The San Gabriel Mountains north of Inglewood, California range from 2,000 to 8,000 feet in elevation, creating diverse backcountry camping opportunities within 20-30 miles of the urban center. Tent campsites near Inglewood offer both primitive and improved options, with most sites requiring at least short hikes to access. Stream access varies dramatically by season, with spring months typically providing the most reliable water sources.
What to do
Morning hikes to waterfalls: Millard Trail Campground serves as a gateway to Millard Falls, a 20-minute hike from the campsite. "About a 20 minute hike and you can end up at a waterfall which is very pretty. But there are several trails to take for hiking and biking and I saw lots of people doing that," reports one camper.
Bird watching in oak woodlands: The oak and sycamore canopies at Mount Lowe Trail Campground provide habitat for numerous bird species. A visitor noted, "Great hike, great views, great foliage," highlighting the natural diversity found along the trail to the campground.
Overnight backpacking loops: Create multi-day hiking experiences by connecting Valley Forge Trail Camp with other nearby trail camps. "Took some friends for their first ever backpacking trip, great intro to the experience. Trail camp is in the canyon so it's an easy 3.5 mile hike in, but a tough hike out of the canyon," shares one backpacker.
What campers like
Creek access during spring months: Many campers appreciate the seasonal streams that run through several campsites. At Hoegees Trail Camp, "Site is shady year round with perennial water," notes one visitor, making it a reliable option even during drier months.
Solitude on weeknights: Weekday camping offers significantly more privacy at most locations. A visitor to Musch Trail Camp reported, "Not a single other party at the campsite on a Tuesday in September. The facilities and grounds were well maintained. Pretty short hike from the parking lot."
Easy access from urban areas: The proximity of these sites to Inglewood makes them practical for overnight getaways. One camper at Gould Mesa Trail Campground noted, "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."
What you should know
Car break-in concerns: The parking areas at some trailheads have security issues. A camper at Millard Trail Campground warned, "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."
Weekend crowds vs. weekday solitude: The difference between weekend and weekday camping experiences is substantial. At Gould Mesa Trail Camp, "It's known for squatters but didn't encounter any unpleasant ones," while others note that trail traffic diminishes significantly after park gates close.
Seasonal fire restrictions: Fire regulations vary throughout the year and by location. Musch Trail Camp has strict rules: "FIRES ARE NOT ALLOWED," while Valley Forge Trail Camp permits fires with proper permits during certain times of the year.
Tips for camping with families
Short trail options: For families with young hikers, choose sites with shorter access trails. Valley Forge Trail Camp offers "a tough hike out of the canyon" but the hike in is "an easy 3.5 mile hike" making it manageable for families with older children.
Stream activities for kids: Seasonal streams provide natural play areas at several sites. At Bear Canyon Campground, one visitor describes the creek as "GORGEOUS with waterfalls and shade in the spring" and notes "when the creek is ice-cold, you are just spoiled."
Toilet facilities: Bathroom options vary widely between sites. A camper at Musch Trail Camp reported, "The campground has around 6 campsites in two sections surrounded by fencing. Each site has a picnic table. There is also a restroom with flush toilets and sinks as well as a water spigot."
Tips from RVers
Tent-only alternatives near RV areas: Most primitive tent campsites near Inglewood are not RV accessible, but Spruce Grove Trail Campground offers an alternative. "This is a hike in campground that has stoves and a creek running through. The sites are nicely spaced and there is plenty of shade. Perfect little backpacking trip," notes one visitor.
Parking limitations: Many trailheads have limited parking spaces. A visitor to Hoegees Trail Camp advises, "Parking fills up within an hour on weekends so get there as soon as the parking lot opens at 6am."
Remote site access challenges: Some sites can't be reached with vehicles at all. One frustrated visitor to Mount Lowe Campground discovered, "The road has a gate on it, which is locked 8pm-6am. Once past that gate, you'll soon hit another, this one closed to all motorized vehicles. GPS says another 5.5 miles and 33 minutes (driving!) time to the campsite."
