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Chilao Campground

97%

83 sites · RV, Tent

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.

What this place offers

Campfire allowed

Pets allowed

No showers

Toilets

Potable water

Picnic tables

No sewage hookups

No electric hookups

First come, first served

RV, Tent

Explore 654 campgrounds near Angeles National Forest

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Top-rated for location, privacy, and amenities near Angeles National Forest

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97%

34 ratings · 11 reviews

June 2021

I set my chair up in either camping spot number 16,17 or 19. A young man and a women in a white jeep took my camping spot. The man got out of his car, he threw my Helinox chair into the bushes, and then he tried to run me over with his jeep despite me yelling repeatedly to stop. He didnt stop until my husband came to stop it. Terrible experience. When i reported to the two park rangers, one of the old white blonde park rangers interrogated ME. It felt racial. Wow. Never going back again.

Keng L.

4 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· July 2019

Had a very good first time experience here on the 4th of July. Not much in the way of trees compared to other sites like Buckhorn, but then at least there WERE sites available, unlike nearby Buckhorn (ranger told us that site was packed for days). Summertime afternoons might be a bit warm if you're not under one of the few trees, but night time was very pleasant. I'm definitely coming back.

Marc M.

6 years on Hipcamp

April 2019

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.

Jason E.

6 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· July 2018

Poured rain all through the night, woke up to an empty, mist filled campground. It was great!

Evan C.

7 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· May 2018

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!

Yuna L.

8 years on Hipcamp

May 2018

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!

Gail K.

9 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· December 2017

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).

Ian H.

8 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· October 2017

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.

Ruth I.

8 reviews

May 2017

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.

Omar C.

8 years on Hipcamp

April 2017

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!

Paige B.

8 years on Hipcamp

December 2016

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.