Best Tent Camping near Torrance, CA

Tent campsites near Torrance, California range from secluded beach locations on Catalina Island to mountain trail camps in the Angeles National Forest. Musch Trail Camp in Topanga State Park offers tent-only sites just a mile from the Trippet Ranch trailhead, while several primitive walk-in campgrounds like Millard Trail Campground and Gould Mesa Trail Camp provide closer-to-home options for tent campers seeking quick escapes from urban areas.

Most tent campgrounds in this region require some hiking to access, with walk-in distances ranging from several hundred yards to multiple miles. Campsites typically feature picnic tables, fire rings (where permitted), and food storage lockers to protect supplies from wildlife. Many trail camps provide vault toilets but lack potable water, requiring campers to either carry water or treat water from nearby streams. Several tent-only areas enforce strict fire regulations—Musch Trail Camp prohibits fires entirely, while others permit fires only in designated rings during non-restriction periods. Bear boxes are common at backcountry sites despite the limited presence of bears; these primarily protect food from smaller wildlife.

The tent camping experience near Torrance offers unique coastal and mountain settings not accessible to vehicle-based camping. Island tent sites like Parsons Landing Campground provide rare beachfront camping opportunities with minimal crowds. One camper described it as "one of the most amazing campgrounds I've ever stayed at. You're on a sandy beach with waves crashing on the shore." Mountain trail camps offer shade from oak and pine trees, with sites often positioned near seasonal streams. Tent campers frequently encounter wildlife, particularly at dawn and dusk when deer, foxes, and various bird species are most active. Most backcountry tent sites have minimal privacy from day hikers passing through, though overnight visitors are typically few, especially on weekdays. According to one visitor at Millard Trail Camp, "I went during the week and was the only one camping. This place is heavily used for day camping and hiking."

Best Tent Sites Near Torrance, California (45)

    1. Musch Trail Camp — Topanga State Park

    6 Reviews
    Topanga, CA
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (310) 455-2465

    $7 / night

    "If you want a longer hike you can hike up the East Topanga Fire Road and then drop down into Musch Camp on the Backbone Trail from Eagle Junction."

    "Currently closed for repairs though."

    2. Two Harbors Campground

    10 Reviews
    Two Harbors, CA
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (877) 778-1487

    "I am glad we pitched in a tent instead of paying for the high price hotels in town. The campground have toilets, running water, and showers."

    "We took the ferry to two harbors and walked up all of our gear to the site."

    3. Millard Trail Campground

    9 Reviews
    Altadena, CA
    29 miles
    Website

    "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."

    "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."

    4. Parsons Landing Campground

    5 Reviews
    Two Harbors, CA
    27 miles
    Website

    "Sites have rocks stacked up as a wind shield, it really helps! You’ll also have a picnic table, food storage box, and a fire pit. Vault toilets are available."

    "This is the final campgound on the Trans Catalina Trail and one of my favorites."

    5. Doheny State Beach Campground

    35 Reviews
    Capistrano Beach, CA
    46 miles

    $50 - $350 / night

    "Excellent beach camping and tent friendly. plenty of shade and nearby restaurants and shops. Definitely recommend this location."

    "the restrooms were clean and showers hot. great views and great for families. most sites are a good size but only room for two vehicles. No wifi but a good book will do. The staff was nice."

    6. Mount Lowe Trail Campground

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

    "No water, fountain is capped now"

    "There's no water right now but that could change after first rain or snow. Stayed here last week & it's still great."

    7. Little Harbor Campground

    8 Reviews
    Two Harbors, CA
    32 miles
    Website
    +1 (310) 510-4205

    "If you’re backpacking through here, I highly recommend you stay the night. A camp site includes potable water, fire pit, picnic table, food storage box. Everything you need. Porta potties available."

    "If you’re backpacking the Trans-Catalina trail, this is one of the best spots. Great views of the sunset, spaced out campsites with water spouts at each one and a 6 mile hike from airport in the sky."

