Best Campgrounds near Hacienda Heights, CA

Campgrounds near Hacienda Heights provide access to both urban-adjacent and mountain recreation areas within a short drive. Bonelli Bluffs in San Dimas offers lakeside camping with full hookups for RVs, while Crystal Lake Recreation Area in the Angeles National Forest provides a more rustic mountain experience with tent sites, RV spots, and cabins. The region includes a mix of state parks, county facilities, and national forest campgrounds that accommodate various camping styles from developed RV parks with amenities to more primitive sites in natural settings.

Many campgrounds in the area require reservations, particularly during summer months and holidays when sites fill quickly. Road conditions vary significantly between urban and mountain destinations, with higher elevation campgrounds like Crystal Lake requiring careful driving on mountain roads. "This campground is located in California and is one of my favorites. Located above Crystal Lake you'll find Little Jimmy, it's a backcountry hike-in only campground nestled just 2 miles off the Angeles Crest Highway," noted one visitor about a nearby trail camp. Weather considerations include hot summers in lower elevations and cooler temperatures in mountain areas, with winter snow possible at higher elevations in the Angeles National Forest.

Campers frequently mention the contrast between developed urban campgrounds and more secluded forest sites. The proximity to Los Angeles means many campgrounds serve as convenient getaways while still providing natural experiences. Several visitors highlighted the value of campgrounds that offer beach access within driving distance. One camper observed that Crystal Lake "never disappoints on the spectacular views. Its not dispersed but definitely slightly more rustic than people plan for." Facilities range from basic sites with pit toilets to full-service RV parks with hookups, showers, and laundry. Most developed campgrounds in the region feature fire rings, picnic tables, and access to potable water, though fire restrictions are common during dry seasons due to wildfire concerns.

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Best Camping Sites Near Hacienda Heights, California (192)

    1. Bonelli Bluffs

    38 Reviews
    South El Monte, CA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (909) 599-8355

    $76 - $88 / night

    "⭐⭐⭐⭐

    Our experience at Bonelli Bluffs Campground was mostly positive, but there were a couple of aspects that could be improved."

    "The views around the outskirts of B loop are just lovely, the staff has been so friendly and helpful (we’re RV newbies and had a ton of questions) the store was stocked with all of the little things we"

    2. Anaheim Harbor RV Park

    13 Reviews
    Anaheim, CA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (714) 535-6495

    $55 - $70 / night

    "Nice bathrooms and hot showers with laundry on location. Good amount of space between sites. Very short drive or 20ish minute walk to Disneyland. Extremely helpful and kind staff."

    "Park is within walking to the Disneyland park.

    The tent sites are very small with a picnic table and AstroTurf."

    3. Rolling M. Ranch Campground — Chino Hills State Park

    14 Reviews
    Chino Hills, CA
    16 miles

    $30 - $120 / night

    "This is a nice, small campground with easy access to many freeways.  "

    "That probably makes sense since a side entrance is only a mile down the road from us.

    We hike this several times a month."

    4. Prado Regional Park

    21 Reviews
    Chino, CA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (909) 597-4260

    $47 - $120 / night

    "I grew up around in the area so I have been to this park quite a few times for a few different reasons. It is a very expansive and versatile area."

    "It's a nice park great for long walks and trail riding on bikes great for the dog 🐕 also a bit windy so you need to keep a eye on your awning, great cell service with at&t ."

    5. Orangeland RV Park

    9 Reviews
    Anaheim, CA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (714) 633-0414

    $75 - $90 / night

    "Anaheim transit makes on-demand stops her to Disneyland as well as Garden Walk. Very helpful, friendly staff. Many residents mixed with overnight era or vacationers. "

    "First time staying here, it will be our place to stay in California."

    6. China Camp State Park Campground

    10 Reviews
    Chino Hills, CA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (415) 456-0766

    $35 - $175 / night

    "You won't be able to drive up to your campsite. You have to carry your gear in a short distance from the parking lot."

