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Best Tent Camping near Long Beach, CA

917 Reviews

Tent campers seeking solitude near Long Beach, California can access several hike-in campgrounds in the surrounding mountains. China Camp State Park Campground offers tent-only walk-in sites under oak and bay trees, while trail camps like Millard, Spruce Grove, and Hoegees provide backcountry camping experiences within Angeles National Forest. Most sites require hiking in with gear, with distances ranging from under a mile to several miles of trail.

The walk-in tent sites in this region typically feature basic amenities with varying levels of development. Campgrounds like China Camp provide picnic tables, fire pits, and food storage boxes at each site, while backcountry locations often have only primitive facilities. Toilet availability varies significantly – some areas have maintained vault toilets while others require pack-out practices. Water access is limited or nonexistent at most sites, necessitating that tent campers carry sufficient supplies. As one camper noted about Millard Trail Camp, "When you can't do a 2-hour hike before setting camp, but you also don't want to camp close to your car, Millard campground is perfect."

Trail camps scattered throughout the mountains provide distinct tent camping environments with varied terrain and vegetation. China Camp features shaded sites with wildlife viewing opportunities including deer, wild turkeys, raccoons and birds. At higher elevations, camps like Idlehour offer scenic valley views and access to flowing creeks during winter months. Proximity to day-hiking trails means some campgrounds experience significant foot traffic – a review mentioned that Millard campground "is not a campground if you want to get away from people because there is a lot of people passing by." Most backcountry tent sites prohibit pets and have seasonal fire restrictions, requiring campers to check current regulations before departure. The majority of walk-in tent campgrounds in this area are first-come, first-served, though China Camp does accept reservations.

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Best Tent Sites Near Long Beach, California (49)

    1. Doheny State Beach Campground

    35 Reviews
    Capistrano Beach, CA
    36 miles

    $50 - $350 / night

    "Excellent beach camping and tent friendly. plenty of shade and nearby restaurants and shops. Definitely recommend this location."

    "the restrooms were clean and showers hot. great views and great for families. most sites are a good size but only room for two vehicles. No wifi but a good book will do. The staff was nice."

    2. China Camp State Park Campground

    10 Reviews
    San Rafael, CA
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (415) 456-0766

    $35 - $175 / night

    "The campground was not busy and this allowed me to pick a spot hidden away from others. There are restrooms and a place to get water, but when I was there the showers were closed.  "

    "This walk-in campground is part of China Camp State Park. Only 33 tent-only sites! Wheeled totes can be borrowed to haul your gear up some little hills to your campsite under oak and bay trees."

    3. Millard Trail Campground

    9 Reviews
    Altadena, CA
    28 miles
    Website

    "Cool drive to get to the campground. You drive up and down these hilly roads up the mountain to get there. Once there, there's a parking lot that fits about 20 cars."

    "When you can’t do a 2h hike before setting camp, but you also don’t want to camp close to your car, Millard campground is perfect. The parking lot is just behind the corner out of view."

    4. Mount Lowe Trail Campground

    8 Reviews
    Mount Wilson, CA
    29 miles
    +1 (818) 899-1900

    "No water, fountain is capped now"

    "There's no water right now but that could change after first rain or snow. Stayed here last week & it's still great."

    5. Two Harbors Campground

    10 Reviews
    Two Harbors, CA
    32 miles
    Website
    +1 (877) 778-1487

    "I am glad we pitched in a tent instead of paying for the high price hotels in town. The campground have toilets, running water, and showers."

    "We took the ferry to two harbors and walked up all of our gear to the site."

    6. Hoegees Trail Camp Campground

    5 Reviews
    Mount Wilson, CA
    28 miles
    +1 (818) 899-1900

    "You can only access this campground by backpacking in. There's about 12 campsites with picnic benches and fire rings. There's a creek that runs through. it's beautiful and feels completely isolated."

    "Hoegee’s is 2 miles hike from Chantry Flats by way of the Lower Winter Creek Trail. The site is named for Hoegee’s resort which stood just upstream."

