Glamping experiences near Pasadena provide access to the San Gabriel Mountains with elevations ranging from 1,200 to 5,700 feet. The area maintains moderate temperatures year-round with summer averages of 85-95°F during day and 60-70°F at night. Most campgrounds sit along canyon roads with limited cell service and varying terrain conditions.
What to do
Waterfall hikes: From Millard Trail Campground, a 30-minute hike leads to Millard Falls through shaded paths. "Waterfall trail is nothing but shade provided by the trees foliage and the creek kept our dogs cool as they would jump in and out of the small pools," reports one visitor to Millard Trail Campground.
Mountain biking: The trails near West Fork Trail Campground provide excellent terrain for mountain biking with creek crossings. "There is a lot of good hiking nearby. But, this is also a high-traffic area on spring and summer weekends," notes a camper at West Fork Trail Campground.
Swimming and recreation: Thousand Trails Soledad Canyon offers family-friendly water activities during warmer months. "They have a pool. A tent area. Some spaces monumentally better than others. There's good hiking and bike riding and fishing," mentions a camper at Thousand Trails Soledad Canyon.
What campers like
Creek-side camping: Many glamping spots feature running water even in summer months. "Bikepacked in for a quick overnighter. Nice campground, active stream in the middle of summer. Waterfall 30 minutes hike upstream," shares a visitor about Millard Trail Campground.
Fire pits with cooking grates: Little Pine campground offers practical cooking setups. "Fire pit came in handy with a cooking grate and parking spaces are large enough for a small RV," notes a camper at Little Pine Campground.
Privacy options: Some sites offer more seclusion than others. "I've stayed here before and love the view it offers. Site #13 feels more secluded than other sites on the campground," mentions another Little Pine visitor.
Wildlife viewing: Morning deer sightings are common at certain campgrounds. "We stayed on site 15, with a great view. Fire pit came in handy with a cooking grate and parking spaces are large enough for a small RV," reports a recent Little Pine camper.
What you should know
Bear safety: Food storage lockers are available at sites in bear country. "It's in Bear country so they provide food storage for each campsite also trash containers too. Each side has a picnic bench and a fire pit," explains a visitor to Millard Trail Campground.
Vehicle security: Take precautions with valuables in parking areas. "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," warns a Millard Trail visitor.
Seasonal availability: Most glamping sites are accessible year-round but with varying conditions. "Went there this weekend and very few people. Easy campground to get to and close by. First come first serve sites. Does get crowded in summer season," notes a Malibu Creek State Park visitor.
Weekday tranquility: For a quieter experience, visit mid-week. "We went during the week and was the only one camping. This place is heavily used for day camping and hiking," shares a Millard Trail camper.
Tips for camping with families
Group site selection: Choose inner campground sites for family gatherings. "The inner circle of sites abuts the bathrooms and is better for groups. The outer rings on three sides have nice views, but some sites on the south side are shorter and abut a fence," advises a Malibu Creek camper.
Weekend activities: Some resorts offer organized events for children. "Thousand Trails campground with recently remolded lodge in 2019. Does offer all the amenities TT resort park typically offer," explains a visitor to Thousand Trails Soledad Canyon.
Easier access trails: Look for flat, shaded hiking routes for younger children. "Fun little campground with decent facilities and beautiful surroundings. Lots of trails all around with a nice hike of about 1/2 mile up to Millard Falls that is easy for kids and grown ups," suggests a Bonelli Bluffs visitor.
Heat considerations: Pack accordingly for hot summer days with limited shade. "I came here during the summer and it was extremely HOT. There isn't much shade on the actual campgrounds, but a few sites do have partial shade," cautions a Malibu Creek camper.
Tips from RVers
Site size limitations: Some campgrounds have tight spaces unsuitable for larger vehicles. "Camping is ok for RVs but maybe not the best for tent camping. After experiencing both amenities this place is more or less for RVs and 4/10 as for they do have the tent camping on the steep incline," explains a Bonelli Bluffs visitor.
Hookup availability: Full hookups are limited at some locations. "It is a large campground with water, electric and sewer hookups available. During the season it is pretty crowded but if you go off peak it is very nice and quiet," advises a Thousand Trails camper.
Noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience noise from nearby infrastructure. "Stay in the back side of the park as a rail line runs in front of the front side of the park. Phone service and wifi are adequate in most parts of the camp," recommends another Thousand Trails visitor.