    8. Gould Mesa Trail Campground

    5 Reviews
    La Cañada Flintridge, CA
    29 miles
    Website

    "This is a nice hike-in campground with about ten sites available and a privy. Lots of hikers up here on the weekend ( and weekdays too)."

    "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!"

    9. Black Jack Campground

    8 Reviews
    Avalon, CA
    31 miles
    Website
    +1 (310) 510-8368

    "Great campground that is very accessible to the trans Catalina trail."

    "Each site has a picnic table and fire pit. You have to find or bring in your own wood for the fire. There’s two bathrooms and a public, open shower. Fresh water is available too."

    10. Hoegees Trail Camp Campground

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

    "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."

    "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."

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Tent Camping Reviews near Torrance, CA

706 Reviews of 45 Torrance Campgrounds


  • Luis N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 19, 2020

    Parsons Landing Campground

    Beach side campground

    One of the most amazing campgrounds I’ve ever stayed at. You’re on a sandy beach with waves crashing on the shore. There’s only a handful of sites, so try to book this early. Sites have rocks stacked up as a wind shield, it really helps! You’ll also have a picnic table, food storage box, and a fire pit. Vault toilets are available. No water on site, you must bring your own. Water, firewood, and fire starter are available for purchase. You can buy them at two harbors, which is where they will give you a key for a locker that is at parsons landing which will have all those items. I believe it’s 2 gallons of water.

  • Tony  C.
    Sep. 20, 2020

    Little Jimmy Trail Campground

    Local gem of a campsite

    This campsite is located in California and is one of my favorites. Located above Crystal Lake you’ll find Little Jimmy, it’s a backcountry hike-in only campground nestled just 2 miles off the Angeles Crest Highway. It has around 7 first-come, first-served sites with fire rings, vault toilets (which are currently not in service), and vintage backcountry ovens. After parking at Islip Saddle, cross the highway and begin hiking for 2 miles up the switchbacks until you reach Little Jimmy Campground on your right. Popular with Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops, this scenic spot offers a chance to get away from established campgrounds and live amongst the Coulter Pines and Big Doug Firs. Campers turned hikers have easy access to hop on the legendary Pacific Crest Trail which runs through the camp. There is no fee to camp here other than an Adventure pass for your parking. In the summertime, bears can be common visitors so make sure and secure your food in provided bear boxes or bring your own bear canisters. As always, make sure you follow the "Leave No Trace" principles and pack everything in and out!

  • Les R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 6, 2018

    Buckhorn Campground

    Most beautiful campground in the Angeles National Forest!

    We've wanted to camp here for so long, but we've never been able to get a spot. We finally did this weekend, and it fully lived up to our expectations. Because this campground is set within a ravine that has a stream during the rainier months, so the landscape feels very different than the other nearby campgrounds - very green with tall trees. The campsites have plenty of space between neighbors, so we felt we had privacy and weren't disturbed by any noise from other sites. Each site has a picnic table, firepit, and bear box for food storage. There is a water spigot at the campground, but the ranger advised that it's not potable.

    There's day parking at the end of the campground for the trailhead to Cooper Canyon Falls. In the summer the "waterfall" is barely a trickle, but the hike still has a nice stream and is worth doing.

  • Luis N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 19, 2020

    Black Jack Campground

    Great site!!

    Great campground that is very accessible to the trans Catalina trail. The campground has potable water, lockers, vault toilets, an outdoor shower (very cold water), trash cans, picnic table, fire pit, food storage box. Foxes are common on this campground as they look for any food, campers may leave behind so make sure you clean up after yourself

