Best Tent Camping near Glendora, CA
Tent campers seeking backcountry experiences near Glendora, California can find several primitive sites along trails in the Angeles National Forest. Little Jimmy Trail Campground and Spruce Grove Trail Camp offer established tent-only camping areas accessible by hiking trails, with no vehicle access. These primitive tent sites provide an opportunity to camp away from developed areas while remaining relatively close to urban Southern California.
Most tent campgrounds in this area require hiking to access, with trails ranging from 2 to 8 miles in length. Campgrounds like Hoegees Trail Camp and Valley Forge Trail Camp feature picnic tables, fire rings, and primitive facilities. Seasonal fire restrictions often apply, especially during summer and fall months. Water availability varies by location, with some sites requiring filtration from nearby creeks. A camper noted, "Stream water must be boiled or filtered," emphasizing the importance of water treatment at these primitive sites. Vault toilets are present at some locations but may not be maintained regularly.
Areas along creek beds and under tree canopies provide natural shade and cooling for tent campers. Hike-in tent sites typically offer greater seclusion than vehicle-accessible campgrounds in neighboring areas. The Angeles National Forest tent campsites sit at elevations ranging from 3,000 to 5,500 feet, providing cooler temperatures during summer months. Many tent-only sites connect to longer trail networks including the Pacific Crest Trail, making them suitable for multi-day hiking trips. A recent review described Little Jimmy as "a backcountry hike-in only campground nestled just 2 miles off the Angeles Crest Highway" with "vintage backcountry ovens" and access to springs for water. Bear activity is common in these areas, with some campgrounds providing bear lockers for food storage. Most primitive tent campgrounds in this region operate on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservations accepted.
