Best Tent Camping near Whittier, CA
Looking for the best Whittier tent camping? The Dyrt helps you find campsites with tent camping near Whittier. Each tent site offers quick access to one or more of Whittier, California's most popular destinations.
Best Tent Sites Near Whittier, CA (50)
1. China Camp State Park Campground
Chino Hills, California10 Reviews•15 Photos•144 SavesAll campsites at China Camp Campground are HIKE-IN SITES for tent-camping only. Visitors must handcarry all equipment from the parking lot to the campsites. Campsites range from 50-300 yards from the parking lot. Eight persons maximum are allowed in each site. Check in time is 2pm or later and check out is Noon.
Enroute camping is available for RV's with a grey water holding tank for one night only. No dump station or hook-ups are available. Enroute Camping is limited to space availability. Check in for enroute camping is 6pm and check out is 9am.
A "Hike and Bike" site is available for those who travel to China Camp on foot or by bicycle.
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
- Tents
- Group
$35 - $175 / night
2. Millard Trail Campground
Altadena, California8 Reviews•39 Photos•211 SavesGate may be closed due to High Fire danger. Elevation: 1900-Foot ElevationAmenities: 6 hike-in__campsites- Picnic tables and campfire rings, vault toilets, no piped water.__Seasonal stream water may be available (treat before using). However, water flow may be low or non-existent due to reduced rainfall.Hiking: Just a short hike__to the 50' Millard Falls. __Fees: Camping - Adventure Pass/America the Beautiful Pass Required. Campsites are first come-first served. No reserving or holding of campsites allowed._ Day use -__Adventure Pass/America the Beautiful Pass Required.Millard Trail Camp may occasionally be closed due to bear activity. Be Bear Aware.
- Tents
- Group
- Cabins
- Tent Cabin
- Glamping
- Trash
3. Hoegees Trail Camp Campground
Mount Wilson, California5 Reviews•14 Photos•116 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Picnic Table
4. Valley Forge Trail Camp hike in. no drive
Mount Wilson, California6 Reviews•24 Photos•392 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Toilets
$5 / night
5. Mount Lowe Trail Campground
Mount Wilson, California6 Reviews•5 Photos•112 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Toilets
6. Manker Campground
Mount Baldy, California12 Reviews•26 Photos•417 SavesCamp high in the clouds at Manker Flats Campground. This campground sits at 6000-feet and offers 21 campsites open year-round. However, piped-water is turned once temperatures reach freezing. Each site comes with a spacious spot for all your family camping needs and includes a picnic bench, fire ring, and vault toilets. It's located within a short drive to historic Mt. Baldy Schoolhouse and Visitor Center where visitors can discover the land's Native American roots. Close by, hikers have several options to begin their day's adventure including, Mt. Baldy Bowl trailhead. This trailhead can be combined with another major route, Devil's Backbone, to reach the summit (10,069') to form an impressive 11.3-mile loop hike. For the more casual hiker, a 1.4 mile round trip to the 75-foot San Antonio Falls is available. Bears are very active in this area, so it is recommended that all campers use provided bear boxes, personal bear canisters, or seal all food as to eliminate scent.
- Pets
- Electric Hookups
- ADA Access
- Tents
- Group
- Trash
$12 / night
7. Spruce Grove Trail Campground - TEMPORARILY CLOSED DUE TO FIRE
Mount Wilson, California4 Reviews•12 Photos•244 SavesUpdated Nov 2022 - Temporarily CLOSED due to the Bobcat Fire. Please call the LA Gateway District Office at (818) 482-8937 for current conditions and additional information.
Elevation: 3100-Foot Elevation
Amenities: 7 Hike-in campsites- picnic tables and klamath stoves, vault toilets, no trash receptacles, no piped water available. Seasonal stream water (treat before using). However, water flow may be low or non-existent due to reduced rainfall. Please bring enough water for cooking, cleaning, drinking, and extinguishing campfires. Pack In-Pack Out.
Hiking: Access to the Upper Winter Creek Trail and the Gabrielino National Recreation Trail.
- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Toilets
8. Gould Mesa Trail Campground
La Cañada Flintridge, California5 Reviews•16 Photos•309 SavesWater is from a stream - come prepared with your own or have a way to filter/purify
5 Hike-in campsites- Picnic tables and campfire rings, vault toilets, trash receptacles, no piped water available. Seasonal stream water (treat before using). However, water flow may be low or non-existent due to reduced rainfall. Please bring enough water for cooking, cleaning, drinking, and extinguishing campfires.
Equestrian: Hitching Rail (52 linear feet).
