Camping options within Angeles National Forest form the backbone of outdoor recreation near Glendale, California. Most campsites sit at elevations between 3,000-5,500 feet, creating temperature differences of 10-15 degrees cooler than the city below. The region's Mediterranean climate means summer nights rarely drop below 55°F at most campgrounds, while winter can bring occasional snow to higher elevation sites.
What to do
Trail exploration from campsites: Chilao Campground connects to several hiking paths including the Silver Moccasin Trail north spur. "There are easy hiking trails all over & good trees for hanging my hammock. The campsites are very spacious and clean," notes one Chilao visitor.
Waterfall hikes: Valley Forge Trail Camp offers creek-side camping with a 3.5-mile hike access. A camper described the setting as "an easy 3.5 mile hike in, but a tough hike out of the canyon. In April the creek was full, with several creek crossings on the hike and crisp, fresh water along the campsite that contribute to a beautifully green oasis of a meadow."
Urban escape with minimal driving: For those wanting proximity to urban amenities, Mount Lowe Trail Campground provides a wilderness experience without long travel. "It was eerily quiet at night. We were the only ones there and can hear our own heartbeats laying there at night," reports a visitor who stayed in May.
What campers like
Solitude despite urban proximity: Millard Trail Campground offers relative tranquility despite its urban location. "Bikepacked in for a quick overnighter. Settled on one of the 6 tent sites. Nice campground, active stream in the middle of summer. Waterfall 30 minutes hike upstream," shares one visitor.
First-time backpacking destination: Several campers note that Valley Forge Trail Camp works well for backpacking novices. "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."
Year-round accessibility: Monte Cristo Campground maintains availability throughout all seasons. A visitor notes, "It's in between two peaks (hills on east and west) so you can sleep in and in late afternoon, you're not being blasted by the sun. It got hot, but it was bearable."
What you should know
Wildlife precautions: Bears frequent many campgrounds near Glendale. At Monte Cristo, a camper reported, "A bear was on our stuff the first night. I whistled and it ran away. In the morning today, we seen another, casually walking into the grounds."
Vehicle security concerns: At some locations near urban areas, car break-ins can occur. A Millard Trail Campground visitor warns, "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."
Fire restrictions vary seasonally: Regulations change frequently across Angeles National Forest. At Monte Cristo Campground, a visitor noted, "There was a fire restriction. No bonfires, no cooking on stoves and there was no water due to a leak."
Limited cell reception: Most forest campsites lack reliable connectivity. A camper at Chilao Campground warned, "note: cell phone reception there, be warned!"
Tips for camping with families
Start with established sites: For first-time camping families, Chilao Campground offers accessibility with basic amenities. "I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS SPOT FOR CASUAL/FUN/CHILL/BEGINNER/FAMILY camping," advises one experienced visitor.
Consider water availability: Water sources at campsites near Glendale can be inconsistent. At Monte Cristo, a visitor noted, "There are water sources on almost all campsites. Or one right next to you if you don't have one. The water does not taste too good, but it serves for washing."
Watch for insects: Some campsites harbor unexpected wildlife. A family camping at Monte Cristo warned, "Campground was okay but be careful because there are black widows everywhere! Especially under the tables of the campsites. Be especially careful if you're traveling with kids."
Tips from RVers
Size limitations matter: Angeles National Forest campgrounds generally accommodate smaller RVs. At Monte Cristo, a camper advised, "I pulled a 26 TT. I came in from the La side of the mountains and found it's easier to go in from Palmdale with a rv or tt. If your hauling anything longer then 20 ft. Try for site 11."
Consider urban options for larger rigs: Thousand Trails Soledad Canyon accommodates larger RVs with more amenities but has environmental factors to consider. "This is a good location to explore LA and greater LA area, 45 min to Hollywood sign. Park is a large TT resort with recently remodeled lodge in 2019," notes one RVer, though cautioning, "The area appears to be a flash flood area with heavy rains."
Noise considerations: Train activity affects some RV parks. One Soledad Canyon camper mentioned, "The only negative is the trains!" while another noted it's "in the middle of nowhere in the desert... very very close to railroad tracks and at night the loud train kept waking us up."
