Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Pasadena, CA
Chilao Campground and Angeles National Forest Chilao Campground accommodate pets with established firepits and picnic tables at drive-in and walk-in sites. Tent and RV camping options support pet owners looking for outdoor recreation with their animals, with Angeles National Forest offering water hookups not available at the standard Chilao site. Both campgrounds maintain seasonal operation from April to November in a mountainous setting within Angeles National Forest. Mount Lowe Trail Campground provides free tent camping options with picnic tables where pets are permitted, though facilities are minimal with pit toilets and no drinking water. Many sites spread along Angeles Crest Highway feature pet-friendly policies with varying amenities – some primitive dispersed sites like Angeles Crest Overlook require self-containment while established grounds like Buckhorn Campground provide drinking water and trash collection services. The view from overnight parking at Angeles Crest is eerily quiet with breathtaking views of Los Angeles at night.
Hiking trails throughout the San Gabriel Mountains accommodate dogs on-leash, with trail camps like Valley Forge and Mount Lowe offering pet-friendly overnight options for backpackers. Crystal Lake Recreation Area permits pets at their campground with market services and sanitary dump stations available for RV campers traveling with animals. Bonelli Bluffs in San Dimas provides premium pet camping with full hookups, showers, laundry facilities, and tent, RV, and yurt accommodations. Pet owners should note that most Angeles National Forest campgrounds require pets remain leashed at all times, waste must be disposed of properly, and barking must be minimized during quiet hours. Seasonal considerations include limited water availability at many sites during dry months, with some reviews noting water sources completely capped or shut off at certain times of year. Pack extra water for pets when visiting backcountry sites, especially during hot weather when trails have minimal shade.