Jalin C.
Traveler
TravelerCrystal Lake Rec Area Campground
noisy but beautiful
very pretty sight the mountain air is incredible. the staff is very helpful and friendly. at night the drunks go crazy and the bears steal their food.
Camping near San Dimas, CA
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Camping near San Dimas, California ranges from full-hookup RV parks and lakeside campgrounds within city limits to primitive tent sites in the San Bernardino Mountains. The area features campgrounds like Bonelli Bluffs and Fairplex RV Park within city limits, as well as more rustic options in the surrounding mountains. Both tent and RV sites are available at mixed-use campgrounds like Crystal Lake Recreation Area, which operates seasonally from April to December. Many campgrounds offer fire rings, picnic tables, and access to hiking trails, with varying levels of amenities from primitive tent sites to full-hookup RV parks.
Camping availability fluctuates with the seasons, particularly at higher elevations in the mountains where sites like Table Mountain Campground only operate from May to November. Lower elevation campgrounds such as Bonelli Bluffs and Prado Regional Park remain open year-round. Reservations are recommended for weekend camping, especially during summer months when temperatures at lower elevations can exceed 90°F. Mountain campgrounds provide cooler alternatives but may require navigation of winding mountain roads. Cell service varies significantly throughout the region, with better coverage at developed campgrounds closer to urban areas. As one visitor noted, "Crystal Lake would be a great spot to camp for the night if you don't have the time to drive out of the city."
Campers report that the developed campgrounds close to San Dimas balance proximity to urban amenities with natural settings. Bonelli Bluffs offers lake views and hiking trails while remaining close to shopping and dining options. More remote mountain campgrounds provide greater seclusion and cooler temperatures during summer months. Several visitors mentioned the contrast between busy weekends and quieter weekdays at most campgrounds. A review of Bonelli Bluffs described it as having "beautiful views, great hiking/biking, friendly staff." Most campgrounds provide vault toilets or flush restrooms, with shower facilities available at more developed sites. Fire restrictions commonly apply during dry summer and fall months, particularly in the national forest campgrounds where wildfire risk is heightened.
Best Campgrounds near San Dimas (230)
1. Bonelli Bluffs
"San dimas is a really nice city full of shopping, and eating. The papa's best sandwich shop is a great place to eat as well!"
"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 Availability2. Crystal Lake Rec Area Campground
"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 Availability3. Coldbrook Campground
"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."
4. Prado Regional Park
"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 Availability5. Buckhorn Campground
"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
Check Availability6. Manker Campground
"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 Availability7. Rolling M. Ranch Campground — Chino Hills State Park
"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 Availability8. Chilao Campground
"Campground We had been driving around the campground loops for more than an hour, and had just about given up, when we say the sign for overflow camping near the exit of the Chilao campground loop"
"Great spot to get away from the big city being only a 45min drive from the Downtown, couldn’t ask for more"
from $20 / night
Check Availability9. Table Mountain Campground
"If you have a chance after - drive the whole Angeles crest highway! Worth the trouble. You are also located close to the PCT, take a hike!"
"We got a campsite that was on the outside of the loop. We were in Cherokee loop in campsite #87."
from $30 - $500 / night
Check Availability10. Fairplex RV Park
"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"
Drive Time
- 38 min from Los Angeles, CA
- 1 hr 20 min from Oxnard, CA
- 1 hr 46 min from San Diego, CA
- 1 hr 48 min from Bakersfield, CA
Recent Camping Photos near San Dimas, CA
376 Photos of 230 San Dimas Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Bonelli Bluffs
Camp Williams Resort
Heaton flats
Coldbrook Campground
Hoegees Trail Camp Campground
Spruce Grove Trail Campground - TEMPORARILY CLOSED DUE TO FIRE
Rolling M. Ranch Campground — Chino Hills State Park
Crystal Lake Rec Area Campground
Manker Campground
China Camp State Park CampgroundV
Angeles National Forest Deer Flats Group CampgroundF
Prado Regional Park
Recent Reviews near San Dimas, CA
1252 Reviews of 230 San Dimas Campgrounds
D F.
