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Henninger Flats
Altadena, United States
A short, 3-mile hike above Pasadena, take the Mount Wilson Toll Road in Altadena up the to sprawling campground with scenic overlook set in a pine forest of the San Gabriel Mountains. Operated by the Los Angeles County Fire Department, get your camping permits from the on-duty forester. Free and first-come-first serve, the campground is open throughout the year and has around 30 campsites. Call for more info.
Phone should be - 626-794-0675
2260 Pinecrest Dr, Altadena, CA 91001, USA
+1 (626) 794-0675
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Leo Carrillo State Park
Malibu, United States
Wilderness Expert Chelsea Griffie:
This one is expensive, but definitely worth it every once in awhile. Very close to the beach. Leo Carillo’s campground features back-country hiking as well as 1.5 miles of beach for swimming, surfing, fishing, whale watching and sunbathing.
Leo Carrillo State Park, 35000 W Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, CA 90265, USA
+1 310-457-8143
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Malibu Creek State Park
Calabasas, United States
Wilderness Expert Chelsea Griffie:
Is an expensive one, but within hiking distance to some really cool areas such as the M*A*S*H filming location site.
A rugged area in the Santa Monica Mountains that was once home to the Chumash tribe, Malibu Creek State Park is now known more so as the filming location for M*A*S*H and Planet of the Apes. With over 8,000 acres to explore, extensive hiking trails and a rock pool swimming hole, it’s also nicknamed SoCal’s Yosemite.
Malibu Creek State Park, 1925 Las Virgenes Rd, Calabasas, CA 91302, USA
+1 818-880-0367
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Point Mugu State Park
Malibu, United States
Located between the Santa Monica Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, campers can explore more than 70 miles of hiking trails through a wilderness that sometimes looks like the world of Dr. Seuss. Or, hit the beach with any variety of watersports and activities, as well as beachy sunsets from a tent.
Big Sycamore Canyon Campground is on the east side of the PCH on Sycamore Canyon Road. The Thornhill Broome Campground is on the west side of the PCH across the street. Watch out for both, the signs aren't big.
9000 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265, USA
+1 310-457-8143
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Chilao Campground
Palmdale, United States
With alpine scenery akin to the Sierras and numerous beautiful trails, Chilao is an ideal outdoor getaway. Large and sprawling, it’s great for groups. No water on site, but there are toilets!
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Buckhorn Campground
California, United States
Wilderness Expert Chelsea Griffie:
For a smaller group, you might like...Buckhorn, which is not far from Chilao. It also has a great Visitor Center nearby with exhibits outlining the history of the San Gabriels and local wildlife.
The Burkhart Trail begins here and connects to a vast network of National Recreation Trails, including the High Desert NRT, the Pacific Crest NRT, and the Silver Moccasin NRT.
Buckhorn Campground, California 93553, USA
+1 (626) 574-1613
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Pyramid Lake Los Alamos Campgrounds
Los Angeles, United States
Wilderness Expert Chelsea Griffie:
One of the greatest things about this place is definitely the lake itself.
The campsite is 2.5 miles from Pyramid Lake in the hills above Santa Clarita Valley. It has nearly 100 sites and all your amenities with many recreational options.
Pyramid Lake Los Alamos Campgrounds, Hard Luck Rd, Lebec, CA 93243
+1 661-248-6725
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Carpinteria State Beach
Carpinteria, United States
State beach offers a mile of water activities, picnicking & hiking, plus camping (for a fee).
The popular campground is located just 12 miles south of Santa Barbara, just close enough for an easy diversion to the town's wine tasting rooms. While busy, it offers a respite from the city with its easy accessibility to numerous tide pools, gorgeous beaches and sea life.
5361 6th St, Carpinteria, CA 93013, USA
+1 805-684-2811
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Red Rock Canyon State Park
Cantil, United States
Gorgeous rock formations of different colors, petroglyphs from ancient tribes and simple campsites make you feel like you’re really roughing it.
+1 661-946-6092
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Cottonwood Lakes Trailhead Campground
Lone Pine, United States
Wilderness Expert Chelsea Griffie:
Just south of Mt. Whitney, Cottonwood is a launching pad for some great surrounding areas. The only drawback, for some, is its high elevation of 9,500 ft.
Cottonwood Lakes is the southern tip of John Muir Wilderness—nearly 100 miles of preserved nature along the Sierras. Summit some epic mountains, such as one of California's 14ers, Mt. Langley, or try your hand at catching Golden Trout, California’s state fish.
Cottonwood Lakes Trailhead Campground, Lone Pine, CA
+1 760-876-6200
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Wildrose Campground
California, United States
For a full on extreme desert experience, go to Death Valley. The Wildrose Campground is on the western side of the park below Wildrose Peak. This canyon is open year round and can get very windy and very cold, so plan accordingly.
Note: Scotty’s Castle is closed until 2019 for flood damage renovations
Wildrose Campground, Inyo County, CA
(760) 786-3200
Best Camping Getaways from Los Angeles
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