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Dog-Friendly Camping near South El Monte, CA

131 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.

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    SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

    Dog-friendly campgrounds near South El Monte range from full-hookup RV resorts to free primitive hike-in sites, giving pet owners flexible options at every level of amenity. Bonelli Bluffs RV Resort's pet policy allows for convenient RV camping with dogs just 16 miles from South El Monte. The San Dimas campground features water hookups, showers, and electric services, making it suitable for pet owners seeking full amenities. Crystal Lake Recreation Area Campground also welcomes pets at its tent sites, RV spots, and cabins during its seasonal operation from April to December. Most camping areas near South El Monte maintain standard leash requirements for dogs. The flowing creek at Hoegees Trail Camp provides dogs with access to water during hikes, though campers should be prepared to filter or treat water for both human and pet consumption.

    Dog-friendly hiking trails surround the primitive campgrounds in the Angeles National Forest region. Hoegees Trail Camp requires a two-mile hike from Chantry Flats along the Lower Winter Creek Trail, offering a secluded experience where pets can enjoy the shaded woodland setting. Mount Lowe Trail Campground provides excellent views and pet-accessible paths but requires packing in all water for both campers and animals. Trail camps like Spruce Grove and Valley Forge feature picnic tables and fire rings in wooded settings ideal for overnight stays with pets. The free hike-in sites throughout the area typically have basic amenities without running water, so pet owners should carry sufficient water for themselves and their animals, especially during warmer months when the trails have limited shade.

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    Best Dog-Friendly Campgrounds near South El Monte (131)

    Filters    Tent onlyRVDispersedCabinGlampingPetsEquestrian

      1. Bonelli Bluffs

      4.4(42)15mi from South El MonteRVs, Tents

      "Very clean, pet friendly.....great place for exercise, walking, biking, etc.. safe environment. Beautiful RV park."

      "Dogs are not allowed out on the water, even if contained to your boat/kayak/canoe/etc, even if you strap your dog to you (she has a K9 sport sack just for this)."

      from $76 - $88 / night

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      2. Chilao Campground

      4.3(19)19mi from South El MonteRVs, Tents

      "Silver Moccasin Trail is on-site and a great hike. Notorious for bears but I didn’t see any. I camped with a bear canister and bear country precaution anyway."

      "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"

      from $20 / night

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      3. Crystal Lake Rec Area Campground

      4.1(27)23mi from South El Monte185 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "We’ve done Crystal Lake probably 6 dozen times or more in our time in California and it never disappoints on the spectacular views."

      "This is probably our favorite place to go considering we end up hear almost every other weekend year around. Camp cost and parking cost isn’t cheap but the views are great."

      from $20 / night

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

      4.3(6)12mi from South El MonteTents

      "Check for fire restrictions and dig your cat holes at least 200 feet from the water. Or bring WAG bags and pack it back out. Very much like Hoegees campground. Good for families abs Scouts."

      "Close to the camp that's up there"

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      5. Hoegees Trail Camp Campground

      4.6(5)11mi from South El MonteTents

      "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."

      6. Anaheim Harbor RV Park

      4.2(13)18mi from South El MonteRVs, Glamping

      "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."

      from $70 - $95 / night

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      7. Mount Lowe Trail Campground

      4.0(6)13mi from South El MonteTents

      "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."

      8. Valley Forge Trail Camp hike in. no drive

      4.2(6)13mi from South El MonteTents

      "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."

      from $5 / night

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      9. Dockweiler Beach RV Park

      3.8(26)24mi from South El MonteRVs

      "Really incredible location, was snow to book last minute by calling and checking for availability. Can't reserve by phone but was able to confirm availability."

      "The most fantastic thing about this RV spot is the location - directly facing a large, beautiful, clean beach with built in fire rings, a very long bike bath and bike rental kiosk."

      from $65 - $80 / night

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      10. Gould Mesa Trail Campground

      4.3(6)14mi from South El MonteTents

      "You can hear cars driving off in the distance but still overall quiet.

      • Close to LA. This is about a 15 minute drive then 30 minute hike from my house.

      * The stream is great."

      "Very beautiful now that the canyon vegetation has grown back in and there are plenty of trails in the area for miles of hiking. Lots of wildlife. Fire rings in camp sites but check for fire permits."

