Tent camping near West Hollywood, California provides access to primitive campsites in Angeles National Forest and nearby mountains at elevations ranging from 1,800 to 5,800 feet. Most sites require hiking distances between one and four miles on sometimes steep terrain with elevation gains up to 1,500 feet. During summer months, daytime temperatures at these campsites can exceed 90°F, while winters bring occasional snow at higher elevations.
What to do
Hike to waterfalls year-round: Follow the trail from Millard Trail Campground to see a seasonal waterfall. As one visitor observed, "A lovely creek runs south-west along the edge of the campground... There is a waterfall 30 minutes hike upstream" that remains accessible even "in the middle of summer."
Connect to scenic trail networks: Bear Canyon Campground offers access to multiple connecting trails. A camper explained, "You can get here from Tom Sloan Saddle or Switzer Falls Trailhead" making it ideal for multi-day backpacking routes that link various trail systems.
Filter water from natural sources: When camping at Valley Forge Trail Camp, you can collect water from the West Fork San Gabriel River. In April, campers report "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."
Practice minimalist camping skills: With no facilities at many sites, these campgrounds require self-sufficiency. At Bear Canyon, you'll need to "dig your own commode" while having "lots of water year round, but little wood" requiring you to "forage far if you want a fire."
What campers like
Quick escape from urban areas: Spruce Grove Trail Campground provides a wilderness feel despite its proximity to Los Angeles. One visitor wrote, "Beyond the falls, the trail takes on a greater feeling of wilderness immersion. This section of Gabrielino Trail gets less foot traffic, making it a great retreat for those times when you need to feel far from LA."
Secluded sites with creek access: Many campers appreciate the natural water features at tent sites. At Hoegees Trail Camp Campground, visitors enjoy that "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."
Well-spaced camping areas: Several campgrounds offer good separation between sites. At Spruce Grove Trail Camp, "The sites are nicely spaced and there is plenty of shade," while Valley Forge Trail Camp provides "6 trailside campsites with grills, pit toilets and great privacy."
Overnight parking options: For Musch Trail Camp in Topanga State Park, "Park for $7/night at Trippet Ranch and hike one mile to the campgrounds. It's an easy hike and very quiet."
What you should know
Wildlife encounters common: These areas are home to various wildlife including bears. At Gould Mesa Trail Campground, campers may encounter "squatters" and should be aware that the Angeles National Forest has active bear populations requiring proper food storage.
Day hikers frequent many sites: Millard Trail Camp experiences significant foot traffic during daylight hours. One camper noted, "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."
Car break-ins reported at some trailheads: At Millard Trail Camp parking area, one camper 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."
Seasonal water availability varies: For Mount Lowe Trail Campground, visitors report "No water, fountain is capped now," while other campgrounds have intermittent streams depending on rainfall.
Tips for camping with families
Choose shorter trails for first trips: When introducing kids to backpacking near West Hollywood, consider Gould Mesa's relatively flat approach. A visitor described it as "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."
Target spring visits for waterfalls: The best time for family camping with children is spring when streams are flowing. At Musch Trail Camp, families appreciate that "They have running water to flush the toilets, and to wash your hands," making hygiene easier with children.
Prepare for minimal facilities: Most campgrounds have limited amenities. Mount Lowe features "New outhouse built within the last year" but lacks water, requiring families to pack in all drinking water for children.
Consider weekday camping: For tent camping with children near West Hollywood, weekdays offer significantly less crowded experiences. Millard Trail Camp tends to fill "pretty fast" on weekends while weekdays might only have "one or two" other campers.
Tips from RVers
No RV camping available at these sites: None of the primitive tent campgrounds near West Hollywood accommodate RVs or trailers. RV owners should look to campgrounds farther from the city, as these sites are exclusively "hike-in" or "walk-in" with no vehicle access.
Consider basecamp strategy: RVers can use developed campgrounds as a basecamp for day hiking to these primitive sites. Parking limitations make overnight trailhead parking challenging, with Musch Trail Camp requiring visitors to "leave a note on your dashboard so that the Rangers are aware that you are camping."
