Tent camping near Hacienda Heights, California offers secluded wilderness experiences within Angeles National Forest at elevations ranging from 2,000-5,000 feet. The region experiences summer temperatures averaging 80-90°F during day and 50-60°F at night, with seasonal creek flows strongest from February through May. Most trail camps require hiking distances of 1-8 miles to reach sites, creating natural buffers from urban noise.
What to do
Creek exploration: Millard Trail Campground provides access to seasonal waterways with short hikes to cascading falls. "There is a stream that flows close to the campground and there are toilets (no water)," notes one camper who appreciated the convenience of water access without vehicle camping.
Mountain biking trails: China Camp State Park Campground connects to extensive trail systems popular with cyclists. "Located on the west side of the San Rafael/Richmond Bridge, on San Francisco Bay, this park is extremely popular with mountain bikers. There are definitely better mountain biking trails in Marin but keep in mind that the bar is very high for mountain biking in Marin."
Wildlife observation: The forest camps host diverse animal species, especially in early morning and evening hours. At Bear Canyon Campground, visitors report: "Great campground with multiple sites. Fire pits & along Bear Creek (seasonal). Can be reached from Tom Sloan Saddle or Switzer Falls Trailhead."
What campers like
Solitude and spacing: Valley Forge Trail Camp earns praise for its layout and separation between sites. A camper notes: "Campgrounds are spread out well giving each site plenty of space. We filtered water from the 'river' - seemed like a creek to me. There seems to be a full container of propane for a small camping stove in one of the bathroom stalls."
Creek access: Many campsites position along seasonal waterways, providing both scenery and practical water sources. "This is a beautiful campground up in the hills above Altadena with a great view of the valley below. Lots of greenery and flowing water in the winter season with wildlife all along the trail and campground," reports a visitor to Idlehour Campground.
Proximity to LA: Despite feeling remote, these camps remain remarkably close to urban areas. "It's a nice little getaway without leaving the city, perfect for a one nighter or to backpack in with the kiddos. It's around 2 miles to camp on a leveled surface with a few stream crossings," shares a Gould Mesa Trail Camp visitor.
What you should know
Fire restrictions: Most trail camps have seasonal fire bans, especially during summer and fall. "Sites include fire rings, picnic tables, and food storage box," notes a visitor to Spruce Grove Trail Campground, but always check current restrictions before planning to cook with open flame.
Water treatment: Creeks provide water sources but require proper filtration. "Stream water must be boiled or filtered. You can get a free fire permit from the pack station," advises a Hoegees Trail Camp visitor.
Wildlife encounters: "The raccoons here are AGGRESSIVE! They won't attack you, but they will walk right up to your camp and try to steal your food. I stupidly left my tent unzipped for a few minutes to run up and use the bathroom at night and came back to find 2 rooting around my things," warns a China Camp visitor.
Car security: Several parking areas experience break-ins. "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."
Tips for camping with families
Short-distance options: Hoegees Trail Camp offers accessible backpacking for younger hikers. "Hoegee's is 2 miles hike from Chantry Flats by way of the Lower Winter Creek Trail. The site is named for Hoegee's resort which stood just upstream. This facility has 15 campsites, each with table, fire ring and wood-burning stove."
Stream play areas: Children enjoy wading in creek spots during spring and early summer. "The creek kept our dogs cool as they would jump in and out of the small pools we had a great time we hung out at the waterfall as it's a gorgeous spot to hang out."
Day hike potential: From established camps, families can take shorter explorations. "Go behind campsite one and you will find a 6 mile hike in and out to two different waterfalls. Really fun and refreshing, limited shade in hike, so a dip at the end is so nice!"
Gear transport: "You can't really be isolated or have privacy even though it is a campground. People come here to hike into the trails to the waterfall. Which I can say the waterfall is nice. But other than that I wouldn't recommend coming here to camp. Maybe day use only but not overnight camping."
Tips from RVers
No vehicle access: Angeles National Forest trail camps exclusively serve tent campers without RV accommodation. "The parking lot is just behind the corner out of view. The only downside is that there are a couple of holiday houses in the surrounding forest and there is the trailer of the camp manager."
Basecamp options: Glenn Trail Camp Campground provides a hybrid experience. "The trailhead to the campground is impossible to miss, as it is marked by a large parking lot and a sign marked 'Cogswell Dam'. This campground is so perfect for bikepacking novices or those looking to do a gear check because it's an honest 6.5 miles of a relatively flat paved road."
Parking limitations: "Parking is about 150 yards away, down a hill, so be prepared to haul your gear. The campground is situated at a popular trailhead, and there is lots of good hiking nearby. But, this is also a high-traffic area on spring and summer weekends."