    "Located on the west side of the San Rafael/Richmond Bridge, on San Francisco Bay, this park is extremely popular with mountain bikers. "

    7. Coldbrook Campground

    18 Reviews
    Glendora, CA
    21 miles
    Website

    "We left LA (Hollywood) on a Friday afternoon around 3, and were setting up camp by 5! Luckily a friend got to the campground before us though, as he snagged the last of the 20 or so sites there."

    "Coldbrooke is a excellent campground that is relatively close to the city. The camp host was super helpful in explaining the fire restrictions and overall questions."

    8. Crystal Lake Rec Area Campground

    26 Reviews
    Valyermo, CA
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (626) 335-1251

    "We’ve done Crystal Lake probably 6 dozen times or more in our time in California and it never disappoints on the spectacular views."

    "Whenever I need to get away from LALA Land, I head up here.  I grew up in the mountains of western Pennsylvania, so , sometimes , I need to kick back and recharge."

    9. Rosemead 12 miles to DT Los Angeles

    2 Reviews
    Monterey Park, CA
    8 miles
    +1 (323) 540-8451

    $0 - $1000 / night

    10. Bolsa Chica State Beach Campground

    19 Reviews
    Huntington Beach, CA
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (714) 846-3460

    $60 - $70 / night

    "Beachfront camping in the heart of southern California. Concrete/asphalt sites with water electric and dump station. Adjacent to PCH so road noise but steps away from great sand beaches."

    "Super convenient beach front parking with good restrooms and outdoor showers as well as a beach path perfect for walking, biking, rollerblading, etc."

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Recent Reviews near Hacienda Heights, CA

1252 Reviews of 192 Hacienda Heights Campgrounds


  • B
    Aug. 29, 2025

    Tapo Canyon Park

    Favorite spot near LA

    The Camp Hosts here are Very Friendly and welcoming, the campground has a lush grass area and nice covered playground. The showers and bathrooms are nice, we highly recommend Tapo Canyon.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 23, 2025

    Malibu Creek State Park Campground

    Great trip/great site!

    This place is great! We stayed on site 59 and it had so much space you can fit a ton of people on the site. We had a beautiful, big tree and a great view in the back of the site. Site 62 had the most beautiful view but no shade, but I want to book it for the cooler months. Showers and bathrooms were pristine!! Can’t wait to go back!

  • Wayne S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 11, 2025

    Applewhite Campground (Ca) — San Bernardino National Forest

    Nice little park

    Very small campground. Camping sites are spread out. The access road is very narrow. We did it with a 22 foot fifth wheel. Space 41 could hold a much longer rig but it would be a challenge even getting to that space. There were only two other campers here while we were here. Lots of trees but not so thick you dont get some sun. The road getting to the campgrounds is somewhat narrow and has some hairpin turns so again it might be difficult for someone with a long trailer We camped at Applewhite Campground in a Fifth Wheel.

  • Michael R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 10, 2025

    Malibu Creek State Park Campground

    Malibu Creek State Park

    The campground is well laid out with plenty of shade available in most sites throughout the day. Sites aren’t too close to one another, restrooms are modern and clean and people were pretty quiet at night and in the early mornings. Main demographic was families when I camped here.

  • ROCKSTAR C.
    Aug. 7, 2025

    Hare School Park

    It’s the sports fields parking lot

    I’ve been here for a couple days and nobody’s mess with us. There’s other people that are staying in another parking lot attached that are homeless in their vehicles mostly cars and vans. I’m in a 25 foot Fleetwood RV. There’s a dog park kind of area with a big field they can run around and just clean up after them.There’s no public bathrooms, but there are trash cans so clean up after yourself please. It’s not tent friendly. I don’t believe.

