Tent camping options near Orange, California cluster primarily in Angeles National Forest and San Gabriel Mountains. These sites generally sit at elevations between 3,000-5,000 feet, offering cooler temperatures during summer months when Orange often exceeds 85°F. Most tent campgrounds require hiking in with gear over distances ranging from 0.5 to 6.5 miles through mountain terrain.
What to do
Explore waterfall hikes: At Millard Trail Campground, a 30-minute hike upstream leads to a scenic waterfall. A camper noted, "About a 20 minute hike and you can end up at a waterfall which is very pretty. But there are several trails to take for hiking and biking and I saw lots of people doing that."
Practice mountain biking: China Camp State Park Campground provides extensive mountain biking opportunities. One visitor explained, "Located on the west side of the San Rafael/Richmond Bridge, on San Francisco Bay, this park is extremely popular with mountain bikers. There are definitely better mountain biking trails in Marin but keep in mind that the bar is very high for mountain biking in Marin."
Fish mountain streams: Access fishing spots near Glenn Trail Camp Campground along the paved road that follows a river. A camper described it as "perfect for bikefishing (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."
Summit local peaks: Use Mount Lowe Trail Campground as a basecamp for summit hikes. A reviewer shared, "This is a hike in only campground that is secluded and a little spare. Fantastic views on a clear day and quite a few hikers pass through here on the weekend."
What campers like
Creek access: The best tent camping near Orange, California often includes stream proximity. At Valley Forge Trail Camp, campers appreciate the water source: "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 oasis of a meadow."
Quiet weekday camping: Many sites are less crowded midweek. At Spruce Grove Trail Campground, a visitor reported, "This walk-in campground is part of China Camp State Park. Only 33 tent-only sites! Very peaceful midweek."
Site amenities: Despite primitive settings, many campsites offer basic features. At Millard Trail Campground, "Each site has a picnic bench and a fire pit. The fire ban has been lifted so you can have a fire. Each fire pit had wood left at it so you didn't have to go searching for campfirewood."
Natural shade: Tree cover provides relief from sun. A camper at China Camp State Park noted, "The campground was off the main road that parallels the bay. It's located just past a meadow, and in the increasingly rare wet months, there's a creek that runs through the park."
What you should know
Wildlife precautions: Most campgrounds require proper food storage. At Manker Campground, one visitor shared, "It's in Bear country so they provide food storage for each campsite also trash containers too." At China Camp State Park, another camper warned, "The raccoons here are AGGRESSIVE! They won't attack you, but they will walk right up to your camp and try to steal your food."
Water sources: Stream water requires treatment at most sites. At Glenn Trail Camp, a camper noted, "The sites are a little spare but well maintained and the privy isn't gross. This is a dry camp with the only water available coming from the stream, if any."
Fire restrictions: Regulations vary seasonally. At Mount Lowe Campground, a visitor cautioned, "Check on camp fires permitted (last time I was there ABSOLUTELY NO FIRES ALLOWED)."
Car security: Some parking areas have reported break-ins. At Millard Trail Campground, a camper advised, "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."
Tips for camping with families
Beginner-friendly options: For first-time backpackers with children, consider Valley Forge Trail Camp. A visitor shared, "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."
Regional park alternatives: Yucaipa Regional Park offers family-friendly amenities not found at primitive sites. A visitor explained, "There's a lot to do here, including fishing, playgrounds, and even a waterpark in the summer. Tent camping is only allowed in group sites. They do have about 30 to 40 RV sites as well."
Gear transportation help: Some sites offer assistance with carrying equipment. At China Camp State Park Campground, "Wheeled totes can be borrowed to haul your gear up some little hills to your campsite under oak and bay trees."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Kids often enjoy animal sightings. A camper at Manker Campground mentioned seeing "deer, rabbits and a multitude of squirrels" during their stay.
Tips from RVers
Limited RV options: Only a few campgrounds near Orange accommodate RVs. Yucaipa Regional Park has "large concrete pads that can handle any rig. So much to do all around a park. Does get very cold, was in the teens overnight when I was there in Feb."
Weather preparation: Mountain campgrounds experience significant temperature drops at night. One camper at Yucaipa Regional Park noted, "I'm here in the heat but my AC is keeping up."
Connectivity considerations: Cell service varies by location. At Yucaipa, a reviewer reported, "Verizon service is only 2 bars but I can still work. Full hookup."
