67 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Tent campsites near Rancho Cucamonga provide access to diverse mountain terrain in the San Gabriel and San Bernardino ranges, ranging from hike-in tent-only sites to more primitive dispersed options. Little Jimmy Trail Campground, a hike-in tent-only site in Angeles National Forest, sits at high elevation with access to the Pacific Crest Trail. Manker Campground offers established tent sites from May to October, while more primitive options exist at Stockton Flats Yellow Post Sites, where dispersed camping is permitted with proper equipment.
Most tent-only areas require campers to pack in their own water and supplies. Sites typically feature dirt or forest duff surfaces with minimal improvements beyond fire rings and occasional picnic tables. According to one visitor, "There are bear boxes provided at many sites, so make sure to secure your food." High-elevation campgrounds like Little Jimmy may experience snow until late spring, limiting access. Vault toilets are available at established campgrounds, while dispersed areas require proper waste disposal. Fire restrictions vary seasonally, with complete bans common during dry summer months in Angeles National Forest tent sites.
Areas farther from town offer deeper seclusion and less noise pollution for tent campers. The walk-in tent sites at China Camp State Park Campground provide a more secluded experience, with one camper noting that "wheeled totes can be borrowed to haul your gear up some little hills to your campsite under oak and bay trees." Many tent-only campgrounds feature proximity to creeks or streams, though water treatment is necessary. Wildlife encounters are common, with bears and coyotes frequenting several tent camping areas. Tent campers frequently use these zones as bases for day hikes or backpacking trips, with multiple trail networks accessible directly from campsites. Tree cover varies by location, with pine forests dominating higher elevations and oak woodlands more common at lower tent sites.
"Although the restroom are very dirty but overall it was a great stay!"
"Tucked away at the top of a precarious winding mountain road. It is very basic, simple and beautiful."
from $20 / night
Check Availability"The campground was not busy and this allowed me to pick a spot hidden away from others. There are restrooms and a place to get water, but when I was there the showers were closed. "
"This walk-in campground is part of China Camp State Park. Only 33 tent-only sites! Wheeled totes can be borrowed to haul your gear up some little hills to your campsite under oak and bay trees."
from $35 - $175 / night
Check Availability"Great for campers that meet 2 criteria 1) You have a Jeep, Truck it similar vehicle that can go off-road. 2) You enjoy dispersed camping (no water/restrooms etc) If both are yes, this place is amazing"
"Trail was fun (definitely needed 4x4) and the sites around has good shade and good size open spots. Best to get there early as possible to secure a spot."
"Trail Roads got washed and i wasnt able to continue further to verify. If you’re afraid of clearance issues stick to sites 1 & 2."
"This campsite is located in California and is one of my favorites."
"Hike in , via the PCT, an easy couple miles , to little jimmy campground. or hike up Little Jimmy road, which is a wider dirt road ( no vehicles) Lots of sites ( I’ve never seen more than a couple occupied"
"After years of venturing into and around Lake Arrowhead (often a mere stop on my way to Big Bear/Fawnskin) I finally started exploring off the beaten path by accident last year and holy cow!"
"Green valley lake campground is an awesome place for a fun getaway. We wanted to get away for the Fourth of July but waited too long to book in Big Bear."
"Access to this campground is so easy, whether it's by car or by bike."
"This hike-in/bike-in campground is located 6 1/2 miles behind a locked gate. The small campground is equipped with stream for water (must be treated), and vault potties."
from $5 / night
Check Availability"Lower campsites are nice but kinda close to the road so you get the road noise . Not a bad place to go for an overnight trip ."
from $20 / night
"These sites aren't monitored and don't have picnic tables or any amenities, although there is a restroom down the road a little ways where the campsites start, but that's it."
"This particular site has 8 campsites which do have signs to mark the general area, although it is entirely up to you to where to set up camp in the general area."
ScoutSite is clean, many activities on weekends They also add 1000lb or catfish and trout weekly depending on season. Members were friendly. Downside is wifi when the campsite is 75+ full and only about a dozen paved spots. Major are gravel and dirt.
