Coldbrook Campground — Hotel in Glendora

The campground is really close by but still feels disconnected from the outside world. Some sites are pretty small, but if you do get a chance to get a site near the water, it's so worth it. the water is nice and cool to dip your feet in and easily accessible. I've camped here a few times and here are some major tips I wish I knew before coming. Keep in mind, I've only camped a few times, so take my advice with a grain of salt.

Checkout time is at 2pm, so don't worry too much about getting there super early. Most people will leave by then or even a little after. From what I've seen, some sites have been reserved, but it seems rare. It's mostly first come, first serve. Restrooms are somewhat clean. Do try to go #2 before you camp. Camp sites are pretty close together with most being right next to each other. There is access to clean pipe water that I think is drinkable (read the post at the entrance of the camp). I still brought my own drinking water, but used the pipe water to wash.

Bear Advice: There WILL be a bear. I've been here 3 times and have encountered the bear every time. DO NOT HAVE FOOD IN OR NEAR YOUR TENT. Put everything in your car by sunset. Scare the bear by banging pots and pans or using flashlights and throwing rocks at its feet (not directly at it). If you can, stand your ground. Gain distance, act big and be loud. If you let it eat your food, it will definitely come back and be nosy during the middle of the night. If you hear the bear while you're sleeping, just lie still. It's only interest is food and if you actually put all the food away, then it will know that it's useless to come back to no food. Also, no one wants to hear multiple car alarms in the middle of the night. side note, I removed all food from my backpack but it was still interested in it due to lingering smells. Put these away too. If the bear goes to your site and discovers no food, it might not snoop around again, but it might come back if it was successful with your neighbors food. It's favorite food is chocolate. It skipped all my meats and dinner and went straight for my chocolate chip cookies that I was saving for dessert ):

That being said, I think this is a nice campground with quick and easy access. grab a chair, a good book, and sit in the river. The only downsides I see are the bear and the fact that the campsites are very close...

This campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis and has a camp host on site. I've noticed sheriffs positioned at the entrance to Azusa Canyon Road on Sundays. Camping costs $12 per day, with a $6 fee for daytime parking and $5 for additional vehicles. Veterans and military personnel with interagency pass receive a discounted rate of $6 per day.

Most of the campsites are well-maintained, with public restrooms and large trash cans available to prevent bears from getting into the area. A stream runs through the center of the campsite, providing access to water and a place to play. The deepest point of the stream I observed was around four feet.

Certain campsites, like site 10, have the stream running right behind them. This can be nice but may become bothersome as it can lead to others walking through your campsite to access the water. Many other campsites also offer access to the stream.

I recommend bringing your own firewood; however, there are falling branches around the campsite you can gather and use. During my stay, I brought an ax and spent half a day chopping up a fallen tree for my campfire. There are also plenty of trees and shade for your tent and vehicle.

Be aware that this area is noisier than other campgrounds due to motorcycles and race cars racing down the canyon from the top of the Crystal Lake area until around 2-4 a.m. At this time of year (April), the sun sets around 7:40 p.m., and the bright moon allows you to navigate without a flashlight until about 4 a.m.

I heard some gunshots Friday night in the canyon, but I generally felt safe during my two-night, two-day stay. The campsite filled up by Friday evening, but some people stayed just for the night and left early in the morning, possibly to hike. If you arrive between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m., you should find plenty of vacancies. As always, be kind to one another. Be mindfully of the wicked but Focus on the good. Always clean up after yourself and help pick...

It’s a beautiful campground. Very small, and first come, first serve, so get there early. The brook is freezing, but clean and fresh.

Also, BEARS. We went on Labor Day weekend and saw bears both nights. We left our ice chest for about 15 mins to go for a walk at dusk, and came back to a very large bear going through it. He wasn’t aggressive, but also wasn’t scared of us at all. Our site butted against the mountain and he slowly made his way up and hung out for a bit. Our neighbors had a gun to try and scare him away, but he didn’t flinch. Eventually he got sick of us bothering him and he went on his way. Even tho we packed our stuff away very tight, he still came back through our site in the middle of the night and caused some damage.

On night 2 We heard sites around us trying to scare another one off. Lots of yelling, flashing lights, or honking horns. Again, these bears did not seem aggressive—they really only wanted food. BUT they were not scared of people at all, so just be prepared to see them. Bring bear spray. And be smart with putting all food away at night. Like locked in an ice chest, in a car away. They still may come to your site, especially if you cooked, but if they can’t find anything, they’ll be on their way.

Oh and we briefly saw the host, but they never warned anyone about bear sightings or checked in after it was clear multiple sites were trying to scare them off. Not sure if that’s their job, but it would have been a nice gesture. I’m sure these bears frequent this area.

Oh and bugs. Be very prepared with bug spray, and a place to escape at night. There were lots of them. We brought an easy up/bug net but the bear broke it the first night trying to get to our kitchen.

Also be prepared for cold/wet. The elevation is somewhat high and you’re in a mountain so often times it’ll just starts drizzling or everything gets wet because...