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Best Campgrounds near El Monte, CA

1,043 Reviews

Camping options near El Monte, California range from developed campgrounds to trail camps across the San Gabriel Mountains and surrounding areas. Bonelli Bluffs in San Dimas provides full hookup sites for RVs with amenities including electric, water, and sewer connections, while more rustic experiences can be found at Chilao Campground in Angeles National Forest. The region includes both drive-in campgrounds accessible by passenger vehicles and hike-in trail camps like Millard Trail Campground and Hoegees Trail Camp that require walking to reach tent sites. Most established campgrounds are within a 30-minute drive of El Monte, making them convenient for weekend getaways.

Many Angeles National Forest campgrounds operate seasonally, with several sites closed during winter months. Chilao Campground typically operates from April through mid-November, while Crystal Lake Recreation Area maintains a similar schedule from late April to December. A review noted, "Since it's so close to LA and touts often as the place to go for newbie campers you get all kinds of kinds. Any summer holiday weekend spent up here will be filled with drunk yelling and loud radios." Travelers should be aware that fire restrictions are common during dry summer months, and some campgrounds may have limited or no water available. Adventure Passes are required for parking at many trailheads and day-use areas throughout the forest.

The mixed-use campgrounds near El Monte accommodate various camping styles, from tent camping to RV sites with hookups. Crystal Lake Recreation Area offers tent, RV, and cabin options with amenities like drinking water, trash disposal, and toilets. Several visitors mentioned the proximity to hiking trails as a key benefit, with easy access to the Pacific Crest Trail from some locations. Campgrounds closer to the city tend to experience more weekend traffic and noise, while those at higher elevations provide cooler temperatures and more solitude. As described in feedback on The Dyrt, Millard Trail Campground offers "creek-side camping close to the city" with "a lovely creek runs south-west along the edge of the campground," making it popular for short overnight trips when campers don't have time to drive far from urban areas.

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Best Camping Sites Near El Monte, California (184)

    1. Bonelli Bluffs

    38 Reviews
    South El Monte, CA
    14 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. Chilao Campground

    17 Reviews
    Mount Wilson, CA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (818) 790-1151

    $12 / night

    "Campground

    We had been driving around the campground loops for more than an hour, and had just about given up, when we say the sign for overflow camping near the exit of the Chilao campground loop"

    "Great spot to get away from the big city being only a 45min drive from the Downtown, couldn’t ask for more"

    3. Millard Trail Campground

    9 Reviews
    Altadena, CA
    12 miles
    Website

    "When you can’t do a 2h hike before setting camp, but you also don’t want to camp close to your car, Millard campground is perfect. The parking lot is just behind the corner out of view."

    "Cool drive to get to the campground. 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."

    4. Crystal Lake Rec Area Campground

    26 Reviews
    Valyermo, CA
    21 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."

    5. Mount Lowe Trail Campground

    8 Reviews
    Mount Wilson, CA
    12 miles
    +1 (818) 899-1900

    "We went in May this year so not much people around. Brand new toilet is nice as well. There was some flowing water still."

    "There's a stream nearby the Mount Lowe Summit Trail, also. Plenty of great sites to choose from."

    6. Coldbrook Campground

    18 Reviews
    Glendora, CA
    19 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."

    7. Rosemead 12 miles to DT Los Angeles

    3 Reviews
    Monterey Park, CA
    4 miles
    +1 (323) 540-8451

    $0 - $1000 / night

    8. Hoegees Trail Camp Campground

    5 Reviews
    Mount Wilson, CA
    9 miles
    +1 (818) 899-1900

    "Hoegee’s is 2 miles hike from Chantry Flats by way of the Lower Winter Creek Trail. The site is named for Hoegee’s resort which stood just upstream."

    "If you take the Upper Winter Creek Trail it's an easier hike but not as pretty as the Lower one. Campsite is very nice with enough sites for about 20 campers with a privy but no running water."

    9. Spruce Grove Trail Campground - TEMPORARILY CLOSED DUE TO FIRE

    5 Reviews
    Mount Wilson, CA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (818) 482-8937

    "Close to the camp that's up there"

    "Beyond the falls, the trail takes on a greater feeling of wilderness immersion."

    10. Buckhorn Campground

    20 Reviews
    Juniper Hills, CA
    21 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 El Monte, CA

303 Photos of 184 El Monte Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near El Monte, CA

1043 Reviews of 184 El Monte Campgrounds

  • B
    Aug. 29, 2025

    Tapo Canyon Park

    Favorite spot near LA

    The Camp Hosts here are Very Friendly and welcoming, the campground has a lush grass area and nice covered playground. The showers and bathrooms are nice, we highly recommend Tapo Canyon.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 23, 2025

    Malibu Creek State Park Campground

    Great trip/great site!