  • j
    Mar. 25, 2021

    Millard Trail Campground

    Great campground for hiking/biking

    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. There's about 100 yd hike to the campsites. There's a road that leads to the campsite but it's been blocked off. Only the campsite managers use that road so it's not accessible by RV, just tents. A campsite manager stays in a little trailer overnight so if there's any problems there's somebody there you can go to and ask for help. There's about six campsites and their first come first serve, no reservations. 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. You can stay overnight which I did and everything was fine but there's not a lot of privacy. The next day as I was leaving there was another guy sitting up his tent. I bet on the weekends they can fill up pretty fast. It's in Bear country so they provide food storage for each campsite also trash containers too. Each side has a picnic bench and a fire pit. The fire ban has been lifted so you can have a fire. Each fire pit had wood left at it so you didn't have to go searching for campfirewood. Bathrooms included male and female toilets but no showers or water. There's a creek that runs through the campground which makes it very pretty. I saw two to three cabins along the outskirts of the campground that I assume were for rentals. There was one family at one of the cabins the night I stayed. 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. Overall a good campsite four stars. Would have been five stars if they had showers and running water. 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. So it's important to keep all of your food and anything with any kind of smell in the bear boxes

  • K
    Jan. 5, 2022

    Oakwilde Trail Campground

    Half Sunk, Overgrown

    The camp site looks like it was buried in mud from a flood a few years ago. There’s been no maintenance to this camp. The cook stoves are covered, half of the one picnic table was underground. But still, it’s a beautiful and remote spot. The river was running when I was there in January and it was just gorgeous. Looks like there’s really only one usable flat spot to set up a tent. But you can’t have a fire or anything. I didn’t camp just hiked in and checked it out. Dunno if I would try camping here.

  • Tony  C.
    Jun. 24, 2019

    Henninger Flat - PERMANENTLY CLOSED

    Great local campsite

    I recently moved to WA from Los Angeles so this review is legit 😁 This was and still continues to be one of my favorite campsite close to Los Angeles, I have plenty of fond memories with close friends at this site. It’s completely exposed all the way to the top, a well worth 3 mile uphill hike to three different camp sites. My favorite is the middle site where you get a clear view of the city, beautiful views at night. They say there’s no water but there is, there’s a spout located by the restroom close to the museum, you’ll have to treat it before using (but don’t take my word for it, they tend to shut it off so take plenty of water for your time there and check it out if you need more) If you continue past the middle campsite to the upper site, you’ll have plenty of space for tents and hammocks just no view due to the trees on the edge. If you continue on that trail for another 3 miles i believe, you’ll get to idlehour campground. It’s a small site right next to a creek, you can continue on to Mt Lowe campground and inspiration point. Back to Henninger, plenty of trees for hammocks and sometimes they have firewood collected. At the museum you can buy soda cans so take some change. Hauling a 24 pack of cold Modelos in my pack was not fun at all, but boy did they taste good at the top hahaha. Bugs can get annoying so carry some bug spray, hang your food and PACK IT OUT!!! Leave no trace behind.

  • Luis N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 19, 2020

    Little Harbor Campground

    Must visit!!!

    This is one of the most beautiful campgrounds I have ever been too. The view of the beach and the palm trees and all of it is amazing! If you’re backpacking through here, I highly recommend you stay the night. A camp site includes potable water, fire pit, picnic table, food storage box. Everything you need. Porta potties available. Careful with all the buffalo poop. There is almost no cell coverage here except on top of a large rock on the shore.

  • Tim J.
    Sep. 10, 2018

    China Camp State Park Campground

    Secluded and Quiet

    This is more of your traditional campground where you must carry all your food and gear to the campsite.  It is a short hike from the parking lot to the camping area and the camp hosts can provide containers to carry your items.  The campground was not busy and this allowed me to pick a spot hidden away from others. There are restrooms and a place to get water, but when I was there the showers were closed.  There are many hiking opportunities and chances to see wildlife (deer, wild turkey, rabbits, squirrels, racoons, and birds). Sites include fire pits, picnic tables, and food storage box.


Guide to Torrance

Tent camping near Torrance, California offers diverse terrain options across multiple mountain elevations and coastal locations. The Angeles National Forest's tent sites range from 2,000 to 5,700 feet elevation, creating temperature variations of 10-15 degrees between campgrounds. Several trail camps require permits during fire season (typically May through November), with regulations updated weekly based on fire danger levels.

What to do

Snorkeling at island campsites: Little Harbor Campground features clear water ideal for wildlife viewing. "The water is clean and great for snorkeling and the campsites all have amazing views of the cove," notes one camper who appreciated the unique ocean access.

