239 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Pomona's camping scene includes several good spots within a short drive of the city. Bonelli Bluffs sits just two miles away and has shaded sites that work well for families who want to stay close to town. Prado Regional Park is another nearby option where campers can fish or hike during the day, and kids can burn energy at the playgrounds between camping activities. For those willing to drive a bit further, Crystal Lake Recreation Area Campground lies about 18 miles from Pomona and has more basic camping with good hiking trails and nice views. Spring and fall are the best times to camp around Pomona since the weather stays mild enough for comfortable outdoor time. The summer heat can be rough, so bring extra water and sunscreen if you camp during those months. Most of these campgrounds have regular restrooms and drinking water available. Keep in mind that you might not have electricity or internet at all sites. It's smart to check if any areas are closed before you head out, especially during fire season. Pomona-area campgrounds work for both quick overnight trips and longer stays.
"If you aren’t familiar with the trails they can get a little tricky to follow but easy enough to recorrect."
"Our experience at Bonelli Bluffs Campground was mostly positive, but there were a couple of aspects that could be improved."
from $76 - $88 / night
Check Availability"I grew up around in the area so I have been to this park quite a few times for a few different reasons. It is a very expansive and versatile area."
"It's a nice park great for long walks and trail riding on bikes great for the dog 🐕 also a bit windy so you need to keep a eye on your awning, great cell service with at&t ."
from $47 - $120 / night
Check Availability"This is a nice, small campground with easy access to many freeways. "
"That probably makes sense since a side entrance is only a mile down the road from us. We hike this several times a month."
from $30 - $120 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $20 / night
Check Availability"We left LA (Hollywood) on a Friday afternoon around 3, and were setting up camp by 5! Luckily a friend got to the campground before us though, as he snagged the last of the 20 or so sites there."
"Coldbrooke is a excellent campground that is relatively close to the city. The camp host was super helpful in explaining the fire restrictions and overall questions."
"You won't be able to drive up to your campsite. You have to carry your gear in a short distance from the parking lot."
"Located on the west side of the San Rafael/Richmond Bridge, on San Francisco Bay, this park is extremely popular with mountain bikers. "
from $35 - $175 / night
Check Availability"Close by Hobit trails clear and inviting trails .rivers and in the winter snow....lots of campsites.... seen deer..rabbits and a multitude of squirrels. ..."
"Top of mt Baldy road.. almost as far as you can drive. Not many sites, about 20. One giant loop. No reservations needed."
from $20 / night
Check Availability"car there in the parking lot can seem like it's a mile away even though it's not that far away very pleased with it very noisy with the traffic going by if that's where your spot is by the road but away from"
"Been passing this exit on the 91 freewqy for 25 years and had no idea canyon Rv park was tucked in beween corona and yorba linda. I was quite amazed with the tidy faculitie a d wqs very peacefull."
"Nothing stopped us from enjoying ourselves and relaxing. bike path nearby as well as washing and having fun."
from $90 / night
Check Availability"Beautiful trails near by, next to a stream, gorgeous views, and of course that mountain air! Trees are perfect for hammocks."
"It is set back from the road a little giving you a quieter experience away from the 2. This would be a good first car camping spot for families with young children."
from $20 / night
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ScoutPlenty of room at the beach an lots of bike riding areas.cold showers are free an nice in the summer,however there are no shower curtains ,be advised this might not be for you or shower after dark,is an option .fyi .nice entry staff,restrooms cleaned daily.
TravelerBeautiful, well maintenance, great experience. So clean.
GuideWe have been to this campground quite a few times in the last couple of years and I really love it, personally because it’s really close to home. I also love that it’s first come first serve, which allows us to spontaneously go and enjoy without having to make reservations. I also like the fact that all the campsites have a fire pit and a picnic table, which were very recently replaced so they look very new. They installed metal storage boxes for saving your food overnight, this is super helpful. I love the creek even though the water is freezing cold but it’s truly a favorite. This place is wonderful and even though right now there is no water access until further notice, as long as you know you need to take lots of water for cooking and cleaning up you are good.
ScoutThe place is simple, well maintained and extremely clean. There’s back in sites that accommodate smaller 20ft campers and bigger 30ft campers, with there being some pull through sites that are big enough for RV’s, however no camping with tents allowed. Would recommend against bringing in campers with damage or DIY repairs as they “have to maintain sightly appearance”. Overall great for the price. Extremely clean bathrooms with free showers with a pool and jacuzzi plus a short walk to the beach. Only about a 45 min drive to LA with no traffic. The only bad is the constant noise from the port that doesn’t go away at night.
