Camping in the Angeles National Forest surrounding Monrovia, California encompasses a range of backcountry and developed options within a short drive of the Los Angeles metropolitan area. The forest contains several trail camps including Hoegees Trail Camp and Spruce Grove Trail Camp, both requiring hikes to access, as well as more accessible developed campgrounds like Coldbrook and Chilao. Accommodations vary from primitive tent-only sites to developed campgrounds supporting RVs, with a few cabin options at Crystal Lake Recreation Area campground. Most tent-friendly sites are concentrated along the mountain trails above the city, while RV-compatible campgrounds tend to be located along major forest roads.
The Angeles National Forest campgrounds typically operate seasonally, with many mountain sites closed during winter months. "This is a beautiful campground up in the hills above Altadena with a great view of the valley below. Lots of greenery and flowing water in the winter season with wildlife all along the trail," noted one visitor about Idlehour Trail Campground. Trail camps generally require backpacking in with distances ranging from 2 to 8 miles on established routes. Most backcountry sites lack potable water, requiring visitors to filter from creeks or pack in their water supply. Fire restrictions are common during dry months, and Adventure Passes are required for parking at many trailheads. Road access varies significantly, with some campgrounds accessible via paved roads while trail camps require hiking on sometimes steep terrain.
The backcountry trail camps near Monrovia provide a wilderness experience despite their proximity to urban areas. Several visitors mentioned the contrast between city views and forest immersion as a highlight of camping in this region. According to one camper at Henninger Flat, "It's completely exposed all the way to the top, a well worth 3 mile uphill hike to three different camp sites. My favorite is the middle site where you get a clear view of the city, beautiful views at night." Most trail camps feature fire rings and picnic tables but primitive facilities overall. Water availability at creeks remains seasonal and unreliable during drought periods. Bear activity has been reported in some areas, necessitating proper food storage. Developed campgrounds closer to roads generally provide more amenities including toilets and trash service, while backcountry sites require pack-in, pack-out practices.
$76 - $88 / night
"Our experience at Bonelli Bluffs Campground was mostly positive, but there were a couple of aspects that could be improved."
"The views around the outskirts of B loop are just lovely, the staff has been so friendly and helpful (we’re RV newbies and had a ton of questions) the store was stocked with all of the little things we"
"We’ve done Crystal Lake probably 6 dozen times or more in our time in California and it never disappoints on the spectacular views."
"Whenever I need to get away from LALA Land, I head up here. I grew up in the mountains of western Pennsylvania, so , sometimes , I need to kick back and recharge."
"We left LA (Hollywood) on a Friday afternoon around 3, and were setting up camp by 5! Luckily a friend got to the campground before us though, as he snagged the last of the 20 or so sites there."
"Coldbrooke is a excellent campground that is relatively close to the city. The camp host was super helpful in explaining the fire restrictions and overall questions."
$20 / night
"Campground We had been driving around the campground loops for more than an hour, and had just about given up, when we say the sign for overflow camping near the exit of the Chilao campground loop"
"Great spot to get away from the big city being only a 45min drive from the Downtown, couldn’t ask for more"
$12 / night
"Beautiful trails near by, next to a stream, gorgeous views, and of course that mountain air! Trees are perfect for hammocks."
"It is set back from the road a little giving you a quieter experience away from the 2. This would be a good first car camping spot for families with young children."
"OKAY... seriously this one of the best campgrounds near Los Angeles. My ultimate go to spot for an overnight camping trip."
"We were told that the water pumps were off but actually managed to camp right next to the one that was working. The bathrooms were super clean too!"
"Close to the camp that's up there"
"Beyond the falls, the trail takes on a greater feeling of wilderness immersion."
"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."
"If you take the Upper Winter Creek Trail it's an easier hike but not as pretty as the Lower one. Campsite is very nice with enough sites for about 20 campers with a privy but no running water."
"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."
"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."
$5 / night
"Trail camp is in the canyon so it’s an easy 3.5 mile hike in, but a tough hike out of the canyon."
"Forage your way through the Valley Forge Trail, for an intimate night in the wilderness at one of its remote camps."
RangerThe Views are fantastic sites are rugged but very cool locations, This is mainly a Hike in CG most of the time and better have some serious clearance to get there even when the road is open in summer, BUT very worth it!
TravelerCamping at the beach in LA! Large country campground that has sites designed for motorhomes and sites designed for travel trailers and fifth wheels. It asphalt campsites, but you’re at the BEACH! My only complaints are the electrical was not working properly, (I had to connect to 30A instead of 50A), and people don’t pick up after themselves.
Scoutfirst, as a drop in you can‘t stay more then two nights even if they have room!
second, annually pool maintenance in spring break! without information when checking in, and it’s not a cheap one and i chose it for the pool! no information no discount, had to beg to at least get a poolchair, so much gras to chill no chairs!
third the showers are only dripping and i was the only one showering! again, not a cheap place!
and fourth, WIFI does never connect, really for a campground with this price, every cheap one has better WIFI and some people need it as internationals!
RangerOverall the CG is fine everything you need just fine, Location is okay Beach 5 miles away many trails to hike and the Valley shopping and other Typical So cal things are 20 minutes away and L.A. is 35 minutes away (with no traffic). but That locaion is what makes the death of this place.with over 1 million (not exaggerating) having immediate access to this place and it not over all restful experience, and is just too darn PEOPLY!!
