2 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Tent campsites in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains provide access to secluded backcountry experiences within an hour of Los Angeles. Several trail camps including Millard Trail Campground, Mount Lowe Trail Campground, and Valley Forge Trail Camp offer tent-only sites accessible primarily by hiking trails. These walk-in tent campsites range from 1-8 miles from trailheads, making them suitable for beginners seeking their first backpacking experience or seasoned hikers looking for weekend escapes.
Most tent camping areas near San Gabriel require hikers to carry all supplies, as amenities are minimal. Campsites typically feature fire rings, picnic tables, and basic pit toilets, though not all locations have functioning facilities. Bear boxes are available at several locations including Millard Trail Campground, where food storage is essential. Water access varies significantly—some camps like West Fork Trail have seasonal streams nearby requiring filtration, while others have no water source. Fire regulations change seasonally, with many areas implementing fire bans during dry summer months and fall fire season. Parking at trailheads often requires an Adventure Pass for overnight stays.
The trail camps provide excellent opportunities for solitude compared to drive-in campgrounds, though hikers pass through some sites during daylight hours. Many tent-only sites are nestled among pine, oak, and cedar trees providing natural shade and cooler temperatures. Trail access from these primitive campgrounds connects to longer routes including the Pacific Crest Trail, offering extended hiking options. Valley Forge Trail Camp sits along a creek with multiple water crossings on the approach trail, creating "a beautifully green oasis of a meadow" during spring months. A review for Glenn Trail Camp noted it's "perfect for bikepacking novices" with a 6.5-mile relatively flat paved road approach that follows a river suitable for fishing.
"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."
"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."
"This is a backpackers campground. First come first serve, picnic tables and fire rings included. I think there is only about 8-10 sites. Nice creek flows though the campground."
"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. Perfect little backpacking trip."
"No water, fountain is capped now"
"There's no water right now but that could change after first rain or snow. Stayed here last week & it's still great."
"You can only access this campground by backpacking in. There's about 12 campsites with picnic benches and fire rings. There's a creek that runs through. it's beautiful and feels completely isolated."
"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."
"They had fire pits and public toilets and food storage for bears."
"This is a nice hike-in campground with about ten sites available and a privy. Lots of hikers up here on the weekend ( and weekdays too)."
"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!"
"Took some friends for their first ever backpacking trip, great intro to the “experience.” Trail camp is in the canyon so it’s an easy 3.5 mile hike in, but a tough hike out of the canyon."
from $5 / night
"Crossing the tiny bridge at the west end of Switzer Picinic area(park up top during the weekdays, adds half a mile), you’ll see Switzer Trail Camp."
"But otherwise a great spot to spend a few summer days away from anyone not hale enough to trek in a few miles."
"Access to this campground is so easy, whether it's by car or by bike."
"This hike-in/bike-in campground is located 6 1/2 miles behind a locked gate. The small campground is equipped with stream for water (must be treated), and vault potties."
from $5 / night
"Lots of greenery and flowing water in the winter season with wildlife all along the trail and campground."
"Perfect stopping point for backpacking. Went here in May and we were the only 2 here. Plenty of water flowing and tree cover from the sun."
"No water facet but there is a toilet. I have woke in the morning to deer on several occasions. I will come back here."
ScoutSite is clean, many activities on weekends They also add 1000lb or catfish and trout weekly depending on season. Members were friendly. Downside is wifi when the campsite is 75+ full and only about a dozen paved spots. Major are gravel and dirt.
TravelerNice spot with great hiking. Limited facilities. No hookups. $1 for 2 minute shower (tokens).
TravelerI went there to see, before making a reservation. I found the trailer park—maybe 100 old mobile homes—but I never found an RV park. I didn’t see anything to see. The “pool” was empty. The office was locked, and it wasn’t lunch. Just kinda not happening. I left a message to call me with the answering service, but I never got a call back.
TravelerI was lucky to find this place. It’s well run, comfortable, friendly. Nice spots.
GuideStopped here on a Friday night after spending the day in Simi Valley. It was a ghost town, with only one other campsite occupied that showed no movement or activity at all. The train isn’t running in the overnight hours, so that’s a plus, but the vibe at the lower campsite is making it tough to sleep nonetheless. Two stars for a clean bathroom.
ScoutI found the campground to be very friendly kid friendly and pet friendly. The spots were spacious and some had privacy others were out in the open. The rangers were very friendly and helpful, they helped me set up my tent when they saw I was having trouble. There are trails to explore. A great last minute getaway from the city and not to far, the bathroom was clean and modern with hot showers and toilets.
