1 campground with availability this weekend
Tent campsites near Yorba Linda, California range from accessible walk-in sites to more remote backcountry options in the surrounding San Gabriel Mountains. Notable tent-only camping areas include Hoegees Trail Camp Campground in Angeles National Forest, approximately 30 miles northwest of Yorba Linda, and Mount Lowe Trail Campground, which offers primitive tent sites with basic amenities. Several campgrounds in the region operate on a first-come, first-served basis, while others may require reservations during peak seasons.
Most tent campgrounds in the region feature basic amenities such as picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets, though potable water is limited at many sites. Several locations like Hoegees and Valley Forge Trail Camp require hikers to pack in all supplies and filter water from nearby creeks when available. Fire restrictions frequently apply during dry summer months, with complete bans common in many areas. A camper noted, "The site is shady year-round with perennial water. It is illegal to take wood and water from the nearby cabins." Campers should verify current fire regulations before arrival and bring appropriate water filtration equipment.
Walk-in tent sites dominate the camping landscape in the mountains surrounding Yorba Linda, with many requiring hikes of 2-6 miles to access. This separation from vehicle access creates a more immersive wilderness experience. The tent-only nature of many campgrounds ensures quieter surroundings compared to mixed-use facilities. A recent review highlighted that "Hoegee's is 2 miles hike from Chantry Flats by way of the Lower Winter Creek Trail" and that "the campsite feels completely isolated." Most backcountry tent campgrounds in the region sit at moderate elevations between 3,000-7,000 feet, offering cooler temperatures during summer months. Wildlife sightings are common, with several reviews mentioning encounters with deer, bears, and various bird species at tent campsites throughout the area.
"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. "
"This walk-in campground is part of China Camp State Park. Only 33 tent-only sites! Wheeled totes can be borrowed to haul your gear up some little hills to your campsite under oak and bay trees."
Available this weekend
from $35 - $175 / 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."
from $50 - $350 / night
"Although the restroom are very dirty but overall it was a great stay!"
"Tucked away at the top of a precarious winding mountain road. It is very basic, simple and beautiful."
from $20 / night
"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."
"This is a backpackers campground. First come first serve, picnic tables and fire rings included. I think there is only about 8-10 sites. Nice creek flows though the campground."
"This is a hike in campground that has stoves and a creek running through. The sites are nicely spaced and there is plenty of shade. Perfect little backpacking trip."
"Access to this campground is so easy, whether it's by car or by bike."
"This hike-in/bike-in campground is located 6 1/2 miles behind a locked gate. The small campground is equipped with stream for water (must be treated), and vault potties."
from $5 / night
"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."
"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."
"Picnic tables and fire rings made food preparing especially easy. It has so much charm!"
from $5 / night
"It is very hot during this time so we ended up going down to the Lake to cool off. The campground was very well priced and it had bolted toilets and a water spout. No showers or sinks. "
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $60 - $120 / night
"This campsite is located in California and is one of my favorites."
"Hike in , via the PCT, an easy couple miles , to little jimmy campground. or hike up Little Jimmy road, which is a wider dirt road ( no vehicles) Lots of sites ( I’ve never seen more than a couple occupied"
RangerBig RV resort. Stayed in Area F site 132 as part of RV tour group. All back-in sites. Septic dump opening was located on the side of light pole - had to workaround in order to dump. Public showers/restrooms are not convenient and are old and open concrete.
ScoutNice view. Hard to book!!!
ScoutJust what I was looking for
ScoutBeautiful spot on seal Beach naval weapons command base. A bit pricey, but has showers and free laundry facilities seems to be on the flight path to John Wayne Airport beautiful grounds must have a DBIDS card to get in and out of base if not military.
ScoutSite is clean, many activities on weekends They also add 1000lb or catfish and trout weekly depending on season. Members were friendly. Downside is wifi when the campsite is 75+ full and only about a dozen paved spots. Major are gravel and dirt.
GuideI didn't book very early but was able to get a site right across from the lifeguard station. The sunset view was quintessential California and maybe even worth the price of admission, which is pretty steep at $53 for tent camping and freeway noise.
The restrooms vary, so if one is particularly distasteful, head to a quieter area of the campground.
RR noise isn't bad, as the crossing is far enough away that the horn blast seems quite distant. I-5 is very noisy however. There are lots of on/off ramps in that area, and with hills to climb it just makes for a lot of engine noise.
TravelerI went there to see, before making a reservation. I found the trailer park—maybe 100 old mobile homes—but I never found an RV park. I didn’t see anything to see. The “pool” was empty. The office was locked, and it wasn’t lunch. Just kinda not happening. I left a message to call me with the answering service, but I never got a call back.
