Escape to paradise in the Sierra Nevada Mountains where adventure and relaxation combine to create a way of life that is unobtainable anywhere else. Pitch your tent along the San Joaquin River in the heart of the mountains, then meander along a pristine trail through Ponderosa Pines and Cedars to the beautiful Mammoth Pool Reservoir. Spend the day playing mermaid in the crystal water or relaxing by shore, then head back to your campsite for the best night’s sleep you’ll ever have.
Stayed one night at site overlooking the Salton Sean. Quite lovely. However, if you walk down to the water's edge, you'll see fish carcasses due to the increasing salinity of the water (and other issues.) There was a nice breeze and there was no smell that others have talked about. There is a rail line nearby but the noise didn't bother us during the night. No specific camping sites but there were picnic tables and most sites seem pretty level.
There are 2 showers and some toilets. They appeared to be fairly decent. Most campers at the campground were in self-contained units so the facilities seemed to be lightly used.
The location of this campground, right by the entrance to Joshua Tree National Park is really convenient. You can see the highway from where you camp, but it’s not too loud to keep you up at night or anything. The camping area goes both east and west from the Joshua Tree entrance road. We camped on the eastern side, accessing via the southern road About .2mi down that road a mini van pulling a pop up trailer was stuck in a sandy patch. We then drove the northern road on the eastern side and it is much firmer and less sandy.
Plenty of space for all sized camping rigs. It was busy in March since the southern end of the park is in full bloom. The space is fairly open with a lot of low vegetation and a few trees. It wasn’t windy when we camped but I’m sure it gets very windy there.
Shaded by cedar and pine trees, Lower Chiquito Campground is a small campground that offers campsites along Chiquito Creek. Each site has a table, grill and fire ring and the campground provides vault toilets. Closest service is Wagner's Store about 9 miles away next to Mammoth pools. They do stock the stream with trout so bring your fishing pole.
Love to hike and bike? Love to camp? Why not mix ‘em together at Glenn Camp Campground. 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. For biking enthusiasts, the road to the campground is designated as a National Scenic Bikeway, so if you want to knock one off the list, here it is. Don’t forget to strap a pole to your pack if you want to catch some dinner. This area is native to good trout fishin’.
Forage your way through the Valley Forge Trail, for an intimate night in the wilderness at one of its remote camps. For hikers, bikers, and equestrians the trail offers all the views, and the site handles the comforts. Well, comforts in relation to backpacking at least. If your running low of your water supply, visit the nearby stream, just always remember to treat before you taste. If you plan on leaving your vehicle at one of the developed recreation sites while your on your hike be sure to have an Adventure Pass.
The San Gabriel Mountains are my favorite mountain range, and the beauty and majesty of this local treasure are often overlooked even by lifelong area residents. Because of its large size and tall summits over 10,000 feet high and the range offers tremendous diversity, encompassing granite peaks with stunning views, lush alpine forests of pine and cedar, lovely stream fed canyons lined with old growth oaks, and spectacular gorges where pure mountain streams cascade over magnificent waterfalls.
If the short hike to Sturtavant falls leaves you yearning for more, get more by continuing up Santa Anita Canyon to Spruce Grove Camp. 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.
Great location - especially for southern CA where so much of the camping/backpacking is scrubby and in the sun, etc. Most of this trail is under cover, beautiful and well maintained. The sites are right along the creek and very peaceful. You do have to hike out your own water or filter from the stream. Warning it's downhill almost exclusively on the way in and therefore… almost entirely uphill on the way out and the last bit is significant climb out. Dont let that stop you it's well worth the visit.
This is a special place and a bit of an uphill hike very rustic and incredible views at night looking over Los Angeles about 25 miles away. Not very busy ever. Goid memories for sure
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. This facility has 15 campsites, each with table, fire ring and wood-burning stove. You must pack your garbage out. Site is shady year round with perennial water. It is illegal to take wood and water from the nearby cabins. There is an emergency call box and calls phones do not work.
To go to the bathroom stay away from the stream and Dig a hole 6-8 inches deep and bury your waste and paper. Do NOT leave it exposed on the ground.
Campsites are first come-first serve only. Stream water must be boiled or filtered. You can get a free fire permit from the pack station.