GuideI didn't book very early but was able to get a site right across from the lifeguard station. The sunset view was quintessential California and maybe even worth the price of admission, which is pretty steep at $53 for tent camping and freeway noise.
The restrooms vary, so if one is particularly distasteful, head to a quieter area of the campground.
RR noise isn't bad, as the crossing is far enough away that the horn blast seems quite distant. I-5 is very noisy however. There are lots of on/off ramps in that area, and with hills to climb it just makes for a lot of engine noise.
TravelerI went there to see, before making a reservation. I found the trailer park—maybe 100 old mobile homes—but I never found an RV park. I didn’t see anything to see. The “pool” was empty. The office was locked, and it wasn’t lunch. Just kinda not happening. I left a message to call me with the answering service, but I never got a call back.
ScoutI have been to this campground many times and it is always a great time. Easy access to town, surf, the beach, and great facilities. Highly recommend!
ScoutI found the campground to be very friendly kid friendly and pet friendly. The spots were spacious and some had privacy others were out in the open. The rangers were very friendly and helpful, they helped me set up my tent when they saw I was having trouble. There are trails to explore. A great last minute getaway from the city and not to far, the bathroom was clean and modern with hot showers and toilets.
TravelerVery windy and need high clearance vehicles
TravelerYou definitely need high clearance vehicles or you will not make it here
ScoutHas a security guard that thought she was God or something like that. Never seen anybody or place so petty on the place and still searching for the championship horseshoe pits and I can't stop talking about the dark green of the fishing lakes and the fish swimming on their sides
TravelerWe reserved and paid for a regular RV site specifically advertised for a 36–40 ft motorhome. We were assigned Site#28, which was so sloped and unsuitable that we could not safely extend either our living-room slide-out or bedroom slide-out. While using our leveling system, two front hydraulic jack rods broke and one rear jack became severely bent and could not retract. Our motorhome was left unsafe to drive or move. The exact mechanical cause still requires professional inspection, but the condition and slope of the assigned site are serious concerns. We immediately notified the campground by email, provided photographs, and went to the office seeking help with an incident report, emergency assistance, and a safe plan for the stranded motorhome. Unfortunately, management refused to take meaningful responsibility or help us resolve the emergency. The most disappointing part was not only the unsuitable site, but the lack of concern and assistance after a guest’s large motorhome became immobilized on the property. We had to return to work on Monday and were left trying to arrange emergency service, towing, transportation, and accommodation on our own. Based on this experience, I cannot recommend Holloway’s RV Park to owners of large Class A motorhomes. If you have a 36–40 ft RV, carefully inspect the assigned site’s slope, space, and leveling conditions before parking or deploying your jacks.
Tent camping near Rancho Cucamonga provides access to Angeles and San Bernardino National Forests with elevations ranging from 2,000 to over 8,000 feet. The area features a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, occasionally snowy winters at higher elevations. During summer months, tent sites at lower elevations can reach daytime temperatures above 90°F while higher elevation campgrounds remain 15-20 degrees cooler.
Hike Mt. Baden-Powell: Near Jackson Flats, access the Pacific Crest Trail for challenging day hikes with significant elevation gain. "It's a short hike from the Grassy Hollow Visitor Center. It is close to great hiking options, including the Pacific Crest Trail, a summit hike to Mt Baden-Powell, and a hike down to Jackson Lake," notes Les R.
Mountain biking: The roads around Glenn Trail Camp Campground offer excellent biking terrain on designated National Scenic Bikeways. Kevin L. explains, "This campground is so perfect for bikepacking novices or those looking to do a gear check because it's an honest 6.5 miles of a relatively flat paved road."
Fishing opportunities: Multiple streams near tent sites offer fishing for native trout. According to David F. at Glenn Trail Camp, "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'."
