1 campground with availability next weekend
Several tent campgrounds dot the Angeles National Forest around Mount Wilson, California, offering backcountry experiences within striking distance of Los Angeles. Trail camps like Valley Forge, Spruce Grove, and Millard provide primitive tent camping options accessed primarily by hiking trails rather than vehicles. Most sites require a 2-4 mile hike on established paths, with Hoegees and Idlehour requiring slightly longer approaches. These trail camps typically feature 5-8 first-come, first-served tent sites with no reservations accepted.
Surface conditions at Mount Wilson area tent campgrounds vary from packed dirt to forest duff, with minimal site development beyond basic amenities. Most backcountry tent sites include fire rings and picnic tables, though fire restrictions often apply during dry seasons. Bear boxes are provided at many locations including Millard Trail Camp, making proper food storage mandatory for tent campers. Vault toilets are available at most established trail camps, but running water is rarely provided. One camper noted, "The creek was usually running so bring something to treat the water." Adventure Passes are required for parking at most trailheads.
Areas farther from trailheads offer deeper seclusion and less noise for tent campers seeking true backcountry experiences. Many sites position tent pads near seasonal creeks, providing both ambiance and a water source when flowing. A recent review mentioned that "in April the creek was full, with several creek crossings on the hike and crisp, fresh water along the campsite." Trail camps experience varying levels of traffic, with some remaining relatively empty on weekdays while filling quickly on weekends. Wildlife encounters including bears are common near tent sites, requiring proper food storage. Most backcountry tent campsites connect to larger trail networks, including the Pacific Crest Trail which passes through Little Jimmy Campground, allowing for day hiking options or multi-day backpacking routes from your base camp.
"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."
"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."
"This is a backpackers campground. First come first serve, picnic tables and fire rings included. I think there is only about 8-10 sites. Nice creek flows though the campground."
"This is a hike in campground that has stoves and a creek running through. The sites are nicely spaced and there is plenty of shade. Perfect little backpacking trip."
"Took some friends for their first ever backpacking trip, 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."
"Picnic tables and fire rings made food preparing especially easy. It has so much charm!"
from $5 / night
"No water, fountain is capped now"
"There's no water right now but that could change after first rain or snow. Stayed here last week & it's still great."
"You can only access this campground by backpacking in. There's about 12 campsites with picnic benches and fire rings. There's a creek that runs through. it's beautiful and feels completely isolated."
"Hoegee’s is 2 miles hike from Chantry Flats by way of the Lower Winter Creek Trail. The site is named for Hoegee’s resort which stood just upstream."
"They had fire pits and public toilets and food storage for bears."
"This is a nice hike-in campground with about ten sites available and a privy. Lots of hikers up here on the weekend ( and weekdays too)."
"Access to this campground is so easy, whether it's by car or by bike."
"This hike-in/bike-in campground is located 6 1/2 miles behind a locked gate. The small campground is equipped with stream for water (must be treated), and vault potties."
from $5 / night
"Perfect stopping point for backpacking. Went here in May and we were the only 2 here. Plenty of water flowing and tree cover from the sun."
"No water facet but there is a toilet. I have woke in the morning to deer on several occasions. I will come back here."
"Crossing the tiny bridge at the west end of Switzer Picinic area(park up top during the weekdays, adds half a mile), you’ll see Switzer Trail Camp."
"But otherwise a great spot to spend a few summer days away from anyone not hale enough to trek in a few miles."
"Lots of greenery and flowing water in the winter season with wildlife all along the trail and campground."
ScoutBeautiful spot on seal Beach naval weapons command base. A bit pricey, but has showers and free laundry facilities seems to be on the flight path to John Wayne Airport beautiful grounds must have a DBIDS card to get in and out of base if not military.
ScoutSite is clean, many activities on weekends They also add 1000lb or catfish and trout weekly depending on season. Members were friendly. Downside is wifi when the campsite is 75+ full and only about a dozen paved spots. Major are gravel and dirt.
TravelerNice spot with great hiking. Limited facilities. No hookups. $1 for 2 minute shower (tokens).
TravelerI went there to see, before making a reservation. I found the trailer park—maybe 100 old mobile homes—but I never found an RV park. I didn’t see anything to see. The “pool” was empty. The office was locked, and it wasn’t lunch. Just kinda not happening. I left a message to call me with the answering service, but I never got a call back.
TravelerI was lucky to find this place. It’s well run, comfortable, friendly. Nice spots.
GuideStopped here on a Friday night after spending the day in Simi Valley. It was a ghost town, with only one other campsite occupied that showed no movement or activity at all. The train isn’t running in the overnight hours, so that’s a plus, but the vibe at the lower campsite is making it tough to sleep nonetheless. Two stars for a clean bathroom.
