Cabin camping near San Dimas provides access to the Angeles National Forest where elevations range from 1,700 to 8,000 feet. Most camping cabins sit at mid-elevations around 5,000 feet, creating cooler summer temperatures typically 15-20 degrees below San Dimas proper. Cabins are concentrated in mountain and canyon locations within 30 miles of San Dimas.
What to do
Hiking to waterfalls: At Bonita Ranch Campground, trails lead directly to scenic waterfalls with minimal hiking required. One camper noted, "Easy access to a pretty trail right behind the campground" and "we even got a dusting of snow!" The nearby Bonita Falls is accessible via a short hike from the campground.
Fishing in stocked lakes: Mountain Lakes Resort offers dedicated fishing lakes with regular stocking schedules. "There's two lakes in one pond there's one catfish lake and then a trout lake. The lakes are stocked on Thursday and there's no fishing on that day," explains a visitor. The resort enforces catch limits to maintain healthy fish populations.
Swimming and water activities: During summer months, families enjoy water recreation at several locations. Rancho Jurupa Park provides a unique water feature according to one visitor: "Splash pad, park, mini golf great amenities." The splash pad operates seasonally from late May through September, with dedicated hours for different age groups.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Canyon RV Park maintains consistently clean amenities despite heavy use. A camper observed, "Bathrooms are clean showers clean too." The campground employs full-time maintenance staff who clean restrooms multiple times daily during peak season.
Proximity to trails: Bonita Ranch Campground offers convenient trail access directly from camp. "Lots of trails and gorgeous scenery in this area," shared one reviewer. Another mentioned it's "roughly a 7-10 minute drive up the mountain very chill environment."
Community activities: Several locations organize regular social events for guests. At Mountain Lakes Resort, a visitor mentioned, "They have bingo every Friday and Saturday there's always some kind of a theme like this time it's a Hawaii theme they have some performances and stuff happening and some arts and crafts happening." These scheduled activities run primarily on weekends from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
What you should know
Train noise concerns: At Thousand Trails Soledad Canyon, proximity to railroad tracks creates noise issues. One camper warned, "It's very very close to railroad tracks and at night the loud train kept waking us up." The train schedule includes regular freight runs between 11pm and 5am.
Parking limitations: Some campgrounds restrict vehicle placement. At Fairplex RV Park, "You can't park your car there in the parking lot can seem like it's a mile away even though it's not that far away." Most sites allow one vehicle at the site itself, with additional parking available in designated overflow areas.
Urban wildlife encounters: Despite the developed nature of the area, wildlife remains present. At Crystal Lake, a visitor reported, "Animals seen: Black bear, deer (wandered through our site), red foxes, Stellar's Jays, woodpeckers, other birds." Rangers advise proper food storage techniques at all sites, with some locations providing animal-resistant storage lockers.
Tips for camping with families
Water activities for kids: Moro Campground offers beach access and ocean activities. "The beach has less crowds/tourists/homeless compared to other beaches. It's really quite and peaceful," shared one visitor. Tide pools along the beach provide natural exploration opportunities for children at low tide.
Shade considerations: Many area campgrounds lack natural cover. A camper at Moro noted, "There are no shade structures or large trees, so definitely bring a canopy in the summer." Temperatures can reach 90°F during summer months, making portable shade essential for family comfort.
Weekday visits preferred: For quieter family experiences, weekday camping provides less crowded conditions. At Millard Trail Camp, one visitor observed, "I went during the week and was the only one camping. This place is heavily used for day camping and hiking." Most family-oriented activities and higher occupancy occur Friday through Sunday.
Tips from RVers
Site spacing varies significantly: RV parks near San Dimas offer different spacing configurations. At Fairplex RV Park, a camper warned, "Spaces are very tight. Good for 1 nite only stay. Staff was friendly and place is clean but not much room to maneuver a lg. rv. in." Most sites accommodate units up to 35 feet, with limited availability for larger rigs.
Ground conditions: Terrain conditions impact setup and comfort. At Thousand Trails Soledad Canyon, a reviewer mentioned, "The sites are dirt so be prepared to get lots of fine dessert dirt in the camper." Many locations recommend stabilization pads for jacks due to the sandy soil composition typical in the region.
