Most Beautiful Camping Sites Near Pasadena

Nestled in the heart of the Angeles National Forest, Bear Canyon Campground offers a primitive yet profoundly beautiful camping experience for those willing to venture off the beaten path. This hike-in campsite provides a serene escape, surrounded by towering trees and the soothing sounds of nature. It’s an ideal spot for experienced backpackers seeking solitude and a genuine wilderness feel. The journey to the campground is part of the adventure, rewarding campers with stunning views and a sense of accomplishment. Without modern amenities like Wi-Fi, it’s the perfect place to truly disconnect and immerse yourself in the natural world, making it a favorite for those who cherish untouched landscapes.

Amenities

• ✔ Good for Children: Yes
• ❌ Wifi

Accessibility

• ❌ Wheelchair accessible entrance

The vast Angeles National Forest, a sprawling wilderness, is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise just north of Pasadena. While it encompasses numerous areas, its developed campgrounds offer incredible opportunities for those looking to camp amidst breathtaking scenery. Known for its scenic wilderness, diverse ecosystems, and an extensive network of trails for hikers and off-road vehicles, it provides a perfect backdrop for adventure. Campers can enjoy the tranquil beauty of pine and redwood forests, discover hidden creeks, and witness stunning mountain vistas. It’s a family-friendly and dog-friendly destination, offering a refreshing escape into nature’s grandeur, with options ranging from rustic to more accessible sites.

Amenities

• ✔ Good for Children: Yes
• ✔ Allows Dogs: Yes
• ✔ Has Restroom: Yes
• ❌ Wifi

Accessibility

• ✔ Wheelchair accessible parking: Yes
• ✔ Wheelchair accessible entrance: Yes

Payment options

• ❌ Cash Only

Malibu Creek State Park offers a rugged yet incredibly beautiful camping experience within the Santa Monica Mountains. Famous for its dramatic rock formations, volcanic history, and the tranquil Malibu Creek, this park is a haven for hikers, photographers, and nature lovers. Campers can explore vast hiking trails, discover the iconic rock pool swimming hole, and enjoy the rich wildlife. The campground provides a peaceful base to explore the park’s diverse offerings, from its ‘M*A*S*H’ filming site to scenic overlooks. With amenities like accessible parking and the option for credit card payments, it balances wild beauty with visitor convenience, making it a truly exceptional destination.

Amenities

• ✔ Good for Children: Yes
• ✔ Allows Dogs: Yes
• ❌ Wifi

Parking options

• ✔ Paid parking lot: Yes

Accessibility

• ✔ Wheelchair accessible parking: Yes
• ✔ Wheelchair accessible entrance: Yes

Payment options

• ✔ Credit Card: Yes
• ✔ Debit Card: Yes
• ❌ Cash Only
• ✔ NFC: Yes

For those who embrace the journey as much as the destination, Spruce Grove Trail Camp offers a pristine, hike-in camping experience within the Angeles National Forest. Accessible via scenic trails like Sturtevant Trail, this camp is a true backcountry gem. It provides a rustic setting where campers can enjoy the untouched beauty of the mountains, listen to the whisper of the wind through the pines, and experience a profound sense of peace. While amenities are minimal, the reward is an unparalleled connection with nature and breathtaking vistas. It’s an ideal spot for adventurers seeking a challenging hike followed by a tranquil night under a canopy of stars, truly beautiful for its unspoiled wilderness.

Amenities

• ✔ Good for Children: Yes
• ❌ Allows Dogs

Accessibility

• ❌ Wheelchair accessible parking
• ❌ Wheelchair accessible entrance

Steeped in history and nestled in a picturesque canyon, Sturtevant Camp offers a unique semi-primitive camping experience in the Angeles National Forest. This historic trail camp, accessible by a rewarding hike, features rustic cabins that provide a cozy retreat amidst the wilderness. The camp is surrounded by lush forest and a soothing creek, creating an idyllic atmosphere for relaxation and exploration. It’s a perfect destination for families and groups looking for an escape that combines the charm of a bygone era with the beauty of nature. While not open every day, planning your visit promises a magical and memorable camping adventure, away from the everyday hustle.

