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

    39 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

1058 Reviews of 166 San Gabriel Campgrounds


  • Spencer S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 20, 2025

    Malibu Beach RV Park

    Beautiful beach!

    They have ports potty’s and a nice stretch of beach between houses that you can enjoy privately

  • Gillian L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 20, 2025

    Hollywood RV Park

    Themed Park!

    First of all, staff was amazing. We were originally supposed to arrive on a Tuesday and we’re not able to make it. Staff shifted our reservation instead of us eating the missed night cost. Also super accommodating allowing us to extend a day longer last minute. Park is tight quarters with 200 spots. Two laundry rooms/bathrooms with showers on site, plus a cute little dog park! We stayed for three nights. Every “road” in the park is themed with California or Hollywood themed decorations and murals. We were parked right next to a Mister Roger’s mural across from the laundry/bathrooms. My only complaint in the noise level at times which is not from the park itself. Helicopters would fly over randomly, sometimes at night and it could be annoying when trying to sleep. Otherwise, absolute GEM of a place!

  • Imerie T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 18, 2025

    Oak Flat Campground

    Good place to stop between stops

    So the good first, Quiet, not many ppl in the fall/winter months. Sites are large, dumpsters, vault toilets, close to town amenities. We felt safe staying here. Met nice campers.

    The crappy. Yes you can hear the humm of the freeway from further away. Didn’t bug us, but some it does. There is micro trash everywhere. No one cleans the sites, leaves are outta control on the ground. You cannot have any cooking or fires right now. Only cooking inside. The single bathroom is cleanest. The Ranger was super rude He asked way too many personal questions and kept wanting to make sure we weren’t “homeless”. He doesn’t understand the difference between vagrants and choosing to not live in bricks and sticks. He wanted to know exactly how many days we were staying and what day and time we were leaving. You can stay up to 14days and no reservations required.

    It is only free if you have your America The Beautiful Pass, otherwise it’s 5.00 a night And you have to buy that at the Shell Gas Station down the pass.

  • Anna X.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 8, 2025

    Dockweiler Beach RV Park

    Pacific touch :)

    Nice place very close to the beach with amazing Pacific view. All connections in place; sites very close to each other; a bit loud due to airport nearby. Very friendly staff. In overall good experience and recommend it :)

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Bonelli Bluffs

    Wish we could stay longer this trip

    We chose Bonelli for our shakedown trip in our new trailer (first time RVers). SO quiet. Numerous residents, but spots are mostly keep up nicely. Our rental spot has 3 trees, a picnic table, a firepit, level parking(!) and full hookups. We will be back for sure, especially since it's less than an hour from home.

  • 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.
    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!!


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 39 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.