Trail exploration: Tent campers can access extensive trail networks directly from campsites. The San Gabriel Mountains offer routes for all skill levels through diverse terrain. David F. describes the area as having "tremendous diversity, encompassing granite peaks with stunning views, lush alpine forests of pine and cedar, lovely stream fed canyons lined with old growth oaks."
Year-round accessibility: Many tent sites remain open throughout winter, though some require snow gear for access. Brian T. notes about Little Jimmy Trail Campground: "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."
Natural water sources: Several campgrounds feature reliable springs or streams for water filtration. Ian C. mentions that Little Jimmy "has a great natural spring by that has water year round."
Quiet weekday camping: Most tent sites near Rancho Cucamonga experience significantly lower usage on weekdays. Michelle W. reports, "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."
Wildlife viewing: Tent campers regularly observe diverse wildlife from their sites. At China Camp State Park Campground, Tim J. describes seeing "deer, wild turkey, rabbits, squirrels, raccoons, and birds."
Fire restrictions: Seasonal fire bans often affect tent camping areas, particularly during summer and fall. Nathaniel C. notes about Stockton Flats Yellow Post Sites: "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 (no water/restrooms etc)."
Bathroom conditions vary: Toilet facilities range from well-maintained vault toilets to completely undeveloped areas. Tom P. advises about Glenn Trail Camp Campground: "The privy isn't gross. Bring toilet paper."
Site accessibility: Some tent-only areas require significant hiking or high-clearance vehicles. Panda V. shares about Stockton Flats: "Trail was fun (definitely needed 4x4) and the sites around had good shade and good size open spots. Best to get there early as possible to secure a spot."
Wildlife precautions: Proper food storage is essential at most tent sites. Kevin L. warns about Glenn Camp: "While bugs are an inevitable aspect of being outdoors, the biting gnats and/or mosquitos are very formidable in the summer."
Choose established campgrounds: For families with young children, sites with more amenities provide easier camping experiences. At Yucaipa Regional Park, Mary F. explains, "Tent camping is only allowed in group sites. They do have about 30 to 40 RV sites as well. The tent camping sites come with plenty of space for group camping. There's a built-in grill and running water."
Look for recreational facilities: Several family-friendly tent sites offer additional activities beyond camping. Bryan H. notes about Yucaipa Regional Park: "Great tent camping facilities, privacy from neighbors, access to Zanja Peak Trail head, 3 lakes for fishing, water park during the summer, and friendly helpful staff."
Consider group sites: Family reunions or multi-family camping trips work well at designated group areas. Veronica H. shares about China Camp State Park Campground: "I am camping with my husband and 3 kids and our puppy. The hosts are friendly, cheap firewood, china beach village is just down the road and perfect to explore and swim."
Plan for equipment transport: Some tent-only areas require carrying gear from parking areas. Tim J. explains about China Camp: "It is a short hike from the parking lot to the camping area and the camp hosts can provide containers to carry your items."
Limited RV access at tent sites: Most tent-only campgrounds near Rancho Cucamonga cannot accommodate RVs due to narrow roads or limited turnaround space. Joe R. warns about Stockton Flats: "The turn is not marked well, in fact the coordinates are a little bit off. If you miss the turn like we did you have to go 5 miles or more to get a turnabout big enough to turn around."
Consider Green Valley alternatives: When tent camping with RV companions, Green Valley Lake Recreation Area offers both tent and RV options in close proximity. Ronny G. shares: "This site was great. We used it as a camp tester to see if something we would enjoy doing. We did some hiking, fishing nearby and visited big bear as it is not too far away."
Weather preparation: RVers should note significant temperature fluctuations when tent camping at higher elevations near Rancho Cucamonga. Aleena S. relates their Green Valley Lake experience: "Check in was a little confusing, the camp host was not at their station. So we just drove around and found our site and eventually ran into the camp host who was very kind and accommodating."
Frequently Asked Questions
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According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Rancho Cucamonga, CA is Manker Campground with a 4-star rating from 14 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 67 tent camping locations near Rancho Cucamonga, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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