Best Campgrounds near San Gabriel, CA

Camping opportunities in the San Gabriel Valley area range from developed campgrounds to trail camps requiring hiking access. Angeles National Forest offers several campground options including Chilao Campground and Mount Lowe Trail Campground, situated in the mountains north of San Gabriel. Accommodations vary from tent-only sites at primitive hike-in locations to RV-friendly facilities with hookups like Bonelli Bluffs in nearby San Dimas. Many campgrounds are positioned along hiking trails or near scenic overlooks of the Los Angeles basin.

Most primitive sites in the San Gabriel Mountains require hiking between 2-8 miles on established trails. Trail camps such as Hoegees, Millard, and Valley Forge feature picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets but generally lack running water or showers. Many campgrounds operate seasonally, with Chilao Campground typically open April through November due to mountain weather conditions. Fire restrictions are common during summer and fall months, requiring visitors to obtain permits before making campfires. A camper noted: "You feel deep in the forest and there are plenty of spots, fire pits and flat top stoves. The toilets were boarded up but Winter Creek was flowing well."

Trail camps in the region offer unique experiences despite their proximity to urban areas. Several visitors highlight the remarkable views of Los Angeles from elevated campsites. According to one visitor, "This is a special place and a bit of an uphill hike, very rustic and incredible views at night looking over Los Angeles about 25 miles away." The more accessible campgrounds like Millard Trail Camp see heavy day use from hikers. Mixed-use campgrounds such as Crystal Lake Recreation Area feature amenities including drinking water, a market, and sanitary dump stations. Wildlife sightings are common, particularly at more remote sites, and several campgrounds require food storage in provided bear boxes for safety. Developed campgrounds in lower elevations generally remain open year-round, while higher elevation sites close during winter months.

Best Camping Sites Near San Gabriel, California (166)

    1. Bonelli Bluffs

    38 Reviews
    South El Monte, CA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (909) 599-8355

    $76 - $88 / night

    "⭐⭐⭐⭐

    Our experience at Bonelli Bluffs Campground was mostly positive, but there were a couple of aspects that could be improved."

    "The views around the outskirts of B loop are just lovely, the staff has been so friendly and helpful (we’re RV newbies and had a ton of questions) the store was stocked with all of the little things we"

    2. Millard Trail Campground

    9 Reviews
    Altadena, CA
    9 miles
    Website

    "When you can’t do a 2h hike before setting camp, but you also don’t want to camp close to your car, Millard campground is perfect. The parking lot is just behind the corner out of view."

    "Cool drive to get to the campground. You drive up and down these hilly roads up the mountain to get there. Once there, there's a parking lot that fits about 20 cars."

    3. Mount Lowe Trail Campground

    8 Reviews
    Mount Wilson, CA
    9 miles
    +1 (818) 899-1900

    "We went in May this year so not much people around. Brand new toilet is nice as well. There was some flowing water still."

    "There's a stream nearby the Mount Lowe Summit Trail, also. Plenty of great sites to choose from."

    4. Chilao Campground

    17 Reviews
    Mount Wilson, CA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (818) 790-1151

    $12 / night

    "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"

    5. Hoegees Trail Camp Campground

    5 Reviews
    Mount Wilson, CA
    9 miles
    +1 (818) 899-1900

    "Hoegee’s is 2 miles hike from Chantry Flats by way of the Lower Winter Creek Trail. The site is named for Hoegee’s resort which stood just upstream."

    "If you take the Upper Winter Creek Trail it's an easier hike but not as pretty as the Lower one. Campsite is very nice with enough sites for about 20 campers with a privy but no running water."

    6. Spruce Grove Trail Campground - TEMPORARILY CLOSED DUE TO FIRE

    5 Reviews
    Mount Wilson, CA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (818) 482-8937

    "Close to the camp that's up there"

    "Beyond the falls, the trail takes on a greater feeling of wilderness immersion."

    7. Rosemead 12 miles to DT Los Angeles

    3 Reviews
    Monterey Park, CA
    3 miles
    +1 (323) 540-8451

    $0 - $1000 / night

    "San Gabriel Valley is nice"

    8. Angeles Crest Overlook to LA

    8 Reviews
    La Cañada Flintridge, CA
    11 miles

    "Great view but on the weekend we had multiple cars doing donuts really close to our van. I felt uncomfortable with that."

