Description
Close enough to the city yet far enough away to escape the smog and traffic. Chilao Campground is a great destination along the gorgeous Angeles Crest Highway.
Haven't seen the stars in a while? Come to Chilao Campground for a refresher course. Located at about 5,000 feet in the Angeles National Forest, this spot will refresh even the dustiest of souls.
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 Chilao Campground.
The vibe at Chilao Campground
10 Reviews
Had a pretty terrifying experience here in the off season with some very dodgy fellow campers - but you gotta be ready for that up there just above such a massive city. Went back in the summer and the views on the north side are truly incredible.
Awesome Campsite. Close to LA and has great views for the watching the sunset. was not very busy at the early end of the season. found a site, no reservation. Decent bathrooms, Not many trees, not big ones at least. Compared to Buckhorn campground which is just a bit further up the mountain. Overall had a very good experience here. was not very cold when i went. Made it with just a hoodie and waterproof jacket. Road was paved but not maintained. Beautiful views for stars as well as long exposure photography.

Great campsite not far from LA. Great views for sunset watching and friendly, helpful rangers. This is a well known campsite and can get pretty crowded and loud if you go during a busy weekend or during the summer months. So make sure to get there early. Well worth the view and nearby hiking trails in the area!
At $15 a night, very cheap. It can get quite windy and cold at night, and every time I've been there fellow campers have been pretty noisy using amplified sound which drove me nuts. Quite a beautiful. lunar landscape. I enjoy winter camping out here - I think it would be brutal in the summer.
First come, first serve spots. Each site at this location is really unique, with roxk formations on some, great views north and south, and a various array of trees. Two cars are allowed per site, wth additional being an extra charge (I believe $5-$10/day). Restrooms are scattered throughout, and water spouts between most sites (was told that while potable, should be boiled first). There’s hiking in every direction, and some great slot canyons to the west. The wind can pick up from the north in the fall, so anchor down your tent (lesson learned).
Wonderful place. BUT the bathroom walls, floor and vault toilets need a good hosing down!!!
While we where there they only replaced the toile paper. No wonder people go in the woods!
Camped 3 times this year so far after snow melted, I love both sites, Manzanita and Little pines! Both has an amazing view. Not much shades so be prepared. lots of sunscreen and a cabin type of a tent would be so nice. Lots of hiking trails to go wonder around. It's a family friendly campsite. You'll see a million stars at night! I can't believe it's only one hour drive from downtown LA. It gets super busy on weekends ( drive around til you find a spot or you won't find any ) so Come reserve a spot on Friday to camp on weekends during the warm months. No water when I camped so bring plenty! In April, the temperature dropped to below 40 at night, we survived in a tent with 3 little kids! but hey, be sure to check the weather before you go!
Poured rain all through the night, woke up to an empty, mist filled campground. It was great!

26 miles from the 210 freeway. Consist of 2 main sites: Little pines (closer to hwy) and Manzanita ( more exposed but only 1/4 mile from Little Pines. $12/night. Dozens of sites. All walk up. Biggest sites have room for 4 cars (double lane), with plenty of spots for tents. Tends to get windy in the afternoon. It's a summit top. No bear lockers, but restrooms and well water every 12-15 sites. Manzanita is most scenic with views towards the west. Plenty of gorgeous Manzanita trees. 4 miles up the hwy is the historic Newcomb Ranch where bikers hang for food, etc. 10 miles north is Buckhorn campground, well worth it if open.
- Park
- Angeles National Forest
- State
- California
- Country
- United States
- Phone Number
- 626-574-1613
- Directions
- View on Google Maps
- Official Website
- View Website
- Coordinates
- 34.324° N, 118.017° W
- Unknown price
- Tent / RV / Trailer - Group: 1 Site (Up to 50 people per site)
- $12/night
- Tent / RV / Trailer: 83 Sites (Up to 8 people per site)
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