Camping options near South Pasadena include several locations within 30-45 minutes of the city. Most campgrounds in the area sit at elevations between 1,000-3,000 feet, with temperatures typically 5-10 degrees cooler than downtown Los Angeles. The region's Mediterranean climate makes spring and fall the most comfortable camping seasons, though summer remains popular despite temperatures that can reach into the 90s.
What to do
Hiking to waterfalls: At Millard Trail Campground, visitors can access a waterfall via a short trail. "Bikepacked in for a quick overnighter... Nice campground, active stream in the middle of summer. Waterfall 30 minutes hike upstream," reports Jeff B.
Mountain biking: The trails around Little Pine Campground offer excellent mountain biking terrain. "Easy campground to get to and close by. First come first serve sites. Does get crowded in summer season," notes Stacy C. The elevation provides cooler temperatures even during summer months.
Beach activities: Ocean swimming and tide pool exploration are popular at Canyon Campground. "The best part about this campground is definitely the beach access- it's about a 10-minute walk from most sites, and you can explore some amazing tide pools and caves once you get there," shares one camper.
Horseback riding: Several trails permit equestrian use at Bonelli Bluffs. "There is camping, horseback riding, fishing, trails, biking, hiking, picnics... I brought my horses one time and it was amazing the best time of my life," writes Jessica P.
What campers like
Privacy levels: Some glamping options near South Pasadena provide better separation between sites. "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," explains Ryan W. about Malibu Creek State Park.
Stream access: Several campers appreciate the year-round water features. "The campground is situated at a popular trailhead, and there is lots of good hiking nearby. A lovely creek runs south-west along the edge of the campground," notes K B. about Millard Trail.
Proximity to attractions: Many campers value the ability to easily reach nearby destinations. "Short drive to the site... Great location - especially for southern CA where so much of the camping/backpacking is scrubby and in the sun. Most of this trail is under cover, beautiful and well maintained," says David F.
Wildlife viewing: Several campgrounds offer opportunities to observe local fauna. "The wildlife is abundant. There is plenty of birdwatching, and coyotes were wandering through the park and campground without fear. On a hike right out of the park a few hundred yards, I came across a pair of bobcats—mom and cub," reports Ryan W.
What you should know
Security concerns: Some campgrounds report theft issues. "WARNING: 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," advises Mathew H. about Millard Trail.
Train noise: Certain glamping areas experience significant noise disruption. "It's very very close to railroad tracks and at night the loud train kept waking us up," cautions Elizabeth C. about Thousand Trails Soledad Canyon.
Campsite selection strategy: Booking policies vary significantly between campgrounds. "There are approximately 4-6 sites, they are somewhat haphazardly spaced on a relatively flat area with good shade. There is little or no cover between sites," explains K B.
Seasonal variations: Weather impacts campground conditions dramatically. "I went during the week and was the only one camping. This place is heavily used for day camping and hiking. There's not a lot of privacy because there's always lots of people passing by who are hiking and biking," reports a camper.
Tips for camping with families
Beach camping access: Consider height restrictions when planning beach trips. "Attention pour avoir accès à la mer, le véhicule doit faire moins de 8 feet!" cautions one camper about Canyon Campground.
Camp store conveniences: Families appreciate on-site purchasing options. "They have a camp store right in the middle of the campground that has essentials. Bathrooms were nice. Can't wait to go back. Walking distance to the beach. Best part," shares Gina C.
Entertainment options: Some locations offer organized activities. "The only good thing was the Saturday activities. However if you have older kids forget it! The activities are for ages 5-7 maybe!" advises one family at Thousand Trails Soledad Canyon.
Wildlife precautions: Some glamping areas near South Pasadena require food storage precautions. "It's in Bear country so they provide food storage for each campsite also trash containers too. I didn't see any bears although there was an animal outside my tent at one point in the night I could hear him nosing around," reports a camper.
Tips from RVers
Site size limitations: Larger rigs face challenges at certain campgrounds. "The 40ft RV length restriction includes the length of the hitch... Despite their sites being able to accommodate a 40ft rig their campground is extremely tight and sites may be very difficult to back in if longer than 35ft," warns Prentice F. about Anaheim Harbor RV Park.
Hookup variations: RV sites offer different utility configurations. "You will need to pay for the pool key but should get it back. Any standard site is a parking lot no grass. Any time it says grass it is synthetic grass- AstroTurf," notes one reviewer.
Site selection tips: RV campers recommend researching specific sites. "Get a deluxe site if you can. The standard sites are essentially a large parking spot in a paved parking lot. The deluxe feel more like an RV site with a picnic table and grass. And for only a few bucks more," advises Jennifer H.
Dump station access: Most campgrounds provide waste management facilities. "They do have 3 dump stations, too, so that made it nice! Short jaunt to the beach under the highway, small store with basics in camping area, and lots of walking trails around," explains Steve L.
