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Best Campgrounds near Mount Wilson, CA

991 Reviews

Angeles National Forest surrounds Mount Wilson in the San Gabriel Mountains, offering several established campgrounds and trail camps for overnight stays. Chilao Campground, Buckhorn Campground, and Crystal Lake Recreation Area provide developed camping options with varying amenities for both tent and RV campers. Trail camps like Valley Forge, Spruce Grove, and Mount Lowe offer more primitive camping experiences accessible only by hiking. Most campgrounds operate seasonally from April through November, with limited year-round options available at lower elevations.

Road closures and access limitations affect many sites in the area, particularly following wildfire impacts. "Drove all the way to the turn in to find the road was closed," noted one visitor attempting to reach Valley Forge Trail Camp. Hikers should be prepared for potentially challenging trail conditions with several backpackers mentioning downed trees, stream crossings, and steep terrain when accessing trail camps. Most developed campgrounds provide drinking water, vault toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings, though fire restrictions may apply seasonally. Elevation ranges from approximately 3,000 to 7,000 feet, creating significant temperature variations between sites and seasons.

Campers consistently mention the region's flowing creeks and sense of wilderness as highlights. "There is a flowing creek right along the camp, and a 10-foot waterfall just 50 yards away," shared one visitor at Idlehour Trail Camp. Trail camps typically offer more seclusion but require backpacking gear and water filtration capabilities as most lack developed water sources. Several reviewers noted the contrast between the nearby urban environment and the natural experience: "Feel like you're miles away without leaving LA." Bear activity occurs throughout the region, requiring proper food storage. Cell phone reception is limited or non-existent at most sites, particularly in canyon locations, with some trail camps providing emergency call boxes.

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Best Camping Sites Near Mount Wilson, California (176)

    1. Chilao Campground

    17 Reviews
    Mount Wilson, CA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (818) 790-1151

    $12 / night

    "Campground

    We had been driving around the campground loops for more than an hour, and had just about given up, when we say the sign for overflow camping near the exit of the Chilao campground loop"

    "Great spot to get away from the big city being only a 45min drive from the Downtown, couldn’t ask for more"

    2. Buckhorn Campground

    20 Reviews
    Juniper Hills, CA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (818) 899-1900

    $12 / night

    "Beautiful trails near by, next to a stream, gorgeous views, and of course that mountain air! Trees are perfect for hammocks."

    "It is set back from the road a little giving you a quieter experience away from the 2. This would be a good first car camping spot for families with young children."

    3. Bonelli Bluffs

    38 Reviews
    South El Monte, CA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (909) 599-8355

    $76 - $88 / night

    "⭐⭐⭐⭐

    Our experience at Bonelli Bluffs Campground was mostly positive, but there were a couple of aspects that could be improved."

    "The views around the outskirts of B loop are just lovely, the staff has been so friendly and helpful (we’re RV newbies and had a ton of questions) the store was stocked with all of the little things we"

    4. Crystal Lake Rec Area Campground

    26 Reviews
    Valyermo, CA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (626) 335-1251

    "We’ve done Crystal Lake probably 6 dozen times or more in our time in California and it never disappoints on the spectacular views."

    "Whenever I need to get away from LALA Land, I head up here.  I grew up in the mountains of western Pennsylvania, so , sometimes , I need to kick back and recharge."

    5. Angeles National Forest Chilao Campground

    12 Reviews
    Mount Wilson, CA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (626) 574-1613

    "OKAY... seriously this one of the best campgrounds near Los Angeles. My ultimate go to spot for an overnight camping trip."

    "We were told that the water pumps were off but actually managed to camp right next to the one that was working. The bathrooms were super clean too!"

    6. Coldbrook Campground

    18 Reviews
    Glendora, CA
    14 miles
    Website

    "We left LA (Hollywood) on a Friday afternoon around 3, and were setting up camp by 5! Luckily a friend got to the campground before us though, as he snagged the last of the 20 or so sites there."

    "Coldbrooke is a excellent campground that is relatively close to the city. The camp host was super helpful in explaining the fire restrictions and overall questions."

    7. Millard Trail Campground

    9 Reviews
    Altadena, CA
    5 miles
    Website

    "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."

    "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."

    8. Mount Lowe Trail Campground

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

    "We went in May this year so not much people around. Brand new toilet is nice as well. There was some flowing water still."

