Tent camping locations around Piñon Hills, California range from 4,000 to 8,000 feet in elevation within the San Gabriel Mountains. The area experiences dramatic temperature variations with summer daytime highs reaching 90°F while dropping to 50°F at night, especially at higher elevations. Winter access to some sites becomes limited due to snow accumulation on forest roads and trails.
What to do
Hiking nearby mountain peaks: Access multiple summit trails from Manker Campground where campers can reach Mt. Baldy. One visitor noted, "Nice little campground to pitch a tent and climb mt.baldy," while another mentioned it's "close to Ice House Canyon trail."
Explore backcountry ovens: The historic backcountry ovens at Little Jimmy Trail Campground provide unique camping experiences. A camper described, "It has around 7 first-come, first-served sites with fire rings, vault toilets (which are currently not in service), and vintage backcountry ovens."
Creek exploration: When water is flowing, streams near campsites provide natural exploration. At Manker Campground, you'll find "lots of campsites.... seen deer..rabbits and a multitude of squirrels" according to one visitor, making wildlife spotting a common activity.
Stargazing opportunities: Higher elevation campsites offer exceptional night sky viewing with minimal light pollution. Cooper Canyon campers report "at night, you have an amazing view of the sky" thanks to the distance from urban areas.
What campers like
Fresh mountain springs: Visitors appreciate the reliable water sources at some locations. At Cooper Canyon Trail Campground, "the creek has water for the most part, not a lot which explains the bugs, enough to filter," providing crucial water access for backpackers.
Pacific Crest Trail access: Several tent sites connect directly to the PCT. As one Little Jimmy camper explained, "I hiked in while doing the Pacific crest trail from the south. great campground with bear lockers and many sites, also nearby spots along the pct."
Winter camping experiences: Some sites remain accessible during snowy months. One Little Jimmy visitor shared, "Fantastic in the snowy season. Getting to Windy Gap usually requires spikes or crampons and axe, but it's well worth the effort. There's also year-round running water at Little Jimmy Springs."
Off-peak solitude: Visiting during weekdays offers significantly more privacy. A recent Manker camper noted, "I went on a Wednesday afternoon in May and got my pick of sites. There were only 4-6 other campers each night so it was very quiet."
What you should know
Vehicle access challenges: Some of the best tent camping near Piñon Hills requires appropriate vehicles. For Stockton Flats Yellow Post Sites, a camper warned, "Specs of this campground are wrong, no toilets/water/etc. Great for campers that meet 2 criteria 1) You have a Jeep, Truck or similar vehicle that can go off-road. 2) You enjoy dispersed camping."
Seasonal road closures: Always check current status before departing. One reviewer noted about Stockton Flats, "The trail was closed as of May 7, 2023. No idea when it will be open."
Bathroom maintenance issues: Facility conditions vary widely across campgrounds. At Manker Campground, a visitor observed, "Some people had recently destroyed the main bathroom by obnoxiously smashing all of the porcelain, leaving campers for 21 spots only two bathrooms to toggle between."
Summer bugs: Gnats and mosquitoes can be problematic near water sources. A Cooper Canyon camper advised, "The gnats are annoying so I recommend a bug screen cover for your face."
Tips for camping with families
Group-friendly spaces: Some sites specifically accommodate larger family gatherings. Deer Flats Group Campground offers "spacious sites, enough for groups and numerous tents."
Kid-friendly hiking options: Shorter trails accessible from camp provide family adventures. Jackson Flats has "great hiking options, including the Pacific Crest Trail, a summit hike to Mt Baden-Powell, and a hike down to Jackson Lake."
Safer weekday visits: For families seeking quieter experiences, avoid peak times. At El Mirage Dry Lake, the "constant dust can be a bit irritating when you're not participating in the off-roading," making weekdays better for families not engaging in OHV activities.
Wildlife awareness: Prepare children for potential animal encounters. At Angeles National Forest Big Rock Campground, a camper reported, "A mother bear and her two cubs did visit us on one of the visits. We did find what looked like mountain lion footprints."
Tips from RVers
Creek crossing awareness: RV access can be seasonal at some sites. For Big Rock Campground, "You do have to drive through the creek to get to the campground, so a small car probably would not be advisable when it is really flowing."
Size restrictions: Many forest roads have tight turns unsuitable for larger rigs. A Stockton Flats visitor warned, "We decided not to go to the site because it looked like a one lane road and too tight for our 35 ft bumper pull."
Dust preparation: Some areas require extra vehicle protection. At El Mirage Dry Lake, "Be aware that it's very dusty, obviously the large amount of OHV vehicles causes a giant dust cloud."
Parking limitations: Sites often restrict vehicle numbers. A Manker Campground visitor noted, "Only one car per campsite," which requires coordination for multi-vehicle groups.
