92% (226 reviews)
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Samantha
2 weeks ago
With pets
Anita’s land was an amazing family getaway! So close but no one around. We hung out and enjoyed the sun & pool area. Hiked around the landscape for sunset. Barbecued dinner outside and watched the stars come out! Lastly a movie night in the dome. Can’t wait to come back to this little escape.
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Brittany
2 weeks ago
37 ft fifth wheel
With pets
Amazing resort! So beautiful and very friendly staff. Kind of not super kid friendly, lots of cliffs and no barriers but other than that fantastic.
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Eva
2 weeks ago
22 ft Class B
The park is tidy with super friendly staff. The view is great! Would def recommend it.
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Robert
2 weeks ago
20 ft Class B
The campsite offered incredible views of the pacific ocean. The staff was friendly and helpful. On the negative, the bathrooms were not very clean, and the trash was building up in the dumpsters.
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miguel
2 weeks ago
Tent
With pets
It was nice for location and price . I was there one night and zero complaints. Exactly what you would expect from a hip camp location . Thank you
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Rebecca
2 weeks ago
With pets
I enjoyed my stay at ArtFarm and would definitely come back for another glamping trip! The cabin was very cozy but clean. Very quiet and relaxing. Steps away from the kitchen and bathrooms which made it very convenient. The cabin was a bit warm and stuffy during the daytime, so I had to leave the door open to get airflow during the day - keep that in mind if you are staying during the hot summer months. The WiFi was also bit hit or miss at times. My one suggestion for the host is to have some signage up to point where some of the key landmarks are - there’s a lot of land, and that would have been helpful for orientation.
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Andres
2 weeks ago
Tent
This place was awesome , great views , hot showers and restrooms , the spaces were a lil tight but still a great time ! Would definitely recommend !!
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Jodie
2 weeks ago
14 ft pop-up camper
Wonderful host. Beautiful spot overlooking the mountains. So close to the beach! We’ll be back!
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Megg
2 weeks ago
Tent
Had a wonderful stay, besides the wind it's was amazing! Definitely going back soon! The host was helpful and responsive. It was my first time camping in the desert and my boyfriend's first time camping ever and we both had a wonderful experience here.
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Elizabeth
3 weeks ago
24 ft Class C
Group trip
Todo superó las expectativas. Es un lugar de sueños, todo espectacular. Las vistas , la limpieza , la hospitalidad
Volvería sin ninguna duda y lo recomiendo
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Brent
3 weeks ago
19 ft Class B
With pets
our host was very kind, let us pick our spot with any of the open ones. my Son and I had the best fathers day here camping……… hope to be back one day :)
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Robert
3 weeks ago
21 ft Class B
With pets
It’s a very nice spot. We loved all the old west decorative touches. We brought an RV and also rented the “Fearless Mary” airstream. Enjoyed the sunset and early morning views up there. Also dined below by the saloon under the big oak. It’s 25 minutes to the beach, 10 minutes to shops and restaurants. The hosts were great. Emphatic thumbs up
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Jorge
3 weeks ago
Tent
Group trip
Ostrich educational tour was very good, Josh is very knowledgeable and good at explaining
Access was easy and instructions were very detailed and clear
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Nicolas
3 weeks ago
Tent
Really incredible views and helpful staff! Also really stocked front office for last minute snacks, if a bit expensive
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Mia
3 weeks ago
Tent
This was such an awesome experience! Kyle is super welcoming and the property has such a cool space to explore, relax, play and just have a great time overall! I will definitely be coming back to hopefully help with some of the projects and do some more stargazing!
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Wendy
June 2025
25 ft Class C
With pets
Ocean view is fantastic and Dog's walk is even more beautiful with ocean view.
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Maria
June 2025
Tent
Great place to stay after catching a show at the theater
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Clay
June 2025
Weekend Trip to Prospector Ranch
We had a great time in the “land yacht“. It was a fun throwback to the past. Very comfortable, clean and cozy. The secluded area was very relaxing and Meggan was an exquisite host.
