David Go
Pasadena, California, might be known for its urban charm and historic landmarks, but just beyond its bustling streets lies a gateway to breathtaking natural landscapes perfect for family camping adventures. Escaping the city for a night under the stars is easier than you think, with numerous family-friendly camping sites offering everything from rugged backcountry experiences to amenity-rich resorts. This guide explores the top spots near Pasadena where your family can reconnect with nature, create lasting memories, and enjoy the great outdoors.
Whether you’re seasoned campers or planning your first family outing, the diverse options surrounding Pasadena cater to all levels of outdoor enthusiasts. Get ready to pitch your tent, roast marshmallows, and immerse yourselves in the serene beauty of Southern California’s wilderness.
Angeles National Forest
Angeles National Forest, a vast and scenic wilderness, serves as Pasadena’s backyard playground, offering countless opportunities for family-friendly outdoor adventures. This expansive natural park features a diverse landscape of creeks, streams, rivers, and hiking trails winding through towering pines and redwood forests. Families can explore developed campgrounds, embark on easy nature walks suitable for all ages, or enjoy more challenging hikes with older children. The forest is a haven for wildlife viewing and provides a serene escape from city life, inviting families to pitch their tents, enjoy picnics, and immerse themselves in Southern California’s natural beauty. Its accessibility and wide range of activities make it an ideal destination for creating cherished family memories.
Type
- ✔ National Park
Amenities
- ✔ Good for Children
- ✔ Allows Dogs
- ✔ Has Restroom
- ❌ Wifi
Accessibility
- ✔ Wheelchair accessible parking
- ✔ Wheelchair accessible entrance
Payment options
- ❌ Cash Only
Bear Canyon Campground
Nestled in the tranquil hills of Altadena, Bear Canyon Campground offers a more intimate and traditional camping experience, perfect for families seeking a peaceful retreat close to Pasadena. This well-regarded campsite provides a classic outdoor setting where kids can explore nature, hike nearby trails, and enjoy the simplicity of camp life. With a solid rating and positive feedback, it’s a reliable choice for families looking to unplug and spend quality time together. The campground’s natural surroundings offer a refreshing escape, making it an excellent spot for bird watching, stargazing, and teaching children about the local flora and fauna. Bear Canyon is an accessible and charming option for your next family camping trip.
Type
- ✔ Campsite
Amenities
- ✔ Good for Children
- ❌ Wifi
Accessibility
- ❌ Wheelchair accessible entrance
Sturtevant Camp
Sturtevant Camp offers a unique, historic camping experience tucked away in the San Gabriel Mountains near Sierra Madre. This wilderness camp, accessible via a picturesque hike, provides families with a memorable and adventurous getaway. It’s perfect for those who enjoy a bit of a trek to reach their destination, rewarding them with a secluded and serene environment. The camp maintains a rustic charm, complete with cabins and communal areas, fostering a sense of community among campers. Kids will love the feeling of an old-fashioned adventure, exploring the surrounding trails and enjoying the natural beauty. It’s an ideal spot for families seeking a blend of history, hiking, and peaceful nights under the stars, away from modern distractions.
Type
- ✔ Campsite
Amenities
- ✔ Good for Children
- ❌ Allows Dogs
- ✔ Has Restroom
- ❌ Wifi
Accessibility
- ❌ Wheelchair accessible parking
- ❌ Wheelchair accessible entrance
Gould Mesa Trail Camp
For families who love to hike in and immerse themselves fully in nature, Gould Mesa Trail Camp in La Cañada Flintridge presents a fantastic option. This unfussy, hike-in tent campsite provides basic yet essential facilities, including a vault toilet and picnic tables, ensuring a comfortable stay while maintaining a true wilderness feel. It’s an excellent opportunity to teach children about minimal impact camping and self-sufficiency in the outdoors. The camp’s location near hiking trails offers endless possibilities for exploration during the day, making it perfect for active families. Its natural setting allows for peaceful nights, clear stargazing, and a genuine connection with the natural world, all within a reasonable distance from Pasadena.
