Description

Buckhorn Campground is one of those best-kept secrets people only share with close friends. Just a quick jaunt up the super scenic Angeles Crest Highway, it's high elevation (about 6,300 feet), guarantees you’ll escape the summer heat.

This whimsical campground provides shelter for the weariest of Los Angeles travelers with its lush campsites, sheltered among the pines and fragrant cedars. Want to break in those new hiking boots? Buckhorn is your connection point to the vast network of trails that weave their way through the Angeles National Forest.

There’s even word of swimming holes and a waterfall for the determined hiker.

Campsite area
Tent or RV sites
38 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 Buckhorn Campground-Open.

Beach
Desert
Forest
Lake
River, stream, or...
Swimming hole
Waterfall
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22 Reviews

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Drop some Buckhorn Campground-Open knowledge on us.
Hipcamper Jaime
Jaime C.
didn't provide a recommendation.
July 23rd, 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.

Hipcamper Jason
Jason E.
didn't provide a recommendation.
April 18th, 2019

As of 4/18/19 Buckhorn is still closed due to some snow. Try Chilao 10 miles down hwy towards La Canada.

Hipcamper Christine Lee
Christine Lee S.
recommends this listing.
May 27th, 2018

Had a nice trip at Buckhorn Campground. However, we did have trouble with some very loud neighbors who came in late at night, and were increasingly loud the next day. We relocated after the first night and had a peaceful rest of our stay. It's lovely, simple campground.

Hipcamper Bex
Bex A.
recommends this listing.
February 11th, 2018

This site is almost always full. Either go at 7 AM to catch campers leaving a site (you may have to wait a while), OR return every few hours until a site is open.

Hipcamper Brittany
Brittany Z.
didn't provide a recommendation.
October 1st, 2017

P.S. There are hiking trails and one that leads to a waterfall. Also it got very cold at night down to 25! Be prepared otherwise its about 45min drive down the windy road into town to buy anything.

Hipcamper Brittany
Brittany Z.
didn't provide a recommendation.
October 1st, 2017

We stayed here last weekend (9/22-24/17) beautiful trees surround the campground. we got there around 1045 am on Friday and we basically had pick of the whole campground probably only 7 sites were already taken. We chose site 9 and we absolutely loved it. We were camping with friends so we had 4 adults, two tents, two cars and two dogs. Site 9 was very spacious and the layout was perfect. Close enough to the bathroom but also not too close to smell it or hear the lid slam. Just a heads up the campground started getting full around 230/3pm. One complaint, there is a motorcycle club about 10min down the very windy road site 9 you hear every single motorcycle that zoomed by.

Hipcamper Briana
Briana K.
didn't provide a recommendation.
September 11th, 2017

Just stayed here for the weekend at site 30 (a huge site!) with good friends. This was an awesome campground! Large bear boxes, nice variety of unique campsites. Easy access to the trail from the campground - we ended up hiking a total of 6.5 miles. Beautiful views and scenery. Bring TP and be ready for the vault toilets.

Hipcamper Destiny
Destiny N.
didn't provide a recommendation.
September 2nd, 2017

Hi there, does anyone know what the best time to go grab camp site would be? Since it is a first come first come campsite. I know that campers have to check out at 11am, so I'm just wondering how early people line up for a spot. Thanks so much!

Hipcamper Reza
Reza Z.
didn't provide a recommendation.
August 9th, 2017

Stayed there last night (8/8) and had an amazing time. The camp was 2/3 full by evening time on a Tuesday, so there were still a number of sites to choose from. Half the sites have great shade from the sun as there are plenty of trees everywhere. Its a very rustic campground and you really feel like you’re living in the forest here. There are vaulted toilets, one for every 3 or 4 sites, and there were a few running water taps. Campfires are allowed in the fire pits but bring your own firewood. There wasn’t any cell phone reception, so you will be off the grid. Also the drive up the 2 freeway to the campsite is very scenic. The campground is fairly quiet, and everyone seemed nice. Finally, the Pleasant View Ridge hiking trail is wicked!

Park
Angeles National Forest
State
California
Country
United States
Phone Number
626-574-1613
Directions
View on Google Maps
Official Website
View Website
Coordinates
34.347° N, 117.913° W
$12/night
Tent / RV / Trailer: 38 Sites
(Up to 8 people per site)