    "This is just a few parking lots that overlook the valley and gives a view of the city skyline in the distance."

    9. Valley Forge Trail Camp hike in. no drive

    6 Reviews
    Mount Wilson, CA
    10 miles
    Website

    $5 / night

    "Toilets available, we filtered water from the West Fork San Gabriel River that seems more like a creek. Picnic tables and fire rings made food preparing especially easy. It has so much charm!"

    "Trail camp is in the canyon so it’s an easy 3.5 mile hike in, but a tough hike out of the canyon."

    10. Angeles National Forest Chilao Campground

    12 Reviews
    Mount Wilson, CA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (626) 574-1613

    "OKAY... seriously this one of the best campgrounds near Los Angeles. My ultimate go to spot for an overnight camping trip."

    "We were told that the water pumps were off but actually managed to camp right next to the one that was working. The bathrooms were super clean too!"

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Recent Reviews near San Gabriel, CA

1053 Reviews of 166 San Gabriel Campgrounds


  • Jake M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 30, 2025

    Malibu Creek State Park Campground

    Awesome Mountain View’s and spacious sites!

    Every friendly people. Nice open sites that are good for people who just want to be isolated. Showers and bathrooms available. No charging unless you can find an open one in the park. Site 27 is a very good site.

  • Julia G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 27, 2025

    Hare School Park

    Overnight parking ✅

    You can overnight park here with your RV without problems.

  • Lianne A.
    Sep. 23, 2025

    Monte Cristo Campground

    Nice Campground but Fire Restrictions!

    Monte Cristo is a nice campground not far from home. My husband and I visited this campsite for the first time just for one night. There was a fire restriction. No bonfires, no cooking on stoves and there was no water due to a leak. The bathroom that I was using I give it a 2 star.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 19, 2025

    Malibu Beach RV Park

    Great Family Vacation

    Perfect weekend getaway for the family! Loved the store and how close to the beach this place was. Will definitely be coming back!!

  • B
    Aug. 29, 2025

    Tapo Canyon Park

    Favorite spot near LA

    The Camp Hosts here are Very Friendly and welcoming, the campground has a lush grass area and nice covered playground. The showers and bathrooms are nice, we highly recommend Tapo Canyon.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 23, 2025

    Malibu Creek State Park Campground

    Great trip/great site!

    This place is great! We stayed on site 59 and it had so much space you can fit a ton of people on the site. We had a beautiful, big tree and a great view in the back of the site. Site 62 had the most beautiful view but no shade, but I want to book it for the cooler months. Showers and bathrooms were pristine!! Can’t wait to go back!

  • Wayne S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 11, 2025

    Applewhite Campground (Ca) — San Bernardino National Forest

    Nice little park

    Very small campground. Camping sites are spread out. The access road is very narrow. We did it with a 22 foot fifth wheel. Space 41 could hold a much longer rig but it would be a challenge even getting to that space. There were only two other campers here while we were here. Lots of trees but not so thick you dont get some sun. The road getting to the campgrounds is somewhat narrow and has some hairpin turns so again it might be difficult for someone with a long trailer We camped at Applewhite Campground in a Fifth Wheel.

  • Michael R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 10, 2025

    Malibu Creek State Park Campground

    Malibu Creek State Park

    The campground is well laid out with plenty of shade available in most sites throughout the day. Sites aren’t too close to one another, restrooms are modern and clean and people were pretty quiet at night and in the early mornings. Main demographic was families when I camped here.


Guide to San Gabriel

Camping in the San Gabriel Mountains spans elevations from 2,000 to 8,000 feet, creating distinct temperature zones where higher camps can be 15-20 degrees cooler than lower elevations. Trail camps without vehicle access form a network along major hiking corridors, with several connected to the 2,650-mile Pacific Crest Trail. Fire restrictions vary seasonally based on conditions rather than fixed dates.

What to do

Waterfall hikes: Take a 30-minute hike upstream from Millard Trail Campground to reach a scenic waterfall. "Bikepacked in for a quick overnighter. Nice campground, active stream in the middle of summer. Waterfall 30 minutes hike upstream," notes Jeff B.

