Millard Campground (also called Millard Trail Camp) sits alongside a stream at the trailhead for Millard Falls. There are only five tent sites that are all first-come first-serve. The grounds appear to function as a picnic area for many visitors. If you are coming out to hike the creek, the campgrounds are an ideal venue for a BBQ.
The sites are a quarter mile from the parking lot, so a short “hike it” is required. If you already have an adventure pass, the campground’s fire rings and picnic tables come free. There are vault toilets but no potable water, so be sure to bring your own.
In addition to Millard Falls and Dawn Mine, the campground offers access to trails to Inspiration Point and San Gabriel Peak. During the week, the sites are often vacant. Take a couple days off and get out of LA – without leaving the city. Enough trails leave from the campground to keep you busy on a short camping trip. For a nearby trail camp that actually requires you to walk in a couple miles, check out Gould Mesa Trail Camp.
Update: The campground has reopened, along with the trails up Millard Canyon that were closed due to damages from the 2009 Station Fire.
To get to Millard Campground: Take the 210 Freeway to Pasadena. Exit Lake Avenue and head north. After 3.5 miles, turn left at the T onto Loma Alta Drive. After one mile, make a right on Chaney Trail. The 1.5 mile road winds up to Sunset Ridge and down to the parking lot for Millard Campground.
Campground address: Chaney Trail, Angeles National Forest, Altadena, CA 91001
Campground coordinates: 34.216185, -118.146653 (34° 12′ 58.26″N 118° 08′ 47.95″W)
Use the map below to view the campground and create your own directions:
Millard Campground
Millard Falls
Dawn Mine
 | Millard Falls This one mile hike visits a 50-foot waterfall up one of the most scenic canyons in the range. |
 | Dawn Mine This 6-mile hike from Millard Campground leads past Millard Falls to an old gold mine. |
 | Mount Lowe Road & Sunset Ridge Trail to Cape of Good Hope This pair of trails can be combined for a 5.2-mile round trip hike to a historic viewpoint called Cape of Good Hope. Follow the old route of Mount Lowe Railway to the ruins on Echo Mountain to extend the hike by two miles round trip or bring the distance up to 11.85 miles by visiting Echo Mountain, Inspiration Point, Mount Lowe Trail Camp, and other landmarks. |
 | Castle Canyon Trail to Inspiration Point (and beyond) This 2-mile long trail ascends from the ruins on Echo Mountain to a historic viewpoint that still offers hike-worthy panoramas. Form a loop back to Echo Mountain to visit Mount Lowe Trail Camp, Cape of Good Hope, and other landmarks on Mount Lowe Railway. |
 | Echo Mountain via Sam Merrill Trail This 5.8-mile hike visits a historic railway and ruins from a century old resort overlooking Pasadena. |
 | Rubio Canyon Trail This 1.3-mile round trip hike ventures into a rustic canyon to a double waterfall. |
 | More trails in the San Gabriel Mountains Explore other destinations in the range. |
 | Gould Mesa Trail Camp This 5-site trail camp in the Angeles National Forest can be reached via a couple routes, including a 5.1-mile round trip hike up Gabrielino Trail along the Arroyo Seco. |
 | Henninger Campground in the San Gabriel Mountains This 30-site hike-in campground is spread out on a pine-covered landing that boasts big views over the San Gabriel Valley and can be reached via a 6-mile out-and-back hike up Mount Wilson Toll Road. |
 | Mount Lowe Trail Camp in the San Gabriel Mountains This 7.25-mile hike descends Mount Lowe Toll Road to Inspiration Point and the ruins of Alpine Tavern where there is now a trail camp with five first-come first-serve sites. |
 | More campgrounds around LA Check out a few other places to camp in Los Angeles County. |
I was there today. The campground is open.
If we are planning to head up tomorrow morning may 24, what are the chances of getting a site?
You might be able to get a site on Friday morning, but I’m sure all the campgrounds in the San Gabriels will be full for Memorial Day.
Hello Campers! I will be visiting families in the SGV area and I am wondering how I can get an Adventure Pass so that I can go camping at Millard Campground and hike to Millard Falls. Does anyone know where I can get more info on the Adventure pass? How much would camping it before with the Adventure Pass and how much is the pass?
Thank you for your help in advance.
Happy Camper Wannabe.
Hi!
Quick question, will a taxi be able to drive me from Loma Alta/Chaney to the parking lot just below the campsite? I was not sure if there are restrictions on that sort of thing or not?
My partner and I have been hiking up and down the from the site for many years but my health won’t fare the trek any longer. Neither of us are drivers, this is why I am inquiring about the taxi.
Thanx,
JDK
Does anybody know if I have to pay a fee or pass to camp at Millard campground????
When open, there is no cost for this campground and only a National Forest Adventure Pass (day use pass) is required.
are there stores near the campgrounds to get food and other supplies
Nothing in walking distance, but plenty on the way.
What time does the parking lot open?
I’ve camped at Millard during many of my trips to LA. Aside from the gate being locked at sundown, it’s a relatively convenient spot to camp. Warning: It’s been discovered . . . by bears. One was curious about my tent, and scratched (and ripped) it with his claw – while I was sleeping in it. Last time I came was a few weeks after a bear mauled someone at Millard (summer 2016). I’m now more comfortable camping at the spot at the top of the ridge where the road makes a hairpin turn.
Is there water flowing at millard trail ?