Campgrounds near Diamond Bar, California provide access to forest settings, mountain trails, and urban-adjacent camping within 15-30 minutes of the city. Diamond Bar sits at the eastern edge of Los Angeles County with elevations ranging from 700 to 1,000 feet, resulting in moderate temperatures year-round. Campground regulations often restrict gatherings to 8 people per site, with seasonal fire restrictions enforced during summer and fall.
What to do
Explore the Santa Ana River Trail: Canyon RV Park connects to extensive bike paths. "There's camping, horseback riding, fishing, trails, biking, hiking, picnics, you can use your jet skies in designated areas, swimming on the pool areas, kayaking, Park for kids and plenty more," shares one visitor at Bonelli Bluffs.
Pick fresh oranges: Orangeland RV Park allows guests to harvest citrus during their stay. "Free citrus picking! There's a pool, mini golf on site. Incredibly clean restrooms and showers. Camp store. On-demand public transport for $6/person for all-day access," notes a camper who stays there for dance competitions.
Fishing opportunities: Several parks offer fishing access, though conditions vary seasonally. "I frequently stay at this site since it's close to my house. I brought my horses one time and it was amazing the best time of my life. The views are incredible," mentions a Bonelli Bluffs visitor who enjoys fishing there.
Mountain biking trails: Access forest trails directly from several campgrounds. A China Camp visitor reports, "This park is extremely popular with mountain bikers. There are definitely better mountain biking trails in Marin but keep in mind that the bar is very high for mountain biking in Marin."
What campers like
Convenient proximity to attractions: Anaheim Harbor RV Park offers easy Disneyland access. "We walked to and back from Disney. Super easy. It's a mile each way," shares a camper who appreciated the location convenience.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Many campgrounds offer chances to see local animals. "We watched wild parrots fly overhead. After setting up camp we had REALLY nice showers, then we spent time in the pool," notes a tent camper who enjoyed the Anaheim Harbor facilities.
Urban convenience with natural settings: Rolling M. Ranch Campground offers surprisingly remote experiences despite urban proximity. "If someone dropped you into the middle of this stunning campground, you'd never know that you were surrounded by one of the largest metropolitan regions in the country," explains a visitor impressed by the contrast.
Seasonal wildflowers: Spring visitors report exceptional displays. "We arrived in the middle of wildflower season, April, after a particularly rainy winter and spring '23, and those blooms were simply off the hook!" observed a camper at Rolling M. Ranch, highlighting the natural beauty during certain seasons.
What you should know
Site limitations and requirements: Prado Regional Park enforces specific camping rules. "The sites here are pretty nice and far enough apart to have some privacy. With the local dairies are more insects than many campgrounds. Can be annoying. Some of the grassy areas have thorny stickers in them," warns a reviewer.
Environmental conditions: Insect populations vary by location and season. "This state park has 14,000 acres. It feels secluded, but the city is only 20 minutes away. The trails are varied, accessible by horseback, hiking, biking. Some trails are ready walking, some very strenuous," explains a visitor to Rolling M. Ranch Campground.
Road conditions: Canyon access can be challenging for larger vehicles. "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," shares a Rolling M. Ranch camper about access limitations.
Noise considerations: Highway proximity affects some campgrounds. "The campground is bordered by highways on both sides, and they create noise day and night. They're also clearly visible," notes a Canyon RV Park visitor, highlighting a common issue in urban-adjacent camping areas.
Tips for camping with families
Water recreation access: Several parks offer swimming options for children. "Dog friendly, clean, quiet, love the grass and trees nicely kept property. Definitely coming back, we had a great time here!" shares a Bonelli Bluffs visitor who found the environment family-friendly.
Playground amenities: Crystal Lake Recreation Area offers dedicated children's areas. "It is very crowded on the weekends. However, if you drive further towards the back of the site you can find nice, secluded sites. The lake is really more of a small, stagnant pond," notes a visitor who rated it average.
Wildlife encounters: Prepare children for possible animal sightings. "Animals seen: Black bear, deer (wandered through our site), red foxes, Stellar's Jays, woodpeckers, other birds," lists a Crystal Lake camper, highlighting the educational wildlife viewing opportunities.
Site selection for privacy: Strategically choose locations for family comfort. "We were at spot 21 and the hike up the hill to our walk on spot is rough...they do have bins you can use to carry all your stuff up. There are coons here so you can't keep any food out when dark comes near!" advises a China Camp State Park visitor.
Tips from RVers
Space limitations: Fairplex RV Park sites have specific constraints. "It's quaint quiet but you're packed in like sardines it's a tight fit but everybody here is pretty friendly there's a few downfalls for some of the spot test for you can't park your car there," warns an RVer who found the parking arrangements challenging.
Hookup availability: Many parks offer full utility connections. "A little pricey but very nice facility. All hookups 30/50 amp. Cable TV. There's a pool. A tent area. Some spaces monumentally better than others. Occasionally they run a special," mentions a Bonelli Bluffs RVer who appreciated the amenities.
Site selection considerations: Different areas within parks offer varying advantages. "For RVs couldn't be happier plus the people here are nice and friendly you do have your Karen's but you're going to have them everywhere we enjoyed the lake the view the weather," shares a Bonelli Bluffs visitor who found the RV camping experience positive despite some challenging neighbors.