      Check Availability
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    Recent Dog-Friendly Camping Photos near South El Monte, CA

    86 Photos of 131 South El Monte Campgrounds

    Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near South El Monte, CA

    1118 Reviews of 131 South El Monte Campgrounds

    • Carlyne F.
      Feb. 21, 2021

      Waterfront RV Park

      Waterfront RV Park, CA

      Located in Huntington Beach California. This site is right across the street from the beach. Be careful and aware when staying here. My husband and I had our mountain bikes stolen when sleeping. When we asked for camera footage the owners of the campground claimed the cameras were broken and they couldn’t share the footage. There are many homeless folks living in the area. The showers don’t get hot, but the area is clean. There is a pool and a hot tub and a small dog park. It’s expensive to stay here, but a beautiful spot.

    • Gillian L.The Dyrt Pro User
      Oct. 20, 2025

      Hollywood RV Park

      Themed Park!

      First of all, staff was amazing. We were originally supposed to arrive on a Tuesday and we’re not able to make it. Staff shifted our reservation instead of us eating the missed night cost. Also super accommodating allowing us to extend a day longer last minute. Park is tight quarters with 200 spots. Two laundry rooms/bathrooms with showers on site, plus a cute little dog park! We stayed for three nights. Every “road” in the park is themed with California or Hollywood themed decorations and murals. We were parked right next to a Mister Roger’s mural across from the laundry/bathrooms. My only complaint in the noise level at times which is not from the park itself. Helicopters would fly over randomly, sometimes at night and it could be annoying when trying to sleep. Otherwise, absolute GEM of a place!

    • Alivia R.
      Mar. 11, 2023

      Orangeland RV Park

      Enjoyable, Clean, & Friendly

      Super friendly staff, super clean, 2 dog parks, offers really good wifi & cable. Can pick the oranges out of the tree

    • jThe Dyrt Pro User
      Jun. 23, 2026

      Hollywood RV Park

      Great place to stay

      Very relaxing in Hollywood themed RV Park. Owner is very helpful and will help you park your RV and setup. Dog park and full hookups. $90 per night.

    • Marcella D.
      Sep. 16, 2020

      Launch Pointe Recreation Destination and RV Park

      Nicest cleanest campground

      I had site 126 in the fields, corner site and lake view. This campground has a pool, splash pad, park, dog park and access to the lake. They also have a band on Saturday nights. The only bad part is they strictly enforce quiet time at 10pm. I felt like a kid being told to go to bed. I feel like on weekends people should be able to stay up late in front of their camper with low voices. Shouldn’t be hounded night after night! That was my only complaint.

    • ROCKSTAR C.The Dyrt Pro User
      Aug. 7, 2025

      Hare School Park

      It’s the sports fields parking lot

      I’ve been here for a couple days and nobody’s mess with us. There’s other people that are staying in another parking lot attached that are homeless in their vehicles mostly cars and vans. I’m in a 25 foot Fleetwood RV. There’s a dog park kind of area with a big field they can run around and just clean up after them.There’s no public bathrooms, but there are trash cans so clean up after yourself please. It’s not tent friendly. I don’t believe.

    • Sara H.
      Apr. 3, 2023

      Palm View RV Park

      This place is good

      This is our 2nd time here it's quiet and they have the most interesting walkabout garden with little kickbacks where u can chill with whoever. If you don't have anybody walk on over next to the garden to find some nice goats and sheep and up on the little hill there's cute chickens of all whom can be pet as for they are all used to being pet. We bought some food that we feed them.

    • Deidre G.
      Jul. 6, 2018

      Anaheim RV Park - PERMANENTLY CLOSED

      Disney Camping - Clean, Pool, Very Nice Restrooms/Showers

      Anaheim RV Resort is close to Disney and is on the Anaheim Resort Transportation (ART) bus route. They have full hook up sites and room for large rigs - back-in and pull through. They are very pet friendly and even have a dog walking/feeding service (for an extra fee). There is a small pool and hot tub. The restrooms/showers and newly remodeled and very nice! Sites are all level and fairly large. We've stayed here 4 times and will be back again!

    • Alisa B.The Dyrt Pro User
      Aug. 30, 2021

      Rolling M. Ranch Campground — Chino Hills State Park

      Beautifully scenic area

      Sprawling lush green hills? Can’t beat Chino Hills State Park.
      The campground itself feels very close together and wide open compared to the space of the park. Gets loud at night if there are too many groups camping. No cell service. Super clean bathrooms and showers.

      PET OWNERS BEWARE: Our dog munched on a frog at this campsite and started foaming at the mouth. We rinsed her mouth out with water and she turned out fine, but a smaller dog or a swallowed frog and she could have died from toxicity.

