Camping options near Sierra Madre, California range from urban RV parks to mountain-adjacent campgrounds, with most located within a 45-minute drive of downtown Los Angeles. The foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains provide camping opportunities at elevations between 900-4,500 feet, with summer temperatures often 5-10 degrees cooler than the basin below. Winter camping requires preparation for occasional below-freezing nighttime temperatures, particularly at higher elevation sites.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Rancho Jurupa Park, campers can fish for catfish in the small lake surrounded by shade trees and picnic tables. As one visitor notes, "Lots of families with children, fishing for catfish in the little lake which is shaded with trees and plenty of tables to picnic by the lake."
Family activities: Rancho Jurupa RV Park offers numerous recreational options beyond standard camping. "Splash pad, park, mini golf great amenities," mentions one reviewer. Another adds, "Water park and mini golf for kids. Showers and laundry convenient."
Explore local culture: Several campgrounds provide good access to cultural destinations. From Thousand Trails Soledad Canyon, "This is a good location to explore LA and greater LA area, 45 min to Hollywood sign." Another campground offers proximity to historic sites: "We drove over to the Mission Inn (8 min drive) enjoyed lunch. Their is a pedestrian only shopping area with a Saturday farmer's market plus lots of restaurants."
What campers like
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain high cleanliness standards. At Bonelli Bluffs, campers appreciate the well-maintained environment: "Dog friendly, clean, quiet, love the grass and trees nicely kept property." Another reviewer noted, "Spaces are groomed and clean when you come in."
Security features: Several parks prioritize safety measures that campers value. One reviewer mentions, "Great sense of community and great placement of the gates for safety purposes. Ranger is on constant patrol." Another camper at Golden Shore RV Resort states, "Security is very good and felt very safe, especially considering the location."
Well-designed sites: Golden Shore RV Resort receives praise for its layout and amenities. "Very well maintained campground. The spots are groomed and clean when you come in. Great Long Beach location, a nice bike ride along the beach to Naples and the Queen Mary." Another camper appreciates the concrete pads: "Large concrete pads, easy backing in and hooking up. Lots of grass, great place to camp in groups."
What you should know
Train noise: Several RV sites near Sierra Madre, California experience railroad disturbances. At Soledad Canyon, one camper warns, "It's very very close to railroad tracks and at night the loud train kept waking us up." Another visitor confirms, "Only negative is the trains!"
Site sizes vary significantly: Campground layouts differ considerably across the region. At Fairplex RV Park, a camper cautions, "Spaces are very tight. Good for 1 nite only stay. Staff was friendly and place is clean but not much room to maneuver a lg. rv. in." Similarly, at another park: "The downfall is they do not assign slots so if you need a handicap accessible location it's going to be by chance if somebody is there or not."
