Primitive tent camping options near Leona Valley provide a variety of experiences from desert to forest environments at elevations ranging from 2,600 to 5,900 feet. The area experiences significant temperature variations, with summer daytime temperatures reaching the 90s and winter nights sometimes dropping below freezing. Many campgrounds require an Adventure Pass for overnight stays, available at nearby gas stations and outdoor retailers.
What to do
Hike to waterfalls: Millard Trail Campground offers access to Millard Falls via a half-mile trail that's suitable for all skill levels. "A nice hike of about 1/2 mile up to Millard Falls that is easy for kids and grown ups. Wild life all over the place and a great stream in the wet season through summer," notes one Millard Trail Campground visitor.
Explore Joshua tree forests: The desert landscapes at Joshua Tree Ranch Los Angeles provide unique hiking opportunities. "I've had some amazing times out here getting away from it all, and there's something about the atmosphere out here that makes the BEST sunsets. You can get right up in the joshua trees, and a lot of the time you have the place all to yourself," shares a camper at Joshua Tree Ranch Los Angeles.
Trek sections of the Pacific Crest Trail: Mount Pacifico Campground serves as an excellent base for PCT hikers. "Great views 360 degrees once you're on top. A 7 mile hike north on the Pacific Crest Trail from mill creek fire station," reports a hiker who stayed at Mount Pacifico Campground.
What campers like
Desert solitude and stargazing: The remote setting of Joshua Tree Ranch offers exceptional night sky viewing away from city lights. "When there's snow on the Tehachapi mountains and the San Gabriel mountains, the view is incredible. And it's Southern California, so it doesn't really get cold," explains one camper.
Accessibility for quick getaways: Oak Flat Campground provides convenient camping just minutes from major highways. "We were originally going to do an overnight stay at a gas station or Walmart but had a hard time finding one in this area. Luckily we found this spot which was just a few minutes of the highway," shares a visitor at Oak Flat Campground.
Wooded campsites with natural features: The mature trees and rock formations at Oak Flat create natural site separation. "Nice wooded area, camp spots are nicely separated, quiet with the exception of the distant hiss of the freeway (not bad - convince yourself it's a distant waterfall)," notes a camper.
What you should know
Limited facilities and water access: Most tent camping near Leona Valley requires self-sufficiency. "HEADs UP: You do need an Adventure pass to stay here, available at the 76 gas station near by - $5 a day or $30 for the whole year. FYI NO water available tho, so pack it in and pack it out," advises a camper at Oak Flat Campground.
Vehicle security concerns: At some locations, car break-ins can be an issue. "WARNING: 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," cautions a visitor at Millard Trail Campground.
Seasonal closures and conditions: Several campgrounds in the Angeles National Forest have limited access during winter or may be closed for improvements. "We met a ranger the following day at a water cache not too far from the campground, and he told us that the entire national forest (except for the trail) was closed to camping due to fire damage from previous years," reports a Pacific Crest Trail hiker.
Tips for camping with families
Choose easily accessible sites: Placerita Canyon State Park offers educational programs ideal for children. "Things to do: visit the Placerita Canyon Nature Center, including live animal exhibits, Ranger-led educational programs, hike to waterfalls," suggests a reviewer at Placerita Canyon State Park Group Campsites.
Plan for limited facilities: Many of the best tent camping spots near Leona Valley lack amenities. "It's vault toilets and BYO water, but as long as you're expecting that its all good," notes a Millard Trail Camp visitor.
Consider the desert climate: Desert camping requires extra preparation. "Slept in the car and temperatures reached as low as 32 F but with the right equipment we were able to stay warm. Heats up quick in the morning!" shares a winter visitor to Joshua Tree Ranch Los Angeles.
Tips from RVers
Limited RV options near Leona Valley: Most nearby campgrounds cater to tent camping with few RV facilities. "This site is really just a boondocks spot. The Joshua Trees are great but the roads are really just ruts and some of the area was used to dump junk," warns an RV traveler attempting to camp at Joshua Tree Ranch Los Angeles.
Consider fairground options for full hookups: Antelope Valley Fairgrounds offers RV spaces with services. "It has nice clean bathrooms and showers, very nice hook-ups, and good prices. And while the big black fences are a little, well, big, that definitely bring the feeling of safety," notes an RVer at Antelope Valley Fairgrounds.
Prepare for basic conditions: Even at established campgrounds, amenities may be limited. "The place is clean. Sites are level. Full hook ups. But the bathroom is closed. The rate is double. Nothing here but a parking lot," reports a recent visitor to Antelope Valley Fairgrounds.
