230 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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.
"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 Availability"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 Availability"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."
"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 Availability"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 Availability"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 Availability"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 Availability"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 Availability"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 Availability"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"
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.
TravelerWell maintained, nice folks, pleasant to talk with. I stayed there 2 months, and enjoyed it.
TravelerThey speak so highly of Dockweiler RV Park, but they forget to say that it has no WiFi, and poor cell phone reception as well. I reserved a space, they made me pay in advance for the whole 3 weeks. They helped me park the camper… avd they never said anything about no wifi. I feel the rv site has been misrepresented. “Oh, well, wifi works in the office, but not even 5 spaces away”. I live alone in my RV. No wifi means I’m sitting here alone in a dead RV. Lonely. Everyone has wifi, yet they don’t mention they don’t , nor even cell phone reception, usually. I get only 1 bar
TravelerWell maintained small campground. Fact that you are downtown Long Beach with lots of food and attractions close is a major selling point. But campground itself has pool, hottub and small store on site. Campers/RV are pretty close parked but each spot comes with table and some lounging space.
TravelerI found the staff to be off putting, unpleasant, even contrary.
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
ScoutOnline Review
Rating: 1/5 Stars
Title: Horrible Experience — Zero Empathy and Harassment of Disabled Guests
If you are a traveler with disabilities, a service animal, or simply expect basic human decency, stay far away from Waterfront RV Park.
My stay here was a nightmare. I was placed in a cramped corner spot with barely enough room to maneuver. Because of my medical condition, I rely on a service dog. I had to park slightly over a painted line—by a mere 8 inches—just to have enough physical space to load my service animal safely. My vehicle blocked no one, yet night after night, park security targeted and harassed me over this minor detail, acting rude and aggressive.
When I experienced a severe medical emergency and panic attack, security chose to escalate the situation, berating me while I was injured and confused instead of offering help. Management showed zero empathy or willingness to listen. After learning my truck was broken down at a dealership, making it physically impossible to move my RV immediately, they threatened to tow and impound it without giving me reasonable time or process.
This facility lacks basic compassion, professionalism, and respect for its guests. Save yourself the stress and avoid this park.
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.
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."
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.
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.
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."
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?
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?
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?
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?
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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