Best Campgrounds near Monrovia, CA
Camping in the Angeles National Forest surrounding Monrovia, California encompasses a range of backcountry and developed options within a short drive of the Los Angeles metropolitan area. The forest contains several trail camps including Hoegees Trail Camp and Spruce Grove Trail Camp, both requiring hikes to access, as well as more accessible developed campgrounds like Coldbrook and Chilao. Accommodations vary from primitive tent-only sites to developed campgrounds supporting RVs, with a few cabin options at Crystal Lake Recreation Area campground. Most tent-friendly sites are concentrated along the mountain trails above the city, while RV-compatible campgrounds tend to be located along major forest roads.
The Angeles National Forest campgrounds typically operate seasonally, with many mountain sites closed during winter months. "This is a beautiful campground up in the hills above Altadena with a great view of the valley below. Lots of greenery and flowing water in the winter season with wildlife all along the trail," noted one visitor about Idlehour Trail Campground. Trail camps generally require backpacking in with distances ranging from 2 to 8 miles on established routes. Most backcountry sites lack potable water, requiring visitors to filter from creeks or pack in their water supply. Fire restrictions are common during dry months, and Adventure Passes are required for parking at many trailheads. Road access varies significantly, with some campgrounds accessible via paved roads while trail camps require hiking on sometimes steep terrain.
The backcountry trail camps near Monrovia provide a wilderness experience despite their proximity to urban areas. Several visitors mentioned the contrast between city views and forest immersion as a highlight of camping in this region. According to one camper at Henninger Flat, "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." Most trail camps feature fire rings and picnic tables but primitive facilities overall. Water availability at creeks remains seasonal and unreliable during drought periods. Bear activity has been reported in some areas, necessitating proper food storage. Developed campgrounds closer to roads generally provide more amenities including toilets and trash service, while backcountry sites require pack-in, pack-out practices.
