Looking for the best campgrounds near South El Monte, CA? There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. Find the best campgrounds near South El Monte, CA. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.
$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"
"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."
$12 / 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"
"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."
$55 - $70 / night
"Nice bathrooms and hot showers with laundry on location. Good amount of space between sites. Very short drive or 20ish minute walk to Disneyland. Extremely helpful and kind staff."
"Park is within walking to the Disneyland park.
The tent sites are very small with a picnic table and AstroTurf."
"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."
$25 - $1000 / night
"We left LA (Hollywood) on a Friday afternoon around 3, and were setting up camp by 5! Luckily a friend got to the campground before us though, as he snagged the last of the 20 or so sites there."
"Coldbrooke is a excellent campground that is relatively close to the city. The camp host was super helpful in explaining the fire restrictions and overall questions."
"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 / 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."
TravelerWe stayed on a side very close to the main road because we didn't know the "real" ubication is way more down the road, it's like 50m from the main road, therefore easily accessible also with a bigger vehicle, but very calm as there is not much traffic at night.
ScoutIs a bit noisy. Almost full with long term tenants. Still possible to show up and find empty spot.
GuidePerfect last minute late night hold over stop
ScoutI absolutely love this campground, it’s perfectly situated in between the Malibu pier area (to your left) Dume, Zuma, and more beaches (to the right), + a lovely small beach across the street… oh let’s not forget Malibu Seafood is right next door! It’s pricey but you can buddy up with people the tent sites are big and permit more than one!
Newish to California and spending the summer on the coast, next up is Thornhill for a little on-the-beach camping :)
It’s been chilly so being protected by the canyon is pretty sweet. I’m coming back!
LegendWe booked one of the smaller sites for a party of 6. The campground itself has all the standard amenities - outhouse bathrooms, picnic tables, fire rings, trash dumpsters, and info boards. Beautiful views and quick access to hiking trails too. A downside of the group campground is that some of the sites are for LARGE groups. One of the sites had 50 people who spent the entire weekend blasting their music on a speaker set and drinking. Music started at 7am and ended at 1am. That’s not the fault of the National Forest. Sadly, they are so understaffed right now. We didn’t see a single park ranger for all three days. So there was no enforcement of campground policies. Not what we were looking for a weekend spent in nature.
ScoutCamping for over 25 years- 140 nights a year and we have never experienced a campground as unprofessional, clueless and arrogant as this one. Their campsite math is completely unacceptable and when asked for ax explination we were treated like we should be happy they were allowing us to stay and it felt like they thought we could not afford to stay there. PLEASE BE CAREFUL AND UNDERSTAND THE BILL!!! Their site measurements are for your camping unit ONLY. If you have a tow vehicle or are towing a vehicle you must pay per night for a parking spot, whether it fits on the site or not. So, a 40X14ft standard site can accommodate a travel trailer of 20 feet or less BUT a motorhome of 40 ft or less. If your travel trailer is 21ft you MUST pay for a parking spot even if your total length is less than 40 ft. They neglected to tell us this information when we booked our site quoted$500 the weekly rate and we paid the deposit. We called to ask a question and they mentioned our total$740.61. We asked how we added$240 when the website stated$500. The woman could not explain the breakdown and could only tell us that we must pay for our truck to park and the website are not actual prices!! When we asked how we would have known this and she laughed and said you probably wouldn’t, you would have had to pay at arrival. WHAT, WHO HAS EVER HEARD OF THAT! With one story after another and no answers we called and told them we would be staying elsewhere because we needed to know the total! They canceled our site but kept our deposit despite their inability to understand and explain how they charge for a site. IMPORTANT THINGS TO KNOW– BECAUSE THEY WILL NOT TELL YOU! They just want to fill their campground! 1. If you are in anything other than a motorhome you will need to pay for your vehicle to park! 2. The 40ft RV length restriction includes the length of the hitch 3. Despite their sites being able to accommodate a 40ft rig their campground is extremely tight and sites may be very difficult to back in if longer than 35ft. 4. If you have a larger RV or slide-outs it is recommended you book Deluxe space or Deluxe space+ parking. 5. Standard sites may be too narrow to extend awning 6. There is no guarantee your vehicle will be parked next to or near your RV you are only paying for a spot. 7. Despite Disneyland being a family destination, their campsites are for 2 people only. You must pay for each additional person over 10 years old. 8. You must pay for your family pet. 9. You will need to pay for the pool key but should get it back. 10. Any standard site is a parking lot no grass. 11. Any time it says grass it is synthetic grass- AstroTurf 12. The very small strip of grass on a site has a fee attached. 13. Must be manufactured by a recognized maker or you must provide photos and copy of valid DMV Registration 14. You must have a 25ft sewage hose. 15. Tax is not included 7.75% CA Tax AND transient occupancy tax of 15%
LegendJudging by the shape of the office, this place was a 60’s or 70’s KOA back in the day. The trees and bushes are fantastic. However just as our population has gotten larger over the years, so have the RVs. For a 43 footer this place is TIGHT. If you have a big rig, prolly not the best idea. But if you have a 28 footer, this place is Six Stars!!!! It has a pool and spa, great dog walking area. Propane and store are on site
TravelerThere was abundant firewood for purchase at the gate. There is a nice bathroom with flushing toilets and sinks with soap closer to spot #41, but we were at #19, so it was a small walk to get there. However, there was a portopotty right near our site if the walk is too inconvenient.
Our site was flat, and it was easy ground for stakes. Although keep an eye out for critter holes. Tons of little animals hanging out (rabbits, birds, chipmunks). Those chipmunks will definitely go for your stuff if you don't pack it away.
We did see that someone had to be rescued from the riverbed while we were there, so be careful if you plan to climb down into it.
The only bummer was that in some cases, you had to drive to get to other trails, or walk on the road.
ScoutOther then the wifi being very poor signal (some nights ) no wifi. Very nice campsite and the price is great aswell.
Camping near South El Monte, California, offers a variety of beautiful spots for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're looking for a beachside retreat or a serene mountain escape, there are plenty of options to explore.
Camping near South El Monte, CA, has something for everyone, whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun family adventure. Enjoy the great outdoors!
Frequently Asked Questions
According to TheDyrt.com, South El Monte, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 175 campgrounds and RV parks near South El Monte, CA and 4 free dispersed camping spots.
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near South El Monte, CA is Bonelli Bluffs with a 4.4-star rating from 37 reviews.
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 4 free dispersed camping spots near South El Monte, CA.
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 10 parks near South El Monte, CA that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.
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