Type
- ✔ Campsite
Amenities
- ✔ Good for Children
- ✔ Allows Dogs
- ❌ Wifi
Accessibility
- ❌ Wheelchair accessible entrance
Payment options
- ❌ Cash Only
Camp Williams Resort
Camp Williams Resort in Azusa offers a delightful blend of camping and resort-style amenities, making it an excellent choice for families seeking comfort alongside their outdoor adventure. This established campsite provides a welcoming atmosphere with facilities that enhance the camping experience, ensuring everyone, especially younger children, enjoys their stay. The presence of restrooms and various payment options adds to the convenience. Families can enjoy the surrounding natural beauty, perhaps with some river access for cooling off, or simply relax at their campsite. Its resort features mean less roughing it, allowing families to focus more on fun and relaxation, proving that camping can be both wild and comfortable. It’s a popular choice for a reason, promising a memorable family getaway.
Type
- ✔ Campsite
Amenities
- ✔ Good for Children
- ✔ Has Restroom
Parking options
- ✔ Free parking lot
- ✔ Free street parking
Accessibility
- ✔ Wheelchair accessible parking
Payment options
- ✔ Credit Card
- ✔ Debit Card
- ❌ Cash Only
Coldbrook Campground
Located within the picturesque San Gabriel Canyon, Coldbrook Campground offers families a serene and well-equipped camping experience. With a strong rating and a good number of reviews, it’s clear this campsite is a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts. The campground is notably family-friendly, welcoming both children and dogs, ensuring that every member of the family can participate in the adventure. Essential amenities like restrooms are available, providing comfort in a natural setting. Its proximity to the San Gabriel River often means opportunities for fishing, wading, or simply enjoying the sounds of flowing water. Coldbrook provides an excellent balance of wilderness immersion with convenient facilities, making it an ideal spot for a relaxing and adventurous family camping trip near Pasadena.
Type
- ✔ Campsite
Amenities
- ✔ Good for Children
- ✔ Allows Dogs
- ✔ Has Restroom
- ❌ Wifi
Accessibility
- ✔ Wheelchair accessible parking
- ✔ Wheelchair accessible entrance
Chilao Campground
High in the Angeles National Forest, Chilao Campground provides a refreshing escape with cooler temperatures and stunning mountain views, making it an excellent destination for families during warmer months. This well-maintained campground offers both tent and RV sites, complete with fire rings for those beloved campfire stories and s’mores. While it provides non-potable water, families can easily bring their own or treat water as needed. Its elevated location means clearer skies for stargazing, a magical experience for children and adults alike. Chilao is perfect for families seeking a higher-elevation camping experience, offering numerous trails for hiking and a true sense of wilderness adventure, all while still being reasonably accessible from Pasadena.
Type
- ✔ Campsite
Amenities
- ✔ Good for Children
- ✔ Allows Dogs
- ✔ Has Restroom
- ❌ Wifi
Accessibility
- ✔ Wheelchair accessible parking
Thousand Trails Soledad Canyon
Thousand Trails Soledad Canyon in Acton offers a comprehensive family camping resort experience, ideal for those who appreciate amenities alongside their outdoor adventure. This campground boasts beautiful mountain views from its well-shaded sites, complemented by a large swimming pool and a clubhouse – perfect for keeping kids entertained. The rare availability of Wi-Fi is a significant plus for families who want to stay connected or entertain children with devices. With various parking options and extensive accessibility features, it caters to a wide range of needs. It’s a fantastic choice for families looking for a ‘glamping’ style experience, blending the joys of camping with the comforts of a resort, promising a fun-filled and convenient family getaway.
Type
- ✔ Campsite
Amenities
- ✔ Good for Children
- ✔ Allows Dogs
- ✔ Has Restroom
- ✔ Has Wifi
Parking options
- ✔ Free parking lot
- ✔ Paid parking lot
Accessibility
- ✔ Wheelchair accessible parking
- ✔ Wheelchair accessible entrance
- ✔ Wheelchair accessible restroom
Payment options
- ✔ Credit Card
- ✔ Debit Card
- ❌ Cash Only
- ✔ NFC
Pasadena and its surrounding regions are a treasure trove of outdoor experiences, offering a fantastic array of family-friendly camping sites. From the extensive beauty of Angeles National Forest to the unique charm of individual campgrounds, there’s a perfect spot for every family to unwind and create unforgettable memories. Before you head out, remember to check current conditions, make reservations, and pack essentials to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip. Embrace the call of the wild and embark on your next great family adventure!
