Angeles National Forest Camping

Camping at Angeles National Forest offers a diverse experience, with options for every type of camper and outdoor enthusiast. Located just north of Los Angeles, the forest spans over 650,000 acres in the San Gabriel and Sierra Pelona Mountains, serving as a popular year-round escape for residents of the Greater Los Angeles area. With elevations ranging from 1,200 to 10,064 feet, campers can choose from chaparral-covered foothills to high-altitude pine and fir forests, all providing stunning views and a range of ecosystems.

Types of Campsites

Angeles National Forest has over 60 campgrounds, offering tent, RV, and dispersed camping. Notable campgrounds include:

Los Alamos Campground: Near Pyramid Lake, this 93-site campground is perfect for water activities like fishing and kayaking. It accommodates RVs and smaller vehicles and includes amenities such as drinking water, flush toilets, and a camp store.

Coldbrook Campground: With a more secluded setting along Coldbrook and Soldier Creeks, this 22-site campground is ideal for campers seeking a quiet retreat. Each site has a fire pit and grill, but no electrical hookups.

Manker Campground: Situated at 6,000 feet, this campground offers spectacular mountain views and access to popular trails like the Devil’s Backbone and Mt. Baldy Bowl trailheads. Bear-proofing of food is essential here.

For a more rustic experience, dispersed camping is available in certain areas, as are specialized sites for equestrians, group camping, and backcountry campers.

Seasonal Activities

Warm Seasons: Spring, summer, and fall are popular for hiking, with over 557 miles of trails crisscrossing the forest, including 176 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail. Off-roading, mountain biking, and fishing are other key activities during these months, especially around Pyramid Lake, Little Rock Reservoir, and Castaic Lake, where anglers can catch trout, catfish, and bass.

Winter: The forest remains active in winter, with snow play and skiing available at Mt. Baldy Resort and other nearby ski areas. The cooler months are also a prime time for scenic drives along the Angeles Crest Highway, which provides access to key points like Mount Wilson and Mount Baden-Powell.

Amenities and Regulations

Campgrounds within Angeles National Forest are equipped with amenities like picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets. Many sites have access to drinking water, but it’s always recommended to check specific site details before visiting. A National Forest Adventure Pass is required for parking in many areas of the forest. The forest has strict regulations on campfire use and encourages bear-proof food storage to protect both campers and local wildlife.

Access and Safety

Angeles National Forest is accessible from several main routes, including CA-2 (Angeles Crest Highway), I-210, and Big Tujunga Canyon Road. Roads can become hazardous with snow and ice in winter, especially at higher elevations, so visitors should come prepared. Wildlife is abundant, including species such as black bears, mountain lions, and mule deer, and hikers should exercise caution and stay on marked trails.

Historic and Scenic Attractions

Campers can explore historical sites like the Mount Wilson Observatory, or tackle challenging hikes such as the Gabrielino Trail leading to Sturtevant Falls and the Devil’s Backbone to Mount Baldy’s summit. The San Gabriel Wilderness and Sheep Mountain Wilderness areas offer untouched, scenic terrain, while the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument protects nearly 350,000 acres of this natural landscape.

In sum, Angeles National Forest offers a variety of camping experiences and outdoor activities, set against a backdrop of rugged mountains, lakes, and rich biodiversity, just an hour from Los Angeles.