    Guide to South El Monte

    Tent and RV camping sites near South El Monte offer varied terrain options within the Angeles National Forest. Elevation ranges from 1,500 to 6,000 feet, providing both warm valley floors and cooler mountain escapes. Winter temperatures at higher elevation campgrounds can drop below freezing, while summer conditions often require additional water supplies for both humans and animals.

    What to do

    Hiking with diverse views: At Mount Lowe Trail Campground, trails provide remarkable scenery for day hikers. "This is a hike in only campground that is secluded and a little spare. It has no running water but it does have facilities and tables (first come, first serve). Fantastic views on a clear day and quite a few hikers pass through here on the weekend," notes reviewer Tom P.

    Water activities: Bonelli Bluffs offers multiple water-based recreation options. "There is camping, horseback riding, fishing, trails, biking, hiking, picnics, you can use your jet skies in designated areas, swimming on the pool areas, kayaking, Park for kids and plenty more," shares Jessica P.

    Historical exploration: Discover remnants of the past at Mount Lowe Trail Campground where history buffs find traces of earlier structures. "Secluded campground with toilets, fire pits & many info plaques with photos from the old tavern on site," writes Anthony K.

    What campers like

    Natural quiet: Valley Forge Trail Camp provides peaceful surroundings away from urban noise. "Good backpacking camping spot. There is usually a stream for filtering water. Plenty of sites for camping. Usually quiet when not too many people around," reports Stacy C.

    Weather conditions: Chilao Campground offers comfortable temperatures especially during cooler seasons. "This place is nice better close to winter, not too hot but it does get cold at night. Other camps are available next to Chilao which is great as well Incase this is crowded," Jessica P. mentions.

    Site privacy: Bonelli Bluffs provides grass and trees between sites. "Dog friendly, clean, quiet, love the grass and trees nicely kept property. Definitely coming back, we had a great time here!" according to Marcella D.

    What you should know

    Water sources: Many trail camps require water planning. "There's no water right now but that could change after first rain or snow," Anthony K. notes about Mount Lowe Trail Campground. Similarly, at Valley Forge, "If your running low of your water supply, visit the nearby stream, just always remember to treat before you taste," advises David F.

    Reservation systems: Most Angeles National Forest trail camps operate on first-come, first-served basis. At Buckhorn Campground, "The campground fills quickly for the weekend. It's a first come/first serve so get there early," warns Lauralyn J.

    Trail access challenges: Some campgrounds have restricted vehicle access. "Once past that gate, you'll soon hit another, this one closed to all motorized vehicles. GPS says another 5.5 miles and 33 minutes (driving!) time to the campsite," explains Andrei K. regarding Mount Lowe.

    Tips for camping with families

    Beginner-friendly options: Buckhorn Campground provides ideal conditions for first-time family camping. "This would be a good first car camping spot for families with young children," recommends Meghan W.

    Wildlife viewing opportunities: Crystal Lake Rec Area offers chances to spot local wildlife. "ANIMALS SEEN: Black bear, deer (wandered through our site), red foxes, Stellar's Jays, woodpeckers, other birds," reports Forest G.

    Pet-friendly considerations: When seeking pet-friendly camping near South El Monte, California, many families appreciate Bonelli Bluffs' accommodating policies. "We chose Bonelli for our shakedown trip in our new trailer (first time RVers). SO quiet. Numerous residents, but spots are mostly keep up nicely. Our rental spot has 3 trees, a picnic table, a firepit, level parking(!) and full hookups," shares Aostara K.

    Tips from RVers

    Space limitations: For RV camping, Bonelli Bluffs requires careful site selection. "More of a group or community campground. Shared fire pit and tables. Not the place to go if you are trying to get away from people," cautions Michael S.

    Hookup availability: Anaheim Harbor RV Park provides full service options. "Perfect spot to stay in central orange county. Nice amenities. Clean bathrooms. well functioning rv hook ups. Everything worked as planned. Interesting mix of short term and long term guests. Clean and well maintained," notes Scott O.

    Size restrictions: Buckhorn Campground limits vehicle size. "Good for small RVs. Over 24 foot not recommended," advises Lauralyn J.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near South El Monte, CA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near South El Monte, CA is Bonelli Bluffs with a 4.4-star rating from 42 reviews.

    What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near South El Monte, CA?

    TheDyrt.com has all 131 dog-friendly camping locations near South El Monte, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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