1 campground with availability this weekend
Tent campsites in the Angeles National Forest near Littlerock, California include both hike-in and drive-up tent camping options, ranging from primitive backcountry spots to tent-only campgrounds open May through November. Little Jimmy Trail Campground and Cooper Canyon Trail Campground provide hike-in tent camping experiences along the Pacific Crest Trail, with Little Jimmy located just 2 miles from Angeles Crest Highway. Mount Pacifico Campground and Big Rock Campground offer additional tent-only options within the forest boundaries, typically open from May through November.
Most primitive tent campgrounds in this area require hikers to pack in all supplies, including water for drinking and cooking. Fire restrictions vary seasonally, with many sites providing fire rings but requiring campers to obtain fire permits before use. Bear activity is common, particularly at higher elevations, with some campgrounds like Little Jimmy offering bear boxes for food storage. A recent review noted, "In the summertime, bears can be common visitors so make sure and secure your food in provided bear boxes or bring your own bear canisters." Vault toilets are available at most established sites, though maintenance can be inconsistent, and walk-in tent sites typically lack running water.
The Angeles National Forest tent camping areas provide excellent access to trail networks, including sections of the Pacific Crest Trail that run directly through some campgrounds. Many sites sit at higher elevations, offering cooler temperatures during summer months and occasional views of the Los Angeles basin. A visitor commented that Big Rock Campground is "nestled in a valley/canyon" with "very clean" campsites and pit toilets, though no electricity or water is available. Walk-in tent sites like those at Cooper Canyon Trail Camp require a 2-3 mile hike, mostly exposed to sun, but reward campers with secluded camping spots under pine and fir trees. Most backcountry tent areas follow a first-come, first-served system, with no reservations accepted, making weekday visits ideal for those seeking solitude.
"This campsite is located in California and is one of my favorites."
"Hike in , via the PCT, an easy couple miles , to little jimmy campground. or hike up Little Jimmy road, which is a wider dirt road ( no vehicles) Lots of sites ( I’ve never seen more than a couple occupied"
"I recently moved to WA from Los Angeles so this review is legit 😁 Parking at cloudburst summit, gets full during peak season so get there early, first come first serve I really like this trail camp"
"This backcountry camp is a good spot for first time backpackers. It is well known so head out early to get a good spot."
"great views 360 degrees once you're on top. a 7 mile hike north on the Pacific Crest Trail from mill creek fire station. fire rings with multiple spots"
"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."
"No water facet but there is a toilet. I have woke in the morning to deer on several occasions. I will come back here."
"nice showers, well kept bathrooms, good parking. food shopping is close by. nice power hookups. 50 volt."
"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."
"Picnic tables and fire rings made food preparing especially easy. It has so much charm!"
from $5 / night
"There is a nice size creek that runs adjacent to the campsites, which appears to run only during snow melt. It was dry one of the times we camped there, the other time it was flowing very good."
"Access to this campground is so easy, whether it's by car or by bike."
"This hike-in/bike-in campground is located 6 1/2 miles behind a locked gate. The small campground is equipped with stream for water (must be treated), and vault potties."
from $5 / night
"It had flush toilets, water spigots, picnic tables, and fire pits as well as large campsites seemingly fitting for big groups. When we got there there were a lot of families."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $180 - $230 / night
ScoutSite is clean, many activities on weekends They also add 1000lb or catfish and trout weekly depending on season. Members were friendly. Downside is wifi when the campsite is 75+ full and only about a dozen paved spots. Major are gravel and dirt.
GuideThis was a nice e little campground. Nothing fancy but it was a quiet night, except for a few trains coming thruwith their whistle blowing off in the distance. Be sure to drive over to the Tehachapi Loop, one of the 7 train engineering wo dets of the world. We were lucky enough to see a small train going through. Town has a Walmart and Walgreens for groceries and meds. Be sure to watch when you book online if you are applying the Good Sam discount. I had selected it but it didn't apply for some reason and office staff said she couldn't apply it when checking in. This was the reason for knocking a star off the rating.
TravelerI went there to see, before making a reservation. I found the trailer park—maybe 100 old mobile homes—but I never found an RV park. I didn’t see anything to see. The “pool” was empty. The office was locked, and it wasn’t lunch. Just kinda not happening. I left a message to call me with the answering service, but I never got a call back.
TravelerI was lucky to find this place. It’s well run, comfortable, friendly. Nice spots.
