Best Campgrounds near Pasadena, CA

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!