Amenities

• ✔ Good for Children: Yes
• ❌ Allows Dogs
• ✔ Has Restroom: Yes
• ❌ Wifi

Accessibility

• ❌ Wheelchair accessible parking
• ❌ Wheelchair accessible entrance

Bonelli Bluffs RV Resort & Campground offers a tranquil and amenity-rich camping experience with stunning views. Catering primarily to RV enthusiasts but welcoming all campers, this resort features well-maintained sites, many with private patios, set against a backdrop of scenic bluffs. Guests can enjoy a host of facilities, including family and adult swimming pools, ensuring relaxation and fun for all ages. The on-site resort store adds convenience, making it easy to grab forgotten essentials. Its location provides easy access to outdoor activities while offering a comfortable and social camping environment, ideal for families and those who appreciate a blend of nature and modern comforts.

Amenities

• ✔ Allows Dogs: Yes
• ✔ Has Restroom: Yes

Parking options

• ✔ Free parking lot: Yes
• ✔ Paid parking lot: Yes

Accessibility

• ✔ Wheelchair accessible parking: Yes
• ✔ Wheelchair accessible entrance: Yes
• ✔ Wheelchair accessible restroom: Yes

Payment options

• ✔ Credit Card: Yes
• ✔ Debit Card: Yes
• ❌ Cash Only
• ✔ NFC: Yes

Gould Mesa Trail Camp provides an unfussy, accessible hike-in tent camping experience conveniently close to Pasadena. This campsite is celebrated for its back-to-basics approach, offering essential facilities such as a vault toilet and picnic tables, allowing campers to focus on the natural surroundings. It’s an excellent choice for beginner backpackers or families looking for a less strenuous trail camp adventure. The camp’s location along the Arroyo Seco offers opportunities for exploration and a sense of peaceful solitude without being too far from urban conveniences. Its dog-friendly policy makes it a great spot for furry companions to enjoy the outdoors too.

Amenities

• ✔ Good for Children: Yes
• ✔ Allows Dogs: Yes
• ❌ Wifi

Accessibility

• ❌ Wheelchair accessible entrance

Payment options

• ❌ Cash Only

Coldbrook Campground, nestled along the San Gabriel River, offers a refreshing riverside camping experience within the Angeles National Forest. This popular campground is known for its serene environment, providing a perfect setting for families and individuals alike. Campers can enjoy the soothing sounds of the nearby river, engage in fishing, or explore the surrounding trails. The campground features well-maintained restrooms and is designed with accessibility in mind, offering wheelchair-accessible parking and entrances. Its blend of natural beauty and practical amenities makes Coldbrook an inviting destination for those seeking a tranquil and convenient outdoor adventure, promising a memorable escape close to home.

Amenities

• ✔ Good for Children: Yes
• ✔ Allows Dogs: Yes
• ✔ Has Restroom: Yes
• ❌ Wifi

Accessibility

• ✔ Wheelchair accessible parking: Yes
• ✔ Wheelchair accessible entrance: Yes

Red Rock Canyon State Park stands as a testament to California’s geological grandeur, offering a uniquely beautiful camping experience. This 27,000-acre park dazzles with dramatic cliffs, majestic buttes, and intricate canyons painted in vibrant hues of red, orange, and white. It’s a paradise for photographers, hikers, and horseback riders, with trails winding through its otherworldly landscapes. Camping here provides an unparalleled opportunity for stargazing, as the park boasts incredibly dark night skies. While it’s a bit further from Pasadena, the journey is rewarded with a profound sense of awe and connection to ancient natural forces, making it an extraordinary and beautiful destination for camping.

