Best Campgrounds near San Gabriel, CA

Looking for the best campgrounds near San Gabriel, CA? San Gabriel is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. Find the best campgrounds near San Gabriel, CA. Read reviews from campers like you and find your perfect campsite.

Best Camping Sites Near San Gabriel, California (160)

    1. Bonelli Bluffs

    37 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. 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"

    4. Mount Lowe Trail Campground

    6 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."

    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. 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."

    7. 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!"

    8. Crystal Lake Rec Area Campground

    26 Reviews
    Valyermo, CA
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (626) 335-1251

    "We’ve done Crystal Lake probably 6 dozen times or more in our time in California and it never disappoints on the spectacular views."

    "Whenever I need to get away from LALA Land, I head up here.  I grew up in the mountains of western Pennsylvania, so , sometimes , I need to kick back and recharge."

    9. Gould Mesa Trail Campground

    5 Reviews
    La Cañada Flintridge, CA
    10 miles
    Website

    "You can hear cars driving off in the distance but still overall quiet.

    * Close to LA. This is about a 15 minute drive then 30 minute hike from my house.

    * The stream is great."

    "Very beautiful now that the canyon vegetation has grown back in and there are plenty of trails in the area for miles of hiking. Lots of wildlife. Fire rings in camp sites but check for fire permits."

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

    4 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."

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Showing results 1-10 of 160 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near San Gabriel, CA

1015 Reviews of 160 San Gabriel Campgrounds



Guide to San Gabriel

Camping near San Gabriel, California, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a quiet getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Beach Access: Enjoy the sun and surf at Thornhill Broome Beach — Point Mugu State Park. Campers love the beachfront camping experience, with one reviewer saying, "Really a special spot. Not crowded and a place you can rarely camp beachfront in Southern California."
  • Hiking and Biking: Explore the trails at Sycamore Canyon Campground — Point Mugu State Park. A visitor noted, "Great location. Less than 1/2 mile to the beach, hiking and MTB/gravel trails accessible from the campground."
  • Wildlife Watching: Check out the natural beauty at Dogwood Campground. One happy camper shared, "Great mountain bike or hiking trail about 5-6mi loop."

What campers like:

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: At Thornhill Broome Beach, there are no water hookups or dump stations. One camper mentioned, "Loved the quietness of this campsite. No water, no dump station, only portable bathrooms."
  • Noise Levels: Be prepared for some noise at Doheny State Beach Campground. A visitor shared, "The reason I gave it only three stars is the lack of rangers. Each time I’ve stayed, there was a large group of people blasting their music until 2/3 AM."
  • Crowded on Weekends: Many campgrounds can get busy, especially on weekends. A reviewer at Lake Perris State Recreational Area Campground said, "This type of place would definitely appeal more to an extroverted and social crowd."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for spots like San Mateo Campground, which has plenty of room for kids to play. One parent noted, "The campground is well-maintained, and the surrounding natural beauty made for a peaceful retreat."
  • Plan for Activities: Bring bikes or plan hikes to keep kids entertained. A camper at Canyon Campground mentioned, "Spent 3 nights here & wish we could stay longer."
  • Pack Snacks and Drinks: Having food on hand can make family camping trips smoother. A visitor at Bonelli Bluffs said, "The park is clean and well-maintained, personnel very kind and friendly."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Sycamore Canyon Campground mentioned, "The spaces are pretty small, so they are not meant for large RVs."
  • Bring Your Own Wi-Fi: Some campgrounds have poor cell reception. A camper at Point Mugu State Park noted, "No T-Mobile wifi. I used my WeBoost and got two bars."
  • Be Prepared for Crowds: Popular spots can fill up quickly. A visitor at Doheny State Beach Campground said, "The middle sites are small and tight, offering little privacy."

Camping around San Gabriel, CA, has something for everyone, whether you're in a tent or an RV. Enjoy the great outdoors!

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 160 campgrounds and RV parks near San Gabriel, CA and 4 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 37 reviews.

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

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 4 free dispersed camping spots near San Gabriel, CA.

What parks are near San Gabriel, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 10 parks near San Gabriel, CA that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.