Best Campgrounds near Pasadena, CA

Pasadena sits near several great camping spots in Southern California. Point Mugu State Park runs along the coast with camping areas on the beach and up in the canyons, giving you different ways to enjoy nature. At Doheny State Beach Campground, you can fall asleep to the sound of waves crashing nearby. San Mateo Campground within San Onofre State Beach feels more tucked away from crowds and has good hiking trails through natural areas. These places work well whether you want to be right on the sand or somewhere a bit more woodsy. Some campgrounds have nice amenities like showers and real toilets, while others are more basic. Spring and fall camping around Pasadena is usually best because the weather stays comfortable. Summer gets pretty hot, particularly at inland sites, so bring plenty of water if you go then. Winter can be tricky with some areas closing or becoming harder to access, so it's smart to call ahead before making the trip.

Best Camping Sites Near Pasadena, California (165)

    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. 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."

    3. Bonelli Bluffs

    37 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"

    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. 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."

    6. 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."

    7. 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."

    8. 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!"

    9. Crystal Lake Rec Area Campground

    26 Reviews
    Valyermo, CA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (626) 335-1251

    "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."

    10. Thousand Trails Soledad Canyon

    24 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."

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Showing results 1-10 of 165 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Pasadena, CA

975 Reviews of 165 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

What camping is available near Pasadena, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Pasadena, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 165 campgrounds and RV parks near Pasadena, CA and 4 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Pasadena, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Pasadena, CA is Chilao Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 17 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Pasadena, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 4 free dispersed camping spots near Pasadena, CA.

What parks are near Pasadena, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 10 parks near Pasadena, CA that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.