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Top public campgrounds in the park
Stay at a public campground in Angeles National Forest
Top-rated campgrounds near Angeles National Forest
Camping in Angeles National Forest guide
Overview
About
Just outside of Los Angeles, the aptly named Angeles National Forest attracts city slickers with its mix of mountains, rivers, high desert, and woodlands, all within easy reach of the city. The forest extends for roughly 700,000 acres in the San Gabriel and Sierra Pelona Mountains and encompasses much of the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument. The forest is divided into three ranger districts and has over 50 campgrounds, many of which accommodate RVs, plus a handful of cabins and group sites. Popular activities in the forest include hiking, rock climbing, and fishing, and it’s the closest place to LA to find snow in the wintertime.
Notable campgrounds
- Best for getting away from it all: Hike or bike seven miles to Glenn Camp Campground, which offers 10 tent sites and vault toilets.
- Best for wildlife watchers: Table Mountain Campground offers easy access to nearby trails and meadows that provide a habitat to a variety of birds and animals.
- Best for anglers: Coldbrook Campground’s location on the San Gabriel River, just four miles from where the river is stocked with rainbow trout, makes it a great place for a fishing getaway.
Tips for snagging a campsite
- Campsites in Angeles National Forest are available on a first-come, first-served basis, whereas group campgrounds require advanced reservations.
- Arrive on a weekday to increase your chances of securing a spot, particularly if you plan to camp during the busy summer season.
- While some campgrounds are free, many levy a small fee.
- If you're having trouble finding a campsite, check with rangers or staff at one of the area visitor centers to see if they have any suggestions.
- If you'd rather secure a campsite ahead of your departure, there are plenty of private options in the area, including Hipcamps, that do take advance reservations.
When to go
The weather in Angeles National Forest varies greatly depending on elevation, but summers are generally hot and dry while winters are chilly and damp. Parts of the forest get snow in the wintertime, with high-elevation snowfall starting as early as November and often not melting until well into May. Note that while winter sports are popular in parts of the forest, campgrounds in these snowier areas generally remain closed from mid-fall until late spring.
Know before you go
- Dogs are welcome in the forest, but must be kept on leashes no longer than six feet in length.
- Cell phone service can be spotty in parts of the Angeles National Forest, so make sure to download offline maps or print directions before you leave home.
- Burn bans are common in the forest, especially in summer and fall, when the risk of forest fires is at its highest.
- Check the Alerts & Notices section of the Angeles National Forest website for information on road closures and forest fires before you head out.
- Los Alamos Campground, Monte Cristo Campground, and some concessionaire-managed campgrounds offer wheelchair-accessible camping.
Nearby attractions
- Soak in panoramic views of towering peaks and vast deserts when camping near the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument. The serenity and beauty of this area offer a distinct camping experience that will leave you rejuvenated and inspired.
- Experience the joy of camping near Frank G. Bonelli Regional Park, a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Overlooking the shimmering Puddingstone Lake, it offers abundant recreational activities, making your camping trip fun-filled and memorable.
92%
226 ratings · 123 reviews
Recommends
· April 2025
Loved the location! Very communicative host. Also, all the animals were a fun bonus :)
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Zachary H.
2 reviews
December 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
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Jose Alex V.
2 years on Hipcamp
April 2022
A gem tucked away in the Angeles Forest! Parked up at Mount Wilson observatory in the Cosmic Cafe parking lot and trekked down for a 6.5mile descent into Idlehour campground. First come first serve, with 3 official camp spots (2 with their own benches and stoves), but honestly you can put your tent wherever you want there's a lot of room on the grassy areas, so easily at least 7 sites with ample room. I went in April and the river was flowing and temperature was perfect. The trek back up to Mount Wilson was a steady 3200 ft gain which was brutal carrying a 33lb pack, did it in 2.5hrs but my pace is quick and I only stopped once for 5mins. Alternatively can start at Eaton Creek and hike up to Idlehour and then back down to your car.
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Faysal S.
3 years on Hipcamp
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.
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Keng L.
4 years on Hipcamp
Not recommend
· May 2021
There can be some colorful characters to put it nicely. It seems to attract people who want to do bad things. I've had a few bad experiences there. Most people keep to themselves but especially at night it starts to feel unsafe because more people start rolling around and it gets louder at night. Lots of bugs, a wasp stung our camping neighbor on the lips while he was eating a burger. We've resorted to sitting in the tent to avoid all the flies in our face. I know they just replaced the old vault toilet that was the nastiest toilet I've ever seen in my entire life and the only reason I bought a camping toilet. Now there are 3 new vault toilets but I haven't camped there since they opened those. Just...camper beware...