Mountain biking: Bring dirt bikes to explore designated trails near Crystal Lake Recreation Area. "Bring your dirt bike and hit some of the trails, it's a definite must!" recommends Salem L. The recreation area offers various trail difficulty levels across its extensive grounds.

Night sky viewing: Several elevated campsites provide exceptional stargazing opportunities after dark. "This is a special place and a bit of an uphill hike, very rustic and incredible views at night looking over Los Angeles about 25 miles away," shares a visitor about Mount Lowe.

Wildlife watching: Early mornings offer the best animal sighting opportunities. "Animals seen: Black bear, deer (wandered through our site), red foxes, Stellar's Jays, woodpeckers, other birds," reports Forest G. from Crystal Lake.

What campers like

Creek access: Many trail camps feature running water during spring and early summer. At Hoegees Trail Camp, "There is a creek that runs through. It's beautiful and feels completely isolated," reports Morgan F. Stream water requires filtration or treatment before drinking.

Uncrowded weekday camping: Mid-week visits offer significantly more solitude at most sites. "I went during the week and was the only one camping. This place is heavily used for day camping and hiking," explains a camper at Millard Trail.

Wood-burning cooking options: Several backcountry sites maintain cooking infrastructure. At Hoegees, each site features "table, fire ring and wood-burning stove," according to David F. These facilities remain subject to seasonal fire restrictions.

Proximity to urban areas: Despite wilderness feel, most camps remain relatively accessible. "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)," explains Tom P. about Mount Lowe Trail Campground.

What you should know

Water availability: Potable water access varies by location and season. At Chilao Campground, "We were told that the water pumps were off but actually managed to camp right next to the one that was working," reports Amairani P. Always confirm current water status before arrival.

Parking limitations: Many trail camps require secured overnight parking. "WARNING: Make sure to leave your car doors unlocked, and nothing of value inside. You'd rather have someone root through your car and walk away empty handed than have a window broken and items stolen," advises Mathew H. about Millard Trail Camp.

Bear activity: Food storage requirements exist at multiple sites. "It's important to keep all of your food and anything with any kind of smell in the bear boxes," warns a camper at Crystal Lake. Always follow posted wildlife guidelines.

Seasonal closures: Higher elevation sites close during winter months. Chilao Campground operates "April to November" according to official listings, with seasonal variations possible based on weather conditions.

Tips for camping with families

Short hike options: Consider camps with minimal approach distances for younger children. Valley Forge Trail Camp offers "an easy 3.5 mile hike in, but a tough hike out of the canyon," according to Kelly B. Plan accordingly for return journeys which often involve elevation gain.

Safety precautions: Prepare children for wildlife encounters before arrival. "I saw two to three cabins along the outskirts of the campground that I assume were for rentals," notes a visitor to Millard, providing alternative accommodations for families not ready for tent camping.

Stream exploration: Creek-adjacent sites provide natural play areas. "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 oasis of a meadow," reports Kelly B. about Valley Forge Trail Camp.

Weather considerations: Mountain weather can change rapidly, particularly at higher elevations. "Even though the daily high was 79 degrees, the low at night was 56, and it was still only 61 degrees by 7 am," notes a camper at Chilao.

Tips from RVers

RV size limitations: Most developed campgrounds accommodate smaller RVs only. At Bonelli Bluffs, "Every site has full hookups and sewer," reports Michael S., making it one of the few San Gabriel Valley options with comprehensive RV facilities.

Reservation recommendations: RV-friendly sites fill quickly during peak seasons. "A little pricey but very nice facility. All hookups 30/50 amp. Cable TV. There's a pool. Some spaces monumentally better than others," notes Dennis B. about Bonelli Bluffs.

Leveling challenges: Mountain campgrounds often feature uneven terrain. "Awesome for RVs but maybe not the best for tent camping," explains Sara H. about Bonelli Bluffs, noting that "they do have the tent camping on the steep incline."

Dump station access: Plan waste management accordingly as facilities vary. Several campers note that Crystal Lake Recreation Area provides sanitary dump facilities, while most trail camps have no such services.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near San Gabriel, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, San Gabriel, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 166 campgrounds and RV parks near San Gabriel, CA and 5 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near San Gabriel, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near San Gabriel, CA is Bonelli Bluffs with a 4.4-star rating from 38 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near San Gabriel, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 5 free dispersed camping spots near San Gabriel, CA.