The best camping in Angeles National Forest, CA

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.

• 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.

1. Campsites in Angeles National Forest are available on a first-come, first-served basis, whereas group campgrounds require advanced reservations.
2. Arrive on a weekday to increase your chances of securing a spot, particularly if you plan to camp during the busy summer season.
3. While some campgrounds are free, many levy a small fee.
4. 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.
5. 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.

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.

• 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.

• 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.