Amanda B.
4 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· March 2021
The sites are sizeable and the evening sky views are phenomenal. If the spring isn't flowing, you'll need to haul in your own water (of course, you won't know if it's running or not until you hike in).
David V.
3 reviews
July 2020
I visited in mid-July. The camp is very secluded and has great potential, but unfortunately there were a ton of fire ants which bit my dog a few times. There were also a ton of flies all day. The nearby creek was completely dry. I would avoid Mt. Lowe Trail camp until fall or early winter.
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William K.
2 reviews
Recommends
· July 2020
Table Mountain is a great campground if you're looking for a quick getaway not too far from LA. There is a huge variety of sites, with varying degrees of privacy and shade. We stayed in 101, which was great and super quiet. There's no stream or swimming lake nearby (see below for more on the lake) but overall this is a nice place to get some mountain views but gets hot during the day.
Wrightwood is nearby if you need supplies or want to grab some food/snacks.
Jackson Lake was a bit disappointing. Went to check it out on Monday and it was packed and lots of blasting music. Lots of trash left in the grass too and the water didn't look super clean. However, the hike next to the lake, Jackson Lake to Jackson Flats -- was great. Recommend!
Gina P.
10 years on Hipcamp
February 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.
Peter R.
5 years on Hipcamp
October 2019
Beautiful spacious and private campgrounds. We had a campsite next to the creek and it was beautiful to see and listen to. Cons: The incessant number of bugs during the day didnt see as many ants as expected nor mosquitos. People dont pick up after their dogs. We had an excess of flies due to the overwhelming number of poop puddles left throughout just our campsite alone. campgrounds are beautiful w the natural mix of what seem to be some sort of large succulent w an abundance of beautiful trees and shrubs. The creek or stream is a good size- its not just a tiny trickle- you can hear the running stream while you sleep. Campsite comes with a picnic table, a small fire pit ring and bbq grill. We camped with five little dogs- highly recommend
Sunny S.
5 years on Hipcamp
September 2019
Camped here last weekend. If it hadn't been 95 degrees it would have been better, but there were some strange things happening here that had nothing to do with the heat:The couple who seemed to be on drugs yelling at each other, storming off (one on foot, one in the car) and then coming back 4 hours later, still yelling at each other; The older man who parked his Toyota Camry and then sat in it ALL AFTERNOON and then left; Or the 3 30-something men who showed up, drank a case of beer and then left. This place was weird, however, it is well maintained and there were plenty of sites. There is no running water. I would only come here again if the traffic on the 5 was stopped and I needed to rest.
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Sarah M.
5 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· August 2019
This camp site (on the Pacific Crest Trail!) felt pretty remote, yet only required a 0.7 mile "hike" in on an old paved road. There was a decent-sized dirt parking area right next to the gated road to the camp site. We went the first weekend in August 2019, and there was only one other group camping at this location. Plenty of large pine trees for shade and hanging hammocks, plus our site had a great flat spot (without pine needles!) for our tent. Latrines available. Very easy access to the PCT. Disclaimer: The empty beer cans and used banana wrappers in our fire pit made me think that a kid-friendly camping trip here would be a gamble. We didn't look at the other fire pits, so maybe this was an anomaly.
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Julia F.
4 reviews
July 2019
It was just ok. The hike was better than the camping area which was not bad necessarily. The camp sites felt a bit too close together and I sure didn't get a sense of seclusion. If you're a beginner to intermediate camper then this camp site is perfect. If you feel like you're the type of person that seeks something more off the beaten path then I'd suggest upper Sequoia or parts of Yosemite instead. The price for the sites and the fact that it's first come-first serve are the biggest plus, especially if you're camping on a weekday.
Jaime C.
6 years on Hipcamp
July 2019
Just returned from a 2 night trip with my 2 daughters yesterday (so Tues-Thurs trip). We got there at about 6 am and there was plenty of parking. We look Lower Creek in and crossed streams about 5 times. There was no one in Hoegee just us. Toilets were closed and hard to find a place to go when nature called since there are many hikers going through. Lots of flies and mosquitoes. One bear box that people are using as a trash can. May want to bring something to cut wood. Took Upper Creek out, inclines at first but evens out.
Charles H.
