Glamping near San Fernando, California offers high-elevation wilderness settings with overnight options ranging from 1,000 to 5,000 feet elevation. The surrounding Angeles National Forest and Santa Monica Mountains provide diverse terrain with oak woodlands and chaparral. Summer temperatures typically reach 85-95°F while winter nights can drop to the 40s even during glamping season.
What to do
Mountain biking trails: Multiple routes accessible from Malibu Creek State Park Campground provide terrain for various skill levels. "The state park is a former movie set and is filled with easily accessible trails for hiking and some for mountain biking. The primary trails were open fire roads with off-shoots to lakes, pools, meadows, and more," reports Ryan W.
Wildlife observation: Bobcats, coyotes, and bird watching opportunities abound within a short distance of camping areas. At Malibu Creek, campers note significant wildlife presence: "The wildlife is abundant. There is plenty of birdwatching, and coyotes were wandering through the park and campground without fear. If you have a dog with you make sure they don't try join the pack," advises Ryan W.
Waterfall hiking: Several seasonal waterfalls can be accessed through short hikes from campgrounds. At Millard Trail Campground, "about a 20 minute hike and you can end up at a waterfall which is very pretty," shares jonnysunami.
What campers like
Private beach access: Canyon Campground at Leo Carrillo State Park offers campers unique coastal features. "The best part about this campground is definitely the beach access- it's about a 10-minute walk from most sites, and you can explore some amazing tide pools and caves once you get there. The kids loved searching for hermit crabs and sea anemones," notes Alfred.
Proximity to urban amenities: Many glamping options maintain wilderness feel while staying close to conveniences. "Three miles from a the grocery and only minutes from north LA, you'll find a basic campground with flush toilets, coin showers, and easily accessible hiking trails," writes Ryan W. about Malibu Creek State Park.
Seasonal solitude: Off-peak camping provides significantly different experiences. At Castaic Lake State Recreation Area, Heather L. found winter visits exceptionally peaceful: "Hardly anyone there when I went in March and felt like I had the place to myself! Hot showers and picnic table available. Just a 1 min walk down the hill to the lake - a perfect place to have my morning coffee!"
What you should know
Train noise: Several campgrounds experience railway disruption. At Thousand Trails Soledad Canyon, "it's very very close to railroad tracks and at night the loud train kept waking us up," warns Elizabeth C.
Fire restrictions: Regulations vary by location and season. Millard Trail Camp has limited options: "There is a camp host so things are well managed and clean. Camp fire pits but check for permits," advises Tom P.
Limited swimming access: Not all water bodies permit swimming. Van S. notes at Castaic Lake: "Swimming only allowed at their 'swimming beach' and only while life guard on duty. And to use my inflatable kayak, I have to use their boat launch and pay a $9.00 fee."
Shower tokens: Many state park facilities require payment for showers. Alfred mentions Leo Carrillo's system: "Facilities were decent- bathrooms were kept fairly clean and showers worked well, though the token system($2 for 2 minutes) takes some getting used to."
Tips for camping with families
Pack wagons for beach trips: When carrying beach gear, wheeled transport helps. "Bring a wagon if you're hauling beach gear though, as the walk can feel long with all your stuff," suggests Alfred about Leo Carrillo State Park.
Site selection for shade: Temperature management matters for family comfort. "There isn't much shade on the actual campgrounds, but a few sites do have partial shade. There are some decent hiking trails nearby if you can bear the heat," advises Chanel C. about Malibu Creek State Park.
Campground layout considerations: Understanding site configuration helps family planning. Jean from Malibu Creek shares: "The grounds were beautiful and well maintained, the camp host super friendly and helpful, the bathrooms well positioned and clean, and the sites had shade and everything we needed. Between hiking and biking, we were busy for the time we were there."
Food storage awareness: Wildlife interactions require preparation. At Millard Campground, jonnysunami warns: "It's important to keep all of your food and anything with any kind of smell in the bear boxes."
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: Little Pine Campground offers specific benefits for certain sites. "Site #13 feels more secluded than other sites on the campground. Only problem was it's on a slope. Not perfectly flat. There is a clearing about 30 feet out but feels far from the firepit," notes Andres P.
RV hookup limitations: Not all campgrounds provide full services. Rick L. observes Malibu Creek State Park is "Best for tents, tight for RVs."
Desert dust considerations: Environmental factors affect RV cleanliness. Elizabeth C. shares about Thousand Trails Soledad Canyon: "The sites are dirt so be prepared to get lots of fine desert dirt in the camper."
