Searching for the perfect place to pitch your tent near South Gate? The Dyrt helps you find campsites with tent camping near South Gate. Each spot offers quick access to one or more of South Gate, California's most popular destinations.
Gate may be closed due to High Fire danger. Elevation: 1900-Foot ElevationAmenities: 6 hike-in__campsites- Picnic tables and campfire rings, vault toilets, no piped water.__Seasonal stream water may be available (treat before using). However, water flow may be low or non-existent due to reduced rainfall.Hiking: Just a short hike__to the 50' Millard Falls. __Fees: Camping - Adventure Pass/America the Beautiful Pass Required. Campsites are first come-first served. No reserving or holding of campsites allowed._ Day use -__Adventure Pass/America the Beautiful Pass Required.Millard Trail Camp may occasionally be closed due to bear activity. Be Bear Aware.
All campsites at China Camp Campground are HIKE-IN SITES for tent-camping only. Visitors must handcarry all equipment from the parking lot to the campsites. Campsites range from 50-300 yards from the parking lot. Eight persons maximum are allowed in each site. Check in time is 2pm or later and check out is Noon.
Enroute camping is available for RV's with a grey water holding tank for one night only. No dump station or hook-ups are available. Enroute Camping is limited to space availability. Check in for enroute camping is 6pm and check out is 9am.
A "Hike and Bike" site is available for those who travel to China Camp on foot or by bicycle.
$175 / night
$5 / night
Water is from a stream - come prepared with your own or have a way to filter/purify
5 Hike-in campsites- Picnic tables and campfire rings, vault toilets, trash receptacles, no piped water available. Seasonal stream water (treat before using). However, water flow may be low or non-existent due to reduced rainfall. Please bring enough water for cooking, cleaning, drinking, and extinguishing campfires.
Equestrian: Hitching Rail (52 linear feet).
Gould Mesa Trail Camp is a hike-in campground located 2 miles from Ventura Street on the Gabrielino Trail. Being only a few miles away La Canada-Flintridge, it offers a quick-respite for the weary hiker. Those choosing to start in Altadena near the Jet Propulsion Laboratories will walk through riparian groves along a tranquil steam surrounded by steep ridges. The trek to Gould Mesa Trail Camp is 5.1 miles round trip with 300 feet of elevation change.
Updated Nov 2022 - Temporarily CLOSED due to the Bobcat Fire. Please call the LA Gateway District Office at (818) 482-8937 for current conditions and additional information.
Elevation: 3100-Foot Elevation
Amenities: 7 Hike-in campsites- picnic tables and klamath stoves, vault toilets, no trash receptacles, no piped water available. Seasonal stream water (treat before using). However, water flow may be low or non-existent due to reduced rainfall. Please bring enough water for cooking, cleaning, drinking, and extinguishing campfires. Pack In-Pack Out.
Hiking: Access to the Upper Winter Creek Trail and the Gabrielino National Recreation Trail.
Now Open
Located in the cliffs and canyons of the Santa Monica Mountains, Topanga State Park features 36 miles of trails through open grassland, live oaks and spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean.
The park is located entirely within the Los Angeles city limits and is considered the world’s largest wildland within the boundaries of a major city. Excellent recreational opportunities for hikers as well as mountain bikers (restricted to fire roads) and equestrians.
The park is bound on the south by Pacific Palisades and Brentwood, on the west by Topanga Canyon, and on the east by Rustic Canyon. Numerous geologic formations can be found in the park, including earthquake faults, marine fossils, volcanic intrusions, and a wide variety of sedimentary formations.
$7 / night
10 Sites Open. Facilities are accessible to visitors using wheelchairs. Walk or bike in only, except for physically challenged groups who may obtain a permit to drive to the campground. Permits are available through the Glendora office - call (626) 335-1251. Located approx. 6 1/2 miles behind a locked gate. Stream water (treat before using). Vault toilets. This is a non-fee campground, although an Adventure Pass is required for parking outside the camp and at the trailhead. The road leading to the campground is a designated National Scenic Bikeway. Native trout fishing area; catch and keep from the gate to the second bridge - catch and release from second bridge upstream to Cogswell Reservoir. Several accessible fishing platforms provided.
$5 / night
Traveler
Clean bathrooms, friendly rangers, nice layout, cute wildlife, close to TCT. Only issue, which is probably just on all of Catalina, is that late hours of the night people are driving up the road in their golf carts which are super loud. So don’t get a site near the road if your an early or light sleeper.
Legend
Three miles from a the grocery and only minutes from north LA, you'll find a basic campground with flush toilets, coin showers, and easily accessible hiking trails. The sites are basic with campfire pit and grill, open space for a tent or rv, and picnic table. The inner circle of sites abuts the bathrooms and is better for groups. The outer rings on three sides have nice views, but some sites on the south side are shorter and abut a fence.
