Angeles National Forest offers primitive backcountry tent camping sites within hiking distance of Sierra Madre, California, at elevations ranging from 1,500 to 5,700 feet. These trail camps provide wilderness experiences with minimal facilities and require hikers to carry in supplies. Most sites operate year-round but have seasonal water availability that affects camping conditions throughout the San Gabriel Mountains.
What to do
Waterfall hikes: Millard Trail Campground connects to a half-mile trail leading to Millard Falls. According to Tom P., it's an "easy hike for kids and grown ups" with "wild life all over the place and a great stream in the wet season through summer."
Creek exploration: At Spruce Grove Trail Campground, follow the creek that runs through the campground. One camper noted, "This is a backpackers campground. First come first serve, picnic tables and fire rings included. Nice creek flows though the campground."
Summit trails: From Mount Lowe Trail Campground, access multiple summit hikes with panoramic views. Anthony K. reports, "Great Hike In Campground. Secluded campground with toilets, fire pits & many info plaques with photos from the old tavern on site. There's a stream nearby the Mount Whitney Summit Trail, also."
Fishing opportunities: Glenn Trail Camp Campground offers access to trout fishing. As David F. says, "Don't forget to strap a pole to your pack if you want to catch some dinner. This area is native to good trout fishin'."
What campers like
Proximity to urban areas: Gould Mesa Trail Campground offers tent camping without lengthy travel. Jamie G. explains, "Close to LA. This is about a 15 minute drive then 30 minute hike from my house."
Water access: Many trail camps feature seasonal streams for drinking water with filtration. At Bear Canyon Campground, William K. notes there's "lots of water year round, but little wood. Expect to forage far if you want a fire."
Wildlife viewing: Quiet camping areas provide opportunities to spot local wildlife. Will B. reports at West Fork Trail Campground: "I have woke in the morning to deer on several occasions."
Solitude: Most trail camps offer a secluded experience despite their proximity to Los Angeles. At Millard Trail Campground, Jeff B. found that "It was a bit busy during the day. They close the gate at 10 pm I believe, so the evening was nice and quiet."
What you should know
Limited facilities: Valley Forge Trail Camp and similar sites have minimal amenities. Stacy C. reports, "Pit toilets. Usually quiet when not too many people around."
Fire restrictions: Fire regulations vary by season and location. At Bear Canyon Campground, Shannon E. advises, "There are fire rings but use responsibly - have lots of water at the pit to put it out, and make sure you do that completely before you go to sleep."
Car security: At parking areas near trailheads, vehicle break-ins can occur. Mathew H. warns about Millard Trail Camp: "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."
Trail difficulty: Many trails involve significant elevation changes. CodyRay C. noted about Valley Forge Trail Camp: "Campgrounds are spread out well giving each site plenty of space. We filtered water from the 'river' - seemed like a creek to me."
Tips for camping with families
Easy access options: For family backpacking near Sierra Madre, choose shorter trails. At Hoegees Trail Camp Campground, tom P. recommends, "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."
Group-friendly sites: Some locations accommodate larger groups. Amanda K. shared about Spruce Grove Trail Campground: "Great spot with beautiful hikes! We were there with a larger group for a scout trip and it was great. Lots of room for our tents."
Learning opportunities: Several camps have historical features. At Mount Lowe Trail Campground, Anthony K. notes the presence of "many info plaques with photos from the old tavern on site."
Water considerations: When camping with children, research current water conditions. As David F. explains about West Fork Trail Campground, "Most of this trail is under cover, beautiful and well maintained. The sites are right along the creek and very peaceful. You do have to hike out your own water or filter from the stream."
Tips from RVers
No RV access: The best tent camping near Sierra Madre, California is limited to hike-in access only. At Idlehour Trail Campground, tom P. explains, "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 and campground."
Base camp alternatives: RVers can use nearby developed campgrounds as base camps for day hikes. Andrew G. describes Glenn Trail Camp Campground as "an easy paved 6 1/2 miles in to camp all the way along a creek. very nice sites with tables bbqs and fire rings."
Transportation options: Some campers combine public transit with cycling to reach trailheads. Kevin L. shares, "I have bikepacked here a couple times now; once biking up Highway 39 from Azusa (after taking the Metro Gold Line to Azusa), and once driving up the 39 with bikes and bags in the trunk."
