Best Tent Camping near Inglewood, CA
Tent campsites near Inglewood offer multiple trail camp options in the nearby San Gabriel Mountains and Topanga State Park, creating accessible backcountry experiences close to the urban center. Musch Trail Camp in Topanga State Park provides walk-in tent sites approximately one mile from Trippet Ranch parking area, while several primitive tent campgrounds are available in the Angeles National Forest foothills, including Millard Trail Campground and Gould Mesa Trail Camp.
Most tent-only sites require short hikes to access, ranging from 150 yards at Millard to approximately 3 miles for more remote options. Sites typically include picnic tables, designated tent pads, and fire rings, though fire restrictions vary seasonally and by location. Bear boxes are provided at several locations due to wildlife activity, particularly at Millard Trail Campground. Vault toilets are common at established sites, but running water is limited – Musch Camp offers drinking water, while others require filtering from nearby streams. A recent review noted, "There's a stream that runs through the campground which makes it very pretty," highlighting the natural water features at Millard.
Areas closest to trailheads experience significant day-hiker traffic, impacting privacy at tent sites adjacent to popular paths. According to one visitor, "It's not the most scenic campground itself, but the state park has plenty of beauty to offer on its hiking trails." Most primitive tent campgrounds become quieter after sunset when park gates close and day visitors depart. Tree cover provides good shade at most locations, with oak and sycamore canopies common at lower elevations. Campers frequently use these tent-only sites as starting points for longer hikes to destinations like Millard Falls or deeper Angeles National Forest trails. Several backcountry campgrounds remain free of charge, though some, like Musch Trail Camp, charge approximately $7 per person per night. Most primitive tent setups require campers to pack in their own water or bring filtration systems for stream water.