166 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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.
"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"
from $76 - $88 / night
Check Availability"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"
from $20 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"Close to the camp that's up there"
"Beyond the falls, the trail takes on a greater feeling of wilderness immersion."
"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!"
"Trail camp is in the canyon so it’s an easy 3.5 mile hike in, but a tough hike out of the canyon."
"Forage your way through the Valley Forge Trail, for an intimate night in the wilderness at one of its remote camps."
from $5 / night
Check Availability"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."
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.
TravelerWell maintained, nice folks, pleasant to talk with. I stayed there 2 months, and enjoyed it.
TravelerThey speak so highly of Dockweiler RV Park, but they forget to say that it has no WiFi, and poor cell phone reception as well. I reserved a space, they made me pay in advance for the whole 3 weeks. They helped me park the camper… avd they never said anything about no wifi. I feel the rv site has been misrepresented. “Oh, well, wifi works in the office, but not even 5 spaces away”. I live alone in my RV. No wifi means I’m sitting here alone in a dead RV. Lonely. Everyone has wifi, yet they don’t mention they don’t , nor even cell phone reception, usually. I get only 1 bar
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.
TravelerWell maintained small campground. Fact that you are downtown Long Beach with lots of food and attractions close is a major selling point. But campground itself has pool, hottub and small store on site. Campers/RV are pretty close parked but each spot comes with table and some lounging space.
TravelerI found the staff to be off putting, unpleasant, even contrary.
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
The Angeles National Forest provides most of the camping opportunities near San Marino, California, with a mix of established campgrounds and rustic trail camps within 15-25 miles of the city. Campground options include tent-only sites at places like Mount Lowe Trail Camp and Millard Trail Camp, which require short hikes to access, as well as more developed facilities at Chilao Campground that accommodate both tent and RV campers. Some locations offer primitive dispersed camping opportunities along Angeles Crest Highway, while others like Bonelli Bluffs provide full hookup sites for RVs, creating a diverse range of experiences from urban-adjacent to deep forest settings.
Access to many campgrounds varies seasonally, with several sites operating only from April to November due to winter conditions in the Angeles National Forest. Most trail camps require hiking between a quarter mile to several miles from parking areas, limiting gear options but providing more secluded experiences. "This is a beautiful campground up in the hills above Altadena with a great view of the valley below. Lots of greenery and flowing water in the winter season with wildlife all along the trail," noted one visitor about Idlehour Trail Camp. Fire restrictions change throughout the year, with complete bans often implemented during high fire danger periods. Cell service is typically unreliable in canyon areas, and many sites have no potable water, requiring campers to bring their own supplies.
Trail camps near San Marino attract hikers seeking proximity to natural features and urban views. Several visitors mentioned the striking contrast of wilderness camping with city lights visible in the distance. During weekdays, many trail camps remain relatively empty, while weekends bring more day hikers and overnight campers. "It was eerily quiet at night. We were the only ones there and can hear our own heartbeats laying there," described one camper at Mount Lowe. Water availability presents a common concern, as many creeks run seasonally and campground water sources may be unreliable. Privacy varies significantly between locations, with some trail camps positioned directly along popular hiking routes. Angeles National Forest campgrounds typically provide fire rings and picnic tables at established sites, though facilities are minimal at more remote locations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near San Marino, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, San Marino, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 166 campgrounds and RV parks near San Marino, CA and 5 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near San Marino, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near San Marino, CA is Bonelli Bluffs with a 4.4-star rating from 42 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near San Marino, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 5 free dispersed camping spots near San Marino, CA.
What parks are near San Marino, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 10 parks near San Marino, CA that allow camping, notably Angeles National Forest and Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area.
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