Backcountry tent camping near La Palma, California provides access to wilderness areas within the Angeles National Forest at elevations ranging from 1,500 to 5,700 feet. The San Gabriel Mountains offer a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, sometimes wet winters. Most trails to wilderness campsites follow creek beds or ridge lines with significant elevation changes and minimal shade during summer months.
What to Do
Hiking and photography opportunities: The trail to Bear Canyon Campground follows a creek with multiple water features. "Trail tends to get iffy at points, but you kinda get to know the flow of it if it disappears into rocks or the creek. You start to go uphill again and the creek switches its flow so you're suddenly walking up stream," notes Shannon E., who adds "when the creek is ice-cold, you are just spoiled."
Mountain biking access: Some campgrounds can be reached by bike rather than hiking. The road to Glenn Trail Camp Campground is designated as a National Scenic Bikeway. Kevin L. explains, "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."
Fishing spots: Creek access provides trout fishing opportunities during certain seasons. At Glenn Trail Camp, "If you're trying to bike_fish_ (it's a thing), this road is lined with fishing platforms for all sorts of trout, as the river follows a road the entire way," says Kevin L., making this location ideal for catching dinner at your campsite.
What Campers Like
Secluded sites with privacy: Many campers appreciate the natural separation between sites. At China Camp State Park Campground, Tim J. notes, "The campground was not busy and this allowed me to pick a spot hidden away from others. There are many hiking opportunities and chances to see wildlife (deer, wild turkey, rabbits, squirrels, racoons, and birds)."
Urban proximity with wilderness feel: Many sites offer wilderness experiences despite their closeness to urban areas. Laura F. says about China Camp State Park, "Amazingly, this campground is just minutes from Marin or San Rafael but you feel far away from civilization." Nathaniel S. adds, "For locals, this is an awesome spot located right in the Bay Area."
Wildlife encounters: The campgrounds provide opportunities to observe wildlife in natural settings. While staying at Valley Forge Trail Camp, Kelly B. found "a beautifully green owasis of a meadow" where hikers enjoy the "crisp, fresh water along the campsite." Rosie C. warns about China Camp: "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."
What You Should Know
Stream water requires treatment: Most campsites lack potable water sources. At Idlehour Trail Campground, Kelly M. notes, "There is a flowing creek right along the camp, and a 10 foot waterfall just 50 yards away," but hikers must bring filtration systems to make this water safe for drinking.
Seasonal closures and fire restrictions: Roads to trailheads may close seasonally or after weather events. Bryce C. warns about Valley Forge Trail Camp: "drove all the way to the turn in to find the road was closed." Tom P. advises about fire safety at multiple campgrounds: "Check for fire permits" and "Check for fire restrictions."
Limited toilet facilities: Most backcountry sites have minimal facilities. William K. says about Bear Canyon Campground: "Three fire pits, dig your own commode, lots of water year round, but little wood. Expect to forage far if you want a fire." Shannon E. adds a reminder about waste: "make sure your cat holes are 6 inches deep because there are no toilets."
Tips for Camping with Families
Short hikes for beginners: For families with young hikers, select trails with manageable distances. CodyRay C. recommends Valley Forge Trail Camp: "Campgrounds are spread out nicely. Perfect quiet place... Toilets available, we filtered water from the West Fork San Gabriel River that seems more like a creek. Picnic tables and fire rings made food preparing especially easy."
Wildlife safety measures: Teaching children about proper food storage is essential. Veronica H. shares her experience at China Camp: "I am camping with my husband and 3 kids and our puppy. The hosts are friendly, cheap firewood... There are coons here so you can't keep any food out when dark comes near! Families will love this spot for sure!"
Creek exploration opportunities: Children enjoy playing in shallow creek areas when water is flowing. At Spruce Grove Trail Campground, Amanda K. reports: "Great spot with beautiful hikes! We were there with a larger group for a scout trip and it was great. Lots of room for our tents." Tom P. adds it has "no privy but decent tent sites. There's no running water but the creek is usually running."
Tips from RVers
Parking limitations and access: RVs cannot access most wilderness camp areas directly. At Millard Trail Campground, jonnysunami explains: "There's a parking lot that fits about 20 cars. There's about 100 yd hike to the campsites. There's a road that leads to the campsite but it's been blocked off. Only the campsite managers use that road so it's not accessible by RV, just tents."
Day use options: RV campers can park at designated lots and hike into wilderness areas for day use. Jessica P. notes about Millard Trail Campground: "First of all this campground is not a campground if you want to get away from people because there is a lot of people passing by looking at you... People come here to hike into the trails to the waterfall. Which I can say the waterfall is nice."
