Tent camping near San Dimas, California offers several backcountry options with elevations ranging from 2,000 to 5,000 feet, creating significant temperature variations between campsites. Many trail camps require fire permits from the Angeles National Forest, with restrictions typically tightest during summer and fall months. Winter and spring camping allows for better water access with seasonal streams flowing near most trail camps.
What to do
Hike to waterfalls: Millard Trail Camp provides easy access to nearby Millard Falls, with a half-mile hike suitable for all skill levels. A camper noted, "There is a creek that runs through the campground which makes it very pretty. About a 20 minute hike and you can end up at a waterfall which is very pretty."
Mountain biking access: China Camp State Park Campground offers multiple biking trails that connect directly to campsites. "This park is extremely popular with mountain bikers. There are definitely better mountain biking trails in Marin (Tamarancho Boy Scout Camp, for example) but keep in mind that the bar is very high for mountain biking in Marin," reports one visitor.
Summit nearby peaks: Little Jimmy Trail Campground serves as a strategic base for peak bagging with multiple summits accessible from camp. "Many trails lead from here. Including a 1.2 mike haunt up to a little peak (Mt Islip)," explains a regular visitor.
What campers like
Creekside locations: Valley Forge Trail Camp features sites positioned along a seasonal creek that provides both ambiance and water supply. "In April the creek was full, with several creek crossings on the hike and crisp, fresh water along the campsite that contribute to a beautifully green owasis of a meadow," reports one backpacker.
Wildlife viewing: Hoegees Trail Camp Campground offers frequent wildlife encounters with deer, wild turkeys and other forest animals. According to a camper, "There are many hiking opportunities and chances to see wildlife (deer, wild turkey, rabbits, squirrels, racoons, and birds)."
Year-round water sources: Some camps maintain reliable water access even in dry seasons. At Little Jimmy Trail Campground, "There's also year-round running water at Little Jimmy Springs. Right by PCT," reports a winter visitor.
What you should know
Bear activity requirements: Food storage protocols are strictly enforced at all trail camps. Each campsite at Manker Campground should have bear boxes, though one camper mentioned, "wish there had been bear boxes at the sites other than the ones for refuse."
Weekend crowds: Many campgrounds become significantly busier on weekends, particularly those with easier access. "This place is heavily used for day camping and hiking. There's not a lot of privacy because there's always lots of people passing by who are hiking and biking," explains a Millard Trail Camp visitor.
Limited facilities: Most trail camps have minimal amenities. One visitor to Mount Lowe Trail Campground reported, "This is a hike in only campground that is secluded and a little spare. It has no running water but it does have facilities and tables (first come, first serve)."
Tips for camping with families
Choose shorter trails: West Fork Trail Campground offers a manageable approach hike for families with children. "Great location - especially for southern CA where so much of the camping/backpacking is scrubby and in the sun, etc. Most of this trail is under cover, beautiful and well maintained."
Consider site privacy: Some campgrounds offer more separation between sites than others. At China Camp State Park, "Wheeled totes can be borrowed to haul your gear up some little hills to your campsite under oak and bay trees. Some sites are along a level trail. Very peaceful midweek."
Pack for temperature changes: Mountain elevations mean significant temperature drops after sunset, even in summer. At Spruce Grove Trail Campground, a visitor noted, "This is a hike in campground that has stoves and a creek running through. The sites are nicely spaced and there is plenty of shade."
Tips from RVers
No direct RV access: The trail camps near San Dimas require hiking in from parking areas, making them unsuitable for RV camping. However, some parking areas can accommodate small RVs or vans for basecamp use. Manker Campground has "Small tent and motorhome campground with firepits, water spickets, bathrooms (they get very dirty on the busy weekends, beware!)"