ScoutLake Perris State Recreational Area Campground
Nice lake, challenging crowd
The scenery is unique and enjoyable, with nice views of either sunrise or sunset, depending on site. I found the lake itself very pretty. However when we arrived 4 vehicles are in our spot, people were nice enough moving but we had to go door to door knocking on camper to ask who's cars they were due to no signal and no rangers nearby. Our site was pretty dirty with lots of trash, copious ants near the drainage attachments, and two of the nearby groups had excessive tents extending into the back of our site making our view look more like a homeless encampment and less like a serene mountain sunset. They also were littering, urinating outside, and excessively drinking and partying like crazy until the wee hours. As a family group we felt really uncomfortable. It seemed like not all spots are like this, however, on my walk around deer loop in the morning. If you do go, the water activities and rentals look fun, the walking trail/biking trail was nicely done, and you could optimize your spot by booking a whole group of spots (instead of booking one, book one on the right and left side to avoid feeling like you have entered homeless refuge). It maybe was a bit worse as we were here over a holiday weekend. But we most likely won't be back, there are other places that are less expensive and with better enforcement and a family atmosphere. If you want to party it is probably a fine spot, and if you love water sports also likely ok. I thin it's a beautiful place with unique scenery and a lot of potential, but needs more enforcement regarding guest code of conduct.
Edited and gave 3 stars instead of 2. Views are really nice now that our poorly behaved neighbors left. Worth considering a visit during less busy times.
- J
Jerina V.TravelerMesa Campground — Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area
Fun camp trip
Nice campground, clean and well maintained - would pick a different spot a bit further from street. If you want to go to lake, its a bit away so need car.
- DDennis D.Scout
Mill Creek Dispersed Camping
Mill Creek
Easy to get to. I have an AWD sprinter no problem. Son has an Acura TLX made it up no issue had a few spin outs on steeper parts. Higher sites are nice and spaced.
Hans V.
GuideMesa Campground — Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area
Fine, nicely wooded
No lake view, which was a bit disappointing. Nice wooded area though with tree climbing. A bit loud music from the neighbors, not until very late so was OK. Limited amount of toilets for the amount of spots
- WWilliam Y.Scout
Huttopia Paradise Springs
Nice place, bring your own water
It was a nice place and the people were nice. I checked with the staff on day one if their water was potable. They confirmed everything is potable. My dog had explosive diarrhea day 1 and by the time I got home I had fever and diarrhea. It’s been a rough ride ever since. My dog and I did not share food. We only used the tap as a water source. My husband ate all of our food any only drank store bought drinks. No water. He’s fine. Just me and the dog riding it out. Don’t learn my lesson the hard way. Bring your own water and enjoy it.
- AAustin A.Traveler
Yellow Post #1
Beautiful area, half of the sights require minimal vehicle mods
Stockton flats yellow post sights 1-8 can be driven easily in any 2wd vehicle with moderate clearance. I took my f250 service body truck to site#6 or im assuming its #6. Sites are not label. 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. At the time of going, 3,4 & 5 looked like perfect sights to stay, other sites were rough and a rake would be needed minimum to make it comfortable. #9 currently requires minor upgrades to reach the campground. A stock jeep with oversized tires could easily get to that location as of 8-29-2026
Travis P.ScoutMusch Trail Camp — Topanga State Park
Amazing topanga oasis
The hike-in experience has captivating views and diverse environment. Really felt away from the " concrete jungle" of the city.
- DDoug B.Traveler
Mesa Campground — Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area
Good campground during week
Good campground, quiet, not crowded during the week. Too much trash around some sites, though, on a Monday (doesn’t look like new trash). Bathrooms were clean, but basic. Evening bike ride was fantastic, but the trail is not well kept up (rough or crumbling in many spots) and is steep enough to require an electric bike in several parts unless you are good with an 8-9% grade. Park is quiet during the day, with a lot of amenities.
Tons of ants. Active gnats and mosquitoes at dusk and dawn.
Temperatures were quite warm in mid August. Glad we had an RV with AC.
Guide to San Dimas
San Dimas camping areas sit between 900 feet and 5,700 feet elevation, creating distinct climate zones within a short driving distance. Lower elevation campgrounds near San Dimas maintain temperatures between 50-90°F year-round, while mountain options like Crystal Lake Recreation Area can drop below freezing during winter months. Campgrounds on the eastern side of the Angeles National Forest typically receive less rainfall than western locations, making them drier but more accessible during winter months.
What to do
Horseback riding at Bonelli Bluffs: Just 10 minutes from downtown San Dimas, this campground offers equestrian trails with lake views. "I brought my horses one time and it was amazing the best time of my life," writes Jessica P. about Bonelli Bluffs.
Hiking from Buckhorn Campground: Located at 6,300 feet elevation, this campground connects directly to multiple trails in the Angeles National Forest. "There's hiking trails right out of the campground. A stream runs through the campground in the spring," explains Lauralyn J. about Buckhorn Campground.
Wildlife observation at Chilao Campground: Situated in a transitional zone between desert and forest, this area supports diverse wildlife. "We sat in the darkness and took in the stars with the sound of the creek below us," reports Alexis S., adding that "the campgrounds are beautiful with the natural vegetation mix of what seem to be some sort of large succulent with an abundance of beautiful trees and shrubs."
