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Camping near El Monte, California covers a wide range, from full-hookup RV sites and drive-in campgrounds to hike-in trail camps across the San Gabriel Mountains. 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.
"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 Availability"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"
from $20 / night
Check Availability"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 Availability"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."
"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."
"Close to the camp that's up there"
"Beyond the falls, the trail takes on a greater feeling of wilderness immersion."
"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."
"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"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."
"Trail camp is in the canyon so it’s an easy 3.5 mile hike in, but a tough hike out of the canyon."
"Forage your way through the Valley Forge Trail, for an intimate night in the wilderness at one of its remote camps."
from $5 / night
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ScoutAs a heads up, they accept only factory van conversions with black and gray water tanks. So no self conversions. As a facility, it seems very nice, my RVing friend has been coming in here for years and absolutely loves it
ScoutI do recommend. Beautiful, peaceful place. Good folks. It’s right near Magic Mountain theme park and many useful stores nearby: Home Depot, Walmart, Target, genetic stores, movie theaters. I’ll camp here again.
ScoutFirst time and I love it, this place is beautiful, you camp and you get to go to the lake. Best camp site 10,11,26,27
ScoutLove this place so much that our family canceled reservations at two other places to spend a few extra nights. The views are fantastic, the bathroom and showers are so clean, and the delicious seafood restaurant a walk down the hill is just a bonus. Staff were kind and helpful at check-in. It's a great base camp to explore the LA area. We tent camped here 20 years ago and when we came back this time with our RV it was even better than we remembered.
TravelerWell-kept campground with minimal amenities, but the breathtaking views more than make up for it. Very quiet, less than half the sites were occupied during our stay. Only real drawback was it was quite breezy, but it was perfectly manageable with proper planning.
The nearby lodge was a neat addition, and there’s a very cool disc golf course next door.
Site 49 was flat and spacious, with a spectacular view of the sunset.
Scoutdon’t try to reach out to this park via phone with any questions, they won’t answer you. they won’t even answer the phone when their own reservation agents are calling them. gates close strictly at 10 so if you’re camping here make sure to show up by then. showed up at 9:58 after leaving a music festival early to make sure i made it on time, and their staff was immensely rude to me about not making it on time. the morning staff is incredibly nice, apologizing for the problems and giving me advice. the night staff though has a problem and they take it out on their visitors. for how rude they were to me, somehow the campsite across from me showed up at 11pm, so seems like they pick and choose who to give problems. avoid camping here. campsites are very close together and nothing special.
GuideWe 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.
ScoutThe 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.
GuideCampground,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.
Campgrounds near El Monte, California range from 4,000-7,000 feet elevation across the San Gabriel Mountains, offering cooler temperatures than the valley floor. Many locations remain accessible year-round while higher-elevation sites typically close from December through March. First-come, first-served camping is common throughout the area with limited advance reservation options.
Waterfall hikes within minutes: From Millard Trail Campground, access the waterfall trail which is entirely shaded by tree foliage. "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," notes one Millard Trail Campground visitor.
Creek exploration for kids: Crystal Lake Recreation Area features multiple creeks and water features perfect for children. "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. Most sites have tree coverage," reports a Crystal Lake Rec Area Campground camper.
Mountain biking on established trails: Numerous trails throughout the area accommodate bikers of various skill levels. At Bonelli Bluffs, "There is 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," according to a visitor.
Higher elevation for cooler temperatures: Buckhorn Campground sits above 6,000 feet, providing relief from summer heat. "We love to travel and camp but can't always carve out the time for a long drive out of LA. We found this gem, just 1 1/2hrs from LA and you'd never know you were anywhere near the city. It's the perfect getaway, birds singing, and the scenery makes you feel like you're in Tahoe," writes a reviewer at Buckhorn Campground.
Stream-side camping spots: Multiple campgrounds feature creeks flowing through or adjacent to camping areas. At Coldbrook Campground, "We had a campsite next to the creek and it was beautiful to see and listen to. The creek or stream is a good size- its not just a tiny trickle- you can hear the running stream while you sleep," notes a Coldbrook Campground visitor.
Privacy between sites: Several campgrounds offer more secluded spots with natural vegetation providing separation. "The campground is situated at a popular trailhead, and there is lots of good hiking nearby. But, this is also a high-traffic area on spring and summer weekends. A lovely creek runs south-west along the edge of the campground," reports a Millard Trail Camp visitor.
Weekend crowds are common: Many campgrounds fill completely by Friday afternoon during summer months. "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. We wish we had known about this set-up sooner! Chilao campground had temporarily converted its 'Day use only' areas to overflow camping," explains a visitor at Chilao Campground.
Bear activity in certain areas: Food storage requirements vary by campground. "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. Not a bad spot really. Pit toliets," writes a Coldbrook visitor.
Road closures affect access: Always check current conditions before departing. "Drove all the way to the turn in to find the road was closed," reports a disappointed Valley Forge Trail Camp visitor, highlighting the importance of confirming access.
Best first-time backpacking options: Valley Forge Trail Camp offers an accessible introduction to backpacking. "Took some friends for their first ever backpacking trip, great intro to the 'experience.' Trail camp is in the canyon so it's an easy 3.5 mile hike in, but a tough hike out of the canyon," writes a Valley Forge Trail Camp visitor.
Car camping with amenities: Look for developed campgrounds with facilities for easier family camping. "This would be a good first car camping spot for families with young children," notes a Buckhorn visitor about the well-designed campground.
Weekend noise levels: Some campgrounds experience significant night noise on weekends. "Easy to get to, but fills up VERY fast. Open spaces for large group camping. Fire pits at every campground and easy to walk to hiking trail. Most of the people camping there played loud music all night. Not exactly a get away from the city," cautions a Buckhorn visitor.
RV length restrictions: Many mountain campgrounds have limited space for larger vehicles. "Beautiful campground. A little over 6000 feet up in the pine trees. The campground fills quickly for the weekend. It's a first come/first serve so get there early. Good for small RVs. Over 24 foot not recommended," advises a Buckhorn visitor.
Full hookup options: Bonelli Bluffs provides complete RV services close to El Monte. "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. There's good hiking and bike riding and fishing," reports a Bonelli Bluffs camper.
Different experiences for RVs vs tents: Some sites cater better to one type of camping. "Awesome for RVs but maybe not the best for tent camping. After experiencing both amenities this place is more or less for RVs and 4/10 as for they do have the tent camping on the steep incline and not too many sites," explains a Bonelli Bluffs reviewer.
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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