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Best Campgrounds near Claremont, CA

1,396 Reviews

Several good camping options surround Claremont, with Crystal Cove State Park standing out for its coastal setting and well-kept grounds. The park has spots for both tents and RVs, complete with basic restrooms and places to eat. If you head to the Mojave Desert, Sawtooth Canyon Campground gives you a more basic camping experience among interesting rock formations and wide-open desert spaces. You'll want to book ahead at both places, particularly in busy months. Always check if fire bans are active before your trip. The small downtown in Claremont makes a nice place to spend a day when you're not at camp. Trails through the San Gabriel Mountains are close by, and you can fish at some of the lakes and streams in the area. Weather is something to watch - summers get hot while winter nights can drop in temperature. These campgrounds fill quickly, so don't wait to make reservations. Remember to bring plenty of water and sun protection, especially when camping in the desert areas. Claremont works well as a starting point to see different natural areas across Southern California.

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Best Camping Sites Near Claremont, California (257)

    1. Bonelli Bluffs

    38 Reviews
    South El Monte, CA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (909) 599-8355

    $76 - $88 / night

    "⭐⭐⭐⭐

    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"

    2. Prado Regional Park

    21 Reviews
    Chino, CA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (909) 597-4260

    $47 - $120 / night

    "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 ."

    3. Crystal Lake Rec Area Campground

    26 Reviews
    Valyermo, CA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (626) 335-1251

    "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."

    4. Coldbrook Campground

    18 Reviews
    Glendora, CA
    14 miles
    Website

    "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

    13 Reviews
    Mount Baldy, CA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (626) 335-1251

    $12 / night

    "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."

    6. Rolling M. Ranch Campground — Chino Hills State Park

    14 Reviews
    Chino Hills, CA
    14 miles

    $30 - $120 / night

    "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."

    7. Table Mountain Campground

    21 Reviews
    Wrightwood, CA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 249-3526

    $30 - $500 / night

    "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."

    8. Bonita Ranch Campground

    12 Reviews
    Lytle Creek, CA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (909) 887-3643

    $35 - $45 / night

    "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"

    9. China Camp State Park Campground

    10 Reviews
    Chino Hills, CA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (415) 456-0766

    $35 - $175 / night

    "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. "

    10. Buckhorn Campground

    20 Reviews
    Juniper Hills, CA
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (818) 899-1900

    $12 / night

    "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."

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Recent Camping Photos near Claremont, CA

501 Photos of 257 Claremont Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Claremont, CA

1396 Reviews of 257 Claremont Campgrounds

  • Elijah C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 24, 2025

    Big Pine Flat Campground

    50/50

    Sites are nice, there is potable water and toilets BUT there is also a OHV staging area directly across from the campsites. The occasional dirt bike is fine right? So I thought. There was a group of 20+ people partying and playing corridos so loud I couldn’t fall asleep. They had a side by side with large speakers facing the campsite :/ I wouldn’t be annoyed if it was free but I paid $30 to camp and the camp host said this is their turf and there is nothing he can do.

  • Lianne A.
    Sep. 23, 2025

    Monte Cristo Campground

    Nice Campground but Fire Restrictions!

    Monte Cristo is a nice campground not far from home. My husband and I visited this campsite for the first time just for one night. There was a fire restriction. No bonfires, no cooking on stoves and there was no water due to a leak. The bathroom that I was using I give it a 2 star.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 10, 2025

    serrano camp grounds

    Great place

    I stayed for one night Wednesday just to try the showers. The showers were perfect! Hot water even! So clean and beautiful. Recommend!

  • B
    Sep. 4, 2025

    Keller Peak Yellow Post Campsites

    Stunning but Safety Concerns

    I’ve camped at the Keller Peak yellow post sites more than two dozen times over the years and, at their best, they’re incredible. The scenery and isolation are superb—starry skies, quiet nights, and that deep-woods stillness that’s getting harder to find. For years this was my go-to spot. 

    Unfortunately, I’ve also watched trash and waste increase. Please, pack it out—these sites only stay special if we treat them with care. 