We stayed in site 59 which had a really nice shade tree and great views of a meadow and the cliffs out the back of the site. The sites are fairly open and close to each other, so be prepared to hear everything, and because the campground is close to the city it is popular with groups and families.
The campground was under fire warning all weekend, but faux wood (javalog or duraflame) and charcoal was still allowed. The camphost sold Javalogs, and there were plenty of options at the nearby Albertson's.
The state park is a former movie set and is filled with easily accessible trails for hiking and some for mountain biking. The primary trails were open fire roads with off-shoots to lakes, pools, meadows, and more. It was easy to imagine you weren't anywhere close to the city. During a holiday weekend the trails were fairly busy with day-use hikers, but even then, it was easy to get away and be on trails alone if you wanted. There is also a visitor center in the park, but it has limited hours.
The wildlife is abundant. There is plenty of birdwatching, and coyotes were wandering through the park and campground without fear. If you have a dog with you make sure they don't try join the pack. On a hike right out of the park a few hundred yards, I came across a pair of bobcats—mom and cub—making their way to a running creek.
I'd recommend a visit if you're looking for a close to town escape.
Scout
Perfect to get out of the city but still be in it. Campgrounds have more than enough privacy with each one being about 15 to 20 yards apart. A ton of recreational things to do. Quiet at night.
Guide
Sweet campsite at Dana point surf break. Had a big crew along for spring break. Super nice but book early!
Scout
This location is conveniently situated near the heart of Los Angeles, making it an ideal spot for those looking to explore the city’s many attractions. The facilities are well-kept, with clean restrooms and a friendly staff always ready to assist. However, the noise from nearby https://blockblast.link/ may be disruptive for those in search of a quiet getaway, so it's worth considering if peace and quiet are a priority before booking.
Scout
Everything was fine. We stayed for 1 night to Visit L.A. . It was clean and the Staff was very nice. We called a night before and got a Site for our RV.
TravelerThis place offers a convenient location near the heart of Los Angeles, making it an excellent base for exploring the city's attractions. The facilities are well-maintained, with clean restrooms and helpful staff who are eager to assist guests. However, noise from the surrounding area can be an issue, so those seeking a peaceful retreat might want to consider this before booking.
Scout
Well secluded sites each with an incredible view!
Traveler
Loved the quietness of this campsite. No water, no dump station, only portable bathrooms on site from what we can see. We were in an RV so we didn't mind at all. Went to Sycamore campground to fill up on water. Youre packed right on the beach next to the sand. Combo of tent and rv campers. Wifi is great at this location. We have tmobile
Traveler
No tmobile wifi. we dropped by to fill up water since we were camping at thornhill Broome. Water refill was free. We didn't dump there. Can't comment on anything else.
Guide
There are 21 campsites and not all have tree’s but its walking distance from the creek. Its nestled between mountains and the night sky is gorgeous. We saw wild ducks too and some other desert critters. Has it not been for the nasty animals called inconsiderate humans blasting their music and fighting amongst themselves bringing their family drama until 6am, the camp site would have been marvelous. No ranger to domesticate those animals and remind them of quiet hours. Another group even brought a dj and karaoke. Seriously, no consideration for the rest of the campers. They want to get away from the hustle and bustle and be with nature but they can’f live without the modern day amenities and bring that noise we are all trying to escape to a place of nature. They even had BB guns and shooting them within the campsite. Idiots. The day the ranger did come by he was giving tickets to vehicles with no pass. Wish he came at night when he was most needed. Bathrooms are poorly maintained too. Never coming back for an overnight stay, a day trip will suffice.
Traveler
Clean, quiet campground located in one of the OC Parks, with plenty of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and equestrian use. I stayed here on a weekday, and there were a few couple of vacant campsites in my area, so it was an extremely quiet visit. Bathrooms were clean and well stocked for my stay. I didn’t use the showers since I was only staying one night, but I heard they were free!
Rangers were very friendly and firewood was only $5 for a decent bundle that lasted me over 2 hours.
The city of Rancho Santa Margarita is right up the hill, so you can grab food and any necessities if needed.
My site backed to the creek, so I never had people walking through my campsite.
My dog & I slept in my van, but there was room for multiple tents, and a decent amount of shade in my spot.
My spot didn’t have its own water spigot, but there was one at a site across from me.
I was fortunate that all of the campers around me were quiet and considerate. I know that it doesn’t always work out that way, and having obnoxious neighbors can really ruin your experience.
