Cabin camping near San Gabriel, California offers accommodations at elevations ranging from 300 to 5,000 feet across the San Gabriel Mountains and surrounding areas. Most rustic cabins lack running water while mid-range options typically include electricity and outdoor fire pits. Winter visitors should expect nighttime temperatures that can drop below freezing at higher elevations, with snow possible from December through March.
What to do
Waterfall hiking trails: At Millard Trail Campground, a short 30-minute hike leads to a seasonal waterfall. According to Jeff B., "Nice campground, active stream in the middle of summer. Waterfall 30 minutes hike upstream."
Mountain biking access: Crystal Lake Recreation Area provides trails suitable for various skill levels with connections to broader Angeles National Forest routes. Visitor Salem L. notes it's "probably our favorite place to go considering we end up hear almost every other weekend year around... Bring your dirt bike and hit some of the trails, it's a definite must!"
Beach access activities: At Moro Campground — Crystal Cove State Park, ocean activities are just a short walk away. A camper mentions, "Great clean campground, beautiful views, short walk down to the beach! Lots of hiking trils around, or take the walk across the beach to the shake shack!"
What campers like
High-elevation escapes: Crystal Lake Rec Area Campground sits at 5,500 feet, offering cooler summer temperatures. Robert A. shared, "Stayed here two nights in August, it was nice and cool a good break from the heat. There are several hiking trails here that are well used and well maintained."
Secluded sites: Millard Trail Campground offers walk-in sites with creek access. One camper notes, "This campground is a very short drive from Pasadena, CA... Parking is about 150 yards away, down a hill, so be prepared to haul your gear... A lovely creek runs south-west along the edge of the campground."
On-site conveniences: Crystal Lake has a small store for essential supplies. A visitor mentioned, "There are lots of spacious camping sites, clean bathrooms, running water, numerous of shade trees, and a cafe/store for all the things you forgot or for a ice cream treat on a hot day!"
What you should know
Traffic noise considerations: Many cabins near San Gabriel are situated close to roads or railways. At LA RV Resort at Action Camp, a visitor warns, "The catch is, the KOA is stationed between a busy road and a railroad... so all night you end up hearing the train blasting its horn and come morning, you're woken up by the constant influx of cars."
Water availability varies: Several cabin sites have limited water access. At Antfarm LA, campers can expect drinking water but basic amenities. A visitor shared, "This place was wonderful. Peaceful, restful and a perfect getaway from the city. Went on a beautiful hike with my son and explored the area."
Privacy between sites: Some campgrounds have limited separation between cabins. At Millard Trail Camp, a camper notes, "There are approximately 4-6 sites, they are somewhat haphazardly spaced on a relatively flat area with good shade. There is little or no cover between sites."
Tips for camping with families
Bear-safe food storage: Camp at the Historic Zorthian Ranch and Millard Trail Camp require proper food storage. One visitor to Millard warns, "It's in Bear country so they provide food storage for each campsite also trash containers too. Each side has a picnic bench and a fire pit."
Bathroom considerations: Most cabin facilities have pit toilets rather than flush options. A Crystal Lake visitor pointed out, "Has bathrooms (no flush). Lots of Mosquitoes and bugs. Well worth it. Has a fire pit at each spot. Has picnic table, but very splintery, bring covers."
Day-use facilities: When booking cabins, check for swimming access. At Newport Dunes RV Resort, a camper shares, "We stay here every year. They have activities for the kids like arts and crafts, an inflatable obstacle course or you can rent paddle boards or watch a movie on the beach."
Tips from RVers
Site sizes for larger vehicles: Not all cabin areas can accommodate large RVs. At Thousand Trails Soledad Canyon, a visitor notes, "This is a good location to explore LA and greater LA area, 45 min to Hollywood sign. Park is a large TT resort with recently remolded lodge in 2019."
Hookup availability: Call ahead to confirm electric and water connections. One camper at Crystal Lake shares, "We came on a Saturday afternoon, and even though 4 of the sections of camping were closed off - we found an AMAZING space in section D. It wasn't right next to the bathrooms, but the site was spaced out enough."
Seasonal access concerns: Winter road closures affect higher elevation cabin sites. A camper at Crystal Lake notes, "Camp cost and parking cost isn't cheap but the views are great. Also 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."
