Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Los Angeles, CA

Here is another great campground that is not far from Los Angeles. The great thing about camping is that you don’t have to go far to make it seem like you’re away. My kids loved this place. We arrived on a Saturday, and it was very crowded, but by Sunday, most everyone cleared out. We pretty much had the whole place to ourselves. Clean coin operated showers, flush toilets, and a nice sink for washing dishes were a quick walk from our camp site. The lake is also a short walk away for water sports and fishing. We had a great time here roasting marshmallows, making s’mores, and hanging out by the campfire. We can’t wait to go back.

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.

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 for many reasons, I’ve backpacked it with friends and even kids, 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 but mostly exposed, you can get on the road from trail if you don’t want to take the long route or continue past it to stay on the PCT. The gnats are annoying so I recommend a bug screen cover for your face. When you get to camp you have two options, out in the open or nestled in the trees...I always went with the open site due to the bugs since there’s a creek there, they’re not too unbearable but they’re there. Several trees with good spacing for hammocks, lots of space for tents with tables and fire rings. The creek has water for the most part, not a lot which explains the bugs, enough to filter. At night, you have an amazing view of the sky. You can relax at camp or get back on the pct and check out some falls. This camp can get packed with scouts, so be ready for that. No trash bins so PACK IT OUT!!! Pit toilets on site. Have fun hiking uphill to get out, lol...the service road is a lot faster.

OKAY... seriously this one of the best campgrounds near Los Angeles. My ultimate go to spot for an overnight camping trip. I have spent Thanksgiving here, Valentines Day, and multiple three day weekends. It's the perfect spot for beginner outdoor enthusiasts. It's such a short and easy drive for LA, and the drive up campspots are always in great condition. The site also has bathrooms, firepit, picnic tables, and other commodities. Paying for camping isn't my favorite thing to do, but it's well worth the money for the proximity to Los Angeles and maintenance of the area. There are also great hikes with in the National Forest and access to the PCT but you do have to drive. I don't usually spend time at this site besides cooking and camping.

I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS SPOT FOR CASUAL/FUN/CHILL/BEGINNER/FAMILY camping.