Best Campgrounds near San Marino, CA
Camping opportunities near San Marino, California range from developed campgrounds to primitive hike-in sites, primarily within Angeles National Forest. The area features both trail campgrounds like Millard Trail Campground and Mount Lowe Trail Campground for tent camping, as well as more developed options like Bonelli Bluffs that accommodate RVs with hookups. Most tent and RV sites are within 10-20 miles of San Marino, with several trail camps accessible only by hiking distances of 1-8 miles from trailheads. Angeles National Forest provides the majority of camping options, with campgrounds at varying elevations offering different experiences and views.
Fire restrictions frequently impact camping in this region, especially during dry summer months when fire danger increases. Many trail campgrounds have vault toilets but no running water, requiring visitors to pack in their own supplies. "It's vault toilets and BYO water, but as long as you're expecting that it's all good," noted one Millard Trail camper. The Angeles National Forest campgrounds typically operate from April through November, though some trail camps remain open year-round. Higher elevation sites offer cooler temperatures during summer months, while winter brings occasional snow to upper elevations. Vehicle access to roadside campgrounds often requires navigating winding mountain roads, and overnight parking at trailheads may have restrictions.
Campgrounds near San Marino are particularly known for their scenic views of the Los Angeles basin. Several visitors highlight the dramatic city views as a major attraction, especially from locations like former Henninger Flat. A visitor commented, "Beautiful hike in campground. The views of the city is amazing!" Trail camps like Idlehour offer more seclusion but require longer hikes to access. Privacy varies significantly between locations - roadside campgrounds and popular trail camps like Millard can become crowded with day hikers, while more remote sites provide greater solitude. Many campgrounds feature fire pits and picnic tables, though amenities are generally basic. Bear boxes are provided at some locations for food storage, as wildlife encounters are common throughout the region.
