Tent campsites near Llano, California sit at elevations between 5,300-8,200 feet in the San Gabriel Mountains. These higher-elevation sites experience significant temperature swings, with daytime summer temperatures reaching 80°F while nighttime temperatures can drop below 40°F even in July and August. Many campsites require Adventure Passes for parking, which can be purchased at ranger stations throughout Angeles National Forest.
What to do
Hike to waterfalls: During spring months when snow melts, Cooper Canyon offers access to seasonal waterfalls. "Waterfall is about another 1 mile hike in. Not a bad campsite by water," notes one Cooper Canyon Trail Camp visitor, though they caution about insects: "Lots of flies and mosquitoes when I went. Even my dog was annoyed."
Summit local peaks: From Little Jimmy Trail Campground, hikers can access multiple mountain peaks. "Many trails lead from here. Including a 1.2 mike haunt up to a little peak (Mt Islip)," writes one camper. Another mentions it's "a short hike from mount baden Powell, mount Williamson & mount islip."
Creek exploration: Seasonal water features provide both water sources and recreation opportunities. At Appletree Campground, visitors can set up near a creek, though one camper notes the tradeoff: "Lower campsites are nice but kinda close to the road so you get the road noise." The site has limited developed spots, with a reviewer mentioning it "maybe has 6-7 camping spots that are good."
What campers like
360-degree mountain views: Mount Pacifico Campground offers panoramic vistas across the San Gabriel range. One camper describes "great views 360 degrees once you're on top," noting it requires "a 7 mile hike north on the Pacific Crest Trail from mill creek fire station."
Natural springs: Several sites feature natural springs that provide filterable water. At Little Jimmy, campers appreciate "a short walk from little jimmy spring, where you can get water to filter." Another camper called the spring water "so tasty!!!" noting they are "yearning to go back."
Accessible backcountry: Many sites balance wilderness experience with reasonable access. Jackson Flats offers both drive-in and walk-in options, with "flush toilets, water spigots, picnic tables, and fire pits as well as large campsites seemingly fitting for big groups." One visitor observed it "seemed like a safe place for kids to run around and play."
What you should know
Bear activity: Wildlife encounters are common throughout these mountains. At Angeles National Forest Big Rock Campground, one camper reported: "A mother bear and her two cubs did visit us on one of the visits. We did find what looked like mountain lion footprints." Visitors should prepare for wildlife encounters at all area campgrounds.
Limited or seasonal facilities: Bathroom conditions vary widely between campgrounds and seasons. At Manker Campground, visitors note that bathrooms "get very dirty on the busy weekends, beware!" while another mentioned they "were clean and supplied with TP."
Service roads vs. trails: Several campgrounds can be accessed multiple ways. Cooper Canyon Trail Campground can be reached via road or trail: "You can take the road or the trail down to camp but I'd suggest the PCT for the scenic views. It's around 2 to 3 miles exposed on the road and somewhat shaded on the trail."
Tips for camping with families
Spacious group sites: Deer Flats Group Campground provides "spacious sites, enough for groups and numerous tents," making it ideal for family outings with multiple tents.
First backpacking experiences: For families wanting to introduce children to backpacking, Manker Campground offers good training opportunities. "I've backpacked it with friends and even kids," reports one Cooper Canyon visitor, calling it "a good spot for first time backpackers."
Wildlife education opportunities: Peavine Campground offers regular wildlife sightings, with one camper noting "abundant wildlife coming through camp," which they clarified includes "bears sniffing out tent in the middle of the night & coyotes coming through." They added: "Personally I think it's awesome, but I know it's not everyone's cup of tea."
Tips from RVers
Limited RV options: Tent campsites near Llano significantly outnumber RV-suitable locations. Manker Campground accommodates small motorhomes but has only "small tent and motorhome campground with firepits, water spickets, bathrooms."
Seasonal road conditions: Vehicle access changes dramatically with seasons. Big Rock Campground requires creek crossings that impact vehicle access: "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. I drove my small Toyota pickup through it with no problem."
