Best Campgrounds near Pasadena, CA

Camping options near Pasadena range from established campgrounds to trail camps within Angeles National Forest. Chilao Campground and Millard Trail Campground provide tent camping opportunities within a short drive from the city. The region includes both drive-in sites with RV hookups at locations like Bonelli Bluffs and hike-in tent sites at Mount Lowe Trail Campground. Several campgrounds in the area feature picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets, while others offer more developed amenities including electric hookups, showers, and laundry facilities.

Seasonal considerations affect campground availability throughout the area, with many forest service campgrounds operating from April through November. "The campground is situated at a popular trailhead, and there is lots of good hiking nearby. But, this is also a high-traffic area on spring and summer weekends," noted one camper about Millard Trail Campground. Angeles National Forest campgrounds like Chilao and Buckhorn close during winter months, while lower elevation sites remain open year-round. Visitors should check current fire restrictions before planning trips, as bans are common during dry summer and fall months. Trail camps require hikers to carry in all water and supplies, with no potable water available at most primitive sites.

Campers report mixed experiences with privacy and solitude at campgrounds near Pasadena. Millard Trail Campground receives consistent feedback about its proximity to popular hiking trails, with one visitor noting "there is not a lot of privacy because there's always lots of people passing by who are hiking and biking." Higher elevation sites like Mount Lowe Trail Campground offer more seclusion but require significant hiking effort to reach. Many tent and RV sites provide scenic views, particularly at locations like Henninger Flat, where campers mention "beautiful views at night looking over Los Angeles." Mixed-use campgrounds throughout the area accommodate both tent and RV camping, though amenities vary significantly between primitive forest service sites and more developed private campgrounds with full hookups.

Best Camping Sites Near Pasadena, California (169)

    1. Chilao Campground

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

    $12 / night

    "there are easy hiking trails all over & good trees for hanging my hammock. the campsites are very spacious and clean (bathrooms were clean too!)"

    "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"

    2. Bonelli Bluffs

    38 Reviews
    South El Monte, CA
    20 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"

    3. Millard Trail Campground

    9 Reviews
    Altadena, CA
    2 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."

    4. 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."

    5. Angeles National Forest Chilao Campground

    12 Reviews
    Mount Wilson, CA
    12 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. Monte Cristo Campground

    10 Reviews
    Mount Wilson, CA
    11 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!"

    7. Angeles Crest Overlook to LA

    8 Reviews
    La Cañada Flintridge, CA
    4 miles

    "Great view but on the weekend we had multiple cars doing donuts really close to our van. I felt uncomfortable with that."

    "This is just a few parking lots that overlook the valley and gives a view of the city skyline in the distance."

    8. Buckhorn Campground

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

    $12 / night

    "If your looking for a near campground near Los Angeles, la Canada, Pasadena then look no more. This place is one of the best campgrounds I’ve ever been that’s near to where I live."

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

    9. Thousand Trails Soledad Canyon

    25 Reviews
    Acton, CA
    19 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."

    10. Valley Forge Trail Camp hike in. no drive

    6 Reviews
    Mount Wilson, CA
    5 miles
    Website

    $5 / night

    "Trail camp is in the canyon so it’s an easy 3.5 mile hike in, but a tough hike out of the canyon."

    "Forage your way through the Valley Forge Trail, for an intimate night in the wilderness at one of its remote camps."

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Recent Reviews near Pasadena, CA

1003 Reviews of 169 Pasadena Campgrounds


  • Lianne A.
    Sep. 23, 2025

    Monte Cristo Campground

    Nice Campground but Fire Restrictions!

    Monte Cristo is a nice campground not far from home. My husband and I visited this campsite for the first time just for one night. There was a fire restriction. No bonfires, no cooking on stoves and there was no water due to a leak. The bathroom that I was using I give it a 2 star.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 19, 2025

    Malibu Beach RV Park

    Great Family Vacation

    Perfect weekend getaway for the family! Loved the store and how close to the beach this place was. Will definitely be coming back!!

  • 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.✌️


Guide to Pasadena

Camping near Pasadena, California ranges from high-elevation sites at 6,000+ feet to desert-adjacent camping just 45 minutes from downtown Los Angeles. Angeles National Forest surrounds the area on three sides, creating a temperature difference of 10-15 degrees cooler than the city during summer months. Trail closures after winter storms can impact accessibility, with many sites requiring visitors to check current conditions before arrival.

What to do

Waterfall hiking: 30-minute hike from Millard Trail Campground leads to a seasonal waterfall. "A lovely creek runs south-west along the edge of the campground. There are approximately 4-6 sites, they are somewhat haphazardly spaced on a relatively flat area with good shade," notes one camper about the Millard Trail Campground.

Bird watching: Ravens and more at Thousand Trails Soledad Canyon. "From my favorite the Jet black Ravens, rabbits, coyotes, and interesting botany there are plenty of creatures to aww and be thankful for," says one reviewer about the wildlife diversity at this Thousand Trails Soledad Canyon campground.

