Cabin camping near El Monte, California sits in the San Gabriel Valley, surrounded by the Angeles National Forest. The region ranges from 300-400 feet elevation in town to over 6,000 feet in nearby mountain areas. During summer months, temperatures in cabin areas can reach 90°F during day but drop to 50°F at night, requiring campers to pack accordingly.
What to do
Hiking to waterfalls: Millard Trail Campground provides access to Millard Falls, which can be reached via a 1/2-mile trail. "Fun little campground with decent facilities and beautiful surroundings. Lots of trails all around with a nice hike of about 1/2 mile up to Millard Falls that is easy for kids and grown ups," reports Millard Trail Campground visitor Tom P.
Mountain biking: Multiple trails from Crystal Lake Recreation Area can be accessed for mountain biking adventures. "Bring your dirt bike and hit some of the trails, it's a definite must!" says Salem L. from Crystal Lake Rec Area Campground.
Beach activities: For those willing to drive from El Monte, Newport Dunes offers water-based activities. "They have activities for the kids like arts and crafts, an inflatable obstacle course or you can rent paddle boards or watch a movie on the beach," notes Karissa J.
What campers like
Privacy at remote sites: Some cabin locations offer more seclusion than others. At Antfarm LA, "It's a spot where you can truly be away. We spent 5 days and didn't really see a soul. If you like to read, enjoy sunsets, exercise and travel to local spots of interest or just stay put. This is a spot for you," writes Antfarm LA visitor Bill.
Convenience to highways: Many cabins offer quick access to major roads. Canyon RV Park provides easy accessibility while maintaining a natural setting. "I have been here for a few months and I love it here. It's not only in the middle of a nature preserve but you're also in the middle of a City. You're nearby to all the stores you could ever need," reports Canyon RV Park camper Kerry L.
Scenic views: The higher elevation cabins provide panoramic vistas. Crystal Cove's backcountry cabin camping allows visitors to experience "amazing views overlooking the ocean. I stayed at the lower campsite, I believe it's #31 on the map, and I think this was the best spot in the campground as it had an unobstructed view of the water," according to Torye C.
What you should know
Security concerns: At some locations, vehicle break-ins can occur. "WARNING: Make sure to leave your car doors unlocked, and nothing of value inside. You'd rather have someone root through your car and walk away empty handed than have a window broken and items stolen," warns Mathew H. about Moro Campground.
Cabin sizes vary significantly: From primitive structures to fully-furnished options. "Spaces are very tight. Good for 1 nite only stay. Staff was friendly and place is clean but not much room to maneuver a lg. rv. in," notes Lawrence P. about Fairplex RV Park's cabin accommodations.
Weekend crowds: Facilities can become busy during peak times. "Will I go again? Sure. Mainly because its a quick escape. Will I go again on a weekend? NO!! Locals go up there to party and we had a group arrive at midnight and started blasting heavy metal music until 3AM!!!!" shares Charlie C. about Crystal Lake.
Tips for camping with families
Easy-access trails: Several cabin locations feature child-friendly paths. "We came on a Saturday afternoon, and even though 4 of the sections of camping were closed off - we found an AMAZING space in section D. It was right next to the trail head, too!" writes Mercy M. about Crystal Lake Recreation Area.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Children can observe local animals safely. "ANIMALS SEEN: Black bear, deer (wandered through our site), red foxes, Stellar's Jays, woodpeckers, other birds," lists Forest G. about their Crystal Lake experience.
Bathroom facilities: Consider cabins with access to clean restrooms. "The campsites are roped off and have a decent amount of distance between them. We were just a short walk to the bathrooms which were spotless. They were being cleaned frequently," notes Crystal Cove State Park visitor Amy H.
Tips from RVers
Space limitations: Many cabin and RV sites have tight spacing. "Although you are packed in pretty tightly like sardines it's a friendly environment very welcoming just the larger of your RV is little bit harder it might be to park," explains Sara H. from Fairplex RV Park.
Noise considerations: Some locations experience road noise. "The site is bordered by highways on both sides, and they create noise day and night. They're also clearly visible," warns Christina S. about Canyon RV Park.
Handicap accessibility: Some facilities offer better access than others. "This is one of the best handicap accessible shower and restroom areas we've seen. The larger pool had a roll in area... The downfall is they do not assign slots so if you need a handicap accessible location it's going to be by chance if somebody is there or not," explains Lara O. at Thousand Trails Soledad Canyon.
