Pasadena, California, and the San Gabriel Mountains in the background.
Pasadena is best known for its Tournament of Roses Parade, the Rose Bowl, and NASA's Jet Propulsion Labs. The city is only 10 miles from downtown Los Angeles, and it's within close proximity to the Angeles National Forest and the San Gabriel Mountains, which are easily visible from points throughout the city.
Special Considerations
Although Pasadena is an independent city, it's now indistinguishable from the surrounding urban development of greater Los Angeles. As a result, camping is severely limited in the city proper. The nearby San Gabriel Mountains have always posed a natural barrier to urban sprawl, however, and as a result campgrounds can be found throughout the mountains, which are mostly protected by the Angeles National Forest. Visitors should be aware that the major roads crossing through the Angeles National Forest, such as Highway 2, are narrow and windy. Such roads are difficult to navigate with large RVs. Due to the mountains' high elevation, snowfall is also common in the winter, and can result in road and campground closures.
Brookside Park
Starting on December 31 of every year, Pasadena allows a limited number of RVs to park and camp at Brookside Park for up to one week only. Brookside Park is located immediately south of the Rose Bowl stadium; it is also within walking distance of downtown Pasadena, and the Gamble House, a national historic landmark renowned for its arts and crafts style architecture. The park does not have any electrical, water or sewage hookups. Spaces are given out on a first-come first-serve basis beginning at noon on December 31.
Brookside Park
360 N. Arroyo Ave.
Pasadena, California 91103
626-744-7195
www2.cityofpasadena.net/publicworks/PNR/CityParks/Brookside_Park.asp
Monte Cristo
A small seasonal creek cuts through the middle of Monte Cristo campground, which is located in the Angeles National Forest north of Pasadena. The campground is laid out in a medium sized loop that has 20 camping sites. The majority of the sites on the inside of the loop are directly next to the creek. A steep hill on the campground's road makes navigating large motor-homes tricky. The parking aprons are paved though, and 35 feet long on average. No hookups or running water are available at this campground.
Monte Cristo Campground
Angeles Forest Highway
La Canada, California 91011
(818) 899-1900
www.fs.fed.us/r5/angeles
Chilao
The Chilao campground is the largest campground within the Angeles National Forest. Over 100 sites are available, and they can accommodate RVs up to 40 feet long. The campground is within three miles of the Pacific Crest Trail, which runs up the entire West Coast of the United States. Campers should be aware that bears have been seen around the Chilao campground. Visitors staying in RVs overnight should make sure that all food is stored away from windows, and that unattended RVs are locked with the windows closed.
Chilao Campground
Angeles Crest Highway (Highway 2)
La Canada, California 91011
818-899-1900
www.fs.fed.us/r5/angeles
Buckhorn
Situated amid a forest of large pine trees in the Angeles National Forest, Buckhorn campground has 35 camping spots. Although all the spots are available for tent and RV camping, large motor-homes are not recommended at this campground, which is better suited for pop-up trailers and slide-in RVs. Water is available, but there are no direct hookups for water, electricity or sewage. All the sites are first-come, first-served.
Buckhorn Campground
Angeles Crest Highway (Highway 2)
La Canada, CA 91011
818-899-1900
www.fs.fed.us/r5/angeles
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