    7. Spruce Grove Trail Campground - TEMPORARILY CLOSED DUE TO FIRE

    5 Reviews
    Mount Wilson, CA
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (818) 482-8937

    "This is a backpackers campground. First come first serve, picnic tables and fire rings included. I think there is only about 8-10 sites. Nice creek flows though the campground."

    "This is a hike in campground that has stoves and a creek running through. The sites are nicely spaced and there is plenty of shade. Perfect little backpacking trip."

    8. Gould Mesa Trail Campground

    5 Reviews
    La Cañada Flintridge, CA
    29 miles
    Website

    "This is a nice hike-in campground with about ten sites available and a privy. Lots of hikers up here on the weekend ( and weekdays too)."

    "Go behind campsite one and you will find a 6 mile hike in and out to two different waterfalls. Really fun and refreshing, limited shade in hike, so a dip at the end is so nice!"

    9. Valley Forge Trail Camp hike in. no drive

    6 Reviews
    Mount Wilson, CA
    30 miles
    Website

    $5 / night

    "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!"

    10. Black Jack Campground

    8 Reviews
    Avalon, CA
    33 miles
    Website
    +1 (310) 510-8368

    "Great campground that is very accessible to the trans Catalina trail."

    "Each site has a picnic table and fire pit. You have to find or bring in your own wood for the fire. There’s two bathrooms and a public, open shower. Fresh water is available too."

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Long Beach, CA

89 Photos of 49 Long Beach Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Long Beach, CA

917 Reviews of 49 Long Beach Campgrounds

  • Luis N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 19, 2020

    Parsons Landing Campground

    Beach side campground

    One of the most amazing campgrounds I’ve ever stayed at. You’re on a sandy beach with waves crashing on the shore. There’s only a handful of sites, so try to book this early. Sites have rocks stacked up as a wind shield, it really helps! You’ll also have a picnic table, food storage box, and a fire pit. Vault toilets are available. No water on site, you must bring your own. Water, firewood, and fire starter are available for purchase. You can buy them at two harbors, which is where they will give you a key for a locker that is at parsons landing which will have all those items. I believe it’s 2 gallons of water.

  • Tony C.
    Sep. 20, 2020

    Little Jimmy Trail Campground

    Local gem of a campsite

    This campsite is located in California and is one of my favorites. Located above Crystal Lake you’ll find Little Jimmy, it’s a backcountry hike-in only campground nestled just 2 miles off the Angeles Crest Highway. It has around 7 first-come, first-served sites with fire rings, vault toilets (which are currently not in service), and vintage backcountry ovens. After parking at Islip Saddle, cross the highway and begin hiking for 2 miles up the switchbacks until you reach Little Jimmy Campground on your right. Popular with Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops, this scenic spot offers a chance to get away from established campgrounds and live amongst the Coulter Pines and Big Doug Firs. Campers turned hikers have easy access to hop on the legendary Pacific Crest Trail which runs through the camp. There is no fee to camp here other than an Adventure pass for your parking. 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. As always, make sure you follow the "Leave No Trace" principles and pack everything in and out!

  • Les R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 6, 2018

    Buckhorn Campground

    Most beautiful campground in the Angeles National Forest!

    We've wanted to camp here for so long, but we've never been able to get a spot. We finally did this weekend, and it fully lived up to our expectations. Because this campground is set within a ravine that has a stream during the rainier months, so the landscape feels very different than the other nearby campgrounds - very green with tall trees. The campsites have plenty of space between neighbors, so we felt we had privacy and weren't disturbed by any noise from other sites. Each site has a picnic table, firepit, and bear box for food storage. There is a water spigot at the campground, but the ranger advised that it's not potable.

    There's day parking at the end of the campground for the trailhead to Cooper Canyon Falls. In the summer the "waterfall" is barely a trickle, but the hike still has a nice stream and is worth doing.

  • Luis N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 19, 2020

    Black Jack Campground

    Great site!!

