Frank 
Traveler
TravelerCrystal Cove Backcountry — Crystal Cove State Park
extemely well designed campground with million dollar view.
Pricey but well worth it. Very well run campground.
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.
Best Camping Sites Near San Marino, California (166)
1. Bonelli Bluffs
41 ReviewsSouth El Monte, CA18 milesWebsite+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 ReviewsAltadena, CA7 milesWebsite"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 ReviewsMount Wilson, CA15 milesWebsite+1 (818) 790-1151$20 / 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 ReviewsMount Wilson, CA7 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. Gould Mesa Trail Campground
6 ReviewsLa Cañada Flintridge, CA8 milesWebsite"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."
6. Spruce Grove Trail Campground - TEMPORARILY CLOSED DUE TO FIRE
6 ReviewsMount Wilson, CA8 milesWebsite+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. Angeles National Forest Chilao Campground
12 ReviewsMount Wilson, CA15 milesWebsite+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. Valley Forge Trail Camp hike in. no drive
6 ReviewsMount Wilson, CA9 milesWebsite$5 / night
"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."
9. Hoegees Trail Camp Campground
5 ReviewsMount Wilson, CA8 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."
10. Crystal Lake Rec Area Campground
27 ReviewsValyermo, CA21 milesWebsite+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."
Recent Camping Photos near San Marino, CA
287 Photos of 166 San Marino Campgrounds
David F.
Henninger Flat - PERMANENTLY CLOSED
Jay H.
Millard Trail Campground
Stacy C.
Mount Lowe Trail Campground
Anthony K.
Hoegees Trail Camp Campground
Tony C.
Gould Mesa Trail Campground
Brittany N.
Spruce Grove Trail Campground - TEMPORARILY CLOSED DUE TO FIRE
Kelly B.
Valley Forge Trail Camp hike in. no drive
Shannon E.
Bear Canyon Campground
Stacy C.
West Fork Trail Campground - Temporarily Closed
Malina S.
Little pine campground
Les R.
Chilao Campground
Les R.
Angeles National Forest Meadow Group Campground
Recent Reviews near San Marino, CA
1031 Reviews of 166 San Marino Campgrounds
Rey R.
GuideThousand Trails Soledad Canyon
Warm for March
Stayed here for one night tent camping. No one in sight in the tent section. Good spot with showers and restrooms. The pool and spa were open.
Miguel B.
ScoutDockweiler Beach RV Park
Beach camping
Really incredible location, was snow to book last minute by calling and checking for availability. Can't reserve by phone but was able to confirm availability. Prob easier to do in off season, add it is Feb not the summer.
Pricing is 75 for closest to beach 65 to furthest in RV 40FOOT LIMIT super chill, quiet hours are 9pm Love the space, fire pits on the beach. Pet friendly
Anna K.ScoutDockweiler Beach RV Park
On beach
Pretty good. Smells a tiny bit like black water fumes.
Cayla F.ScoutOak Flat Campground
Great campground, My dog got attacked, terrible ranger, and brown toilets
The campground itself was pretty good, nice sized sites, and pretty clean save for the occasional beer bottle cap and the bird poop on the picnic table. It's free if you have the America the beautiful/interagency pass
The bad was that the toilets were brown instead of white, and I asked the ranger repeatedly to please clean them the week we were here. Speaking of the ranger, he was too nosy, wondering if we were homeless and how long we're staying exactly like the other reviews mentioned, but the real kicker is I went to hike the Whitakers peak via the oak flat trail which directs people to go through the boy's scout campground that is right above the oak flat thinking there is some type of easement to let hikers through between the national forest and the boy scouts. Nope, you're trespassing through minute you step on the boy's scout campground, and the caretaker's two huskies might come and attack your dog, so beware. Full story on Alltrails.
Derek J.ScoutBonelli Bluffs
Fun but airplane noise
Fun place there is a lot of airport noise during the day from the small private planes. Great place to bring bikes, fishing, and games to keep you and your crew busy for a few days.
Leo G.ScoutOak Flat Campground
Beautiful
Friendly ranger. You have to have a national forest adventure pass even if you don't have a vehicle. Still worth the 14 day stay for no camping fees
- LLarry H.Scout
off the grid rv park
Nice and quiet place to stay
They are very nice and accommodating to what you need. They are priced very well.
- LLindsey G.Guide
Gould Mesa Trail Campground
Gould Mesa quick fun
It’s a great place to get away and hangout. The river access and waterfall were a lot of fun to explore and play In. They had fire pits and public toilets and food storage for bears.
Guide to San Marino
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?
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?
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 41 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near San Marino, CA?
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?
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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