Amenities

• ✔ Good for Children: Yes
• ✔ Allows Dogs: Yes
• ❌ Wifi

Parking options

• ✔ Paid parking lot: Yes

Accessibility

• ✔ Wheelchair accessible parking: Yes
• ✔ Wheelchair accessible entrance: Yes

Payment options

• ✔ Credit Card: Yes
• ✔ Debit Card: Yes
• ❌ Cash Only

Thousand Trails Soledad Canyon presents a comprehensive camping experience with the comforts of a resort, set against a backdrop of impressive mountain views. This campground is well-suited for RVers and those seeking a more amenity-rich outdoor stay, featuring well-shaded sites that offer a pleasant retreat from the sun. Guests can enjoy a large swimming pool, a clubhouse for social gatherings, and the convenience of Wi-Fi access. The facilities are designed for comfort, including accessible restrooms, making it a welcoming option for diverse campers. It’s an ideal choice for families and those who appreciate a balance between natural beauty and recreational facilities, ensuring a relaxing and enjoyable getaway.

Amenities

• ✔ Good for Children: Yes
• ✔ Allows Dogs: Yes
• ✔ Has Restroom: Yes
• ✔ Has Wifi: Yes

Parking options

• ✔ Free parking lot: Yes
• ✔ Paid parking lot: Yes

Accessibility

• ✔ Wheelchair accessible parking: Yes
• ✔ Wheelchair accessible entrance: Yes
• ✔ Wheelchair accessible restroom: Yes

Payment options

• ✔ Credit Card: Yes
• ✔ Debit Card: Yes
• ❌ Cash Only
• ✔ NFC: Yes

Leo Carrillo State Park offers an unparalleled coastal camping experience, where the mountains meet the sea in stunning fashion. Situated along the iconic Pacific Coast Highway, this park features a beautiful beach with fascinating coastal caves, tide pools, and reefs, perfect for exploration. Campers can enjoy a wide array of activities, including swimming, surfing, fishing, and hiking along scenic trails that offer breathtaking ocean views. The campground provides a serene environment to relax after a day of adventure, making it ideal for families and beach lovers. Its unique blend of marine and terrestrial ecosystems makes it a truly beautiful and dynamic destination for an unforgettable camping trip.

Amenities

• ✔ Good for Children: Yes
• ✔ Allows Dogs: Yes
• ❌ Wifi

Parking options

• ✔ Free parking lot: Yes
• ✔ Paid parking lot: Yes

Accessibility

• ✔ Wheelchair accessible parking: Yes
• ✔ Wheelchair accessible entrance: Yes

Payment options

• ✔ Credit Card: Yes
• ✔ Debit Card: Yes
• ❌ Cash Only
• ✔ NFC: Yes

Buckhorn Campground provides a quintessential mountain camping experience within a snug, wooded setting of the Angeles National Forest. This highly-rated campsite is perfect for those seeking a traditional outdoor adventure, offering well-defined sites equipped with picnic tables and fire rings, ideal for campfires and outdoor cooking. The presence of vault toilets and potable water enhances the comfort of your stay, while the surrounding forest offers ample opportunities for hiking and wildlife viewing. It’s a family and dog-friendly destination, promising a peaceful retreat where campers can immerse themselves in the serene beauty of the wilderness, making it a beloved spot for a quiet getaway.

Amenities

• ✔ Good for Children: Yes
• ✔ Allows Dogs: Yes
• ❌ Wifi

Parking options

• ✔ Paid parking lot: Yes

Accessibility

• ✔ Wheelchair accessible entrance: Yes

Payment options

• ❌ Cash Only

Accessible via the picturesque Winter Creek and Mt. Zion Trails, Hoegee Trail Camp offers a tranquil and secluded camping experience for those seeking a deeper connection with nature. This hike-in campsite in the Angeles National Forest provides a serene escape, surrounded by lush forest and the soothing sounds of a nearby creek. It’s an ideal spot for backpackers and families ready for a moderate hike to reach their peaceful overnight destination. The camp provides basic amenities, encouraging a true wilderness adventure away from the digital world. Its untouched beauty and quiet atmosphere make it a perfect place for introspection, stargazing, and enjoying the simple joys of outdoor living.

Amenities

• ✔ Good for Children: Yes
• ❌ Wifi

Accessibility

• ❌ Wheelchair accessible parking
• ❌ Wheelchair accessible entrance