6 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
Recommends
· July 2019
I camped here July 6/7. Despite it being a holiday weekend the trails were pretty much empty and the camp wasn't full. I think there were 4 other occupied campsites the night I stayed, but the way the sites are arranged I couldn't see any of them (and only heard the one right next to me). After I got all set up for the night I saw 3-4ft rattlesnake wandering near my site, which had me on edge a little bit but didn't see it again once the sun went down. There was plenty of water in the stream for me to fill up (& filter before drinking).
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Kyle C.
6 years on Hipcamp
Not recommend
· June 2019
I did not camp here, but my wife and I were looking for trail camps and somehow missed Oakwilde Trail Camp, and we just walked straight on pass this place once we saw it. Even though we backpacked all the way from Switzer on a Saturday, it was completely packed with looked to be people of almost permanent residence there. Be careful if you camp here as it close to the city. And if you like remote, this is not the place for you.
Dave R.
6 years on Hipcamp
June 2019
My wife and I camped here last weekend on 6/14/2019, and it was an awesome campground. A couple of downed trees on the almost 4 mile hike in from Red Box Picnic Area, but fairly easy to get around. Lots of shade on the trail and mostly downhill all the way to the campground. We saw one harmless mountain kingsnake on the trail (however another hiker saw two rattlesnakes)...so always keep your eyes and ears open! There was also plenty of water to drink from the West Fork River (make sure you treat it) and to dip your toes in after your hike! Yellow wildflowers were blooming when we were there and it was a gorgeous sight! The hike out is mainly uphill and pretty tough, but at least your pack is a little lighter! Definitely coming back!
Dave R.
6 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· June 2019
Isolated, good view, Great camp
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Xinyi H.
6 years on Hipcamp
April 2019
As of 4/18/19 Buckhorn is still closed due to some snow. Try Chilao 10 miles down hwy towards La Canada.
Jason E.
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
· December 2018
Definitely a drive to the campground! The dirt road can be rough at times, definitely will need a vehicle with some clearance to get there. Pit toilets, fire ring, and picnic tables available. NO WATER.
Nick L.
9 years on Hipcamp
October 2018
I've camped there with my kids, it is a perfect first hike and backpacking trip. EXCEPT the trail head is REALLY popular and you will not get parking unless you get there before dawn or have some special parking god looking out for you. I was extremely luck to have a good samaritan see me with my kids and give me their parking spot or else I would have had to park 3/4s of a mile away. And the toilet pits stunk, but otherwise a good campsite for beginners.
Rob K.
6 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· October 2018
Make sure you are ready for the 2.1 miles hike that starts at 6500 feet elevation
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Matt S.
6 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· September 2018
The views at night overlooking City lights from high above are amazing! Like no other place.
My favorite campground in Angeles.
The ski resort will be closed for the off-season if you camp here, so the "remains" of the lifts & a giant painted yeti are apocalyptic-like. I highly recommend this one!!! Well worth the long drive up a dirt road.
Hollie W.
5 reviews
Recommends
· September 2018
Get a annual adventure parking pass and you can camp for free! Really easy hike to a waterfall with not a lot of people.
Sam T.
9 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· July 2018
Poured rain all through the night, woke up to an empty, mist filled campground. It was great!
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Evan C.
7 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· July 2018
Super easy to get to from Los Angeles and feels like you're very far away from the city. I went after work on a Thursday night and there were only a couple other campers so we basically had the place to ourselves. Lots of trails and easy hikes from the campground but it was really buggy. Bring bug spray for sure. Not sure how busy it gets on a weekend night but it was really nice and accessible. Only drawback I could see is that if it is busy, the sites are close to each other so you may be near your neighbor.
Molly F.
9 years on Hipcamp
July 2018
NOTE: This campsite is only accessible by 4x4 as of 7/8/18. High clearance is not enough unless the Forest Service grates the road. We drove 9 miles down the mountain to Lupine Campground on July 7th. Torrential rains came through and washed out a portion of the road making it a very rocky dried up riverbed. We made it up the mountain safely by catching a ride with other hikers but our high clearance vehicle was stranded for a day and required a 4x4 and winch to get it out.
Wendy W.
7 years on Hipcamp
June 2018
It's very close to the rt 5 and you hear the traffic at night. The campground itself is pretty nice.
Bob J.
7 years on Hipcamp
Top points of interest near Angeles National Forest
- Angeles National Forest