Best Tent Camping near Pomona, CA
Tent camping opportunities near Pomona, California include several walk-in and hike-in sites nestled within the surrounding mountains and forests. Mount Lowe Trail Campground, Hoegees Trail Camp, and Valley Forge Trail Camp provide tent-specific sites accessible via hiking trails in the Angeles National Forest, offering secluded tent camping experiences within a reasonable drive from the urban area.
Most tent campsites near Pomona require moderate preparation as they have limited amenities. The majority of hike-in tent sites provide vault toilets but no running water, making water filtration equipment essential for overnight stays. Fire restrictions vary seasonally, with most camps offering fire rings when conditions permit. Many locations provide bear boxes for food storage, particularly important at sites like Little Jimmy Trail Campground where bears are known visitors. Sites typically feature picnic tables and established tent pads, though the terrain can be uneven at more primitive locations. Access often involves hiking distances ranging from one to six miles on varied terrain.
The tent-only experience in this region offers unique advantages compared to developed campgrounds. Trail camps provide greater privacy and connection to nature, with several sites positioned near creeks that provide both ambiance and water sources. Hiking distances naturally limit crowds, especially on weekdays when many campers report having entire campgrounds to themselves. Sites at higher elevations like Little Jimmy offer cool mountain air and access to connecting trails, including segments of the Pacific Crest Trail. The West Fork San Gabriel River area provides multiple tent camping options with natural water features. As described in feedback on The Dyrt, "This is a backpackers campground. First come first serve, picnic tables and fire rings included. Nice creek flows through the campground."