TravelerVery windy and need high clearance vehicles
TravelerYou definitely need high clearance vehicles or you will not make it here
Travelervery pretty sight the mountain air is incredible. the staff is very helpful and friendly. at night the drunks go crazy and the bears steal their food.
Tent camping options in San Gabriel Mountains require preparation for variable terrain and weather conditions. Most trail campgrounds sit at elevations between 3,000-5,000 feet, experiencing temperature swings of 30°F between day and night. Creek water levels fluctuate seasonally, with reliable flow typically from February through June at most backcountry sites.
Fishing opportunities: Valley Forge Trail Camp provides access to several fishing spots along seasonal streams. "For biking enthusiasts, the road to the campground is designated as a National Scenic Bikeway, so if you want to knock one off the list, here it is. Don't forget to strap a pole to your pack if you want to catch some dinner. This area is native to good trout fishin'," notes one reviewer at Glenn Trail Camp.
Waterfall hikes: Multiple tent sites connect to trails with seasonal waterfalls. At Bear Canyon Campground, you'll find "breathtaking views from the top of the canyon, veer to the left down the hill and go downstream to the right. Switzer Falls is upstream to the left. Follow the creek (which is GORGEOUS with waterfalls and shade in the spring) and go all the way to the end."
Bikepacking routes: Several campgrounds offer beginner-friendly bikepacking options on paved or graded surfaces. Glenn Trail Camp has "an honest 6.5 miles of a relatively flat paved road. If you're trying to bike_fish_ (it's a thing), this road is lined with fishing platforms for all sorts of trout, as the road follows a river the entire way."
Creek access: Many campers appreciate sites positioned near flowing water. At Hoegees Trail Camp, "there is a creek that runs through. It's beautiful and feels completely isolated," according to one reviewer who backpacked in. Another notes that Hoegees has "15 campsites, each with table, fire ring and wood-burning stove. You must pack your garbage out. Site is shady year round with perennial water."
Solitude on weekdays: Visiting midweek often means having entire campgrounds to yourself. At Mount Lowe Trail Campground, campers report, "It was eerily quiet at night. We were the only ones there and can hear our own hearbeats laying there at night. We went in May this year so not much people around. Brand new toilet is nice as well."
Wildlife viewing: The San Gabriel foothills host diverse wildlife visible from most trail camps. "I have woke in the morning to deer on several occasions," reports one West Fork Trail camper. Bear Canyon offers "breathtaking views and when the creek is ice-cold, you are just spoiled."
Vehicle security concerns: Car break-ins occur at some trailhead parking areas. One reviewer at Millard Trail Campground warns: "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. I've had my car broken into once, and have seen broken glass in the parking lot every time I've stayed here."
No-fire periods: Fire restrictions change frequently and aren't always posted clearly. "Check for fire restrictions and dig your cat holes at least 200 feet from the water. Or bring WAG bags and pack it back out," advises an Idlehour camper.
Road closures: Always check current road status before departing. One frustrated Valley Forge visitor reported they "drove all the way to the turn in to find the road was closed."
Easy first backpacking trip: Several campgrounds offer gentle terrain for kids' first overnight hiking experience. At Spruce Grove Trail Campground, "Great spot with beautiful hikes! We were there with a larger group for a scout trip and it was great. Lots of room for our tents."
Scout-friendly sites: Many San Gabriel trail camps accommodate youth groups with multiple tent sites. "This is a great small, hike in camp ground with no privy but decent tent sites. There's no running water but the creek is usually running so come prepared with your own water and something to treat the creek water with. Very much like Hoegees campground. Good for families and Scouts," notes a Spruce Grove visitor.
Shorter trail options: For children with limited hiking stamina, consider campgrounds closer to trailheads. Millard Trail Camp offers "a nice hike of about 1/2 mile up to Millard Falls that is easy for kids and grown ups. Wild life all over the place and a great stream in the wet season through summer."
Base camp parking: While these trail camps don't accommodate RVs directly, some nearby areas allow overnight parking permits for base camp operations. At Gould Mesa Trail Campground, "The parking is available either at Oak Glen Park or further north on the streets...but check with the city on overnight street parking."
Weekend congestion: RVers report extreme difficulty parking near popular trailheads on weekends. One Hoegees visitor notes, "Parking fills up within an hour on weekends so get there as soon as the parking lot opens at 6am."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near San Gabriel, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near San Gabriel, CA is Millard Trail Campground with a 3.7-star rating from 9 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near San Gabriel, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 53 tent camping locations near San Gabriel, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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