Camping cabins near Glendale, California sit along the northern edge of the San Gabriel Mountains, with most options located 20-45 minutes from the city center. The area offers cabin camping experiences ranging in elevation from 1,500 to 7,000 feet, creating significant temperature variations throughout the year. Winter nights can drop below freezing at higher elevation sites while summer daytime temperatures regularly exceed 90°F in lower canyon locations.
What to do
Waterfall hikes: Crystal Lake Recreation Area provides access to multiple trail systems through the San Gabriel Mountains. One camper noted, "There is a little store that Adam and his family run. They are great! The brownies are bomb, so get one early." A 20-minute hike from the Crystal Lake Rec Area Campground leads to seasonal waterfalls.
Wildlife watching: The Angeles National Forest surrounding many cabin camping locations offers chances to spot native wildlife. According to one visitor at Millard Trail Campground, "ANIMALS SEEN: Black bear, deer (wandered through our site), red foxes, Stellar's Jays, woodpeckers, other birds." Bring binoculars for better viewing chances.
Short hiking trails: Several campsites connect directly to trail systems ideal for day hiking. A review of Millard Trail Camp explains, "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. Wild life all over the place and a great stream in the wet season through summer."
What campers like
Proximity to Los Angeles: Many visitors appreciate the short travel time from urban areas. One camper at Antfarm LA described it as "a peaceful spot for a long weekend" and "such a close spot and beautiful escape from LA."
Creek access: Several cabin locations feature seasonal water features. A Millard Trail Campground review mentions, "A lovely creek runs south-west along the edge of the campground," while another notes, "There is a stream that flows close to the campground."
Quiet evenings: Most camping cabins near Glendale provide night-time tranquility. According to a visitor 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."
What you should know
Security concerns: Vehicle break-ins occur at some locations. One Millard Trail camper advised, "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."
Crowds on weekends: Many cabin camping areas near Glendale become crowded during peak periods. A camper at Millard Trail noted, "It was a bit busy during the day. They close the gate at 10 pm I believe, so the evening was nice and quiet."
Limited amenities: Most cabin options provide basic facilities. For The White Lodge, cabin-only accommodations include drinking water, toilets, showers, and picnic tables, but visitors should bring their own linens, food supplies, and entertainment options.
Tips for camping with families
Day-use popularity: Some sites attract numerous day visitors. One Millard camper explained, "This campground is not a campground if you want to get away from people because there is a lot of people passing by looking at you. You can't really be isolated or have privacy even though it is a campground."
Child-friendly options: Several locations cater well to families with young children. The TINY TIKI RETRO HIDEAWAY provides a unique cabin experience described by one visitor as having "Amazing spot and stunning views" with private accommodations suitable for families.
Varying bathroom facilities: Bathroom quality varies significantly between sites. Millard Trail Camp has "one restroom on-site which also serves the day-hikers. It is not maintained well, and often smells bad," according to one review, while other locations offer cleaner facilities.
Tips from RVers
Site size limitations: Many cabin areas have limited space for large vehicles. The Thousand Trails Soledad Canyon offers larger sites but requires navigation of "a windy and narrow road but easily manageable with larger RVs," as one visitor noted.
Noise considerations: Some locations experience significant noise disruptions. A camper at Soledad Canyon mentioned, "It's very very close to railroad tracks and at night the loud train kept waking us up."
Parking distance: Several cabin sites require walking to reach accommodations. At Millard Trail Campground, "Parking is about 150 yards away, down a hill, so be prepared to haul your gear." Plan accordingly with wheeled carts or backpacks for easier transport from parking areas to cabin sites.