Historical exploration: Mount Lowe Trail offers camping near historical sites. "Secluded campground with toilets, fire pits & many info plaques with photos from the old tavern on site," reports a hiker who visited Mount Lowe Trail Campground. The trail features remnants of historic railways and structures from the early 1900s.

What campers like

Easy weekend access: Quick drive from city to forest. "Great spot to get away from the big city being only a 45min drive from the Downtown, couldn't ask for more," writes a reviewer about Chilao Campground. Another camper shares, "I have been here a few times for a last minute weekend away, it's less than an hour from pasadena."

Creek-side camping: Seasonal water flows through several campgrounds. At Monte Cristo Campground, "There is a creek that runs through the campground which makes it very pretty," notes one visitor. A camper reports, "A stream runs through the campground in the spring" at Buckhorn Campground.

Privacy options: Varied site layouts across campgrounds. "Out of 83 sights, divided on 2 loops, only a few were shared parking with another vehicle but seemed like they would be good for larger groups. Lots of spots were hidden by rocks and or large brush," explains a Chilao visitor. Another notes that Buckhorn has "lots of space between campsites."

What you should know

Limited water availability: Check before arrival as water status changes seasonally. "No water at sites but they have water," notes a Monte Cristo camper. For hike-in sites like Mount Lowe, "No water, fountain is capped now," warns a recent visitor.

Fire restrictions: Varies by location and season. At Monte Cristo Campground, "They need to do some trash cleanup and people need to not be slots. There are dumpsters and water and multiple toilets. It's a bit close to the road, but it pretty." Remember that fire permissions change frequently.

Car break-ins: Take precautions at trailheads. One camper warns about Millard Trail Camp: "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

Starter backpacking: Valley Forge Trail Camp is beginner-friendly. "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," shares a visitor about Valley Forge Trail Camp.

Wildlife viewing: Keep food secure from bears and smaller animals. "A bear was on our stuff the first night. I whistled and it ran away. In the morning today, we seen another, casually walking Into the grounds," reports a Monte Cristo camper who recommends using the provided bear boxes.

Altitude considerations: Plan for temperature swings at higher elevations. Buckhorn sits "a little over 6000 feet up in the pine trees," notes one camper, meaning cooler temperatures even in summer. Plan for 30+ degree temperature drops at night.

Tips from RVers

Size restrictions: Max 24 feet at forest campgrounds. For Buckhorn Campground, one camper notes it's "good for small RVs. Over 24 foot not recommended" due to narrow, winding roads. Angeles Crest Highway has tight turns that can be challenging for larger rigs.

Full hookup options: Bonelli Bluffs offers developed sites. "I loved this place, this hidden gem is located in the in the middle of the city, with the feel of the outdoor. Lots of trees, biking and hiking trails, fishing area, beautiful views, very peaceful," shares a reviewer about Bonelli Bluffs, adding "not every site has a fire pit."

Uneven sites: Bring leveling blocks for Angeles National Forest campgrounds. "The sites are dirt so be prepared to get lots of fine dessert dirt in the camper," warns a visitor about Thousand Trails Soledad Canyon. Many forest service campgrounds have similar terrain challenges.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there RV parks or campgrounds with hookups in Pasadena, CA?

While Pasadena itself has limited RV camping options with hookups, several quality options exist within driving distance. Bolsa Chica State Beach Campground offers beachfront RV camping with water and electric hookups plus a dump station. The concrete/asphalt sites provide easy access to Long Beach and are relatively close to Disneyland. Bonelli Bluffs is another option with RV accommodations, though reviews mention limited amenities for families with children. For those willing to drive further, Los Alamos Campground at Pyramid Lake offers dry camping with water spigots available in some areas but not for permanent hookup. East of Pasadena, Thousand Trails Soledad Canyon provides big-rig-friendly sites with hookups.

What are the best camping options near Pasadena, CA?

The Angeles National Forest offers several excellent camping options less than an hour from Pasadena. Buckhorn Campground is highly rated for its proximity to Pasadena, self-serve system ($12/night), and abundant hiking opportunities and wildlife viewing. Chilao Campground is another favorite, featuring spacious and clean campsites, well-maintained bathrooms, and easy hiking trails with hammock-friendly trees. For those seeking a more rustic experience, Millard Trail Campground provides a very short drive from Pasadena with great hiking opportunities, though be prepared to carry gear about 150 yards from parking. Little Jimmy Trail Campground offers a backcountry experience just 2 miles off Angeles Crest Highway with first-come, first-served sites.

What's the average cost of camping near Pasadena, California?

Camping costs near Pasadena vary based on amenities and location. Basic forest service campgrounds in Angeles National Forest are typically the most affordable, with Lake Campground and similar sites offering spots for around $12-15 per night. More developed campgrounds like O'Neill Regional Park tend to charge $20-30 per night for standard sites with amenities like free showers and clean facilities. Beachfront camping and RV parks with hookups command premium prices, typically $45-65 per night. Leo Carrillo State Park along the coast offers sites at $35-45 per night. Many Angeles National Forest campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-served basis with self-pay systems, while more developed sites often require reservations with booking fees.