GuideIf you like camping in a Walmart parking lot or on the streets, this place is for you.
No rangers working after the park close for day use. Didn't see one going through the campground. If you like to party all night and you have a loud system no problem. NO RAGERS AROUND. Be prepared keep your food in your car lot of rats, mice, skunks and coyotes. THE LAKE SUCKS, hard to launch your boat on and off, docks will mess up your boat. Fishing no fish they don't stock the lake. Marina is very over priced and out in the sunny parking lot. I live in LA I now got to SILVERWOOD LAKE, just as close as this place, and nicer, if you like to stay up all night Perris Lake is for you. If you want to work hard to get you boat on and off lake so you don't damage your boat, this place is for you.
GuideCampground,restrooms area very clean. Lots of paths to ride or hike. Lot of friendly rangers and staff. The lake is Very easy to use your boat and jet skis. Nice ramps and docks. I live in LA I was going to Perris Lake a crap hole, this place a lot nicer and just as close as driving to Perris. COME HERE YOU'LL LOVE IT.
TravelerThis is not for most RVs. It probably wasn't even for mine but I didn't do enough research and just jumped in. That being said, I lost my stairs and took a lot of the paint off. You'd think that I would hate this spot given how much damage I did. I love it. It was amazing. Totally worth the stairs. This place can keep it. The views. Oh my goodness the views. You can enjoy the view, taking an off-road vehicle or hiking. This was just so amazing! It was totally worth the difficult road in and all the damage. Two thumbs up!!
ScoutBooked this last minute on Rec.Gov and didn't do a lot of background research. Took me a while going around to find my site, there are private roads within the campsite. Also the entrance of the site is a City sized hospital which threw me off.
Next day the nice and quiet little campsite was awaken by the roaring sounds of motorbikes. I found out the site was next to a trail hike which is also next to a moto-dirt bike trail.
Not so bad overall since all I needed was to sit in front of my little campfire in the quiet evening listening to crickets and howls.
Coming from Long Beach, the traffic wasn't so bad compare to going to San Bernardino area.
TravelerBe sure to come early. Great location for families and small groups. Peaceful close to a city within 40min small town with church ect 15 minutes away.
Pomona camping options extend beyond the immediate city area into the nearby Angeles National Forest, where elevations range from 1,200 to 6,000 feet. The diverse terrain creates different microclimates, with mountain campgrounds often 10-15 degrees cooler than valley locations. Most campgrounds in this region don't accept reservations during winter months, switching to first-come, first-served from November through March.
Horseback riding at San Dimas: This activity is accessible near Bonelli Bluffs, just 2 miles from Pomona. "I brought my horses one time and it was amazing the best time of my life. I will provide some photos. The views are incredible," shares Jessica P. The trails accommodate riders of various skill levels.
Mountain biking at Chino Hills: The 14,000-acre state park offers trails for all skill levels, with designated biking routes throughout. According to Cris B. from Rolling M. Ranch Campground, "The trails are varied, accessible by horseback, hiking, biking. Some trails are ready walking, some very strenuous."
Fishing near Azusa: Head to Crystal Lake Recreation Area, 18 miles from Pomona. Though the lake has experienced low water levels, nearby streams offer alternatives. "There are lots of spacious camping sites, clean bathrooms, running water, numerous shade trees, and a cafe/store for all the things you forgot or for an ice cream treat on a hot day!" explains Chris B.
Wildlife viewing in Angeles Forest: Table Mountain Campground sits at higher elevation, offering bird watching and deer sightings. A camper notes, "There is a lodge open right next to the campground if you wanted to eat out for a lunch or dinner!" These higher elevations provide cooler temperatures and different wildlife habitats.
Secluded spots for privacy: At Crystal Lake Rec Area Campground, the campground layout offers more solitude than other local options. "This campground is HUGE and many locations are rather secluded so unless you go on a holiday weekend you should have no problem finding space to bunk," notes Salem L., highlighting an important contrast to more crowded options.
Cooler temperatures at higher elevations: Buckhorn Campground sits above 6,000 feet, providing relief from summer heat. One camper describes it as "Beautiful campground. A little over 6000 feet up in the pine trees," adding that it's "a great little getaway" with "no traffic and not a lot of people in this area."
Quick access from urban areas: Many campgrounds are surprisingly close to town while feeling remote. A camper at Chino Hills State Park notes, "This state park has 14,000 acres. It feels secluded, but the city is only 20 minutes away." This accessibility makes weekend trips practical for Pomona residents.