Gould Mesa Trail Camp is a hike-in campground located 2 miles from Ventura Street on the Gabrielino Trail. Being only a few miles away La Canada-Flintridge, it offers a quick-respite for the weary hiker. Those choosing to start in Altadena near the Jet Propulsion Laboratories will walk through riparian groves along a tranquil steam surrounded by steep ridges. The trek to Gould Mesa Trail Camp is 5.1 miles round trip with 300 feet of elevation change.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Trash
9. Glenn Trail Camp Campground
Duarte, California4 Reviews•2 Photos•222 Saves10 Sites Open. Facilities are accessible to visitors using wheelchairs. Walk or bike in only, except for physically challenged groups who may obtain a permit to drive to the campground. Permits are available through the Glendora office - call (626) 335-1251. Located approx. 6 1/2 miles behind a locked gate. Stream water (treat before using). Vault toilets. This is a non-fee campground, although an Adventure Pass is required for parking outside the camp and at the trailhead. The road leading to the campground is a designated National Scenic Bikeway. Native trout fishing area; catch and keep from the gate to the second bridge - catch and release from second bridge upstream to Cogswell Reservoir. Several accessible fishing platforms provided.
- ADA Access
- Tents
- Toilets
$5 / night
10. Little Jimmy Trail Campground
Valyermo, California7 Reviews•23 Photos•121 SavesCurrently NO toilet facilities at this site.
Just above Crystal Lake lies Little Jimmy trail camp...a backcountry campground nestled just 2 miles off the Angeles Crest Highway.
It features seven first-come, first-served sites with picnic tables, fire rings, vault/composting toilets, and vintage backcountry ovens.
Hike-in only (2.5 miles one-way). After parking your vehicle at Islip Saddle, cross the highway and begin hiking for 2.5 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 Bigcone Douglas 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 it please secure your food and scented items in bear-proof boxes provided or bring your own bear canisters. As always, make sure you follow the "Leave No Trace" principles and pack everything in and out!
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Picnic Table
- Drinking Water
Recent Tent Reviews in Whittier
1021 Reviews of 50 Whittier Campgrounds
Kaitlyn B.
Traveler
Hermit Gulch Campground
Easy and great for first time campers
Clean bathrooms, friendly rangers, nice layout, cute wildlife, close to TCT. Only issue, which is probably just on all of Catalina, is that late hours of the night people are driving up the road in their golf carts which are super loud. So don’t get a site near the road if your an early or light sleeper.
Ryan W.
Legend
Malibu Creek State Park Campground
Convenient to Wilderness and Luxury
Three miles from a the grocery and only minutes from north LA, you'll find a basic campground with flush toilets, coin showers, and easily accessible hiking trails. The sites are basic with campfire pit and grill, open space for a tent or rv, and picnic table. The inner circle of sites abuts the bathrooms and is better for groups. The outer rings on three sides have nice views, but some sites on the south side are shorter and abut a fence.
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. The sites are fairly open and close to each other, so be prepared to hear everything, and because the campground is close to the city it is popular with groups and families.
The campground was under fire warning all weekend, but faux wood (javalog or duraflame) and charcoal was still allowed. The camphost sold Javalogs, and there were plenty of options at the nearby Albertson's.
The state park is a former movie set and is filled with easily accessible trails for hiking and some for mountain biking. The primary trails were open fire roads with off-shoots to lakes, pools, meadows, and more. It was easy to imagine you weren't anywhere close to the city. During a holiday weekend the trails were fairly busy with day-use hikers, but even then, it was easy to get away and be on trails alone if you wanted. There is also a visitor center in the park, but it has limited hours.
The wildlife is abundant. There is plenty of birdwatching, and coyotes were wandering through the park and campground without fear. If you have a dog with you make sure they don't try join the pack. On a hike right out of the park a few hundred yards, I came across a pair of bobcats—mom and cub—making their way to a running creek.I'd recommend a visit if you're looking for a close to town escape.
- TTroy A.
Scout
Prado Regional Park
Great Local Getaway
Perfect to get out of the city but still be in it. Campgrounds have more than enough privacy with each one being about 15 to 20 yards apart. A ton of recreational things to do. Quiet at night.
- FFrances L.
Guide
San Clemente State Beach Campground
One of the nicer of californias state beaches
Be mindful of their shower token system. Otherwise, a nice spot. Not too close to the highway. We saw a coyote, so watch your dogs.
- KKolten J.Traveler
Wildomar Campground
Decent space.
Roads were bumpy but made it in a super low clearance rv (21ft). Had the place all to ourselves. A bit close to the other sites. Not bad
- RRich J.Guide
Doheny State Beach Campground
Beach Camp
Sweet campsite at Dana point surf break. Had a big crew along for spring break. Super nice but book early!
vector J.Scout
Hollywood RV Park
Thats good
This location is conveniently situated near the heart of Los Angeles, making it an ideal spot for those looking to explore the city’s many attractions. The facilities are well-kept, with clean restrooms and a friendly staff always ready to assist. However, the noise from nearby https://blockblast.link/ may be disruptive for those in search of a quiet getaway, so it's worth considering if peace and quiet are a priority before booking.