    Great campground that is very accessible to the trans Catalina trail. The campground has potable water, lockers, vault toilets, an outdoor shower (very cold water), trash cans, picnic table, fire pit, food storage box. Foxes are common on this campground as they look for any food, campers may leave behind so make sure you clean up after yourself

  • j
    Mar. 25, 2021

    Millard Trail Campground

    Great campground for hiking/biking

    Cool drive to get to the campground. You drive up and down these hilly roads up the mountain to get there. Once there, 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. A campsite manager stays in a little trailer overnight so if there's any problems there's somebody there you can go to and ask for help. There's about six campsites and their first come first serve, no reservations. I went during the week and was the only one camping. This place is heavily used for day camping and hiking. There's not a lot of privacy because there's always lots of people passing by who are hiking and biking. You can stay overnight which I did and everything was fine but there's not a lot of privacy. The next day as I was leaving there was another guy sitting up his tent. I bet on the weekends they can fill up pretty fast. It's in Bear country so they provide food storage for each campsite also trash containers too. Each side has a picnic bench and a fire pit. The fire ban has been lifted so you can have a fire. Each fire pit had wood left at it so you didn't have to go searching for campfirewood. Bathrooms included male and female toilets but no showers or water. There's a creek that runs through the campground which makes it very pretty. I saw two to three cabins along the outskirts of the campground that I assume were for rentals. There was one family at one of the cabins the night I stayed. About a 20 minute hike and you can end up at a waterfall which is very pretty. But there are several trails to take for hiking and biking and I saw lots of people doing that. Overall a good campsite four stars. Would have been five stars if they had showers and running water. I didn't see any bears although there was an animal outside my tent at one point in the night I could hear him nosing around. So it's important to keep all of your food and anything with any kind of smell in the bear boxes

  • K
    Jan. 5, 2022

    Oakwilde Trail Campground

    Half Sunk, Overgrown

    The camp site looks like it was buried in mud from a flood a few years ago. There’s been no maintenance to this camp. The cook stoves are covered, half of the one picnic table was underground. But still, it’s a beautiful and remote spot. The river was running when I was there in January and it was just gorgeous. Looks like there’s really only one usable flat spot to set up a tent. But you can’t have a fire or anything. I didn’t camp just hiked in and checked it out. Dunno if I would try camping here.

  • Tony C.
    Jun. 24, 2019

    Henninger Flat - PERMANENTLY CLOSED

    Great local campsite

    I recently moved to WA from Los Angeles so this review is legit 😁 This was and still continues to be one of my favorite campsite close to Los Angeles, I have plenty of fond memories with close friends at this site. It’s completely exposed all the way to the top, a well worth 3 mile uphill hike to three different camp sites. My favorite is the middle site where you get a clear view of the city, beautiful views at night. They say there’s no water but there is, there’s a spout located by the restroom close to the museum, you’ll have to treat it before using (but don’t take my word for it, they tend to shut it off so take plenty of water for your time there and check it out if you need more) If you continue past the middle campsite to the upper site, you’ll have plenty of space for tents and hammocks just no view due to the trees on the edge. If you continue on that trail for another 3 miles i believe, you’ll get to idlehour campground. It’s a small site right next to a creek, you can continue on to Mt Lowe campground and inspiration point. Back to Henninger, plenty of trees for hammocks and sometimes they have firewood collected. At the museum you can buy soda cans so take some change. Hauling a 24 pack of cold Modelos in my pack was not fun at all, but boy did they taste good at the top hahaha. Bugs can get annoying so carry some bug spray, hang your food and PACK IT OUT!!! Leave no trace behind.

  • Shari G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 20, 2023

    Ronald W. Caspers Wilderness Park

    A World Away from the City Surrounding It

    Tucked on the outskirts of Mission Viejo is an oasis of green grass and groves of the twisting and searching limbs of Coastal Live Oak trees.  If you stuck me in the middle of this park, I’d never know that I was miles away from the sprawl of suburbia of a major metropolitan area…shhh don’t tell anyone.

    There are 3 campgrounds within this regional park -- one soley dedicated to RV's that require electrical hook-ups (Ortega Flats), a group campground (San Juan Meadow), and another which is a mix of tents and off-grid RVs (Live Oak).  This review is specifically for the off-grid Live Oak Campground which s aptly named because you’ll find yourself enjoying the ample shade of these amazing arbors, but plenty of sun to run our solar powered system.  