    "There's a stream nearby the Mount Lowe Summit Trail, also. Plenty of great sites to choose from."

    9. Monte Cristo Campground

    9 Reviews
    Mount Wilson, CA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (661) 269-2808

    $12 / night

    "Or one right next to you if you don't have one. The water does not taste too good, but it serves for washing. A bear was on our stuff the first night. I whistled and it ran away."

    "It’s Close to Hidden Springs and Switzer falls, surrounding area is very beautiful. I’ll be back!"

    10. Thousand Trails Soledad Canyon

    25 Reviews
    Acton, CA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "It's a very hot campground close to a road and train. Sites are big. Tons of things to do for adults and children."

    "Surrounded my mountains, which is nice. Staff is happy and helpful."

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Recent Camping Photos near Mount Wilson, CA

292 Photos of 176 Mount Wilson Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Mount Wilson, CA

991 Reviews of 176 Mount Wilson Campgrounds

  • B
    Aug. 29, 2025

    Tapo Canyon Park

    Favorite spot near LA

    The Camp Hosts here are Very Friendly and welcoming, the campground has a lush grass area and nice covered playground. The showers and bathrooms are nice, we highly recommend Tapo Canyon.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 23, 2025

    Malibu Creek State Park Campground

    Great trip/great site!

    This place is great! We stayed on site 59 and it had so much space you can fit a ton of people on the site. We had a beautiful, big tree and a great view in the back of the site. Site 62 had the most beautiful view but no shade, but I want to book it for the cooler months. Showers and bathrooms were pristine!! Can’t wait to go back!

  • Wayne S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 11, 2025

    Applewhite Campground (Ca) — San Bernardino National Forest

    Nice little park

    Very small campground. Camping sites are spread out. The access road is very narrow. We did it with a 22 foot fifth wheel. Space 41 could hold a much longer rig but it would be a challenge even getting to that space. There were only two other campers here while we were here. Lots of trees but not so thick you dont get some sun. The road getting to the campgrounds is somewhat narrow and has some hairpin turns so again it might be difficult for someone with a long trailer We camped at Applewhite Campground in a Fifth Wheel.

  • Michael R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 10, 2025

    Malibu Creek State Park Campground

    Malibu Creek State Park

    The campground is well laid out with plenty of shade available in most sites throughout the day. Sites aren’t too close to one another, restrooms are modern and clean and people were pretty quiet at night and in the early mornings. Main demographic was families when I camped here.

  • ROCKSTAR C.
    Aug. 7, 2025

    Hare School Park

    It’s the sports fields parking lot

    I’ve been here for a couple days and nobody’s mess with us. There’s other people that are staying in another parking lot attached that are homeless in their vehicles mostly cars and vans. I’m in a 25 foot Fleetwood RV. There’s a dog park kind of area with a big field they can run around and just clean up after them.There’s no public bathrooms, but there are trash cans so clean up after yourself please. It’s not tent friendly. I don’t believe.

  • Lizzette M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 7, 2025

    Hollywood RV Park

    Gem near the big city

    I came 3 days ago in my class C. Showers and restrooms were clean and supplied. The RV is cute very Hollywood movies vibes. Trees lovely gardens to walk the dogs. Commerce walking distance. I’m staying 8 more days.✌️

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 3, 2025

    Canyon RV Park

    Relaxed, clean, friendly, infor.ative, quiet

    Been passing this exit on the 91 freewqy for 25 years and had no idea canyon Rv park was tucked in beween corona and yorba linda. I was quite amazed with the tidy faculitie a d wqs very peacefull. When U are smake dab in the middle of asfalt jungle. I litteraly forgot where i was because its like a little bubble on you .exot the freeway a d e ter the park everything behind you just melts away and i felt like i was in the woods, and at times i swear i was the only camper here. If you are into easy going peacefull quite camp sites this is one of them

Guide to Mount Wilson

Camping near Mount Wilson, California, offers a fantastic escape into nature with stunning views and plenty of outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, there are several campgrounds in the area that cater to different needs.

What to do:

  • Hiking: There are numerous trails around Mount Wilson. Many campers enjoy the scenic hikes that lead to breathtaking views. One visitor at Bonelli Bluffs mentioned, "Beautiful view from our site on area B," highlighting the stunning scenery.
  • Fishing: If you enjoy fishing, the nearby lakes provide great spots to cast a line. A reviewer at Crystal Lake Rec Area Campground noted, "The lake nearby is a nice touch for fishing enthusiasts."
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. A camper at Coldbrook Campground shared, "We hoped to see a mama bear and her cubs, but it wasn’t to be," showing the area's rich wildlife.