TravelerVery windy and need high clearance vehicles
TravelerYou definitely need high clearance vehicles or you will not make it here
GuideSite 49 is a large drive-in site with plenty of room. It accommodates up to two vehicles and has a picnic table and fire ring. There’s communal water nearby, and we’re conveniently close to the restrooms, which have flush toilets. There are no electrical hookups, so plan to be self-contained for power. One of my favorite things about this particular site is the shade. We have several trees around us, which makes a huge difference during the day. At the end of September it’s around 85° and sunny. It’s a little windy today, but sitting here in the shade is incredibly comfortable. And then there is the view. 🌄 That may be the best part of Site 49. The mountains are right in front of us, and the view is just beautiful. Morning coffee with three beagles stretched out in front of me and those mountains in the background? I'm not complaining. The campground itself has been very quiet during our stay, with relatively few other campers around. The camp host has been friendly and helpful, and the whole place has a peaceful, uncrowded feel. It’s also pet friendly, which obviously matters when your camping crew includes three beagles. 🐶🐶🐶 They have been loving the sunshine, shade and all the new things there are to sniff. A few things to know: this is a non-electric site, the driveway is gravel, and this isn't a fancy resort-style campground. If you're looking for hookups and manicured RV pads, this probably isn't it. But if you want space, quiet, shade, flush toilets, water nearby and a mountain view that looks like that for $45 a night? I’ll take it. Site 49 is going on my “come back here” list. 🌄💜
RangerJust far enough from the highway to have almost no noise. Nice loops into small valleys. Good spacing of sites, clean enough restrooms. Not very busy on a September Saturday. Some bugs, but I don't think they bite.
Travelervery pretty sight the mountain air is incredible. the staff is very helpful and friendly. at night the drunks go crazy and the bears steal their food.
Tent camping near Littlerock, California provides wilderness experiences at elevations between 5,000-8,000 feet in the Angeles National Forest. Most campgrounds operate from May through November, closing during winter months due to snow and hazardous conditions. Summer temperatures at these higher elevations average 10-15 degrees cooler than the nearby Los Angeles basin, making these sites popular refuges during hot months.
Hiking to waterfalls: Access Cooper Canyon Falls via a moderate 2-3 mile hike from Cooper Canyon Trail Campground. A visitor noted, "You can relax at camp or get back on the PCT and check out some falls."
Backcountry fishing: Fish for native trout in streams near Glenn Trail Camp Campground. The 6.5-mile access road follows a river with fishing platforms. A camper mentions, "Don't forget to strap a pole to your pack if you want to catch some dinner. This area is native to good trout fishin'."
Mountain summit hikes: From Little Jimmy Trail Campground, access Mount Islip via a 1.2-mile trail. A reviewer explains, "Many trails lead from here. Including a 1.2 mike haunt up to a little peak (Mt Islip)."
Natural springs: Little Jimmy Spring near Little Jimmy Trail Campground provides year-round water. A camper shared, "There's also year-round running water at Little Jimmy Springs. Right by PCT."
Night sky viewing: Higher elevations and minimal light pollution create excellent stargazing conditions. A visitor to Cooper Canyon mentioned, "At night, you have an amazing view of the sky."
Creek access: Many sites feature creeks for water filtration and cooling off. At Valley Forge Trail Camp, "Forage your way through the Valley Forge Trail, for an intimate night in the wilderness at one of its remote camps. If your running low of your water supply, visit the nearby stream, just always remember to treat before you taste."
Fire restrictions: Seasonal fire bans are strictly enforced. Current fire permits are required and restrictions change frequently. Check ranger stations before your trip.
Trail conditions: Fallen trees and obstacles can block trails. A Valley Forge visitor warned, "Trail leading to the camp can also be filled with downed trees. Takes a little climbing and going around obstacles but not too bad."
Insect activity: Gnats and mosquitoes are prevalent near water sources during summer months. A camper at Cooper Canyon Trail Camp reported, "Lots of flies and mosquitoes when I went. Even my dog was annoyed."
Adventure Pass required: Most trailheads and parking areas require an Adventure Pass for vehicles. "If you plan on leaving your vehicle at one of the developed recreation sites while your on your hike be sure to have an Adventure Pass."
Beginner-friendly backpacking: For first-time backpackers with children, choose less challenging trails. "This backcountry camp is a good spot for first time backpackers. It is well known so head out early to get a good spot."
Wildlife teaching moments: Use wildlife sightings as educational opportunities, but maintain proper safety. At Angeles National Forest Big Rock Campground, "A mother bear and her two cubs did visit us on one of the visits. We did find what looked like mountain lion footprints."
Avoiding crowds: For quieter family experiences, camp on weekdays. "This campground is nestled in a valley/canyon and is next to Fenner Canyon Conservation Camp #41. It is a very quiet place to stay."
Fairground alternatives: When forest campgrounds are full, the Antelope Valley Fairgrounds in Lancaster offers RV camping with hookups. A visitor noted, "If you need to go to the Antelope Valley Fairground for any reason what-so-ever. Let's say you're coming for a concert or to see a car show or something, sure, come spend the night at the RV loop. It has nice clean bathrooms and showers, very nice hook-ups, and good prices."
Cell service limitations: Cell reception is poor or nonexistent in most canyon areas. "At the time of visiting, we did not have cell phone service in that canyon."
Road conditions: Some access roads require high-clearance vehicles, especially during spring runoff. "You do have to drive through the creek to get to the campground, so a small car probably would not be advisable when it is really flowing."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Littlerock, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Littlerock, CA is Little Jimmy Trail Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 7 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Littlerock, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 55 tent camping locations near Littlerock, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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