    The campsites can be reserved but there is plenty of room for first-come first-served travelers as well.  The sites offer enough space to tuck away a tent in the corner, or set up the longer trailer, as well as the typical picnic table and fire ring.  Plenty of port o potties are scattered throughout the campground and served the large groups gathered here on Easter weekend.  We indulged in making a fabulous brunch of Wood Fired Waffles to celebrate the holiday!  As of April 2023, they were still experiencing a well water issue, so no water was available from the faucet, but the river running through the park was useful for obtaining water to wash dishes.

    Hiking, biking and horseback riding trails meander throughout the park. The campground borders on a small creek for fishing, but is off-limits to wading and swimming because of the instability of the opposite bank. Keep an eye on the kids!  Be sure to check out the volunteer-run Nature Center on the property which is full of great information about flora, fauna, and native history.

    The closest store for firewood, and groceries is just a few miles back toward town.  And, the closest beach is just about 30 minutes away, so a great option for a day trip.

  • Luis N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 19, 2020

    Little Harbor Campground

    Must visit!!!

    This is one of the most beautiful campgrounds I have ever been too. The view of the beach and the palm trees and all of it is amazing! If you’re backpacking through here, I highly recommend you stay the night. A camp site includes potable water, fire pit, picnic table, food storage box. Everything you need. Porta potties available. Careful with all the buffalo poop. There is almost no cell coverage here except on top of a large rock on the shore.

Guide to Long Beach

Tent camping near Long Beach, California requires hiking into the surrounding mountains, with most sites situated between 3,000-5,600 feet elevation. Summer temperatures often exceed 90°F in these foothill campgrounds, while winter brings occasional snow at higher elevations. The regional trails connecting these camps form part of the 28-mile Gabrielino Trail system through Angeles National Forest.

What to do

Wildlife watching opportunities: China Camp State Park Campground offers excellent wildlife viewing with minimal equipment required. As one camper noted, "There are many hiking opportunities and chances to see wildlife (deer, wild turkey, rabbits, squirrels, racoons, and birds)" while another mentioned deer walking "directly through our site as we were eating dinner."

Mountain biking access: China Camp State Park Campground trails accommodate cyclists of various skill levels. A visitor explained, "This park is extremely popular with mountain bikers. There are definitely better mountain biking trails in Marin (Tamarancho Boy Scout Camp, for example) but keep in mind that the bar is very high for mountain biking in Marin."

Waterfall hiking: Several trail camps connect to seasonal waterfall routes ranging from 0.5-2 miles one-way. At Valley Forge Trail Camp, "In April the creek was full, with several creek crossings on the hike and crisp, fresh water along the campsite that contribute to a beautifully green owasis of a meadow."

What campers like

Short hike-in access: For beginners or those wanting minimal carry distance, some camps offer easy approaches. At Millard Trail Campground, "The parking lot is just behind the corner out of view. The only downside is that there are a couple of holiday houses in the surrounding forest and there is the trailer of the camp manager."

Shaded sites: Most tent sites feature mature tree canopies providing natural cooling. At Mount Lowe Trail Campground, the environment includes "classic country California - oak, madrone, and even the occasional redwood. It's often foggy in the morning, and sunny in the afternoon."

Free camping options: Several backcountry tent sites require no fees. One camper at Gould Mesa Trail Campground listed among the pros: "More quiet than in the city. You can hear cars driving off in the distance but still overall quiet... The stream is great. If you have a filter there is no need to hike in water... It's FREE!!!!"

What you should know

Water availability varies: Most trail camps have seasonal creek access but require filtration. At Hoegees Trail Camp Campground, "Stream water must be boiled or filtered. You can get a free fire permit from the pack station."

Wildlife protection requirements: Food storage lockers or hang systems are essential. A camper at Valley Forge Trail Camp advised, "In the summer when its dry, the proximity to the bay means it probably won't get too hot."

Limited facilities: Most sites have pit toilets or require pack-out waste methods. At Millard Trail Campground, "Bathrooms included male and female toilets but no showers or water. There's a creek that runs through the campground which makes it very pretty."

