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Best Campgrounds near South Pasadena, CA

1,017 Reviews

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.

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Best Camping Sites Near South Pasadena, California (162)

    1. Bonelli Bluffs

    38 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. 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"

    4. 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."

    5. Mount Lowe Trail Campground

    6 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."

    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. Angeles National Forest Chilao Campground

    12 Reviews
    Mount Wilson, CA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (626) 574-1613

    "OKAY... seriously this one of the best campgrounds near Los Angeles. My ultimate go to spot for an overnight camping trip."

    "We were told that the water pumps were off but actually managed to camp right next to the one that was working. The bathrooms were super clean too!"

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Recent Reviews near South Pasadena, CA

1017 Reviews of 162 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 162 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 38 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.

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