Best Tent Camping near Lytle Creek, CA

Angeles National Forest surrounding Lytle Creek, California offers diverse tent camping options ranging from established campgrounds to primitive backcountry sites. Little Jimmy Trail Campground, accessible via a 2-mile hike from Islip Saddle on Angeles Crest Highway, provides first-come, first-served tent-only sites with fire rings and access to the Pacific Crest Trail. Stockton Flats Yellow Post Sites offer more remote tent camping experiences, requiring high-clearance vehicles to access. Manker Campground near Mount Baldy provides seasonal tent camping from May to October with basic amenities including picnic tables and vault toilets, while Jackson Flats offers tent-only sites with proximity to multiple hiking trails.

Most tent campsites in the Lytle Creek region feature natural dirt or forest duff surfaces with minimal grading. Campers should bring adequate water supplies as many sites lack potable water sources. Bear activity is common throughout the area, particularly at higher elevations, requiring proper food storage in provided bear boxes or personal bear canisters. Adventure Passes are required for parking at most trailheads and campgrounds within Angeles National Forest. Fire restrictions vary seasonally, with complete bans often implemented during high fire danger periods. Walk-in tent sites typically include fire rings and picnic tables, though amenities decrease at more remote locations.

In early summer, primitive tent camping areas near Lytle Creek offer cooler temperatures and flowing creeks that may dry up by late season. According to reviews, Little Jimmy Trail Campground remains uncrowded even during peak periods, with one camper noting "I've never seen more than a couple sites occupied." Tent campers at higher elevations should prepare for significant temperature drops at night, even when valley temperatures are warm. Sites with tree cover provide welcome shade during hot months but may limit views. Backcountry tent camping options connect to extensive trail networks, allowing multi-day hiking trips using established campsites as base camps. The Pacific Crest Trail passes through several tent camping areas, providing long-distance hiking opportunities directly from camp.

Best Tent Sites Near Lytle Creek, California (67)

    1. Manker Campground

    13 Reviews
    Mount Baldy, CA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (626) 335-1251

    $12 / night

    "Although the restroom are very dirty but overall it was a great stay!"

    "Tucked away at the top of a precarious winding mountain road. It is very basic, simple and beautiful."

    2. Stockton Flats Yellow Post Sites 3-8

    4 Reviews
    Wrightwood, CA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (909) 382-2851

    "Great for campers that meet 2 criteria 1) You have a Jeep, Truck it similar vehicle that can go off-road. 2) You enjoy dispersed camping (no water/restrooms etc)

    If both are yes, this place is amazing"

    "Trail was fun (definitely needed 4x4) and the sites around has good shade and good size open spots. Best to get there early as possible to secure a spot."

    3. Little Jimmy Trail Campground

    7 Reviews
    Valyermo, CA
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (626) 335-1251

    "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"

    4. Lake Arrowhead - Green Valley Lake Recreation Area

    6 Reviews
    Cedar Glen, CA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (909) 867-2009

    "After years of venturing into and around Lake Arrowhead (often a mere stop on my way to Big Bear/Fawnskin) I finally started exploring off the beaten path by accident last year and holy cow!"

    "Green valley lake campground is an awesome place for a fun getaway. We wanted to get away for the Fourth of July but waited too long to book in Big Bear."

    5. Appletree Campground — Angeles National Forest

    1 Review
    Wrightwood, CA
    15 miles
    +1 (760) 316-7828

    $20 / night

    "Lower campsites are nice but kinda close to the road so you get the road noise . Not a bad place to go for an overnight trip ."

    6. Yucaipa Regional Park

    20 Reviews
    Yucaipa, CA
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (909) 790-3127

    "The bathrooms are decent, no showers.

    We stayed in group campsite A. Tent camping is only allowed in group sites. They do have about 30 to 40 RV sites as well."

    "Great tent camping facilities, privacy from neighbors, access to Zanja Peak Trail head, 3 lakes for fishing, water park during the summer, and friendly helpful staff"

    7. Deep Creek Hot Springs Campground

    5 Reviews
    Arkabutla Lake, CA
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 515-7525

    $10 - $119 / night

    "Easy access to the hot springs and no services to speak of. Basically a patch of dirt you can occupy for $10 a night. Loved it."

    "Super fun place to visit with the hot springs trail. Went in January with snowfall, hardly any campers and nature all around! Two nights are perfect."

    8. Jackson Flats

    2 Reviews
    Valyermo, CA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 249-3526

    $180 - $230 / night

    "Campground review

    This group campground can be accessed by walk-in or motor vehicle. It's a short hike from the Grassy Hollow Visitor Center."

    "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."

    9. China Camp State Park Campground

    10 Reviews
    Chino Hills, CA
    26 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."

    10. Keller Peak Yellow Post Campsites

    8 Reviews
    Green Valley Lake, CA
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (909) 382-2600

    "This campground is free with 9 camp site on a 5 mile paved road, the site's have fire ring and picnic benches, no water. Bike trail is fun and a challenge. Camp site 1,3 & 6 are very quiet."

    "Some chairs, hammock, water, and utensils were left at the picnic table. Everything was dirty so we assumed they were left by previous campers."

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Tent Camping Reviews near Lytle Creek, CA

1217 Reviews of 67 Lytle Creek Campgrounds



Guide to Lytle Creek

Tent camping near Lytle Creek, California, offers a variety of scenic locations and outdoor activities for nature enthusiasts. With beautiful landscapes and well-reviewed campgrounds, it's an ideal spot for a weekend getaway.

Tent campers like these nearby activities

Tent campers appreciate these amenities

  • Manker Campground offers picnic tables and drinking water, making it a convenient choice for families and groups.
  • At Fishermans Group Campground, you'll find toilets and trash disposal, ensuring a comfortable camping experience.
  • Jackson Flats features bear-proof storage lockers and flush toilets, providing added safety and convenience for campers.

Explore these specific local attractions

  • Visit the picturesque trails and scenic views around Angeles Crest Creamery, where you can enjoy a delightful day of hiking and exploring.
  • Take a short drive to Big Rock Campground for a peaceful retreat by the creek, ideal for wildlife watching and relaxation.
  • Experience the beauty of the San Bernardino National Forest while camping at Joe Elliot Yellow Post Sites, where you can immerse yourself in nature and enjoy the tranquility of the outdoors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Lytle Creek, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Lytle Creek, CA is Manker Campground with a 3.9-star rating from 13 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Lytle Creek, CA?

TheDyrt.com has all 67 tent camping locations near Lytle Creek, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.