Road closures affect access: Before attempting to reach these camps, check current trail and road status. One frustrated visitor to Valley Forge Trail Camp reported, "drove all the way to the turn in to find the road was closed."

Tips for camping with families

Select camps with minimal approach distance: For children carrying gear, choose closer sites. Millard Trail Campground offers "a really chill and nice camp. There is a stream of water that flows close to the campground and there are toilets (no water)."

Consider seasonal factors: Higher elevation camps can be uncomfortably cold or hot for young campers. At Gould Mesa Trail Campground, a visitor advised, "It's a nice little getaway without leaving the city, perfect for a one nighter or to backpack in with the kiddos."

Prepare for shared trails: Many tent campgrounds intersect popular day-hiking routes. A visitor to Millard Trail Campground warned, "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."

Tips from RVers

Limited vehicle camping options: Most tent sites near Long Beach require hiking in with gear. Valley Forge Trail Camp specifically notes "hike in. no drive" in its description.

Plan for extended drive times: The closest drive-in campgrounds require considerable travel from Long Beach. At Two Harbors Campground, "You also need to have a boat ticket to take the ferry over and back. Book early if you can, especially during the Summer."

Consider alternate tent sites: Beach camping offers an alternative to mountain sites. At Doheny State Beach Campground, "You are right on the sand! Dry camping with a dump station available. Great sunsets and beautiful sand."

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find tent camping sites near Long Beach, CA?

While Long Beach itself has limited tent camping options, several excellent sites are available within driving distance. Little Harbor Campground on Catalina Island offers beautiful beachfront tent camping with amenities like potable water, fire pits, and picnic tables. For mainland options, Millard Trail Campground provides a scenic retreat accessible via a short hike from the parking area. This campground features a beautiful mountain setting, though you'll need to carry your gear about 100 yards to reach the sites. For both locations, reservations are recommended, especially during peak season. Other options include campgrounds in Angeles National Forest and state parks along the coast, most within a 1-2 hour drive from Long Beach.

Are there beach camping sites available in Long Beach?

While Long Beach's urban beaches don't permit overnight camping, exceptional beach camping is available nearby on Catalina Island. Parsons Landing Campground offers a premier beach camping experience with sandy sites and ocean waves right at your tent door. Sites include wind shields made from stacked rocks, picnic tables, and food storage boxes. Reservations are required, and you'll need to purchase water and firewood that will be delivered to lockers at the site. Two Harbors Campground also provides coastal camping options near Avalon with water and toilet facilities. Both require boat transportation to Catalina Island, which adds to the adventure but requires advance planning. These sites offer the authentic beach camping experience that isn't available within Long Beach city limits.

What campgrounds near Long Beach allow tent camping?

Several campgrounds near Long Beach welcome tent campers with varying amenities and settings. Black Jack Campground on Catalina Island offers tent sites with potable water, lockers, vault toilets, and outdoor showers. It's accessible via the Trans Catalina Trail and provides food storage boxes for wildlife protection. On the mainland, Angeles National Forest Big Rock Campground offers traditional tent camping with a creek running alongside the sites. Other tent-friendly options include China Camp State Park, Oakwilde Trail Campground, and Two Harbors Campground. Most require reservations during peak season, and many offer amenities like picnic tables, fire rings, and restroom facilities. Some campgrounds are accessible by car, while others require hiking in with your gear.

Is free camping available in Long Beach, CA?

Free camping options near Long Beach are limited but available if you're willing to travel a bit farther from the city. Little Jimmy Trail Campground in the Angeles National Forest offers free first-come, first-served camping with basic amenities like fire rings and vault toilets. It's a backcountry site located about 2 miles off Angeles Crest Highway. Mount Lowe Trail Campground is another free option for tent campers willing to hike in. Within Long Beach itself, free camping is not permitted in city parks or beaches, and urban camping is generally prohibited. For budget-conscious campers, Angeles National Forest offers the best free camping opportunities, though you'll need to drive 1-2 hours from Long Beach.

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