TravelerPricey but well worth it. Very well run campground.
GuideStayed here for one night tent camping. No one in sight in the tent section. Good spot with showers and restrooms. The pool and spa were open.
ScoutReally incredible location, was snow to book last minute by calling and checking for availability. Can't reserve by phone but was able to confirm availability. Prob easier to do in off season, add it is Feb not the summer.
Pricing is 75 for closest to beach 65 to furthest in RV 40FOOT LIMIT super chill, quiet hours are 9pm Love the space, fire pits on the beach. Pet friendly
ScoutPretty good. Smells a tiny bit like black water fumes.
ScoutFun place there is a lot of airport noise during the day from the small private planes. Great place to bring bikes, fishing, and games to keep you and your crew busy for a few days.
Dispersed camping near Monrovia, California offers options primarily within the Angeles National Forest at elevations between 3,000-6,000 feet. Sites range from primitive hike-in trail camps requiring backcountry permits to established campgrounds with basic amenities. Most locations experience temperature drops of 20-30 degrees at night compared to daytime highs, even during summer months.
Explore nearby waterfalls: Take a 30-minute hike from Millard Trail Camp to reach a scenic waterfall. "About a 20 minute hike and you can end up at a waterfall which is very pretty. But there are several trails to take for hiking and biking and I saw lots of people doing that," notes a camper at Millard Trail Campground.
Dirt biking on forest trails: Popular at Crystal Lake, where numerous off-road trails provide varying difficulty levels. "Bring your dirt bike and hit some of the trails, it's a definite must!" recommends a visitor to Crystal Lake Rec Area Campground.
Fishing opportunities: Bonelli Bluffs offers year-round fishing access with designated areas. According to one camper: "There is camping, horseback riding, fishing, trails, biking, hiking, picnics, you can use your jet skies in designated areas, swimming on the pool areas, kayaking, Park for kids and plenty more."
Creek-side camping: Several sites feature flowing creeks, particularly prized during spring months. At Coldbrook Campground, "We had a campsite next to the creek and it was beautiful to see and listen to," shares a reviewer who appreciated the natural water feature.
Well-spaced sites: Buckhorn Campground receives praise for its thoughtful layout. "Lots of space between campsites. Babbling brook to lull you to sleep at night. Very quiet after 10:00 pm. Great for families," notes one visitor to Buckhorn Campground.
Quick access from urban areas: Angeles National Forest campgrounds offer proximity to Los Angeles while feeling remote. "Great spot to get away from the big city being only a 45min drive from the Downtown, couldn't ask for more," mentions a camper at Chilao Campground.
Fire restrictions vary seasonally: Regulations change throughout the year based on conditions. "Camp fire pits but check for permits," advises a camper at Millard Trail Camp, while others note complete bans during dry periods.
Adventure Pass required: Most trailheads and campgrounds require an Adventure Pass for parking. At Crystal Lake, "Camping was $10 with our adventure pass. Firewood was $22 for a wheelbarrow (they won't let you purchase other amounts)."
Limited or no cell service: Most forest campsites lack connectivity. Mount Lowe Trail Camp has "no cell service so perfect getaway," according to a reviewer at Mount Lowe Trail Campground.
Wildlife encounters: "We have camped here a few times. Had an encounter with a bear both times. Lost our marshmellows," reports a Coldbrook Campground visitor, highlighting the need for proper food storage.
Choose accessible campgrounds: For those with young children, select drive-up sites rather than hike-in camps. "This would be a good first car camping spot for families with young children," suggests a Buckhorn Campground reviewer.
Pack for temperature changes: Mountain elevations mean significant temperature drops at night. "Even though the daily high was 79 degrees, the low at night was 56, and it was still only 61 degrees by 7 am," notes a camper at Chilao Campground.
Visit Chilao's nature center: When open seasonally, the center provides educational activities. "There are easy hiking trails all over & good trees for hanging my hammock. The campsites are very spacious and clean," shares a visitor who enjoyed family-friendly amenities.
Size restrictions apply: Many forest roads have length limitations. At Angeles National Forest Chilao Campground, a visitor notes, "It's such a short and easy drive for LA, and the drive up campspots are always in great condition."
Limited hookups available: Most Angeles National Forest campgrounds lack electric, water, or sewer connections. Bonelli Bluffs offers a rare exception: "A little pricey but very nice facility. All hookups 30/50 amp. Cable TV. There's a pool."
Consider weekday visits: "We left LA (Hollywood) on a Friday afternoon around 3, and were setting up camp by 5! Luckily a friend got to the campground before us though, as he snagged the last of the 20 or so sites there," reports a Coldbrook visitor, highlighting weekend crowding.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Monrovia, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Monrovia, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 195 campgrounds and RV parks near Monrovia, CA and 5 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Monrovia, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Monrovia, CA is Bonelli Bluffs with a 4.4-star rating from 41 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Monrovia, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 5 free dispersed camping spots near Monrovia, CA.
What parks are near Monrovia, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 10 parks near Monrovia, CA that allow camping, notably Angeles National Forest and Mojave River Dam.
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