I B.Scout
Hollywood RV Park
Nice and friendly Staff, clean site
Everything was fine. We stayed for 1 night to Visit L.A. . It was clean and the Staff was very nice. We called a night before and got a Site for our RV.
Thomas F.TravelerHollywood RV Park
6/10
This place offers a convenient location near the heart of Los Angeles, making it an excellent base for exploring the city's attractions. The facilities are well-maintained, with clean restrooms and helpful staff who are eager to assist guests. However, noise from the surrounding area can be an issue, so those seeking a peaceful retreat might want to consider this before booking.
- AAna B.Scout
San Mateo Campground — San Onofre State Beach
Comfortable- Yes…but not jaw dropping.
I can’t say that it was awesome but it wasn’t jaw dropping. Nothing to write home about but not uninviting.
- RRosalina P.Scout
Mesa Campground — Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area
Fun for groups!
Just had the best weekend even with the 3 bears that decided to come by. Group of 30 . Definitely a good time. Be careful with the bears! 😮💨🥰🏕️
Ben M.Scout
The Secret Place
Incredible view
Well secluded sites each with an incredible view!
Suly&Fabian L.Guide
Southfork Campground
Nature beautiful, human horrible
There are 21 campsites and not all have tree’s but its walking distance from the creek. Its nestled between mountains and the night sky is gorgeous. We saw wild ducks too and some other desert critters. Has it not been for the nasty animals called inconsiderate humans blasting their music and fighting amongst themselves bringing their family drama until 6am, the camp site would have been marvelous. No ranger to domesticate those animals and remind them of quiet hours. Another group even brought a dj and karaoke. Seriously, no consideration for the rest of the campers. They want to get away from the hustle and bustle and be with nature but they can’f live without the modern day amenities and bring that noise we are all trying to escape to a place of nature. They even had BB guns and shooting them within the campsite. Idiots. The day the ranger did come by he was giving tickets to vehicles with no pass. Wish he came at night when he was most needed. Bathrooms are poorly maintained too. Never coming back for an overnight stay, a day trip will suffice.
jennifer G.Traveler
O'Neill Regional Park
Great little campground in south OC!
Clean, quiet campground located in one of the OC Parks, with plenty of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and equestrian use. I stayed here on a weekday, and there were a few couple of vacant campsites in my area, so it was an extremely quiet visit. Bathrooms were clean and well stocked for my stay. I didn’t use the showers since I was only staying one night, but I heard they were free!
Rangers were very friendly and firewood was only $5 for a decent bundle that lasted me over 2 hours.
The city of Rancho Santa Margarita is right up the hill, so you can grab food and any necessities if needed.
My site backed to the creek, so I never had people walking through my campsite.
My dog & I slept in my van, but there was room for multiple tents, and a decent amount of shade in my spot.
My spot didn’t have its own water spigot, but there was one at a site across from me.
I was fortunate that all of the campers around me were quiet and considerate. I know that it doesn’t always work out that way, and having obnoxious neighbors can really ruin your experience.
Anita A.Guide
Bonelli Bluffs
Less crowded ocale while visiting family nearby
Visiting family in Santa Ana and LA. Not to far for them to come to us and all to go to beach. Park clean and well maintained, personnel very kind and friendly Beautiful view from our site on area B. Crowded on weekend, much less during week Campground is not associated to adjacent Frank Bonelli Regional. Charge $12 to enter with vehicle but no fee to ride in on bikes
Kim N.Traveler
Crystal Cove Backcountry — Crystal Cove State Park
beautiful beach
Clean dump station, beautiful sites, very strict on rules. We came 10 minutes early before check in time, they made us wait. Campsite comes with wifi but very weak. We have t mobile and had bad reception. Would come back again for beautiful views, small hike, sandy beaches with lots of sand crabs.
Jamie C.Traveler
Buckhorn Campground
Perfect peaceful getaway
Just stayed 8/15-18/24, although hot during the day, it was the getaway we needed. The Burkhart trail to the waterfall was beautiful. Clean campsites. Some neighboring camps were louder than you'd hope but it is what it is. Our second trip here and will return for sure.
Michael W.ScoutThe Secret Place
Peaceful, Private, Beautiful
Although we booked a campsite, it felt more like we were invited to Mazen's home. He was communicative and responsive, happily answered all of our questions, and was beyond generous. I can't say enough about the beautiful views of Lake Elsinore! We can't wait to visit this campground again!
- JJennifer T.Traveler
Hollywood RV Park
Lovely
Nice campground a little bit outside of Hollywood but with a very helpful camp host
- JJennifer T.Traveler
Bolsa Chica State Beach Campground
Beach view
The parking lot is next to the beach on the one side but also next to the highway on the other side. So the view and the breeze is beautiful, but the traffic noise in the evening and morning is not so nice. With earplugs everything is fine! ;) The host Jim is very kind and helpful!
