The San Gabriel Mountains foothills north of Pasadena offer tent camping options at elevations between 1,200 and 5,700 feet. Winter temperatures often drop below freezing at higher elevations, while summer daytime temperatures can exceed 90°F throughout the range. Most trail camps require hikers to carry all supplies between 0.5 and 6.5 miles from parking areas.
What to do
Stream fishing opportunities: Glenn Trail Camp Campground provides access to native trout fishing spots. "Don't forget to strap a pole to your pack if you want to catch some dinner. This area is native to good trout fishin'," notes one visitor. The 6.5-mile paved access route follows a stream with designated fishing platforms.
Waterfall hikes: Multiple seasonal waterfalls dot the canyons near Pasadena tent camping areas. "There is a flowing creek right along the camp, and a 10 foot waterfall just 50 yards away," reported a camper who stayed at Idlehour Trail Campground. Many falls run strongest between January and May after rainfall.
Mountain biking access: Some trail camps can be reached by bicycle rather than hiking. "The road to the campground is designated as a National Scenic Bikeway, so if you want to knock one off the list, here it is," explains a reviewer about Glenn Trail Camp. This paved route makes an excellent option for those interested in bikepacking.
What campers like
Surprising solitude: Despite proximity to urban areas, many campsites offer unexpected quiet. "We were the only ones there and can hear our own hearbeats laying there at night. We went in May this year so not much people around," wrote a visitor to Mount Lowe Trail Campground. Weekday camping particularly increases chances for solitude.
Flowing water access: Seasonal streams provide both scenery and practical water sources for campers with filtration equipment. "There's a stream that flows close to the campground and there are toilets (no water)," mentions a camper about Millard Trail Campground. Stream reliability varies seasonally, flowing strongest in winter and spring.
Wildlife encounters: The forest areas around Pasadena's tent camping spots support diverse animal populations. "I have woke in the morning to deer on several occasions," reports a visitor to West Fork Trail Campground. Dawn and dusk hours offer the best wildlife viewing opportunities.
What you should know
Vehicle security concerns: Trailhead parking areas have experienced break-ins. "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," cautions a reviewer about Millard Trail Camp.
Bathroom facilities vary: Not all trail camps provide toilets. "The toilets were boarded up but Winter Creek was flowing well," notes a camper at Hoegees Trail Camp. When facilities exist, they're typically vault or pit toilets without running water. Bringing toilet paper is advised for all locations.
Seasonal water availability: Stream flow changes dramatically throughout the year. "There is a creek that runs through the campground which makes it very pretty," wrote a camper about Millard Trail Camp, though many reviewers note streams can dry up completely by late summer.
Tips for camping with families
Short-distance options: For introducing children to backpacking, select camps with shorter access trails. "I've been wanting to take my girlfriend backpacking for quite some time but wanted an easy trail to start her off with, and this was it, an easy paved 6 1/2 miles in to camp all the way along a creek," shares a visitor about Glenn Trail Camp.
Beginner-friendly backpacking: Valley Forge Trail Camp offers an approachable introduction to wilderness camping. "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," explains one camper. The challenging return hike should be considered when planning with children.
Scout-friendly locations: Some camps specifically accommodate youth group activities. "We were there with a larger group for a scout trip and it was great. Lots of room for our tents," notes a visitor to Spruce Grove Trail Campground. Group campouts should be planned for weekdays when possible to avoid crowding.
Tips from RVers
No vehicle access to most sites: The tent camping areas near Pasadena don't accommodate recreational vehicles. "The road has a gate on it, which is locked 8pm-6am... Once past that gate, you'll soon hit another, this one closed to all motorized vehicles," explains a frustrated visitor to Mount Lowe Campground who had planned to drive to the site. Parking is limited to designated trailhead areas.