What campers like
Easy access to hiking trails: Many San Dimas camping areas connect directly to trail systems. "This is a great campground and it was only an hour drive for us from San Bernardino area," says Troy L. about Table Mountain Campground, noting it was "right next to the trail head."
Mid-week solitude: Weekday camping offers a completely different experience than weekends. "We arrived 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," writes Michelle W. about Manker Campground.
Year-round options: Unlike many mountain campgrounds that close for winter, Prado Regional Park remains open all year. "The campgrounds have more than enough privacy with each one being about 15 to 20 yards apart. A ton of recreational things to do. Quiet at night," notes Troy A.
What you should know
Fire restrictions vary by location and season: Higher elevation camps often have stricter rules. "We camped during a no fire period so no campfires or outdoor propane gas stove fires," reports Alexis S. about Coldbrook Campground, although another visitor noted that "park ranger said it was okay to have fire within the pit" at Chilao Campground.
Water quality issues: Not all water sources are reliable for drinking. "Water is available but bring your own, there were boil signs everywhere," warns Jordan R. about Chilao Campground.
Insects can be problematic: Several campgrounds report seasonal insect challenges. "Lots of gnats! They swarm your face but then after you sit still for about a minute they leave you alone," reports Lizzie B. about Coldbrook Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Splash pad access: Some campgrounds offer water features specifically for children. "Playground and splash pad kept the youngins entertained," mentions Wilbur L. about Prado Regional Park.
Bear-safe camping: Wildlife encounters require proper precautions. "We have camped here a few times. Had an encounter with a bear both times. Lost our marshmallows," reports Kat M. about Coldbrook Campground, highlighting the importance of proper food storage.
Easy first-time camping: For new camping families, select campgrounds with basic amenities. "Great place for first time campers or families," states Jordan R. about Chilao Campground, which has "clean vault toilets and facilities, very well maintained."
Tips from RVers
Site selection matters: RV sites vary greatly in quality and amenities. "Not every site has a fire pit," mentions Veronica P. about Bonelli Bluffs, adding that "the C9 RV spot was very spacious, I also liked the A & B area."
Space limitations at some campgrounds: Not all campgrounds accommodate larger RVs. "Spaces are very tight. Good for 1 nite only stay," cautions Lawrence P. about Fairplex RV Park, adding it's "not much room to maneuver a lg. rv. in."
Better cell service at lower elevation sites: Mountain campgrounds often have limited connectivity. "No AT&T service," reports Michelle W. about Manker Campground, while campgrounds closer to town like Bonelli Bluffs typically maintain consistent cell service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find campgrounds in San Dimas?
Where can I find campgrounds in San Dimas?
The primary camping option in San Dimas is Bonelli Bluffs, which offers beautiful views and great hiking/biking trails in a convenient location. Just a short drive away, you'll find Little Jimmy Trail Campground in the Angeles National Forest, a backcountry hike-in site about 2 miles off Angeles Crest Highway with first-come, first-served sites and vault toilets. For more options, explore the nearby San Gabriel Mountains or head toward nearby Chino Hills for additional camping opportunities.
Is overnight camping allowed at San Dimas Lake?
Is overnight camping allowed at San Dimas Lake?
Overnight camping isn't permitted directly at San Dimas Lake (Puddingstone Reservoir). However, you can camp right next to the lake at Bonelli Bluffs, which provides sites with lake views and access. If you're looking for other lake camping alternatives in the region, consider Lake Perris State Recreational Area Campground or San Bernardino National Forest Green Valley Campground near Big Bear for tent camping with lake access.
Can you swim at North Shore Beach in San Dimas?
Can you swim at North Shore Beach in San Dimas?
Yes, swimming is allowed at North Shore Beach on Puddingstone Reservoir in San Dimas during designated swimming seasons, typically summer months when lifeguards are present. The beach offers a designated swimming area with sandy shores. For alternative swimming options in Southern California, consider Doheny State Beach Campground or Bolsa Chica State Beach Campground, both offering excellent beachfront camping with swimming access to the Pacific Ocean.
What RV facilities are available in San Dimas?
What RV facilities are available in San Dimas?
For RV camping in the San Dimas area, Fairplex RV Park in nearby Pomona offers full hookups and big-rig-friendly sites. A short drive away, Thousand Trails Wilderness Lakes RV Resort provides level gravel sites with hookups, laundry facilities, and amenities for RVers. Other nearby options include Prado Regional Park with water, toilets, and big-rig accessibility for a more natural setting while still having necessary RV amenities.
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