- MMary K.Traveler
San Clemente State Beach Campground
Camping
It was overall a nice campsite. Our site seemed to be pretty large it came with a picnic table & fire pit. The walk to the beach was close seemed maybe about 10 minute till we reached the beach from our site. It is on a hill you need to walk down & back up. The only down side was the bathrooms on the same road as our site were pretty dirty did not seem to have any maintenance during our stay.
- IIsidoro V.Scout
The Secret Place
Friendly, knowledgeable and respectful hosts, best views I have ever experienced.
We couldn't find any campgrounds, after calling multiple places we came across "The Secret Place". They have the best views I have ever experienced! Especially during sunset and as the city lights start to twinkle. Very nice and quiet place. No full hookups, but good bathrooms and showers available. The camp host was knowledgeable about the area and recommended great things to do. Very helpful, very respectful and very friendly. Will definitely stay here again, made our honeymoon trip very memorable! A+ recommend.
Leslie R.Legend
Placerita Canyon State Park Group Campsites
Haven't stayed, by reservation only for groups
I haven't stayed in this campground, but I added it to the Dyrt so people can find it as an option if they are searching for large group camping. You MUST call in advance to get permission and reserve for group camping.
Things to do:
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visit the Placerita Canyon Nature Center, including live animal exhibits
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Ranger-led educational programs
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hike to waterfalls: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/trail/us/california/placerita-canyon-and-waterfall-trail
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Julian M.GuideMalibu Creek State Park Campground
Amazing experience, beautiful sunset
Great campground, Great spots but unfortunately bit expensive .Very disappointed about the rules regarding fire, but I understood. I left from the campground after the sunset...fire allowed only with courchal...
- GGrant M.Traveler
Blue Jay Campground
Hidden gem
Awesome spot, lots of sights and some even have overlooks of the entire park. Can get crowded but no one was there on a Friday night in July. Bathrooms, trash, water and even buckets to fill to put out your fire. Fire pits, benches and grills nothing more you could want.
- AAngelaTraveler
Castaic Lake State Recreation Area
Nice view, not bad, needs work
We stayed in Loop A on a Thursday night in July. For us, it was a convenient overnight stop. It was a lot less crazy/ crowded than we expected for an LA County campground in the middle of summer! This site is on the lagoon, not the main lake, but had nice views and a good breeze in the heat. Very minimal space, not much shade. But the real issue was that the bathroom stalls in our loop (A) had no doors. I also doubt they are cleaned daily, though it wasn't terrible. Being close to the city, there were a ton of people meandering around, but they all seemed to be doing their own thing (e.g fishing or just walking), few suspicious characters. Lots of families and kids made it feel fairly safe for an urban campground. Not our favorite, but we would stop over here again in a pinch.
- JJeff E.Scout
Launch Pointe Recreation Destination and RV Park
Great family campground
Great campground for families. Lots of activities for the kids to do, like smores by the fire, art, splash pad, and play ground. Facility was clean
Guide to Whittier
Tent camping near Whittier, California offers a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in nature while enjoying the beautiful landscapes of the region. With a variety of campgrounds nearby, you can find the perfect spot to pitch your tent and unwind.
Tips for tent camping near Whittier
- Make sure to pack water purification systems, as many campgrounds, like Gould Mesa Trail Campground, rely on nearby streams for water.
- Arrive early to secure a spot, especially at popular locations such as Bear Canyon Campground, which can fill up quickly on weekends.
- Be prepared for wildlife encounters; at Idlehour Trail Campground, it's essential to store food properly to avoid attracting animals.
Tent campers like these nearby activities
- Enjoy hiking and mountain biking at China Camp State Park Campground, where trails offer stunning views and a chance to explore the local flora and fauna.
- Experience the beauty of waterfalls with a short hike from Millard Trail Campground, perfect for a refreshing dip after a day of outdoor activities.
- For a unique experience, visit Hoegees Trail Camp Campground, where you can hike through thick woods and enjoy the serene sounds of babbling creeks.
Local attractions to explore while camping
- Discover the rich history and scenic beauty of Spruce Grove Trail Campground, located near trails that lead to stunning vistas and hidden waterfalls.
- Take a day trip to the nearby Valley Forge Trail Camp, where you can enjoy a peaceful atmosphere and the chance to filter water from a nearby stream.
- Explore the picturesque surroundings of Mount Lowe Trail Campground, which offers a secluded camping experience with access to hiking trails and breathtaking views.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Whittier, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Whittier, CA is China Camp State Park Campground with a 4.2-star rating from 10 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Whittier, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 50 tent camping locations near Whittier, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.