Dispersed camping near Glendale offers alternatives to established campgrounds with several roadside pull-offs and hike-in options. Located at 34.22 degrees north and 118.18 degrees west in the San Gabriel Mountains, the area sits at elevations between 1,500 and 5,700 feet providing cooler temperatures than the nearby Los Angeles basin. Winter camping can see overnight temperatures drop below freezing while summer daytime highs regularly exceed 90°F.
What to do
Hiking nearby trails: At Chilao Campground, the Silver Moccasin north spur trail begins just a half mile from the campground loop. "Not a ton of hiking but the Silver Moccasin north spur is a lovely short hike and only about 1/2 mile from the camp ground loop," notes Jordan R.
Wildlife viewing: Observe local fauna including rabbits, coyotes and ravens. "From my favorite the Jet black Ravens, rabbits, coyotes, and interesting botany there are plenty of creatures to aww and be thankful for," reports Rachel A. from Thousand Trails Soledad Canyon.
Stream exploration: Filter water from seasonal creeks for drinking. "If you have a filter there is no need to hike in water," shares Jamie G. about Gould Mesa Trail Campground. The camp lies approximately 2 miles from trailheads with several stream crossings along level terrain.
Waterfall hunting: Follow Bear Creek from Bear Canyon Campground to discover multiple falls. "Follow the creek (which is GORGEOUS with waterfalls and shade in the spring) and go all the way to the end," advises Shannon E.
What campers like
Secluded camp sites: Many campers appreciate the privacy between sites at Chilao Campground. "Lots of spots were hidden by rocks and or large brush," notes Deb G. "The campsites are very spacious and clean (bathrooms were clean too!)," adds Melinda M.
City views: From Angeles Crest Overlook to LA, visitors can see the entire Los Angeles basin. "Great view but on the weekend we had multiple cars doing donuts really close to our van," warns Nicole D., who recommends smaller vans or car camping at this location.
Easy access: Most dog friendly campgrounds near Glendale are within a short drive from the city. "Great spot to get away but had to be close enough to get home in a hurry. Drove up on Friday morning and had a wonderful weekend," shares Jordan R. about Chilao Campground.
Seasonal water features: Creek levels vary dramatically throughout the year. "Bear Creek (seasonal) can be reached from Tom Sloan Saddle or Switzer Falls Trailhead," notes Anthony K. regarding Valley Forge Trail Camp, which requires a 3.5 mile hike in.
What you should know
Fire restrictions: Check current regulations before planning to cook or have campfires. "There was a fire restriction. No bonfires, no cooking on stoves and there was no water due to a leak," reports Lianne A. at Monte Cristo Campground.
Wildlife hazards: Be prepared to manage encounters with potentially dangerous animals. "Be careful because there are black widows everywhere! Especially under the tables of the campsites," warns Joshua P. about Monte Cristo.
Weekend crowds: Weekdays offer significantly quieter experiences. "During the week it's more quiet. Close to town so that is a plus," notes Nicole D. about roadside camping along Angeles Crest Highway.
Noise considerations: Some camping areas experience late-night disturbances. "Cars did flow in and out occasionally through the night until around midnight, so that wasn't great but not awful either," shares Valerie about Angeles Crest Overlook.
Tips for camping with families
Beginner-friendly options: Look for sites with shorter hiking distances for kids. "This is a nice hike-in campground with about ten sites available and a privy," says Tom P. about Gould Mesa. "It's around 2 miles to camp on a leveled surface with a few stream crossings," adds Tony C.
Dog management: Keep pets leashed for their safety around wildlife. "If you have dogs I would recommend the trail pull off my dogs really enjoyed the hike," suggests Nicole D., highlighting one of the more pet-friendly campgrounds near Glendale.
Water source planning: Teach children about water conservation and filtration. "Running stream at site so no need to bring a lot of water, just a filtration system and a jug," advises Tony C. about Gould Mesa.
Day activities: Many camps experience high day-use traffic. "This hike is better in the cool seasons plus during the summer they bring vans full of kids up here for day outings," explains Tom P.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategies: At Dockweiler Beach RV Park, choose between hookup areas and dry camping. "The RV park has a hookup area and a dry camping area. The hookups are full of large rigs, very close one with another, in a parking lot style. The dry camp provides much more space, but only relatively small RVs," explains Ignasi M.
Access considerations: Some Angeles National Forest roads have sharp turns and size restrictions. "The town of Acton is small rural town with a few stores. The area appears to be a flash flood area with heavy rains," notes Tyler V.
Environmental factors: Prepare for noise at sites near highways or airports. "You will hear each and every of the planes taking off from LAX, but at one point you don't hear them anymore," reports Ignasi M.
Weekend planning: Arrive early on weekdays for better site selection. "Lots of open spots early Friday but the place was packed Saturday night," observes Jordan R.
Legend
