Trail camping near South Gate, California often requires short to moderate hikes ranging from 100 yards to over 3 miles to reach campsites. The Angeles National Forest trail camps sit at elevations between 1,500 and 4,000 feet, creating varying temperatures throughout the year. Most sites lack running water, with seasonal creeks providing filterable water during winter and spring months.
What to do
Waterfall hiking: From Millard Trail Campground, take a short hike to see cascades. "About a 20 minute hike and you can end up at a waterfall which is very pretty. But there are several trails to take for hiking and biking and I saw lots of people doing that," notes a camper.
Mountain biking trails: The network of trails connecting these campgrounds provides excellent mountain biking opportunities. A visitor to Gould Mesa Trail Campground mentions, "Go behind campsite one and you will find a 6 mile hike in and out to two different waterfalls. Really fun and refreshing, limited shade in hike, so a dip at the end is so nice!"
Wildlife viewing: Early mornings and evenings offer good wildlife viewing opportunities. At Mount Lowe Trail Campground, a camper reports: "It was eerily quiet at night. We were the only ones there and can hear our own heartbeats laying there at night. We went in May this year so not much people around."
What campers like
Historical features: Several trail camps have remnants of early 20th century structures. At Mount Lowe Trail Campground, a visitor appreciated "many info plaques with photos from the old tavern on site."
Babbling creeks: Seasonal water adds to the camping experience. A reviewer at Hoegees Trail Camp Campground notes: "Site is shady year round with perennial water. The concrete foundation in the center of the campground was a private cabin which burned down decades ago."
Easy accessibility: Despite being wilderness settings, many sites are relatively easy to reach. One camper at Millard Trail Campground shared: "I've camped here a few times over the last few years, and it's not a bad place to stay. Shade is plentiful, and benches and bear boxes available for each of the 6 sites."
What you should know
Fire restrictions: Seasonal fire bans are strictly enforced. At Gould Mesa Trail Campground, campers should "check on camp fires permitted (last time I was there ABSOLUTELY NO FIRES ALLOWED)."
Wildlife precautions: Food storage is critical with active wildlife. A Millard Trail Campground visitor warns: "Keep all of your food and anything with any kind of smell in the bear boxes."
Hiker traffic: Many tent campsites near South Gate function as both overnight destinations and day-use areas. A Valley Forge Trail Camp reviewer explains: "You can't really be isolated or have privacy even though it is a campground. People come here to hike into the trails to the waterfall."
Water availability: Most locations require carrying or filtering water. At Hoegees Trail Camp, "There is no running water but the creek is usually running so come prepared with your own water and something to treat the creek water with."
Tips for camping with families
Best first backpacking experiences: Choose closer sites for introducing children to backpacking. A camper at Spruce Grove Trail Campground mentions: "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."
Creek exploration: Kids enjoy playing in seasonal creeks. At Hoegees Trail Camp, "There is a creek that runs through. It's beautiful and feels completely isolated."
Wildlife education: Wildlife encounters provide learning opportunities. A camper at Valley Forge Trail Camp shares: "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."
Tips from RVers
No direct RV access: All tent campsites near South Gate require hiking in, making them unsuitable for RVs. At Musch Trail Camp, "You can pay at the Entrance Station at the Trippet Ranch Parking Lot or the Iron Ranger at the camp. If you are parking your vehicle overnight in the parking lot please leave a note on your dashboard so that the Rangers are aware that you are camping at Musch Camp."
Nearby alternatives: RVers should consider developed campgrounds in adjacent counties. Options include sites with hookups approximately 45-60 minutes from South Gate.
Overnight parking restrictions: Areas near trailheads often have strict overnight parking regulations. A Musch Trail Camp visitor explains: "Park for $7/night at Trippet Ranch and hike one mile to the campgrounds. It's an easy hike and very quiet."