  • Lizzette M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 7, 2025

    Hollywood RV Park

    Gem near the big city

    I came 3 days ago in my class C. Showers and restrooms were clean and supplied. The RV is cute very Hollywood movies vibes. Trees lovely gardens to walk the dogs. Commerce walking distance. I’m staying 8 more days.✌️


Guide to Hacienda Heights

Camping near Hacienda Heights offers varied terrain from the San Gabriel Mountains to urban-adjacent recreation areas within a 30-mile radius. The area's elevation ranges from 400 feet in the city to over 5,000 feet in nearby mountain campgrounds, creating distinct temperature zones that can differ by 15-20 degrees between lowland and highland sites. Winter nights at higher elevation campgrounds like Crystal Lake Recreation Area can drop below freezing, while summer daytime temperatures in lower elevation sites frequently exceed 90°F.

What to do

Mountain biking on established trails: At Chino Hills State Park, you'll find extensive trail systems through rolling hills just minutes from urban areas. "This state park has 14,000 acres. It feels secluded, but the city is only 20 minutes away. The trails are varied, accessible by horseback, hiking, biking. Some trails are ready walking, some very strenuous," notes one visitor.

Fishing at nearby lakes: Prado Regional Park provides fishing opportunities when algae conditions permit. Be aware of seasonal restrictions though, as one camper points out that during their visit there was "no fishing allowed due to toxic algae." The park features a 60-acre lake stocked seasonally.

Water recreation activities: Bonelli Bluffs in San Dimas (just 7 miles from Hacienda Heights) offers multiple water activities. "There is camping, horseback riding, fishing, trails, biking, hiking, picnics, you can use your jet skies in designated areas, swimming on the pool areas, kayaking, Park for kids and plenty more," explains a camper who visits regularly.

Hiking to spectacular views: At Crystal Lake Recreation Area, multiple trail options range from easy to challenging. The trails offer unique perspectives of the Los Angeles basin from elevations over 5,000 feet. One regular visitor appreciates that "there are several hiking trails here that are well used and well maintained. This is a great campground near the city."

What campers like

Privacy between sites: Many campers appreciate the spacing at Prado Regional Park, which offers more separation than typical urban campgrounds. "The sites here are pretty nice and far enough apart to have some privacy. Overall, nice camping if you're OK with a few bugs," reports one visitor. Sites typically have 15-20 feet of separation.

Convenience to urban attractions: Anaheim Harbor RV Park provides easy access to major attractions. "You stay here to do Disney," explains one camper. "We walked to and back from Disney. Super easy. It's a mile each way." Many visitors appreciate this location for quick access to entertainment venues.

Wildlife viewing opportunities: Several campgrounds offer chances to spot native wildlife. At Coldbrook Campground, campers report bear sightings: "We have camped here a few times. Had an encounter with a bear both times. Lost our marshmellows." Higher elevation sites generally offer more wildlife viewing opportunities.

Seasonal wildflower displays: Spring visitors to Chino Hills State Park can experience impressive wildflower blooms. "This year it was a good place to see the wildflowers," notes one visitor. The best viewing typically occurs March through early May, dependent on winter rainfall patterns.

What you should know

Fire restrictions vary by location and season: Fire rules change frequently based on conditions. At Coldbrook Campground, campers should check current regulations before arrival. One visitor reported: "We camped during a no fire period so no campfires or outdoor propane gas stove fires. We sat in the darkness and took in the stars with the sound of the creek below us."

Weather extremes between locations: Lower elevation campgrounds can be significantly hotter than mountain sites. At Crystal Lake Recreation Area, temperatures average 15-20 degrees cooler than Hacienda Heights during summer months. "Stayed here two nights in August, it was nice and cool a good break from the heat," reports one camper.

Weekend crowding at popular sites: Most campgrounds within an hour of Hacienda Heights fill quickly on weekends. A visitor to Coldbrook Campground advises: "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!!!!"

Access road conditions vary significantly: Mountain campground roads can be challenging for larger vehicles. One RVer at Chino Hills State Park notes: "We drove up in our 26ft motorhome and while we made it, I'm not sure that I'd want to make that drive again. It's very narrow and winding, single lane at times, lots of traffic (and so lots of backing up and negotiating around other cars in the narrower sections)."

