Angeles National Forest surrounds Valyermo, California with backcountry tent camping at elevations between 5,000-8,000 feet. The area experiences seasonal extremes with summer temperatures reaching 90°F and winter bringing occasional snow at higher elevations. Several campsites offer water access during spring snowmelt, though most streams dry up by late summer.
What to do
Hike Mount Islip: From Little Jimmy Trail Campground, access a 1.2-mile trail to the summit for panoramic views. "Many trails lead from here. Including a 1.2 mike haunt up to a little peak (Mt Islip)," notes Jennifer D.
Fish mountain streams: Near Glenn Trail Camp Campground, the creek offers seasonal fishing opportunities. "This area is native to good trout fishin'," according to David F., though another camper cautions, "They don't plant the stream so you probably won't catch anything if there is water in it."
Mountain biking: The road to Glenn Trail Camp is designated as a National Scenic Bikeway. Kevin L. shares, "This campground is so perfect for bikepacking novices or those looking to do a gear check because it's an honest 6.5 miles of a relatively flat paved road."
Stargazing: The high elevation and minimal light pollution create excellent night sky viewing. At Cooper Canyon, one camper notes, "At night, you have an amazing view of the sky."
What campers like
Remote access: Cooper Canyon Trail Camp offers seclusion with a moderate hike in. "Hike in 1.75mi. Lots of flies and mosquitoes when I went. Even my dog was annoyed. Waterfall is about another 1 mile hike in," reports Esther Y.
Year-round water sources: Some camps have reliable springs even during dry months. At Little Jimmy, Brian T. describes, "There's also year-round running water at Little Jimmy Springs."
Wildlife viewing: The area supports diverse wildlife including bears. Kyle B. explains that Appletree Campground offers "6-7 camping spots that are good" with opportunities to observe local fauna.
Pacific Crest Trail access: Several tent campsites near Valyermo, California connect directly to the PCT. Anthony K. describes Mount Pacifico Campground as having "great views 360 degrees once you're on top, a 7 mile hike north on the Pacific Crest Trail from mill creek fire station."
What you should know
Seasonal crowds: Snow season brings day visitors who may impact camping experience. Kyle B. reports at Appletree Campground, "Snow season is rediculous everyone is there and no one respects the people camping."
Limited water access: Most sites require carrying or filtering water. Andrew G. from Glenn Trail Camp advises, "Just make sure to bring enough water or a way to purify the creek."
Insect activity: Biting insects can be problematic during warmer months. Kevin L. warns, "The biting gnats and/or mosquitos are very formidable in the summer. We had some 'natural' bug spray that had little to no effect."
Fire restrictions: Most Angeles National Forest campgrounds implement strict seasonal fire bans, particularly during summer and fall months when fire danger is high.
Bear activity: Bears frequently visit campsites. "A mother bear and her two cubs did visit us on one of the visits," notes Rick S. about Angeles National Forest Big Rock Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Choose accessible sites: Some campgrounds offer easier access for children. At Jackson Flats, "It seemed like a safe place for kids to run around and play," according to Alexa S.
Pack extra water: Limited water sources mean families need additional supplies. Big Rock Campground has a creek "which appears to run only during snow melt" according to Rick S., necessitating careful water planning.
Beginner backpacking: Cooper Canyon serves as a good introduction to backpacking for families. Tony C. advises, "I've backpacked it with friends and even kids, you can take the road or the trail down to camp but I'd suggest the PCT for the scenic views."
Weather preparation: Temperature fluctuations require layered clothing. According to one camper at Little Jimmy, "It's not overly windy, because it's protected by a bunch of trees. The peaks and saddles around it can get a little windy."
Tips from RVers
Creek crossing caution: Some campgrounds require fording water features. At Big Rock Campground, Rick S. advises, "You do have to drive through the creek to get to the campground, so a small car probably would not be advisable when it is really flowing."
Limited RV accessibility: Most tent camping near Valyermo focuses on tent-only sites with few RV accommodations. Sites like Manker Campground can accommodate small RVs but Mallory V. notes it's mainly a "Small tent and motorhome campground with firepits, water spickets, bathrooms."
Parking constraints: Many sites restrict vehicles per site. Michelle W. mentions, "Only one car per campsite" at Manker Campground, an important consideration for RVers traveling with multiple vehicles.
Cell service limitations: Rick S. reports at Big Rock, "At the time of visiting, we did not have cell phone service in that canyon," a common situation throughout Angeles National Forest camping areas near Valyermo.
