Best Tent Camping near San Dimas, CA
The Angeles National Forest provides a variety of tent campgrounds near San Dimas, California, with several trail camps accessible primarily by hiking or walking. Little Jimmy Trail Campground and Manker Campground offer backcountry tent camping experiences within reasonable driving distance of the city. Most sites are positioned along hiking trails or near mountain creeks, providing natural settings for tent campers seeking solitude away from developed areas.
Most tent campgrounds in this region require some hiking to access, with distances ranging from one to six miles from parking areas. Sites like Valley Forge Trail Camp and Glenn Trail Camp feature picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets but typically lack running water. Tent campers should be prepared to filter water from nearby streams or pack in their own supplies. Bear activity is common throughout the area, so proper food storage is essential. Many campgrounds provide bear boxes, though some require visitors to bring their own bear canisters. Fire permits are required for campfires, and seasonal fire bans are strictly enforced during high-risk periods.
The tent camping areas near San Dimas offer significant hiking opportunities, with several sites positioned along or near the Pacific Crest Trail. Campsites often feature shade from pine and fir trees, and creek access provides both water sources and natural cooling during summer months. Sites are typically first-come, first-served with no reservation systems in place. The elevation of many tent campgrounds (3,000-5,000 feet) provides cooler temperatures during summer compared to the valley below. One camper noted, "This campsite is located above Crystal Lake and is a backcountry hike-in only campground nestled just 2 miles off the Angeles Crest Highway with around 7 first-come, first-served sites with fire rings, vault toilets, and vintage backcountry ovens."