Tips for camping with families

Look for campgrounds with dedicated children's areas: Orangeland RV Park offers family-friendly amenities. "Little tufts of fake grass (real on one side, none on the cheap spots) with full hook ups. Nice bathrooms and hot showers with laundry on location. Good amount of space between sites," reports a family that stayed there.

Consider proximity to emergency services: When camping with children, especially in remote mountain locations, know the distance to the nearest medical facilities. Crystal Lake Recreation Area is approximately 45 minutes from the nearest hospital in Azusa, while urban campgrounds like Bonelli Bluffs are within 10 minutes of medical centers.

Pack for variable temperatures: Temperature swings of 30+ degrees between day and night are common in mountain campgrounds. A family visiting Coldbrook Campground advises: "It was nice and cool a good break from the heat. There are a lot of sites here for camping unfortunately they are not all open for use."

Bring extra water for hygiene: Several campgrounds have limited water supplies. One family camping at Coldbrook notes: "Good campground... Stream and faucets nearby," but advises bringing additional water for washing up, as stream water isn't suitable for hygiene purposes.

Tips from RVers

Check site dimensions carefully: Many campgrounds near Hacienda Heights have size restrictions or tight spaces. At Bolsa Chica State Beach Campground, "The spaces aren't huge so if you have a big rig or large trailer it will be tight. Most trailers parked their tow vehicle perpendicular to the space and some barely fit."

Ask about site surface types: RV sites vary from paved pads to dirt/gravel areas. At Orangeland RV Park, one RVer notes: "Super friendly staff, super clean, 2 dog parks, offers really good wifi & cable. Can pick the oranges out of the tree." The park features hard-surfaced sites suitable for leveling larger rigs.

Verify hookup availability before booking: Not all campgrounds offer full hookups. At Crystal Lake Recreation Area, no hookups are available, while Bonelli Bluffs provides complete services. "A little pricey but very nice facility. All hookups 30/50 amp. Cable TV. There's a pool," reports one RV camper at Bonelli Bluffs.

Consider noise factors when selecting sites: Road noise affects some campgrounds significantly. A Bolsa Chica State Beach camper warns: "Great location. I mean what can I say to diminish a beach spot for 60 bucks? How about a motorcycle passing right outside your bedroom window at 12,000 rpm every two minutes all night long?"

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best camping sites near Hacienda Heights?

Hacienda Heights residents have several excellent camping options within an hour's drive. Bonelli Bluffs in San Dimas offers a beautiful lakeside setting with spacious sites along the outer edges of the campground. For nature lovers, Ronald W. Caspers Wilderness Park provides an oasis of green grass and Coastal Live Oak trees that feels removed from suburban sprawl despite its proximity. Both locations offer clean facilities and access to outdoor activities. Additional options include O'Neill Regional Park for hiking and mountain biking enthusiasts, and several beach campgrounds within reasonable driving distance for those seeking coastal experiences.

What tent camping options are available around Hacienda Heights?

Tent campers near Hacienda Heights have diverse options to choose from. Little Jimmy Trail Campground is a hike-in backcountry site located just 2 miles off Angeles Crest Highway, offering around 7 first-come, first-served sites with fire rings and vault toilets. For beach camping, San Clemente State Beach Campground provides ample space with ocean views from most sites. O'Neill Regional Park in the canyon offers clean tent sites with free showers and excellent hiking trails. Additional options include Lake Campground with its large, flat tent sites near a lake, and San Mateo Campground with private sites within walking distance to the beach.

Are there RV parks available near Hacienda Heights?

Yes, several RV-friendly parks are available near Hacienda Heights. Bolsa Chica State Beach Campground offers beachfront camping with concrete/asphalt sites that include water, electric hookups, and a dump station. It's conveniently located near Long Beach and Disneyland. Anaheim Harbor RV Park is another excellent option with full hookups and big-rig-friendly sites. Prado Regional Park provides RV camping with water and hookups, while Lake Perris State Recreational Area offers spacious sites for larger rigs. Most parks in the area require reservations, especially during peak seasons.