    My last trip was frightening enough that I haven’t returned. Late at night a group of locals came to the edge of my site, yelling and using threatening language. They assumed I was homeless despite my SUV and proper camping setup. I was using a portable propane fire pit—which is allowed—and I calmly explained that. I can understand why fire is an issue to locals.  I only felt safe because my small dog has a very loud bark, which kept them from coming closer. They said they were calling a ranger. I left the next morning, shaken. On my way out, I spoke with a park ranger who confirmed propane fire pits are permitted and told me they don’t patrol up there at night because of recurring issues like this. She also mentioned they were trying to move the site to a reservation system to deter homeless use; I’m not sure if that has happened yet. 

    It’s a shame, because this area is one of the best around. I’m sharing this so others can make an informed choice.  

    Pros - Spectacular views and true solitude Cool nights, dark skies, classic forest feel

    Cons -  Rising litter and human waste Nighttime safety concerns due to occasional rowdy visitors Limited ranger presence after dark

     I hope increased stewardship and enforcement can restore the magic here.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 23, 2025

    East Flats

    Nice Peaceful Area

    Wasn’t hard to find a little rough but fairly easy to reach with our Sedan. Couldn’t find too much to do but if you’re looking for a weekend getaway to relax it’s a nice spot.

  • Nickchris G.
    Aug. 18, 2025

    Horsemen's Center

    Horseman's center!

    Beautiful views of the entire city and never bothered by anyone, can do bonfires, and even camp right out my car.

  • Julie
    Aug. 12, 2025

    Bogart County Park

    Bogart Regional park

    It was okay for a last minute camping idea.

Guide to Claremont

Camping near Claremont, California, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Biking: Explore the scenic trails around San Mateo Campground — San Onofre State Beach. One camper mentioned, "Good access to walking and biking trails," making it a great spot for outdoor enthusiasts.
  • Beach Access: If you love the ocean, San Clemente State Beach Campground is just a short walk from the beach. A visitor noted, "The walk to the beach was close, seemed maybe about 10 minutes."
  • Rock Climbing: For the adventurous, Sawtooth Canyon Campground is a popular rock climbing destination. One happy camper shared, "I had the entire canyon to myself!"

What campers like:

  • Privacy: Campers appreciate the spacious sites at Bonelli Bluffs. A reviewer said, "Quiet sites but still close to the city," which makes it a perfect balance of seclusion and convenience.
  • Clean Facilities: Many visitors rave about the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. One camper at Serrano remarked, "Beautiful campground. Clean restrooms and showers."
  • Natural Beauty: Campers love the picturesque views at Moro Campground — Crystal Cove State Park. A visitor noted, "Beautiful sunsets! We stayed at site #23, and it looked like most of the sites had great views of the Pacific."

What you should know:

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can get noisy. A camper at Doheny State Beach Campground mentioned, "The middle sites are small and tight, offering little privacy," which can lead to a crowded atmosphere.
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. For example, Sawtooth Canyon Campground has no drinking water or trash service, so be prepared to pack out your trash.
  • Wildlife: Be cautious of wildlife, especially at Serrano. A reviewer warned, "Bears and coyotes in the area, recommended not to let small dogs or cats roam unattended."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Space for Kids: Look for campgrounds with spacious sites. A family at Dogwood enjoyed, "Spacious sites. RV accessible. Very well kept."
  • Activities for Kids: Choose a campground near hiking trails or lakes. One parent at Lake Perris State Recreational Area Campground said, "Short walk/drive to the lake which was also very nice for my son!"
  • Safety First: Always keep an eye on your kids, especially in areas with wildlife. A camper at Malibu Creek State Park Campground noted, "The sites are nicely spaced out," which can help keep kids safe while they play.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Hookups: Make sure to choose campgrounds with the right hookups for your RV. Bonelli Bluffs offers electric hookups, which many RVers appreciate.
  • Plan for Crowds: If you’re camping on weekends, expect larger crowds. A visitor at Doheny State Beach Campground mentioned, "The weekends fill up completely."
  • Bring Your Own Water: Some campgrounds, like Sawtooth Canyon Campground, don’t have drinking water, so pack enough for your stay.

Camping around Claremont, CA, has something for everyone, whether you're a family looking for fun or an RVer seeking adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

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?

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?

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.

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