ScoutI found the campground to be very friendly kid friendly and pet friendly. The spots were spacious and some had privacy others were out in the open. The rangers were very friendly and helpful, they helped me set up my tent when they saw I was having trouble. There are trails to explore. A great last minute getaway from the city and not to far, the bathroom was clean and modern with hot showers and toilets.
TravelerVery windy and need high clearance vehicles
TravelerYou definitely need high clearance vehicles or you will not make it here
Tent campsites near Mount Wilson, California sit at elevations between 3,000-5,700 feet in the San Gabriel Mountains. The Angeles National Forest campsites experience wide temperature swings with summer days reaching 90°F while dropping to 50°F at night. Winter conditions can include snow at higher elevations, with tent sites often closed from November through April due to weather.
Hike to waterfalls: A 30-minute hike from Millard Trail Campground leads to Millard Falls, accessible via a half-mile trail. "Fun little campground with decent facilities and beautiful surroundings. Lots of trails all around with a nice hike of about 1/2 mile up to Millard Falls that is easy for kids and grown ups," notes one camper.
Fish for trout: The West Fork San Gabriel River offers seasonal fishing opportunities near Glenn Trail Camp. "If you're trying to bike_fish_ (it's a thing), this road is lined with fishing platforms for all sorts of trout, as the road follows a river the entire way," explains one visitor who found the area ideal for combining cycling with fishing.
Observe wildlife: Early mornings at Mount Wilson trail camps often provide wildlife viewing opportunities. "I have woke in the morning to deer on several occasions," reports one regular at West Fork Trail Camp. Bear sightings are also common, requiring proper food storage protocols at all sites.
Secluded creek settings: Many campers appreciate the water features at Valley Forge Trail Camp, where sites sit alongside seasonal water sources. "In April the creek was full, with several creek crossings on the hike and crisp, fresh water along the campsite that contribute to a beautifully green owasis of a meadow," notes one reviewer.
Proximity to Los Angeles: Tent campers value these backcountry experiences within reasonable driving distance. "If you're in LA and looking for the back-country feel without a long drive, this is just a 3 mile hike or ride up the canyon from Altadena," explains a camper at Gould Mesa Trail Camp.
Stargazing opportunities: The elevation and distance from city lights create excellent night sky viewing conditions. "It was eerily quiet at night. We were the only ones there and can hear our own hearbeats laying there at night," writes a visitor to Mount Lowe Trail Campground, highlighting the darkness and solitude that allows for stellar stargazing.
Security concerns: Vehicle break-ins occur at some trailhead parking areas. "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," warns a Millard Trail Camp visitor.
Weekend crowds: Most tent sites fill quickly Friday through Sunday. "We went in May this year so not much people around. Brand new toilet is nice as well. There was some flowing water still," notes a camper who found Bear Canyon Campground relatively empty by visiting midweek.
Limited privacy: Many trail camps sit along popular hiking paths. "This campground is not a campground if you want to get away from people because there is a lot of people passing by looking at you. You can't really be isolated or have privacy even though it is a campground," explains one visitor to Millard Trail Camp.
Water treatment necessary: All natural water sources require filtration. "The creek was usually running so come prepared with your own water and something to treat the creek water with," advises a camper at Spruce Grove Trail Camp.
Shorter hikes for beginners: Hoegees Trail Camp offers family-friendly access. "You can only access this campground by backpacking in. There's about 12 campsites with picnic benches and fire rings. There's a creek that runs through. It's beautiful and feels completely isolated," notes a visitor, making it ideal for introducing children to backpacking.
Emergency preparedness: Cell phone service is minimal or nonexistent at most sites. "There is an emergency call box and calls phones do not work," points out a Hoegees camper, suggesting families should bring alternative communication devices.
Educational opportunities: Many camps feature historical remnants. "The concrete foundation in the center of the campground was a private cabin which burned down decades ago," explains a Hoegees visitor, providing opportunity for historical discussions with children.
No vehicle access: Most Mount Wilson area tent sites cannot accommodate RVs. "This is a hike in only campground that is secluded and a little spare," explains a Mount Lowe visitor, clarifying that RVs must be left at designated parking areas.
Alternative options: RV campers should consider established campgrounds in lower elevations of Angeles National Forest instead of the tent-only backcountry sites near Mount Wilson. "Once past that gate, you'll soon hit another, this one closed to all motorized vehicles," warns a frustrated visitor who attempted to reach Mount Lowe Campground with a vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Mount Wilson, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Mount Wilson, CA is Millard Trail Campground with a 3.7-star rating from 9 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 53 tent camping locations near Mount Wilson, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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