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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.
"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"
from $20 / night
Check Availability"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"
from $76 - $88 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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!"
"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."
"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!"
from $12 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $20 / night
Check Availability"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."
"You can hear cars driving off in the distance but still overall quiet.
- Close to LA. This is about a 15 minute drive then 30 minute hike from my house.
* The stream is great."
"Very beautiful now that the canyon vegetation has grown back in and there are plenty of trails in the area for miles of hiking. Lots of wildlife. Fire rings in camp sites but check for fire permits."
"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."
from $20 / night
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TravelerNice campground, clean and well maintained - would pick a different spot a bit further from street. If you want to go to lake, its a bit away so need car.
GuideNo lake view, which was a bit disappointing. Nice wooded area though with tree climbing. A bit loud music from the neighbors, not until very late so was OK. Limited amount of toilets for the amount of spots
ScoutIt was a nice place and the people were nice. I checked with the staff on day one if their water was potable. They confirmed everything is potable. My dog had explosive diarrhea day 1 and by the time I got home I had fever and diarrhea. It’s been a rough ride ever since. My dog and I did not share food. We only used the tap as a water source. My husband ate all of our food any only drank store bought drinks. No water. He’s fine. Just me and the dog riding it out. Don’t learn my lesson the hard way. Bring your own water and enjoy it.
TravelerStockton flats yellow post sights 1-8 can be driven easily in any 2wd vehicle with moderate clearance. I took my f250 service body truck to site#6 or im assuming its #6. Sites are not label. Trail Roads got washed and i wasnt able to continue further to verify. If you’re afraid of clearance issues stick to sites 1 & 2. At the time of going, 3,4 & 5 looked like perfect sights to stay, other sites were rough and a rake would be needed minimum to make it comfortable. #9 currently requires minor upgrades to reach the campground. A stock jeep with oversized tires could easily get to that location as of 8-29-2026
ScoutThe hike-in experience has captivating views and diverse environment. Really felt away from the " concrete jungle" of the city.
TravelerGood campground, quiet, not crowded during the week. Too much trash around some sites, though, on a Monday (doesn’t look like new trash). Bathrooms were clean, but basic. Evening bike ride was fantastic, but the trail is not well kept up (rough or crumbling in many spots) and is steep enough to require an electric bike in several parts unless you are good with an 8-9% grade. Park is quiet during the day, with a lot of amenities.
Tons of ants. Active gnats and mosquitoes at dusk and dawn.
Temperatures were quite warm in mid August. Glad we had an RV with AC.
GuideSome of the campground seems very nice and some is the exact opposite. Pool is very nice and HUGE. But, there are entire sections of this campground that have just faded into non-existent. The bathrooms aren’t great. There are a lot of stationary campers(or what looks to be…) which isn’t really our favorite site to see. But, it was included with our membership and we aren’t going to leave to go pay for somewhere else.
GuideThis location is very close to the city but just far enough out to feel the grandeur of the great outdoors! Spots were generally spread out and had fantastic views. Not too much light pollution and very peaceful. Sites have fire pits, tables, and vault toilets. Water spigots were not operational during my stay but usually are.
ScoutAs a heads up, they accept only factory van conversions with black and gray water tanks. So no self conversions. As a facility, it seems very nice, my RVing friend has been coming in here for years and absolutely loves it
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.
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.
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."
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."
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.
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.
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