Chino Hills State Park
Chino Hills State Park is within 20 minutes of Ontario and offers campsites in a quiet forest setting. Tent sites have picnic tables, and fire rings (guests are asked to check fire rules and current restrictions prior to having open fires). Bathrooms and showers are available for guest use. The park also offers hiking trails, mountain biking routes, and rock-climbing/bouldering problems. Dogs are allowed only in designated areas, and must be leashed at all times. Bird-watchers can look for turkey vultures and red-tailed hawks, and wildlife observers can keep an eye out for coyotes, possum, fox, and raccoons.
Chino Hills State Park
4721 Sapphire Road
Chino Hills, CA 91709
(951) 780-6222
stateparks.com/chino_hills.html
Angeles National Forest
Visitors to Ontario and the surrounding region can opt to stay at one of the Angeles National Forest campgrounds. Tent sites are first come, first serve. There are showers, bathrooms, picnic tables, and fire rings with grills at the campgrounds. Fresh water spigots are available for drinking and cooking water. Prior to having an open fire (only allowed in the fire rings) guests should check with rangers for current restrictions or bans. Pets are allowed if leashed. The Angeles National Forest encompasses several different microsystems and eco-regions, allowing visitors to experience many different forms of flora. Within the Angeles National Forest there are 557 miles of trail for hiking, biking and equestrian use.
Angeles National Forest
701 North Santa Anita Ave.
Arcadia, CA 91006
(626) 574-1613
fs.fed.us/r5/angeles/recreation/develop-camp-picnic.shtml
East Shore RV Park
The East Shore RV Park is in nearby San Dimas, which is a 30 minute drive (traffic allowing) from Ontario. Guests staying at the East Shore RV Park have convenient access to the beaches of LA and Orange County. Surfing, sea-kayaking, salt-water fishing, sailing and boogie-boarding can be enjoyed at the beaches. East Shore can accommodate tent campers and RV travelers. Tent sites have picnic tables and fire rings, and the park has showers and toilets. Pets are allowed if leashed. The San Bernardino National Forest is a two hour drive from the East Shore, and visitors to the forest can hike, mountain bike, rock-climb and backpack.
East Shore RV Park
1440 Camper View Rd.
San Dimas, CA 91773
(909) 599-8355
eastshorervpark.com
Article Written By Eric Cedric
A former Alaskan of 20 years, Eric Cedric now resides in California. He's published in "Outside" and "Backpacker" and has written a book on life in small-town Alaska, "North by Southeast." Cedric was a professional mountain guide and backcountry expedition leader for 18 years. He worked in Russia, Iceland, Greece, Turkey and Belize. Cedric attended Syracuse University and is a private pilot.