    This place is great! We stayed on site 59 and it had so much space you can fit a ton of people on the site. We had a beautiful, big tree and a great view in the back of the site. Site 62 had the most beautiful view but no shade, but I want to book it for the cooler months. Showers and bathrooms were pristine!! Can’t wait to go back!

  • Wayne S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 11, 2025

    Applewhite Campground (Ca) — San Bernardino National Forest

    Nice little park

    Very small campground. Camping sites are spread out. The access road is very narrow. We did it with a 22 foot fifth wheel. Space 41 could hold a much longer rig but it would be a challenge even getting to that space. There were only two other campers here while we were here. Lots of trees but not so thick you dont get some sun. The road getting to the campgrounds is somewhat narrow and has some hairpin turns so again it might be difficult for someone with a long trailer We camped at Applewhite Campground in a Fifth Wheel.

  • Michael R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 10, 2025

    Malibu Creek State Park Campground

    Malibu Creek State Park

    The campground is well laid out with plenty of shade available in most sites throughout the day. Sites aren’t too close to one another, restrooms are modern and clean and people were pretty quiet at night and in the early mornings. Main demographic was families when I camped here.

  • ROCKSTAR C.
    Aug. 7, 2025

    Hare School Park

    It’s the sports fields parking lot

    I’ve been here for a couple days and nobody’s mess with us. There’s other people that are staying in another parking lot attached that are homeless in their vehicles mostly cars and vans. I’m in a 25 foot Fleetwood RV. There’s a dog park kind of area with a big field they can run around and just clean up after them.There’s no public bathrooms, but there are trash cans so clean up after yourself please. It’s not tent friendly. I don’t believe.

  • Lizzette M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 7, 2025

    Hollywood RV Park

    Gem near the big city

    I came 3 days ago in my class C. Showers and restrooms were clean and supplied. The RV is cute very Hollywood movies vibes. Trees lovely gardens to walk the dogs. Commerce walking distance. I’m staying 8 more days.✌️

Guide to El Monte

Camping near El Monte, California, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. From beachside spots to serene mountain retreats, there's something for everyone looking to escape the city.

What to do:

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the beautiful surroundings at Moro Campground — Crystal Cove State Park. A happy camper said, "Almost every site has an ocean view of some kind."
  • Clean Facilities: Many appreciate the well-maintained restrooms and showers at Bonelli Bluffs. One reviewer remarked, "Possibly the cleanest public bathroom I've ever seen."
  • Privacy Between Sites: Campers enjoy the spacious layout at San Mateo Campground — San Onofre State Beach. A visitor mentioned, "The campground is setup as a bunch of loops with a large common area between the rear of every campsite."

What you should know:

Tips for camping with families:

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits at places like Sycamore Canyon Campground — Point Mugu State Park. A reviewer said, "The spaces are pretty small, so they are not meant for large RVs."
  • Bring Your Own Wi-Fi: If you need internet, consider using a booster at Point Mugu State Park. One camper mentioned, "I used my WeBoost and got two bars."
  • Be Prepared for Crowds: Popular spots like Doheny State Beach Campground can be packed. A visitor noted, "The middle sites are small and tight, offering little privacy."

Camping near El Monte, CA, has something for everyone, whether you're looking for a beach getaway or a mountain retreat. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at El Monte campgrounds?

Campgrounds near El Monte offer varying amenities to suit different camping styles. O'Neill Regional Park provides clean facilities with free showers, making it ideal for families. The park is excellent for outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and running. Meanwhile, Ronald W. Caspers Wilderness Park features grassy areas under beautiful Coastal Live Oak trees, offering a surprising wilderness experience despite being close to urban areas. Both parks have developed campsites with basic amenities while maintaining their natural character.

Are there any private camping options in the El Monte area?

Bonelli Bluffs is a notable private camping option near El Monte. This campground offers spacious accommodations, though families should note it has limited playground facilities for children. For RV enthusiasts, Dockweiler Beach RV Park provides a unique opportunity to camp directly facing a beautiful beach with built-in fire rings and a long bike path. The location is excellent for those wanting beach access while still being within driving distance of El Monte and other Los Angeles attractions.

Where can I find the best camping sites in El Monte, California?

While El Monte itself has limited camping options, several excellent campgrounds are within driving distance. Millard Trail Campground near Pasadena offers a convenient escape with good hiking trails nearby, though be prepared to haul your gear about 150 yards from the parking area. For a mountain experience, Little Jimmy Trail Campground provides a backcountry feel just 2 miles off Angeles Crest Highway with first-come, first-served sites featuring fire rings and vault toilets. Both locations are accessible from El Monte within a reasonable drive time.

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