Wilderness camping opportunities near Duarte, California stretch from Angeles National Forest to San Gabriel Mountains, ranging from 1,500 to 6,000 feet in elevation. The region experiences significant temperature variations with summer daytime highs reaching 90°F while dropping below 60°F at night in higher elevations. Most primitive sites require fire permits, which are strictly regulated during dry summer months when fire danger increases throughout the chaparral and pine forest terrain.
What to do
Waterfall hiking: 0.5-mile trail from Millard Trail Camp to Millard Falls. According to a visitor: "Me and my girlfriend decided to go on this trail with our two doggos on a hot 95 degree day and we had such a good time the waterfall trail is nothing but shade provided by the trees foliage and the creek kept our dogs cool as they would jump in and out of the small pools."
Bird watching: Morning sessions at Coldbrook Campground. The creek attracts various native birds. A camper noted: "Nice place with decent people around. Mostly quiet campers except that one family we all know. Good bird-watching in the morning. Stream and faucets nearby."
Mountain biking: Trail access from Mount Lowe Campground. The campground connects to several trail networks. A visitor mentioned: "You can get here multiple ways but once you do it's totally worth it. Secluded campground with toilets, fire pits & many info plaques with photos from the old tavern on site. There's a stream nearby the Mount Lowe Summit Trail, also."
What campers like
Fire pits with cooking grates: Available at most established sites. A camper at Buckhorn Campground shared: "Quiet, Well Maintained, Great Hiking. Lots of space between campsites. Babbling brook to lull you to sleep at night. Very quiet after 10:00 pm. Great for families. Great hiking trail that was very well maintained."
Creek-side camping: Several campgrounds feature running water. A visitor remarked about Hoegees Trail Camp: "You can only access this campground by backpacking in. There's about 12 campsites with picnic benches and fire rings. There's a creek that runs through. it's beautiful and feels completely isolated."
Bear boxes for food storage: Available at some backcountry sites. At Millard Trail Camp, one camper reported: "It's in Bear country so they provide food storage for each campsite also trash containers too. Each side has a picnic bench and a fire pit. The fire ban has been lifted so you can have a fire."
What you should know
Weekend crowds: Many sites fill completely by Friday afternoon. One visitor to Bonelli Bluffs warned: "Expensive! And expect to get to know your neighbors. Good camp ground if you like being 6 ft away from your neighbors. More of a group or community campground. Shared fire pit and tables. Not the place to go if you are trying to get away from people."
Fire restrictions: Variable throughout the year. Check with rangers before planning campfires. At Coldbrook Campground, a visitor stated: "We have camped here a few times. Had an encounter with a bear both times. Lost our marshmellows. 1st come spots had us looking for a good one. Can get full on weekends."
Parking challenges: Arrive early to secure spots. Especially true at trailheads for backcountry sites. A Millard Trail Camp visitor advised: "You drive up and down these hilly roads up the mountain to get there. Once there, there's a parking lot that fits about 20 cars. There's about 100 yd hike to the campsites."
Limited cell service: Most forest sites have no connectivity. This applies especially to more remote locations. One Mount Lowe camper reported: "There's an emergency call box and calls phones do not work."
Tips for camping with families
Choose established campgrounds with facilities: At Crystal Lake Rec Area Campground, one visitor noted: "There are lots of spacious camping sites, clean bathrooms, running water, numerous of shade trees, and a cafe/store for all the things you forgot or for a ice cream treat on a hot day!"
Pack insect repellent: Many sites report significant mosquito activity, especially near water. A Crystal Lake visitor advised: "There are beautiful views of the mountains. Has bathrooms (no flush). Lots of Mosquitoes and bugs. Well worth it. Has a fire pit at each spot. Has picnic table, but very splintery, bring covers."
Bring additional toilet paper: Even maintained facilities can run out. According to a Coldbrook visitor: "Very mellow and quiet camp area. Spots are first come first serve which was perfect for us."
Pick sites away from main roads: Traffic noise affects sleep quality. A camper reported: "Biggest con: the loudness of cars driving by on the adjacent road. We were in site 16 and those guys who take their little Hondas or motorcycles through the mountain roads at night broke the serenity of the campground."
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions matter: Most forest campgrounds accommodate smaller RVs only. According to a Buckhorn Campground visitor: "Beautiful campground. A little over 6000 feet up in the pine trees. The campground fills quickly for the weekend. Good for small RVs. Over 24 foot not recommended."
Hookup availability limited: Only a few campgrounds offer full utilities. At Angeles National Forest Chilao Campground, a visitor advised: "The site also has bathrooms, firepit, picnic tables, and other commodities. Paying for camping isn't my favorite thing to do, but it's well worth the money for the proximity to Los Angeles and maintenance of the area."
Bring leveling blocks: Many forest sites have uneven terrain. A Bonelli Bluffs visitor mentioned: "We chose Bonelli for our shakedown trip in our new trailer (first time RVers). SO quiet. Numerous residents, but spots are mostly keep up nicely. Our rental spot has 3 trees, a picnic table, a firepit, level parking(!) and full hookups."
Check road conditions: Mountain access roads can be challenging. A camper noted: "You can still come here to hike so they might not be camping. There is a fee so make sure to read the information on the board. It is self pay so you will need to get an envelope and pay with cash."