Clean facilities: Table Mountain earns praise for maintenance: "Toilets were clean, fully stocked. Water pipe was useful. Each site has a bear locker, picnic table and fire ring." These amenities make camping more comfortable, especially for newcomers to outdoor recreation.
Fire restrictions change seasonally: Forest areas often implement fire bans during dry months. At Coldbrook Campground, a visitor notes, "We camped during a no fire period so no campfires or outdoor propane gas stove fires." Always check current restrictions before departure.
Wildlife encounters require preparation: Several campgrounds report bear sightings. One camper at Crystal Lake mentions, "We have camped here a few times. Had an encounter with a bear both times. Lost our marshmallows." Proper food storage is essential.
Insect activity varies by location: At Coldbrook, one camper warns, "Lots of gnats! They swarm your face but then after you sit still for about a minute they leave you alone." Near dairy areas, campers report more flies during summer months.
Weekend crowding impacts experience: First-come campgrounds fill quickly on weekends. At Buckhorn, a reviewer advises, "The campground fills quickly for the weekend. It's a first come/first serve so get there early." Arriving Thursday or early Friday morning improves site selection chances.
Look for campgrounds with splash pads: During hot months, water features help keep children comfortable. At Prado Regional Park, a visitor mentions the "playground and splash pad kept the youngins entertained" - a useful amenity not available at all campgrounds.
Avoid sites near main roads: For family camping, road noise can disrupt sleep. At Table Mountain, one camper notes, "We got site 41 as a first come first serve site. It was in the main road in/out so we had some traffic." Request sites away from entrance roads when possible.
Pack for temperature swings: Mountain areas experience significant day-to-night temperature changes. Bring layers for evening when temperatures can drop 20-30 degrees from daytime highs, particularly at higher elevation campgrounds.
Consider tent placement carefully: Many mountain campgrounds have uneven terrain. At Table Mountain, a camper warns, "Some sites don't have a ton of flat space if you have a great view!" Arrive early enough to select a site with adequate flat space for your tent.
Size restrictions limit mountain access: Larger RVs face challenges on mountain roads. At China Camp State Park, a camper with a 26-foot motorhome reports, "It's very narrow and winding, single lane at times, lots of traffic, and so lots of backing up and negotiating around other cars in the narrower sections." RVs over 24 feet should avoid certain mountain campgrounds.
Check dump station availability: Not all campgrounds offer this service. Bonelli Bluffs and Prado Regional Park provide sanitary dumps, while most forest campgrounds don't, requiring planning for longer stays.
Electrical needs vary by season: During summer, solar setups work well at non-hookup sites. A camper at China Camp notes, "There's no hookups at any of the campsites so come prepared with your solar power and you'll have more than you need in this sunny part of the world."
Leveling challenges at mountain sites: Many mountain campgrounds have sloped sites. A reviewer at Table Mountain mentions, "The ground is a little slanted in most of the sites but not enough that it's not tolerable." Bring extra leveling blocks for mountain camping.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the best campgrounds near Pomona, California?
For the best camping near Pomona, consider Fairplex RV Park right in Pomona, offering full hookups and convenient access to local attractions. Just a short drive away is O'Neill Regional Park, which features clean facilities, free showers, and excellent hiking and biking trails. Beach lovers might prefer coastal options like Doheny State Beach or San Clemente State Beach, both within reasonable driving distance. For a more rustic experience, the San Bernardino National Forest offers several campgrounds including Applewhite, which provides a natural setting just a short drive from the city.
What lakes can I camp near in Pomona, California?
The most accessible lake for camping near Pomona is Bonelli Lake at Bonelli Bluffs, just 15 minutes from Pomona. This campground offers fishing, bicycling, and kayaking opportunities on the lake. While dogs aren't allowed on the water, the campground provides spacious sites and beautiful views. Another option is Prado Regional Park near Chino, which features a recreational lake with camping facilities including reservable sites, water, toilets, and big-rig-friendly accommodations. Both locations provide a refreshing escape from urban life while remaining close to Pomona.
What parks in Pomona, CA offer camping facilities?
Within Pomona itself, camping options are limited, but the Fairplex RV Park at the Los Angeles County Fairgrounds offers RV camping with full hookups and amenities. For additional options, consider Chino Hills State Park with its Rolling M. Ranch Campground just a short drive away. The park provides a natural escape with reservable sites, water, and toilets. While not directly in Pomona, these nearby parks offer the closest dedicated camping facilities to the city and serve as convenient bases for exploring the area.
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