Description

Summer fun starts here at Crystal Lake Rec Area Campground. Drive in for a night stay or a few, and join all the others lookin’ to start off their summer right. This camp can get as busy as a beehive, so get here bright and early! Hike around the area, fish Crystal Lake, or just do that giant dose of nothing you’ve been pining to do for so many months now. Watch the day go by in the shade of the forest and breathe deep. Make your trip here an adventure in the winter as the campground becomes walk-in only.

Campsite area
Tent or RV sites
36 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 Crystal Lake Recreation Area and Campground.

Beach
Desert
Forest
Lake
River, stream, or...
Swimming hole
Waterfall
Hipcamp makes it easy to find unique camping experiences.
Discover campsites, ranches, vineyards, farms, glamping, public parks and more.

11 Reviews

750
No one? Bueller? Sharing is caring, y'all.
Drop some Crystal Lake Recreation Area and Campground knowledge on us.
Hipcamper Jose Alex
Jose Alex V.
didn't provide a recommendation.
December 20th, 2022

crystal lake cafe and cabin are awesome. very peaceful ive stayed in three cabins all of them have a good vibe and the cafe is bomb

Hipcamper Peter
Peter R.
didn't provide a recommendation.
February 27th, 2020

Went up for a day yesterday since I haven't been then in more than 10 years. It's beautiful as it's always been. Looking to go camping there soon. I would recommend it to anyone who wants to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Hipcamper Laura
Laura M.
didn't provide a recommendation.
July 14th, 2015

On a Saturday in July the car camping area was packed with big groups (mostly mellow) but if you're willing to walk ~200 yards to a no parking site, it's peaceful and empty. Clean sites (iffy latrines) & well stocked camp store. Easy overnight 90 mins from LA.

Hipcamper Ronny
Ronny M.
didn't provide a recommendation.
July 8th, 2015

What an amazing campground that no one uses. Crystal Lake Cafe (and camp store) has just about anything you need, including some delicious chili cheese dogs. Crystal lake itself is not much to see these days with drought. Beautiful grounds and trails a plenty!

Hipcamper Zach C.
recommends this listing.
December 28th, 2018
Hipcamper Jake M.
recommends this listing.
November 28th, 2018
Hipcamper Peter R.
recommends this listing.
February 27th, 2020
Hipcamper Salim P.
recommends this listing.
November 4th, 2018
Hipcamper Alexa E.
recommends this listing.
August 7th, 2018
Hipcamper Kris  R.
recommends this listing.
October 23rd, 2017
Hipcamper Coleman S.
recommends this listing.
April 6th, 2017
Park
Angeles National Forest
State
California
Country
United States
Phone Number
626-335-1251
Directions
View on Google Maps
Official Website
View Website
Coordinates
34.326° N, 117.833° W
$12/night
Tent / Van: 36 Sites
(Up to 8 people per site)