Guide
Visiting family in Santa Ana and LA. Not to far for them to come to us and all to go to beach. Park clean and well maintained, personnel very kind and friendly Beautiful view from our site on area B. Crowded on weekend, much less during week Campground is not associated to adjacent Frank Bonelli Regional. Charge $12 to enter with vehicle but no fee to ride in on bikes
Traveler
Clean dump station, beautiful sites, very strict on rules. We came 10 minutes early before check in time, they made us wait. Campsite comes with wifi but very weak. We have t mobile and had bad reception. Would come back again for beautiful views, small hike, sandy beaches with lots of sand crabs.
Traveler
Just stayed 8/15-18/24, although hot during the day, it was the getaway we needed. The Burkhart trail to the waterfall was beautiful. Clean campsites. Some neighboring camps were louder than you'd hope but it is what it is. Our second trip here and will return for sure.
ScoutAlthough we booked a campsite, it felt more like we were invited to Mazen's home. He was communicative and responsive, happily answered all of our questions, and was beyond generous. I can't say enough about the beautiful views of Lake Elsinore! We can't wait to visit this campground again!
TravelerNice campground a little bit outside of Hollywood but with a very helpful camp host
Traveler
The parking lot is next to the beach on the one side but also next to the highway on the other side. So the view and the breeze is beautiful, but the traffic noise in the evening and morning is not so nice. With earplugs everything is fine! ;) The host Jim is very kind and helpful!
ScoutWe couldn't find any campgrounds, after calling multiple places we came across "The Secret Place". They have the best views I have ever experienced! Especially during sunset and as the city lights start to twinkle. Very nice and quiet place. No full hookups, but good bathrooms and showers available. The camp host was knowledgeable about the area and recommended great things to do. Very helpful, very respectful and very friendly. Will definitely stay here again, made our honeymoon trip very memorable! A+ recommend.
Legend
I haven't stayed in this campground, but I added it to the Dyrt so people can find it as an option if they are searching for large group camping. You MUST call in advance to get permission and reserve for group camping.
Things to do:
visit the Placerita Canyon Nature Center, including live animal exhibits
Ranger-led educational programs
hike to waterfalls: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/trail/us/california/placerita-canyon-and-waterfall-trail
Legend
I came across this group campsite while on a long hike with a friend. I had no idea it existed, so I'm adding it to the Dyrt so more people can find it if they are looking for a group campsite. You can reserve it for large groups of 10-50 people. Some of the communal areas and fencing looked like it could use some resfreshing. Facilities available: Drinking Water, Flush Toilets, Showers, Tent Spaces, and Fireplace.
I recommend visiting in the spring, when things are greenest, and there are beautiful wildflowers.
GuideGreat campground, Great spots but unfortunately bit expensive .Very disappointed about the rules regarding fire, but I understood. I left from the campground after the sunset...fire allowed only with courchal...
Traveler
Awesome spot, lots of sights and some even have overlooks of the entire park. Can get crowded but no one was there on a Friday night in July. Bathrooms, trash, water and even buckets to fill to put out your fire. Fire pits, benches and grills nothing more you could want.
Traveler
We stayed in Loop A on a Thursday night in July. For us, it was a convenient overnight stop. It was a lot less crazy/ crowded than we expected for an LA County campground in the middle of summer! This site is on the lagoon, not the main lake, but had nice views and a good breeze in the heat. Very minimal space, not much shade. But the real issue was that the bathroom stalls in our loop (A) had no doors. I also doubt they are cleaned daily, though it wasn't terrible. Being close to the city, there were a ton of people meandering around, but they all seemed to be doing their own thing (e.g fishing or just walking), few suspicious characters. Lots of families and kids made it feel fairly safe for an urban campground. Not our favorite, but we would stop over here again in a pinch.
Traveler
After trying to find an escape from the fireworks and trying campgrounds in surrounding areas to this one and all of them being full, we just kept driving (ended up off-roading) and found this hidden jem. Quite, dark, and one dirt road in n out. No amenities besides a picnic table & fire pit. There's an outhouse, but it's pretty gross..
Traveler
Campsite was established, picnic table, fireplace, and electricity. Floor is gravel in some areas so bring a rake or broom for tent area. Our site was pretty close to bathrooms that had showers. 1.50 for 8 minutes, uses quarters. Has hot water. Rangers drive by selling wood and ice.
Scout
We spent 3days and 2nights here and enjoyed our stay, the caretaker was so nice! Although the restroom are very dirty but overall it was a great stay!
Tent camping near South Gate, California, offers a fantastic escape into nature with a variety of well-reviewed sites that cater to outdoor enthusiasts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near South Gate, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near South Gate, CA is Millard Trail Campground with a 3.8-star rating from 8 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near South Gate, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 52 tent camping locations near South Gate, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
