Best Tent Camping near Seal Beach, CA

Tent campers seeking backcountry experiences near Seal Beach, California have several options within driving distance, including established sites at China Camp State Park and primitive tent setups at Millard Trail Campground. Most tent camping areas in the region require some hiking to access, with many sites located along trails that connect to larger networks like the Pacific Crest Trail or Trans Catalina Trail, offering a more secluded experience than typical drive-in campgrounds.

Many primitive tent campgrounds in the area feature basic amenities like picnic tables, fire rings, and food storage boxes, but limited services beyond these essentials. Vault toilets are common at established sites, while backcountry locations often require campers to pack out waste. According to one visitor at Millard Trail Campground, "There's about 100 yd hike to the campsites. There's a road that leads to the campsite but it's been blocked off. Only the campsite managers use that road so it's not accessible by RV, just tents." Water availability varies significantly, with some locations offering potable water while others require filtering from nearby creeks or carrying in all water supplies.

Areas farther from urban centers provide deeper seclusion and better opportunities for wildlife viewing. The tent-only sites at Hoegees Trail Camp and Mount Lowe Trail Campground offer forest settings with access to extensive hiking networks. A recent review noted that Little Jimmy Trail Campground is "a backcountry hike-in only campground nestled just 2 miles off the Angeles Crest Highway. It has around 7 first-come, first-served sites with fire rings, vault toilets, and vintage backcountry ovens." Many tent camping areas experience significant day-use traffic but become quiet after sunset when day hikers depart. Bear activity is reported at several locations, making proper food storage essential for tent campers. Weather conditions vary dramatically by season and elevation, with coastal tent sites offering milder temperatures year-round compared to mountain locations that may be inaccessible during winter months.

Best Tent Sites Near Seal Beach, California (46)

    1. China Camp State Park Campground

    10 Reviews
    Chino Hills, CA
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (415) 456-0766

    $35 - $175 / night

    "The campground was not busy and this allowed me to pick a spot hidden away from others. There are restrooms and a place to get water, but when I was there the showers were closed.  "

    "This walk-in campground is part of China Camp State Park. Only 33 tent-only sites! Wheeled totes can be borrowed to haul your gear up some little hills to your campsite under oak and bay trees."

    2. Two Harbors Campground

    10 Reviews
    Two Harbors, CA
    32 miles
    Website
    +1 (877) 778-1487

    "I am glad we pitched in a tent instead of paying for the high price hotels in town. The campground have toilets, running water, and showers."

    "We took the ferry to two harbors and walked up all of our gear to the site."

    3. Millard Trail Campground

    9 Reviews
    Altadena, CA
    32 miles
    Website

    "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."

    4. Black Jack Campground

    8 Reviews
    Avalon, CA
    32 miles
    Website
    +1 (310) 510-8368

    "Great campground that is very accessible to the trans Catalina trail."

    "Each site has a picnic table and fire pit. You have to find or bring in your own wood for the fire. There’s two bathrooms and a public, open shower. Fresh water is available too."

    5. Little Harbor Campground

    8 Reviews
    Two Harbors, CA
    34 miles
    Website
    +1 (310) 510-4205

    "If you’re backpacking through here, I highly recommend you stay the night. A camp site includes potable water, fire pit, picnic table, food storage box. Everything you need. Porta potties available."

    "If you’re backpacking the Trans-Catalina trail, this is one of the best spots. Great views of the sunset, spaced out campsites with water spouts at each one and a 6 mile hike from airport in the sky."

    6. Hoegees Trail Camp Campground

    5 Reviews
    Mount Wilson, CA
    31 miles
    +1 (818) 899-1900

    "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."

    7. Spruce Grove Trail Campground - TEMPORARILY CLOSED DUE TO FIRE

    5 Reviews
    Mount Wilson, CA
    32 miles
    Website
    +1 (818) 482-8937

    "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."

    8. Mount Lowe Trail Campground

    6 Reviews
    Mount Wilson, CA
    33 miles
    +1 (818) 899-1900

    "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."

    9. Hermit Gulch Campground

    6 Reviews
    Avalon, CA
    33 miles
    Website

    "Only 30 mins walk or 5 minute bus ride from downtown Avalon."

    "I stayed here Labor Day weekend for tent camping! So, since I don't plan to camp here again for awhile, I should let you in on the secret(?) that the best campsite is Site 29!!!"

    10. Parsons Landing Campground

    5 Reviews
    Two Harbors, CA
    33 miles
    Website

    "Sites have rocks stacked up as a wind shield, it really helps! You’ll also have a picnic table, food storage box, and a fire pit. Vault toilets are available."

    "This is the final campgound on the Trans Catalina Trail and one of my favorites."

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Tent Camping Reviews near Seal Beach, CA

908 Reviews of 46 Seal Beach Campgrounds



Guide to Seal Beach

Seal Beach, California, offers a variety of tent camping options that cater to outdoor enthusiasts looking for a memorable experience in nature.

Tent campers appreciate these amenities

Some prices for tent camping range from $27 to $70

  • Camping at Two Harbors Campground can cost around $70 per night, providing a unique island experience.
  • The Millard Trail Campground is a free option, ideal for budget-conscious campers looking for a peaceful retreat.
  • Expect to pay approximately $29 per person at Black Jack Campground, which is known for its stunning views and accessibility to hiking trails.

Tips for tent camping near Seal Beach

  • Bring water purification systems when visiting Gould Mesa Trail Campground as there is no running water available.
  • Be prepared for wildlife encounters at Hermit Gulch Campground, where deer and Catalina foxes frequently visit.
  • For a more secluded experience, consider the Valley Forge Trail Camp, which is known for its quiet atmosphere and beautiful surroundings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Seal Beach, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Seal Beach, CA is China Camp State Park Campground with a 4.2-star rating from 10 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Seal Beach, CA?

TheDyrt.com has all 46 tent camping locations near Seal Beach, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.