Best Campgrounds near South Pasadena, CA

Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, South Pasadena, CA has a lot to offer. Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—South Pasadena is surrounded by family-friendly activities. Find the best campgrounds near South Pasadena, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.

Best Camping Sites Near South Pasadena, California (161)

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Showing results 1-10 of 161 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near South Pasadena, CA

979 Reviews of 161 South Pasadena Campgrounds



Guide to South Pasadena

Camping near South Pasadena offers a great escape into nature without straying too far from the city. With a variety of campgrounds nearby, you can find the perfect spot to relax, hike, or enjoy some family time.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails around Crystal Lake Rec Area Campground. One visitor mentioned, "The hike to the lake mainly follows a paved service road, but it does veer away at times into some really nice scenery."
  • Fishing: At Prado Regional Park, you can enjoy fishing along with other activities. A camper noted, "Beautiful park with fun for all. Baseball fields, soccer fields, disc golf, fishing and more."
  • Beach Time: If you’re up for a drive, Bolsa Chica State Beach Campground offers beach camping. One reviewer said, "Nothing better than an ocean view and a fire pit!"

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness at places like Bonelli Bluffs. One review stated, "Possibly the cleanest public bathroom I've ever seen."
  • Friendly Staff: Many visitors enjoy the welcoming atmosphere. A camper at Malibu Beach RV Park shared, "The owners have a great plan and it looks like they are achieving their goal!"
  • Scenic Views: Campgrounds like Table Mountain Campground offer stunning landscapes. A happy camper remarked, "Really nice spot with amazing views."

What you should know:

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can get noisy, especially on weekends. A visitor at Soledad Canyon RV and Camping Resort mentioned, "It is a beautiful valley outside of LA... but it was a tad worse."
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. For instance, Malibu Creek State Park Campground lacks electric hookups, which some campers found inconvenient. One reviewer said, "Showers are coin operated and cold."
  • Wildlife: Be cautious of wildlife, especially at Coldbrook Campground. A camper warned, "Be careful with your garbage... bears appear looking for food."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Playground Needs: Families might want to check for playgrounds or kid-friendly activities. A parent at Bonelli Bluffs noted, "We were hoping for playgrounds... unfortunately, the absence of such facilities meant we had to get creative."
  • Proximity to Attractions: Choose campgrounds close to family-friendly attractions. One family enjoyed the convenience of Malibu Creek State Park Campground, stating, "The sites are nicely spaced out."
  • Plan for Downtime: Bring games or activities for kids during downtime. A camper at Buckhorn Campground mentioned, "The stars flickering in the night is the best thing that I love."

Tips from RVers:

  • Space Availability: RVers at Thousand Trails Soledad Canyon appreciated the spacious sites. One said, "The best are the back in sites at the top of the campground because you back up to a gorgeous Mountain View Cliff."
  • Connectivity: Be prepared for limited cell reception. A visitor noted, "We normally have pretty bad cell reception. Starlink works well though if you don’t park under one of the few trees."
  • Check for Amenities: Make sure to check what amenities are available. A reviewer at Malibu Beach RV Park highlighted, "Every spot has a great view of the Pacific Ocean from high upon a cliff!"

Whether you're looking for the best camping near South Pasadena, CA, or just a quick getaway, these campgrounds offer something for everyone.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What camping is available near South Pasadena, CA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, South Pasadena, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 161 campgrounds and RV parks near South Pasadena, CA and 4 free dispersed camping spots.

  • Which is the most popular campground near South Pasadena, CA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near South Pasadena, CA is Bonelli Bluffs with a 4.4-star rating from 37 reviews.

  • Where can I find free dispersed camping near South Pasadena, CA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 4 free dispersed camping spots near South Pasadena, CA.

  • What parks are near South Pasadena, CA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 10 parks near South Pasadena, CA that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.