ScoutI have been to this campground many times and it is always a great time. Easy access to town, surf, the beach, and great facilities. Highly recommend!
ScoutI found the campground to be very friendly kid friendly and pet friendly. The spots were spacious and some had privacy others were out in the open. The rangers were very friendly and helpful, they helped me set up my tent when they saw I was having trouble. There are trails to explore. A great last minute getaway from the city and not to far, the bathroom was clean and modern with hot showers and toilets.
Tent campsites near Yorba Linda, California range from established sites with amenities to primitive backcountry locations. Camping areas in the San Gabriel Mountains typically sit at elevations between 3,000-7,000 feet, creating cooler conditions during summer months when Yorba Linda temperatures often exceed 90°F. Fire restrictions change seasonally, with complete bans common during high fire danger periods.
Waterfall hiking: 0.5-mile trail leads to Millard Falls from Millard Trail Campground, providing a shaded route even on hot days. "The waterfall trail is nothing but shade provided by the trees foliage and the creek kept our dogs cool as they would jump in and out of the small pools," notes Chris O.
Mountain biking: Extensive trail networks connect many campgrounds in the region. At China Camp State Park Campground, "There are definitely better mountain biking trails in Marin but keep in mind that the bar is very high for mountain biking in Marin. So China Camp won't disappoint even if it's not the most epic biking in the area," according to Nathaniel S.
Fishing: Stream access available at several backcountry campgrounds. The road to Glenn Trail Camp Campground "is lined with fishing platforms for all sorts of trout, as the road follows a river the entire way," writes Kevin L. The campground requires a 6.5-mile hike or bike ride to access.
Privacy and seclusion: Many sites offer separation from urban environments. "This walk-in campground is part of China Camp State Park. Only 33 tent-only sites! Wheeled totes can be borrowed to haul your gear up some little hills to your campsite under oak and bay trees," reports Laura F.
Wildlife viewing: Common sightings include deer, raccoons, and birds at most campgrounds. Tim J. shares that at Valley Forge Trail Camp, "There is usually a stream for filtering water. Plenty of sites for camping. Usually quiet when not too many people around."
Natural water features: Seasonal creeks flow through several tent camping areas. "In April 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. I would imagine it would be a sad/nonexistent creek flow in the summer," notes Kelly B.
Fire restrictions: Rules vary by location and season, sometimes changing with little notice. At Mount Lowe, Tom P. warns, "Check on camp fires permitted (last time I was there ABSOLUTELY NO FIRES ALLOWED)."
Water access: Most backcountry sites require filtering or treating creek water. Manker Campground offers drinking water nearby, though sites further from roads may require filtration systems.
Wildlife precautions: Bear activity noted in multiple campground reviews. "The raccoons here are AGGRESSIVE! They won't attack you, but they will walk right up to your camp and try to steal your food," shares Rosie C. about China Camp State Park.
Parking limitations: Many trailhead lots fill early, especially on weekends. Laura F. advises, "Parking fills up within an hour on weekends so get there as soon as the parking lot opens at 6am."
Easy starter hikes: Choose gentler trails for younger children. Tom P. recommends Millard Trail Camp: "Lots of trails all around with a nice hike of about 1/2 mile up to Millard Falls that is easy for kids and grown ups."
Walk-in sites with gear assistance: Some locations provide equipment to transport gear. At Doheny State Beach Campground, Veronica H. shares, "I am camping with my husband and 3 kids and our puppy. The hosts are friendly, cheap firewood, china beach village is just down the road and perfect to explore and swim."
Consider campground traffic patterns: Some sites experience high day-use activity. Jessica P. notes about Millard Trail Camp: "People come here to hike into the trails to the waterfall. Which I can say the waterfall is nice. But other than that I wouldn't recommend coming here to camp. Maybe day use only but not overnight camping."
Beach camping options: Oceanfront RV camping available at select locations. Paul N. describes Doheny State Beach: "Beautiful beachfront camping steps from the sand. Dry camping with a dump station available. Great sunsets and beautiful sand."
No hookup considerations: Bring sufficient water and power sources. "There are no hook ups but the price is right for beach front camping," reports Karissa J., who enjoys "the sound of the waves and the fog horn."
Dump station access: Some campgrounds provide services for nominal fees. Manuel P. explains, "Dump site: When we first arrive it was out of order with a 'clogged signed'. It was fixed the following day. There is a $10 fee, they have a convenient credit card machine."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Yorba Linda, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Yorba Linda, 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 Yorba Linda, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 51 tent camping locations near Yorba Linda, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
