Description

Monte Cristo Campground is one of Angeles National Forests more popular spots to pitch a tent. With large, spacious and accessible sites, grab a friend (or two or three), and spend the weekend soaking up those camping vibes while you kick back and take a break from everyday life. Sites are car and RV-friendly, and if you’ve got a hankering to explore the nearby area you’re just around the corner from the postcard-worthy Switzer Falls.

Campsite area
Tent or RV sites
22 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 Monte Cristo 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.

5 Reviews

750
No one? Bueller? Sharing is caring, y'all.
Drop some Monte Cristo Campground knowledge on us.
Hipcamper Bex
Bex A.
recommends this listing.
February 11th, 2018

This campground is almost always empty. Very peaceful and private but close to the road. Also very sandy and not very wooded.

Hipcamper RaeAnne
Rae Anne C.
didn't provide a recommendation.
June 13th, 2016

My family and I arrived around noon on Friday in early June, and there were quite a few spots open. We chose 18- on the back loop, close to the exit. The spot had a nice picnic table, fire pit, and a decent amount of shade. However, we could still hear the traffic on the Angeles Highway, and the camp sites were pretty close together. There were several outhouses- some were well kept, others not so much. The best part was a semi-hidden hiking trail (go through the white gate marked no parking). It was easy enough for kids (our ten year old loved it) and long enough that you can reach a point where you don't hear traffic anymore.
It's a good campground to quickly escape the city for a night, but we wouldn't recommend it for a long trip. -$12

Hipcamper Justin
Justin K.
didn't provide a recommendation.
November 18th, 2015

Monte Cristo Campground will be closed for campground renovations for approximately 3 months- beginning Monday October 5th to mid-January 2016. The last day the campground will be open to the public will be Sunday, October 4th.

Hipcamper Salim P.
recommends this listing.
November 4th, 2018
Hipcamper Joseph G.
recommends this listing.
January 19th, 2018
Park
Angeles National Forest
State
California
Country
United States
Phone Number
626-574-1613
Directions
View on Google Maps
Official Website
View Website
Coordinates
34.341° N, 118.109° W
$12/night
Tent / RV / Trailer: 22 Sites
(Up to 8 people per site)