mess up your boat. Fishing no fish they don't stock the lake. Marina is very over priced and out in the sunny parking lot. I live in LA I now got to SILVERWOOD LAKE, just as close as this place, and nicer, if you like to stay up all night Perris Lake is for you. If you want to work hard to get you boat on and off lake so you don't damage your boat, this place is for you.
- Trash M.Guide
Mesa Campground — Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area
GREAT Time 👍👍👍👍👍
Campground,restrooms area very clean. Lots of paths to ride or hike. Lot of friendly rangers and staff. The lake is Very easy to use your boat and jet skis. Nice ramps and docks. I live in LA I was going to Perris Lake a crap hole, this place a lot nicer and just as close as driving to Perris. COME HERE YOU'LL LOVE IT.
Rebecca C.TravelerThomas Hunting Grounds Yellow Post Campites
Wow!! The views
This is not for most RVs. It probably wasn't even for mine but I didn't do enough research and just jumped in. That being said, I lost my stairs and took a lot of the paint off. You'd think that I would hate this spot given how much damage I did. I love it. It was amazing. Totally worth the stairs. This place can keep it. The views. Oh my goodness the views. You can enjoy the view, taking an off-road vehicle or hiking. This was just so amazing! It was totally worth the difficult road in and all the damage. Two thumbs up!!
Gary L.ScoutNorth Shore Campground Lake Arrowhead
Not so bad
Booked this last minute on Rec.Gov and didn't do a lot of background research. Took me a while going around to find my site, there are private roads within the campsite. Also the entrance of the site is a City sized hospital which threw me off.
Next day the nice and quiet little campsite was awaken by the roaring sounds of motorbikes. I found out the site was next to a trail hike which is also next to a moto-dirt bike trail.
Not so bad overall since all I needed was to sit in front of my little campfire in the quiet evening listening to crickets and howls.
Coming from Long Beach, the traffic wasn't so bad compare to going to San Bernardino area.
- johnathonTraveler
Manker Campground
Relatively BA good for climbers and repealing check out San Antonio fall about 85ft drop/climb
Be sure to come early. Great location for families and small groups. Peaceful close to a city within 40min small town with church ect 15 minutes away.
Lee D.
LegendDockweiler Beach RV Park
Beachfront camping but you'd better like the sound of jet planes!
General: Two sections: RV camping and dry camping
Site Quality: If you have a larger RV and/or need hookups, you will be in a parking space with ZERO privacy between spaces (it is literally a parking space!). If you have a small RV or van conversion (smaller than 19 feet), there is dry camping. Concrete driveway; minimal privacy but a direct view of the beach. You must have a bed, dinette, sink, and small water supply to be in these spots. A concrete picnic table is included in each site.
Bath/Shower: Six-digit codes (that change regularly) needed to enter (and a different one for each bathroom). One all-in-one with a sink, toilet, urinal, and diaper changing station. The other has two shower stalls, two toilets, and one sink. The shower in the one closest to the dry camping area left much to be desired. I couldn’t get the ADA-accessible shower to work, and the other one had a push-button flow that took some time to get warm and had to be repeatedly pushed to complete the shower. Hooks and bench are outside the shower stall, compromising privacy. My biggest disappointment, however, was that there were NO electrical outlets. I took a chance and walked to the other end of the campground (by the entrance and full hookup sites) where I discovered the bathroom was much nicer. Not only did it have electrical outlets, but it looked like the showers were much nicer.
Activities/Amenities: You are right on the beach! There is a paved path for walking, running, or bicycling. Laundry was temporarily out of order when we were there.
There are very limited options for camping in this area, and the price was $55/night for dry camping. You are in the direct flight path of LAX, so have earplugs at the ready if the sound of jet planes overhead is not your thing!
Guide to Claremont
Camping sites near Claremont, California range from 6,000-foot pine-covered mountain retreats to urban-adjacent parks with lake access. Most campgrounds in the Angeles National Forest operate seasonally due to winter snow at higher elevations. Unlike coastal camping areas, the inland location experiences warmer summer temperatures, with daytime highs regularly exceeding 90°F from June through September.
What to do
Hiking trail access: At Crystal Lake Rec Area Campground, numerous trails start directly from the campground. "There are several hiking trails here that are well used and well maintained. This is a great campground near the city," notes Robert A. The trail network accommodates various skill levels, from short nature walks to extended backcountry routes.
Fishing opportunities: Bonita Ranch Campground provides access to Lytle Creek, which runs directly behind the camping area. While not primarily for fishing, the creek offers a refreshing spot to cool off. "The creek running behind the camp is great to explore, and a waterfall is a short hike away," reports Jonathan G., who also mentioned finding berries in August during his visit.
Wildlife observation: The Angeles National Forest campgrounds offer considerable wildlife viewing opportunities. At Coldbrook Campground, one camper reported seeing "black bear, deer (wandered through our site), red foxes, Stellar's Jays, woodpeckers, other birds." Morning hours typically yield the best wildlife sightings, especially around campground peripheries.
What campers like
Accessibility from urban areas: Prado Regional Park offers camping within minutes of urban amenities while maintaining natural surroundings. "Perfect to get out of the city but still be in it. Campgrounds have more than enough privacy with each one being about 15 to 20 yards apart," writes Troy A. The quick access makes these locations ideal for weekend getaways without extensive travel time.
