Best Campgrounds near South Pasadena, CA

The San Gabriel Mountains north of South Pasadena, California provide a range of camping experiences within an hour's drive of the city. Angeles National Forest hosts numerous trail camps and established campgrounds, including Millard Trail Campground just minutes from Pasadena and the more developed Chilao Campground at higher elevations. Trail camps like Valley Forge, Mount Lowe, and Gould Mesa offer primitive tent camping accessible via short hikes, while Bonelli Bluffs in San Dimas provides full-hookup RV sites near a lake. This proximity to both urban amenities and natural settings creates a distinctive camping landscape where visitors can choose between quick overnight escapes and more remote experiences.

Seasonal considerations significantly impact camping conditions in the region. Most Angeles National Forest campgrounds operate from April through November, with some trail camps requiring Adventure Passes for parking. As one camper noted about Millard Trail Camp, "This campground is a very short drive from Pasadena. Parking is about 150 yards away, down a hill, so be prepared to haul your gear." Summer weekends bring crowds to accessible sites, while weekdays and shoulder seasons offer more solitude. Fire restrictions vary throughout the year, with complete bans common during dry periods. Cell service is generally limited in canyon areas but improves at higher elevations and lookout points.

Trail camps receive particularly positive reviews for their accessibility and natural settings. Valley Forge Trail Camp, described by one visitor as "a great intro to the backpacking experience" with "an easy 3.5 mile hike in, but a tough hike out of the canyon," exemplifies the moderate-difficulty backcountry options available. Seasonal creeks enhance many sites in spring but often run dry by summer. Highway noise affects some lower-elevation campgrounds, while higher sites offer greater tranquility. Urban-adjacent camping areas like Angeles Crest Overlook provide dispersed options with city views but sometimes experience weekend crowds and noise. Most developed campgrounds feature basic amenities like vault toilets and picnic tables, though many trail camps require visitors to pack in their own water.

Best Camping Sites Near South Pasadena, California (163)

    1. Bonelli Bluffs

    39 Reviews
    South El Monte, CA
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (909) 599-8355

    $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"

    2. Millard Trail Campground

    9 Reviews
    Altadena, CA
    7 miles
    Website

    "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."

    3. Mount Lowe Trail Campground

    8 Reviews
    Mount Wilson, CA
    8 miles
    +1 (818) 899-1900

    "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."

    4. Chilao Campground

    17 Reviews
    Mount Wilson, CA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (818) 790-1151

    $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"

    5. Angeles Crest Overlook to LA

    8 Reviews
    La Cañada Flintridge, CA
    8 miles

    "Great view but on the weekend we had multiple cars doing donuts really close to our van. I felt uncomfortable with that."

    "This is just a few parking lots that overlook the valley and gives a view of the city skyline in the distance."

    6. Gould Mesa Trail Campground

    5 Reviews
    La Cañada Flintridge, CA
    8 miles
    Website

    "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."

    7. Valley Forge Trail Camp hike in. no drive

    6 Reviews
    Mount Wilson, CA
    10 miles
    Website

    $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."

    8. Hoegees Trail Camp Campground

    5 Reviews
    Mount Wilson, CA
    10 miles
    +1 (818) 899-1900

    "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."

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

    5 Reviews
    Mount Wilson, CA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (818) 482-8937

    "Close to the camp that's up there"

    "Beyond the falls, the trail takes on a greater feeling of wilderness immersion."

    10. Rosemead 12 miles to DT Los Angeles

    3 Reviews
    Monterey Park, CA
    6 miles
    +1 (323) 540-8451

    $0 - $1000 / night

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Recent Reviews near South Pasadena, CA

1030 Reviews of 163 South Pasadena Campgrounds


  • Frank M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 28, 2025

    O'Neill Regional Park

    Nice campground

    It's a very nice campground about an hours drive from the beach and other tourist attractions. Usually sold out every weekend. The road to get there can be dangerous. Some wannabe race drivers and commuters avoiding crowded freeways will NOT tolerate anyone doing the speed limit and will pass regardless of the danger.

  • Spencer S.
    Oct. 20, 2025

    Malibu Beach RV Park

    Beautiful beach!

    They have ports potty’s and a nice stretch of beach between houses that you can enjoy privately

  • 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!

  • Imerie T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 18, 2025

    Oak Flat Campground

    Good place to stop between stops

    So the good first, Quiet, not many ppl in the fall/winter months. Sites are large, dumpsters, vault toilets, close to town amenities. We felt safe staying here. Met nice campers.

    The crappy. Yes you can hear the humm of the freeway from further away. Didn’t bug us, but some it does. There is micro trash everywhere. No one cleans the sites, leaves are outta control on the ground. You cannot have any cooking or fires right now. Only cooking inside. The single bathroom is cleanest. The Ranger was super rude He asked way too many personal questions and kept wanting to make sure we weren’t “homeless”. He doesn’t understand the difference between vagrants and choosing to not live in bricks and sticks. He wanted to know exactly how many days we were staying and what day and time we were leaving. You can stay up to 14days and no reservations required.

    It is only free if you have your America The Beautiful Pass, otherwise it’s 5.00 a night And you have to buy that at the Shell Gas Station down the pass.

