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Best Campgrounds near Pasadena, CA

1,002 Reviews

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.

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Best Camping Sites Near Pasadena, California (168)

    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. 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!"

    5. 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."

    6. 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."

    7. Mount Lowe Trail Campground

    6 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."

    8. 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."

    9. 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."

    10. Monte Cristo Campground

    9 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!"

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1002 Reviews of 168 Pasadena Campgrounds

Guide to Pasadena

Camping near Pasadena, CA, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a beachside retreat or a mountain escape, there are plenty of campgrounds to explore.

What to do:

  • Beach Access: Enjoy the sun and surf at Thornhill Broome Beach — Point Mugu State Park. Campers love the beachfront spots, with one reviewer saying, "Really a special spot. Not crowded and a place you can rarely camp beachfront in Southern California."
  • Hiking Trails: Check out Sycamore Canyon Campground — Point Mugu State Park for great hiking options. One visitor mentioned, "Great location. Less than 1/2 mile to the beach, hiking and MTB/gravel trails accessible from the campground."
  • Mountain Biking: For biking enthusiasts, Dogwood Campground offers access to fantastic trails. A reviewer noted, "Great mountain bike or hiking trail about 5-6mi loop."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness at Bonelli Bluffs. One camper said, "Possibly the cleanest public bathroom I've ever seen."
  • Spacious Sites: Many enjoy the roomy campsites at San Mateo Campground — San Onofre State Beach. A visitor shared, "The campground is setup as a bunch of loops with a large common area between the rear of every campsite."
  • Pet-Friendly: Campgrounds like Canyon Campground — Leo Carrillo State Park Campground allow pets, making it easier for families to bring their furry friends along. One reviewer mentioned, "Dogs are welcome, which is a big plus for us."

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Campers at Thornhill Broome Beach should be aware that there are no water hookups or dump stations. A visitor noted, "Loved the quietness of this campsite. No water, no dump station, only portable bathrooms."
  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds, like Doheny State Beach Campground, can get noisy. One camper said, "The night we were camping here, our neighboring camp was extremely loud."
  • Crowded on Weekends: Expect busier conditions during weekends at places like San Mateo Campground. A reviewer mentioned, "Crowded on weekends, much less during the week."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Spacious Sites: Look for campgrounds with larger sites, like Bonelli Bluffs, where families can spread out. One camper said, "Crowded on weekends, much less during the week."
  • Plan for Activities: Bring bikes or plan hikes to keep kids entertained. A visitor at Sycamore Canyon Campground mentioned, "Great location for beach, biking and hiking."
  • Pack Snacks: Having snacks on hand can make a big difference. One camper at Dogwood Campground noted, "The bathrooms are very convenient, the water stations make cleaning and refills extremely easy."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the campground's site sizes. A reviewer at San Mateo Campground said, "The sites are quite large with bushes/trees between sites."
  • Bring Your Own Wi-Fi: Some campgrounds, like Point Mugu State Park, have limited cell service. One visitor mentioned, "No T-Mobile wifi."
  • Use Dump Stations Wisely: Be aware of the dump station availability. A camper at Doheny State Beach Campground noted, "The dump site was closed this weekend."

Camping near Pasadena, CA, has something for everyone, from beach lovers to mountain bikers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

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.

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