Temperature relief: The mountain campgrounds provide significant temperature drops compared to valley locations. Table Mountain Campground sits at over 6,000 feet elevation, creating cooler summer conditions. "Gorgeous campground to be visited during wildflower season," notes Melanie G. Evening temperatures can drop 20-30 degrees from daytime highs, even during summer months.
Diverse camping options: From primitive sites to full-service campgrounds, the area accommodates various camping preferences. "We chose site 41 as a first come first serve site. It was in the main road in/out so we had some traffic. They have several pit toilets throughout the campground. Not fancy but they do the job," explains Troy L. about his Table Mountain experience.
What you should know
Fire restrictions: Fire regulations change frequently throughout the year. One Coldbrook Campground visitor noted, "We camped during a no fire period so no campfires or outdoor propane gas stove fires. We sat in the darkness and took in the stars with the sound of the creek below us." Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as they may prohibit all flame sources including camp stoves.
First-come availability: Many Angeles National Forest campgrounds operate on a first-come basis with no reservations. "We left LA (Hollywood) on a Friday afternoon around 3, and were setting up camp by 5! Luckily a friend got to the campground before us though, as he snagged the last of the 20 or so sites there," reports a Coldbrook visitor. Thursday arrival dramatically improves site selection chances during peak season.
Insect considerations: Mountain campgrounds experience seasonal insect activity. At Coldbrook Campground, campers report: "Lots of gnats! They swarm your face but then after you sit still for about a minute they leave you alone... The little gnats seemed to crawl into my clothing and wiggle/possibly bite which was a nuisance." Insect repellent is essential during warmer months.
Tips for camping with families
Child-friendly amenities: Several campgrounds offer specific facilities for children. At Prado Regional Park, one camper mentioned, "Playground and splash pad kept the youngins entertained." These features provide entertainment options beyond hiking and traditional camping activities.
Bear safety education: Forest campgrounds require proper food storage due to bear activity. Campers at Manker Campground wish "there had been bear boxes at the sites other than the ones for refuse." Using this situation as a teaching opportunity helps children understand wildlife safety protocols.
Creek access considerations: While creeks provide natural play areas, supervision is essential. A Bonita Ranch visitor explains, "You're literally a box throw away from the creek if you're not really big on hiking but enjoy the scenery this would probably be a good way for you to experience the outdoors in the creek." Morning hours typically offer warmer water temperatures.
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions: Mountain roads limit RV access at many campgrounds. At Rolling M. Ranch Campground, a camper cautions: "We drove up in our 26ft motorhome and while we made it, I'm not sure that I'd want to make that drive again. It's very narrow and winding, single lane at times, lots of traffic." Angeles Forest campgrounds generally accommodate smaller RVs under 24 feet better than larger models.
Electric and water availability: Amenities vary significantly between campgrounds. At Bonita Ranch Campground, "Full hookups" are available according to one camper, while many forest locations offer no hookups. RVers should verify specific site utilities when booking, as some campgrounds may advertise hookups available at only certain sites.
Solar considerations: Mountain campgrounds often have significant tree cover affecting solar panel efficiency. One visitor to Rolling M. Ranch notes: "There's no hookups at any of the campsites so come prepared with your solar power and you'll have more than you need in this sunny part of the world." Eastern-facing sites typically receive better morning sun for solar charging.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there tent camping sites available in Claremont?
Are there tent camping sites available in Claremont?
While Claremont itself has limited tent camping options, several excellent tent-friendly campgrounds are located within a short drive. Little Jimmy Trail Campground is a backcountry hike-in site just 2 miles off Angeles Crest Highway with about 7 first-come, first-served sites featuring fire rings and vault toilets. For a more accessible option, Lake Campground offers large, flat tent sites with a lake within walking distance, though it does experience highway noise. Manker Campground near Mount Baldy is another nearby option with basic facilities including water and toilets.
What are the best campgrounds near Claremont?
What are the best campgrounds near Claremont?
Several excellent campgrounds are located within driving distance of Claremont. Bonelli Bluffs in San Dimas offers lakeside camping with family-friendly amenities, though it lacks playground facilities. For those willing to drive a bit farther, San Bernardino National Forest Green Valley Campground provides a peaceful mountain retreat with spacious sites and campfire rings. Other notable options include O'Neill Regional Park for hiking enthusiasts and Ronald W. Caspers Wilderness Park for those seeking a natural escape just outside Mission Viejo. Most campgrounds in the area require reservations, especially during peak seasons.
What RV camping facilities are available in Claremont?
What RV camping facilities are available in Claremont?
RV enthusiasts near Claremont have several good options. Bolsa Chica State Beach Campground offers beachfront camping with concrete/asphalt sites featuring water, electric hookups, and a dump station. Though it's about an hour from Claremont, it provides easy access to Long Beach and Disneyland. Closer to Claremont, Prado Regional Park features drive-in access with water, toilets, and is big-rig friendly with reservable sites. Most RV campgrounds in the area require reservations, especially during peak travel seasons.
Keep Exploring