Nestled in the high desert of Southern California, Littlerock sits at approximately 2,800 feet elevation where the San Gabriel Mountains meet the Mojave Desert. The area experiences hot, dry summers with temperatures often exceeding 100°F, while winter nights can drop below freezing. Camping options span from riverside sites to mountain-adjacent locations, with several properties offering yurt accommodations for those seeking shelter from extreme temperature fluctuations.
What to do
Hiking to waterfalls: 30-minute trek from Millard Trail Campground leads to seasonal falls. "Perfect stopping point for backpacking. Went here in May and we were the only 2 here. Plenty of water flowing and tree cover from the sun," reports one Millard visitor.
Creek exploration: Creek access at Bonita Ranch Campground offers cooling relief in summer. "A box throw away from the creek... you could definitely enjoy the ice cold water on a really super hot day," notes a camper who appreciated the proximity to water.
Stargazing: Clear desert skies create prime conditions for astronomy enthusiasts. "The stars at night are the best I have seen," according to an Art Farm Nature Space visitor who frequently returns to this spot for stargazing.
Trail biking: Mountain paths provide challenging terrain for cyclists. "Lots of trails and gorgeous scenery in this area," shares a Bonita Ranch visitor who explored the surrounding landscape.
What campers like
Accessibility from Los Angeles: Quick escapes possible with minimal driving time. "A small campground is a very short drive from Pasadena, CA," explains a Millard Trail visitor who appreciates the proximity to urban centers.
Varying terrain options: Choose between desert, mountain, and riparian environments. "You drive up and down these hilly roads up the mountain to get there," describes a Millard Trail Campground reviewer who enjoyed the diverse landscape.
Quiet weekday stays: Significantly lower crowds Monday through Thursday. "I went during the week and was the only one camping. This place is heavily used for day camping and hiking," reports a camper who preferred the mid-week tranquility.
Year-round accessibility: Desert locations maintain camping access regardless of season. "Great TT park," mentions a Thousand Trails Soledad Canyon visitor who found the park accessible when other mountain campgrounds were closed.
What you should know
Train noise: Railway proximity affects sleep at certain campgrounds. "Very very close to railroad tracks and at night the loud train kept waking us up," warns a Soledad Canyon visitor who experienced disrupted sleep.
Vehicle security concerns: Break-ins reported at some trailhead parking areas. "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," advises a Millard Trail camper.
Seasonal flash flood risk: Heavy rains can impact camping areas. "The area appears to be a flash flood area with heavy rains," notes a Soledad Canyon reviewer who observed the terrain's vulnerability to weather events.
Limited privacy: Some campgrounds serve dual purposes as day-use areas. "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," explains a visitor describing the foot traffic at Millard Trail.