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and campsites. One visitor at Buckhorn Campground said, "Clean campsites and beautiful trails nearby."
  • Friendly Staff: Many campgrounds have helpful staff. A reviewer at Thousand Trails Soledad Canyon mentioned, "The staff was incredibly friendly and helpful throughout our stay!"
  • Scenic Views: Campers love the beautiful landscapes. A guest at Table Mountain Campground remarked, "Really nice spot with amazing views."

What you should know:

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can get noisy, especially on weekends. A camper at Dockweiler Beach RV Park noted, "It's noisy if you have party neighbors, but they do turn off the music by 10:30."
  • Wildlife Precautions: Bears are known to roam in the area. A visitor at Chilao Campground warned, "We encountered a bear once at night. We yelled 'go bear,' and it did in fact, go."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may lack certain amenities. A reviewer at Crystal Lake Rec Area Campground mentioned, "There are no showers, but the toilets are decent."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Playground Facilities: Look for campgrounds with kid-friendly amenities. A family at Bonelli Bluffs wished for playgrounds, saying, "We had to get creative in finding ways to occupy their time."
  • Short Walks to Activities: Choose campgrounds that are close to lakes or trails. A camper at Crystal Lake Rec Area Campground found the walk to the lake longer than expected, which made spontaneous trips less feasible.
  • Plan for Quiet Time: Ensure there are quiet hours to help kids rest. A visitor at Buckhorn Campground noted, "It was very quiet with only a handful of people."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Hookups: Make sure the campground has the necessary hookups for your RV. A reviewer at Thousand Trails Soledad Canyon mentioned, "Expecting more to come! All in all, this is a solid Thousand Trails to stay at."
  • Space Considerations: Some campgrounds can feel cramped. A visitor at Dockweiler Beach RV Park said, "You're packed like sardines but it's beachfront."
  • Plan for Noise: Be prepared for noise from nearby roads or other campers. A camper at Bolsa Chica State Beach Campground noted, "The view and the breeze are beautiful, but the traffic noise is not so nice."

Camping near Mount Wilson, California, has something for everyone, from families to RVers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the camping sites at Mount Wilson?

Mount Wilson has several nearby camping options rather than sites directly on the mountain itself. Hoegees Trail Camp Campground is accessible via the Big Santa Anita Canyon Loop on Mount Wilson, offering free primitive camping in wooded areas with creeks and waterfalls. For a backcountry experience, Little Jimmy Trail Campground is located just above Crystal Lake, approximately 2 miles off Angeles Crest Highway with first-come, first-served sites. Both are hike-in only, so be prepared for a trek to reach these secluded spots. Mount Wilson is primarily within Angeles National Forest, where dispersed camping is generally permitted in designated areas with proper permits.

How do I get to Mount Wilson campgrounds from Los Angeles?

From Los Angeles, take the 210 Freeway east toward La Cañada Flintridge, then exit onto Angeles Crest Highway (CA-2). For most Mount Wilson area campgrounds, you'll follow this scenic route into the mountains. To reach Millard Trail Campground, one of the closest sites to Pasadena, take the 210 to the Lake Avenue exit, head north until it ends, then follow the signs to the trailhead. For Chilao Campground, continue on Angeles Crest Highway for approximately 26 miles from La Cañada Flintridge. Most campgrounds are within a 1-2 hour drive from downtown LA, depending on traffic conditions. Always check road closures during winter months when snow can affect access.

What amenities are available at Mount Wilson campground?

Campgrounds near Mount Wilson are generally primitive with basic amenities. Buckhorn Campground offers potable water and vault toilets during operating season, while Coldbrook Campground provides similar facilities. The more rustic trail camps like Little Jimmy have vault toilets and fire rings but no running water. Most sites include picnic tables and established fire pits, though fire restrictions are common during dry seasons. None of the Mount Wilson area campgrounds offer electrical hookups, showers, or other modern conveniences. Cell service is typically limited or non-existent. Prepare to be self-sufficient with your own water filtration system for the backcountry sites, and always pack out all trash as many sites have no garbage service.

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