Buffalo spotting: Black Jack Campground sits in prime bison territory on Catalina Island. "Bison frequent the area so give them their space," advises one visitor who camped at this 1,600-foot elevation site where wildlife encounters are common during morning and evening hours.

Trail connections: Mount Lowe Trail Campground offers multiple access routes to scenic lookouts. "Fantastic views on a clear day and quite a few hikers pass through here on the weekend," reports one camper who recommends checking fire restrictions before visiting.

Creek exploration: Millard Trail Campground features seasonal waterfall hikes. "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," shares a visitor who appreciated the diversity of water features.

What campers like

Remote beach settings: Two Harbors Campground offers waterfront sites with minimal development. "The views from our site were stunning. Stargazing was prime as well since there are virtually no lights in Two Harbors," writes one visitor who valued the night sky visibility.

Accessibility with wilderness feel: Gould Mesa Trail Campground provides quick access with substantial wilderness experience. "It's a nice little getaway without leaving the city, perfect for a one nighter or to backpack in with the kiddos. It's around 2 miles to camp on a leveled surface with a few stream crossings," notes a camper who appreciated the gentle terrain.

Island exclusivity: Parsons Landing Campground delivers true beach camping in a controlled-access setting. "The campground is a secluded beach with a rock wall on one end. Site 1 is tucked around next to the wall - very cool!" explains a visitor who found the rock formations particularly useful for wind protection.

Isolation from urban noise: Valley Forge Trail Camp offers canyon quiet despite proximity to Los Angeles. "Campgrounds are spread out well giving each site plenty of space. We filtered water from the 'river' - seemed like a creek to me," states a visitor who found the noise reduction significant compared to other Angeles National Forest sites.

What you should know

Water sources: Most backcountry sites require filtration equipment. "There is a stream that might or might not have water in it. Bring a way of making the water potable," advises a Hoegees Trail Camp visitor, emphasizing seasonal variations.

Permits and reservations: Catalina Island campgrounds require advance planning. "You have to reserve on Reserve America. The sites are pretty expensive and charge by the person. $27-$29 (Winter- Summer pricing) for each person with a $10 reservation fee," explains a Two Harbors camper who noted the comprehensive cost structure.

Parking challenges: Musch Trail Camp requires specific parking procedures. "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," notes a visitor who highlighted the overnight registration requirements.

Wildlife security: Island campgrounds require consistent food management. "The birds there are relentless and will poke holes in everything including water jugs if you turn your back for even a second. They even know how to get into unlocked lockers," warns a Parsons Landing camper who experienced equipment damage.

Tips for camping with families

Beginner-friendly backpacking: Valley Forge Trail Camp offers manageable terrain for first-timers. "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," explains a visitor who planned a family introduction to backpacking.

Water activities: Little Harbor Campground features protected swimming areas. "The beach is beautiful, and there's nothing like the sunsets here," comments a camper who found the sheltered cove ideal for younger swimmers.

Wildlife viewing opportunities: Deer frequently visit mountain campsites at dusk. "At night we had deer walking directly through our site as we were eating dinner (seriously on a few feet away). They didn't both anyone and were really cool to watch," reports a Two Harbors camper who enjoyed the safe wildlife encounters.

Educational opportunities: Several campgrounds feature historic remnants. "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. The concrete foundation in the center of the campground was a private cabin which burned down decades ago," notes a visitor who appreciated the historical context.

Tips from RVers

Island RV access: Two Harbors accommodates limited RV camping with advance planning. "We visited Two Harbors in late April and stayed in the campground for 1 night. The views from our site were stunning. The facilities include temporary toilets, running water, and showers .25 miles away back in to town," shares a visitor who managed the limited facilities.

Equipment storage and security: Parking areas near trail camps require specific security practices. "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 a Millard Trail Camp visitor who experienced security issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Torrance, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Torrance, CA is Musch Trail Camp — Topanga State Park with a 4.6-star rating from 6 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Torrance, CA?

TheDyrt.com has all 45 tent camping locations near Torrance, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.