Tent camping opportunities near Monterey Park, California can be found within Angeles National Forest where elevations range from 1,200 to 3,000 feet. The San Gabriel Mountains provide a relatively cool escape from summer heat with temperatures typically 10-15 degrees cooler than in Monterey Park. During winter months, nighttime temperatures often drop below freezing at higher elevations, with seasonal creek flows strongest from January through April.
What to do
Creek exploration: Available at Gould Mesa Trail Campground where the stream provides natural recreation. Campers can wade in shallow sections during spring and early summer when water levels are highest. "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!" reports one visitor.
Wildlife watching: Dawn and dusk offer prime viewing times for deer, coyotes, and various bird species. The wooded canyon areas provide natural habitat corridors. At Mount Lowe Trail Campground, the isolated setting enhances wildlife spotting. One camper notes, "It was eerily quiet at night. We were the only ones there and can hear our own hearbeats laying there at night."
Waterfall hiking: Multiple cascades within 1-3 miles of campsites reward hikers with cooling mist. These falls typically flow strongest from January through May. A visitor to Bear Canyon Campground shares, "Follow the creek (which is GORGEOUS with waterfalls and shade in the spring) and go all the way to the end. Trail tends to get iffy at points, but you kinda get to know the flow of it if it disappears into rocks or the creek."
What campers like
Natural water sources: Seasonal creeks provide both scenic value and practical water supply for filtering. Most campgrounds near Monterey Park feature access to streams. At Hoegees Trail Camp Campground, visitors appreciate that "the site is shady year round with perennial water" and that "stream water must be boiled or filtered."
Minimal crowds on weekdays: Midweek camping offers noticeably more solitude than weekends. Most trail camps see significant traffic reduction Monday through Thursday. One camper at Gould Mesa notes, "More quiet than in the city. You can hear cars driving off in the distance but still overall quiet."
Accessibility relative to urban areas: Most tent sites require only moderate hikes from 0.5 to 3.5 miles. The proximity to Monterey Park makes these sites practical for weekend trips without extensive travel time. A visitor to Valley Forge Trail Camp notes it's "an intimate night in the wilderness at one of its remote camps" while another mentions it's "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."
What you should know
Fire restrictions: Regulations change seasonally and vary by location. Always check current fire rules before your trip, as they may differ from previous visits. At Spruce Grove Trail Campground, campers note "picnic tables and fire rings included" but emphasize checking restrictions before counting on campfires.
Bear activity requires proper food storage. Use provided bear boxes where available or bring bear canisters. One visitor to Bear Canyon Campground warns that "animals love toilet paper, so make sure your cat holes are 6 inches deep because there are no toilets."
Limited parking requires early arrival. Most trailhead parking areas fill by mid-morning on weekends. A camper suggests, "Parking fills up within an hour on weekends so get there as soon as the parking lot opens at 6am."
Trail closures may occur with little notice. Check with Angeles National Forest for current conditions. One frustrated visitor noted, "drove all the way to the turn in to find the road was closed."
Tips for camping with families
Choose shorter hikes: Mount Lowe and Millard offer relatively easy access for children. These trails involve less elevation change than other options, making them suitable for younger hikers. A visitor reports Millard has a "nice hike of about 1/2 mile up to Millard Falls that is easy for kids and grown ups."
Stream access provides natural entertainment for children. Kids can explore shallow water areas under supervision. At Glenn Trail Camp Campground, the "road follows a river the entire way" and "the river lining the road to the campsite is very accessible, and is perfect as a water source, or washing camp dishes."
Morning wildlife viewing sessions engage children. Encouraging kids to sit quietly at dawn often rewards them with animal sightings. One camper noted "wildlife all along the trail and campground."
Pack extra layers regardless of season. Temperature drops of 20+ degrees occur nightly in canyon areas. A visitor to Mount Lowe observed, "We went in May this year so not much people around. Brand new toilet is nice as well. There was some flowing water still."
Tips from RVers
No direct RV camping available at these trail camps. All sites require hiking in with gear. Vehicle camping options exist elsewhere in Angeles National Forest.
Park vehicles in designated areas only. Street parking near trailheads may have restrictions or be subject to break-ins. One camper at Millard warns, "Make sure to leave your car doors unlocked, and nothing of value inside. You'd rather have someone root through your car and walk away empty handed than have a window broken and items stolen."
Consider using nearby RV campgrounds as base camps. Some visitors park at developed campgrounds then hike to backcountry sites for day trips. A visitor to Glenn Trail Camp notes, "The trailhead to the campground is impossible to miss, as it is marked by a large parking lot and a sign marked 'Cogswell Dam'."
