Horse Flats Campground offers equestrian facilities at 5,000 feet elevation in the San Gabriel Mountains. The sites accommodate horse trailers with direct trail access for riders. Several miles of mountain trails connect directly to the camping area, providing terrain suitable for various skill levels and durations.
What to do
Bouldering opportunities: Rock climbing enthusiasts can find multiple bouldering routes near the campground. "Nice place to stay for climbing - there is mostly bouldering in the area, with some trad stuff. Plenty of sites!" notes a visitor to Horse Flats Campground.
Hiking the Pacific Crest Trail: Access the PCT from nearby trailheads for day hikes or longer treks. The trail to Mount Pacifico offers "great views 360 degrees once you're on top. A 7 mile hike north on the Pacific Crest Trail from mill creek fire station," according to a hiker at Mount Pacifico Campground.
Creek exploration: Bear Canyon provides streamside camping with water features. One camper reports, "Follow the creek (which is GORGEOUS with waterfalls and shade in the spring) and go all the way to the end. Trail tends to get iffy at points, but you kinda get to know the flow of it if it disappears into rocks or the creek" at Bear Canyon Campground.
What campers like
Secluded camping sites: The individual sites provide privacy and space. "This campground has multiple sites. Fire pits & along Bear Creek (seasonal). Can be reached from Tom Sloan Saddle or Switzer Falls Trailhead," notes a camper at Bear Canyon.
Seasonal access benefits: Late season camping offers unique advantages. One visitor reported, "We camped here this weekend, which is the latest we've gone before the winter months... Even though it was 79 degrees in the day, temperature got down to 54 at night" at Horse Flats Campground.
Mountain biking trails: Riders appreciate the trail network around Caspers. A visitor mentioned, "If you like hiking or mountain biking this is a great park for you!" at Ronald W. Caspers Wilderness Park.
What you should know
Limited amenities: Prepare for primitive camping conditions. "Three fire pits, dig your own commode, lots of water year round, but little wood. Expect to forage far if you want a fire," advises a visitor to Bear Canyon Campground.
Seasonal weather considerations: Higher elevations mean variable conditions. A camper noted, "This past week had record high temperatures for all of Southern California, so I can't say how representative our experience was compared to typically late fall trips in other years" at Horse Flats.
Wildlife awareness: Animal encounters are common. "Plenty of squirrels, bunnies, the occasional deer and coyotes at night, signs warning you are now in mountain lion territory," reports a camper at Ronald W. Caspers Wilderness Park.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Choose campgrounds with appropriate recreation options. "If you're camping with kids, it doesn't get much better than this! Great playground for children. Easy and fun 'Story Trail' hike for children. The hike features a new book every month, each page is mounted to a placard along the trail," suggests a family at O'Neill Regional Park.
Water features for children: Splash pads and pools provide relief during hot weather. A visitor to Launch Pointe Recreation mentioned, "Amenities are very good for young kids. Canopy Court area has easy and close access to the splash pad, the playground, a large grass area, and even the pool."
Site selection for families: Corner sites offer more space and better views. "I had site 126 in the fields, corner site and lake view. This campground has a pool, splash pad, park, dog park and access to the lake," reports a camper at Launch Pointe Recreation.
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: Prepare for uneven terrain. A visitor noted, "The sites were all uneven. Every camper we saw had to do major leveling efforts" at Launch Pointe Recreation.
RV site navigation: Maneuvering larger vehicles requires planning. "We reserved a spot for a rig with slide outs on both sides to accommodate our 39'er but it took some creative parking to get the rig into the spot in a way that we could actually open both sides," advises an RVer at Launch Pointe.
Hookup considerations: Check current utility status before arrival. "The sites are big and well spaced, with 30 amp electric. The water is off for the time being. The dump station is very close by and easy to access," reports an RVer at Ronald W. Caspers Wilderness Park.