  • Anna X.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 8, 2025

    Dockweiler Beach RV Park

    Pacific touch :)

    Nice place very close to the beach with amazing Pacific view. All connections in place; sites very close to each other; a bit loud due to airport nearby. Very friendly staff. In overall good experience and recommend it :)

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Bonelli Bluffs

    Wish we could stay longer this trip

    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. We will be back for sure, especially since it's less than an hour from home.

  • Jake M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 30, 2025

    Malibu Creek State Park Campground

    Awesome Mountain View’s and spacious sites!

    Every friendly people. Nice open sites that are good for people who just want to be isolated. Showers and bathrooms available. No charging unless you can find an open one in the park. Site 27 is a very good site.

  • Julia G.
    Sep. 27, 2025

    Hare School Park

    Overnight parking ✅

    You can overnight park here with your RV without problems.

  • Lianne A.
    Sep. 23, 2025

    Monte Cristo Campground

    Nice Campground but Fire Restrictions!

    Monte Cristo is a nice campground not far from home. My husband and I visited this campsite for the first time just for one night. There was a fire restriction. No bonfires, no cooking on stoves and there was no water due to a leak. The bathroom that I was using I give it a 2 star.


Guide to South Pasadena

Angeles National Forest provides accessible camping sites near South Pasadena, California at elevations ranging from 1,200 to 7,000 feet. The forest contains over 700,000 acres with various trail systems connecting primitive camping areas. Most campgrounds operate seasonally with limited cell service and variable water availability depending on rainfall patterns.

What to do

Fishing opportunities: Bonelli Bluffs in San Dimas offers diverse water activities including fishing. One visitor noted, "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."

Waterfall hiking: Near Millard Trail Campground, a short hike leads to seasonal falls. A camper shared, "Lots of trails all around with a nice hike of about 1/2 mile up to Millard Falls that is easy for kids and grown ups. Wild life all over the place and a great stream in the wet season through summer."

Mountain biking: The trails around Gould Mesa Trail Campground attract cyclists. One reviewer observed, "There were a dozen or so mountain bikers and about the same amount of hikers runners that venture by the campground throughout the day. Not enough to really ruin the experience, just enough to notice them there."

What campers like

Scenic city views: The Angeles Crest Overlook provides nighttime urban panoramas. A camper mentioned, "The view is gorgeous in the morning sunrise! That being said, it did seem like maybe a teen hangout or something - cars did flow in and out occasionally through the night until around midnight."

Stream access: Valley Forge Trail Camp offers water features that enhance the camping experience. A visitor reported, "In April the creek was full, with several creek crossings on the hike and crisp, fresh water along the campsite that contribute to a beautifully green owasis of a meadow. I would imagine it would be a sad/nonexistent creek flow in the summer."

Site seclusion: Campers appreciate the privacy at Hoegees Trail Camp. One reviewer stated, "You can only access this campground by backpacking in. There's about 12 campsites with picnic benches and fire rings. There's a creek that runs through. it's beautiful and feels completely isolated."

What you should know

Seasonal water concerns: Water availability varies throughout the year. At Spruce Grove Trail Campground, "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."

Fire restrictions: Check current regulations before planning campfires. A camper at Hoegees Trail Camp advised, "Bring a way of making the water potable. Lots of things to do for the kids and plenty of trails. Be aware of any fire restrictions."

Vehicle security: Take precautions with valuables at trailhead parking areas. One camper at Millard Trail Camp warned, "Make sure to leave your car doors unlocked, and nothing of value inside. You'd rather have someone root through your car and walk away empty handed than have a window broken and items stolen."

Weekend crowds: Popular sites fill quickly on weekends. A visitor to Mount Lowe Campground noted, "New toilet built within the last year. There's no water right now but that could change after first rain or snow."

Tips for camping with families

Introductory backpacking: Choose accessible trails for first-time backpackers. A camper recommended Valley Forge Trail Camp saying, "Took some friends for their first ever backpacking trip, great intro to the 'experience.' Trail camp is in the canyon so it's an easy 3.5 mile hike in, but a tough hike out of the canyon."

Wildlife viewing: Kids enjoy spotting local animals. At Millard Trail Camp, a visitor observed, "Wild life all over the place and a great stream in the wet season through summer. Park in the lot at end of road and walk 200 yards up the the camp sites."

Food storage: Bears are active in the area. One camper at Hoegees Trail Camp advised, "There are bears in the area so hang your food and keep your campsite clean. Bring your own toilet paper."

Tips from RVers

Hookup availability: Bonelli Bluffs offers full amenities for larger rigs. A camper noted, "A little pricey but very nice facility. All hookups 30/50 amp. Cable TV. There's a pool. A tent area. Some spaces monumentally better than others. Occasionally they run a special."

Site selection: Choose sites based on your specific needs. One RVer at Bonelli Bluffs shared, "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."

Tent vs. RV considerations: Some campgrounds better serve specific camping styles. A camper observed, "Awesome for RVs but maybe not the best for tent camping. After experiencing both amenities this place is more or less for RVs and 4/10 as for they do have the tent camping on the steep incline and not too many sites."

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 163 campgrounds and RV parks near South Pasadena, CA and 5 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 39 reviews.

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

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 5 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 Angeles National Forest and Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area.