Description

See Mt. Baldy in your summit future? Come stay the night before at Manker Campground right outside the trails that lead up to it. At 6,000 feet you’ll be sitting pretty around a campfire dreaming of the hike ahead of you. For a re-up on water on the way there or back, make a visit to the stream where you can gather the gift straight from Mother Earth. Just be sure to treat it prior to quenching your thirst. Don’t plan on making the trek to Baldy’s summit? Fair enough, Manker is also great for some plain ole fashioned chillaxin’.

Campsite area
Tent or RV sites
21 sites
Up to 8 guests per site
Up to 6 vehicles
No wheelchair access
Essentials
Campfires allowed
Toilet available
Pets allowed
Amenities
Potable water available
Picnic table available

Activities

Offered near the campground.

Biking

There are more trails in the surrounding area than within the forest, but with over 500 miles of trails, there’s no need to com...Read more

Boating

When the Los Angeles sun is beating down on you, you definitely need an escape into nature; make the most of the beautiful day ...Read more

Fishing

Tired of work and waiting for the fish to bite? No worries, your opportunity to fish doesn’t involve driving hours up the coast...Read more

Hiking

Who knew that you could climb steep mountains in Los Angeles? Well, now you know! In fact, there are over 500 miles of trails f...Read more

Horseback riding

Equestrians will love exploring the 557 miles of trails; riding is permitted on all trails except nature trails. There’s also h...Read more

Paddling

The perfect place to kayak is Pyramid Lake, a beautiful reservoir located away from the bustle of Los Angeles. All of your boat...Read more

Off-roading (OHV)

Tired of LA highway traffic? Yeah, so are we, just thinking about it. Instead of sitting on the interstate, come cruise over 30...Read more

Climbing

There are quite a few classic climbs in the forest for boulderers and mountain climbers to try out. Check ‘em out on the Mounta...Read more

Snow sports

Winter in LA doesn’t really feel like winter, but it can if you head up to the mountains! There, you’ll find a snow-covered for...Read more

Swimming

Heat too much for you? Don’t want to go to the beach where the water’s a little too cold and the sand a little too hot? No prob...Read more

Wildlife watching

Angeles has its fair share of wildlife, with the general motley crew of bears, raccoons, and mountain lions. If you’re camping ...Read more

Terrain

Natural features you'll find at Manker Campground.

Beach
Desert
Forest
Lake
River, stream, or...
Swimming hole
Waterfall
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7 Reviews

750
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Drop some Manker Campground knowledge on us.
Hipcamper Nick
Nick L.
didn't provide a recommendation.
December 5th, 2016

Update: In my last review I forgot to mention there is more than just the mountain around! In the summer take advantage of the Ski Lifts to get up to Baldy Notch for breakfast lunch or dinner. From the camp ground to you can hike to a near by waterfall. And all along the way keep an eye out for wild life! My all time favorite is seeing the big horn sheep on the Ski Hut Trail, but it's completely possible to see bear, raccoons, deer, mountain lion, snakes, and even eagle. So keep an eye out

Hipcamper Nick
Nick L.
didn't provide a recommendation.
December 5th, 2016

Perfect for summiting Mt Baldy in the open season.
It sits literally across the trail head and is perfect to relax in. All spots are first come first serve, and are fairly exposed and open the view by the neighboring campsites.

Be sure to bring pleanty of warm clothes, even in the summer temp can ready 30° at night. Have fun and enjoy this area for the nature that surrounds it!

Hipcamper Jorge
Jorge C.
didn't provide a recommendation.
July 19th, 2016

We camped in Manker so we could summit Mt. Baldy the next morning. Campground is easy to find and, at least during the week, quiet (thank god). We woke up at 4am to begin our summit bid and had a phenomenal day. Logged more than 14 miles and got back to camp almost crawling. Not a hike for the faint of heart but definitely worth it. The loop through Devils Backbone down through Ski Hut is, in my opinion, the way to go. Prepare for some amazing views. As other reviews here state, make sure you stop at Mt. Baldy Lodge for some well deserved food and drinks. It is amazing to think this place is so close to LA.

Cheers!

Hipcamper Megan
Megan G.
didn't provide a recommendation.
July 15th, 2016

We had a great time! It's barely an hour drive from LA, we drove up early Saturday morning, were able to grab a sight (if we had gotten there past 12 may not have happened), and headed home Sunday afternoon. Plenty of beautiful hikes around the area, many which lead to waterfalls. But we did meet a few rattlesnakes.
HEADS UP: The town close by is great for a Bloody Mary (have Missy at the Lodge make you her signature). BUT the town is without a gas station and general store. So, load up on firewood, food and gas before you head up the mountain. Also, if you're heading there to fish, it's basically a no go. We were told a combo of a flash flood then drought took out the fishing. The only option is a trout pond... but that's for the kids.

Hipcamper Sheena B.
has mixed feelings towards this listing.
August 7th, 2018
Hipcamper Kristen P.
recommends this listing.
March 16th, 2018
Hipcamper Nick L.
recommends this listing.
December 5th, 2016
Park
Angeles National Forest
State
California
Country
United States
Phone Number
626-574-1613
Directions
View on Google Maps
Official Website
View Website
Coordinates
34.265° N, 117.631° W
$14/night
Tent / RV / Trailer: 21 Sites
(Up to 8 people per site)