Tent camping options near Santa Monica offer backcountry experiences within Angeles National Forest and surrounding state parks. Most sites require hikes ranging from 0.5 miles to 4 miles with elevation gains between 300-1,200 feet. Winter and spring camping provides more reliable water access at creek-adjacent sites, while summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F at lower elevations.
What to do
Waterfall hikes: From Millard Trail Campground, access a short 0.5-mile trail to view seasonal falls. "About a 20 minute hike and you can end up at a waterfall which is very pretty. But there are several trails to take for hiking and biking and I saw lots of people doing that," notes one camper.
Creek exploration: Valley Forge Trail Camp offers streamside camping with multiple water features. "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 owasis of a meadow," reports one visitor.
Mountain biking: Trails near Gould Mesa Trail Campground accommodate riders of various skill levels. A camper observed, "There were a dozen or so mountain bikers and about the same amount of hikers runners that venture by the campground throughout the day. Not enough to really ruin the experience, just enough to notice them there."
Wildlife viewing: Early morning hours provide opportunities to spot deer, coyotes, and various bird species. "I bet on the weekends they can fill up pretty fast. It's in Bear country so they provide food storage for each campsite also trash containers too," a Millard Trail camper reported.
What campers like
Year-round water access: Many campers appreciate Bear Canyon Campground's reliable water source. "Great campground with multiple sites. Fire pits & along Bear Creek (seasonal)," notes one visitor, while another mentions "lots of water year round, but little wood."
Well-maintained facilities: Musch Trail Camp stands out for its upkeep. "Although it's not the most scenic campground itself, the state park has plenty of beauty to offer on its hiking trails... The facilities and grounds were well maintained," writes one reviewer.
Privacy between sites: Hoegees Trail Camp offers well-spaced camping areas. "This facility 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," explains a frequent visitor.
Urban escape: Several campers value the quick transition from city to wilderness. "It's a spot where you can truly be away. We spent 5 days and didn't really see a soul. If you like to read, enjoy sunsets, exercise and travel to local spots of interest or just stay put," reports an Antfarm LA visitor.
What you should know
Limited parking: Arrive early, especially at popular trailheads. "Parking fills up within an hour on weekends so get there as soon as the parking lot opens at 6am," advises a Hoegees camper.
Variable water conditions: Always check current creek flows before counting on filtration. "I would imagine it would be a sad/nonexistent creek flow in the summer," notes a Valley Forge camper about seasonal changes.
Car security concerns: Millard Trail Campground has reported break-ins. "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," warns one experienced camper.
Permits and passes: Some areas require special documentation. "If you plan on leaving your vehicle at one of the developed recreation sites while you're on your hike be sure to have an Adventure Pass," reminds a Valley Forge visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Starter backpacking experiences: Choose sites with shorter approach trails for first trips. "The site is named for Hoegee's resort which stood just upstream. The concrete foundation in the center of the campground was a private cabin which burned down decades ago," providing historical interest for kids at Hoegees.
Emergency preparedness: Cell service is unreliable at most sites. "There is an emergency call box and calls phones do not work," notes a Hoegees camper, highlighting the importance of safety planning.
Toilet considerations: Most backcountry sites have limited facilities. "To go to the bathroom stay away from the stream and dig a hole 6-8 inches deep and bury your waste and paper. Do NOT leave it exposed on the ground," instructs a Hoegees visitor.
Day-hike options: Mount Lowe Trail Campground provides access to additional trails. "Secluded campground with toilets, fire pits & many info plaques with photos from the old tavern on site. There's a stream nearby the Mount Lowe Summit Trail, also," reports a camper.
Tips from RVers
Tent-only accessibility: Most of the best tent camping near Santa Monica, California requires hiking in. "The parking lot is just behind the corner out of view. The only downside is that there are a couple of holiday houses in the surrounding forest and there is the trailer of the camp manager," explains a Millard Trail camper about the non-RV access.
Alternative RV options: While backcountry sites don't accommodate vehicles, nearby developed campgrounds allow RVs with advance planning. "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," describes a Millard Trail visitor, highlighting the access limitations for large vehicles.
