Chilao Campground

We’ve stayed here twice as it’s a great quick getaway from Los Angeles. We have been encountered by a bear once at night. We yelled “go bear” and it did in fact, go. Seemed friendly to say the least

The place was cool nothing special, just your typical camp site but the bugs were relentless. I’m no stranger to bugs being around I’m an avid camper but they seem Immune to repellants. Giant horse flys we’re in the area along with a lot of bees and gnats. I thought they would calm at sunset but then had a flood of nocturnal insects a long with a bat trying to fly in car. Not a bad place but come with a net canopy or your gonna have a bad time. My dog was glad to leave 😅

Lots of great campsites to choose from. Bears were very active the night we were there. Lots of car alarms caused by the bears was the only downside. We also had one come through our campsite in the middle of the night. Amazing views here!

If you live in LA, it’s a must! Nice and peaceful! Only an hour away!!

Went there on the hottest day of the year.  Every other campground was full but this one was sparsley populated when I arrived.  I looked forwarded to a peaceful evening under the stars in a pretty place.  At 9 PM still many open campsites but a few large noisey groups set up camp and proceeded to talk and play their radio until midnight.  It appears they decided 12 AM was the cutoff.  Most agregious was a youth (14 -17 years old) group of about 12 boys.  They roamed the campground all night just screwing around and making noise.  The adult supervisors did nothing to control the boys.  I could have used another 2,500 feet elevation to escape the heat and the other "campers".  I left first thing in the morning.

This is our go to spot since it’s close to where we live. Sometimes it’s quiet. Sometimes it’s loud depending on who your neighbor is. And sometimes this place get’s windy as hell.

We chose our first family camping trip to be in Chilao because of all the great reviews. It didn’t disappoint.

Plenty of campsites to choose from and most are very spacious. Beautiful views and not too hot.

This was your basic campsite with picnic bench, fire ring and vault toilet. My honey and I agreed we would return based on seclusivity. Out of 83 sights, divided on 2 loops, only a few were shared parking with another vehicle but seemed like they would be good for larger groups that were willing to pay for 2 spots. Lots of spots were hidden by rocks and or large brush.

The wife and I wanted to get away but had to be close enough to get home in a hurry. Drove up on Friday morning and had a wonderful weekend. Lots of open spots early Friday but the place was packed Saturday night. Water is available but bring your own, there were boil signs everywhere. Clean vault toilets and facilities, very well maintained. If you are there in the evening check out the sunsets through the canyons but make sure you are well insulated as the wind blew hard Saturday night. Not a ton of hiking but the Silver Moccasin north spur is a lovely short hike and only about 1/2 mile from the camp ground loop. Great place for first time campers or families.

Great spot to get away from the big city being only a 45min drive from the Downtown, couldn’t ask for more

I mean what do you expect everyone wants to go out and enjoy the outdoors and awesome views. This place is nice better close to winter, not too hot but it does get cold at night. Other camps are available next to Chilao which is great as well Incase this is crowded. People also just come here to hike so they might not be camping. There is a fee so make sure to read the information on the board. It is self pay so you will need to get an envelope and pay with cash. At night it’s the best especially when the sun is going down.

Great for a quick weekend getaway!

there are easy hiking trails all over & good trees for hanging my hammock. the campsites are very spacious and clean (bathrooms were clean too!) i have been here a few times for a last minute weekend away, it’s less than an hour from pasadena.

Nice camping spot with campfire. Just wished it had bathrooms nearby.

Nice spot, each camp sites is pretty well secluded from others, high desert, shrubs and some trees, was able to hang my hammock at site. Bathrooms we're a little gross, but hey, its camping

Campground

We had been driving around the campground loops for more than an hour, and had just about given up, when we say the sign for overflow camping near the exit of the Chilao campground loop. We wish we had know about this set-up sooner! Chilao campground had temporarily converted its "Day use only" areas to overflow camping.

The "sites" still had their own grill, picnic table, and access to an outhouse and water spigot. I spoke to a ranger the next morning and he explained that they have been setting up these overflow sites every weekend since April. Really good to know during the summer months if you can't get to the campground early enough to reserve a normal spot!

The fee is still $12, which you can pay in the morning when the rangers do their rounds. We had grabbed one of the few envelopes from a different loop and left it with money under the windshield wiper of our car.

Product Review

One of the many great things about being a Ranger for The Dyrt is getting to test outdoor products. For this camping trip, I tried out the Leatherman Sidekick. This tool could not have a more appropriate name. I ended up using it almost hourly. Pot to hot to pick up? Use the pliers. Food wrapping to tight to open? Use the knife. Found a walking stick with a few two many branches? Use the saw. You get the picture. The tool is lightweight (7 oz), compact, functional, and made of sturdy material. The product comes with a mini case and a carabiner too. See my video in this review for a demo of the various features. You can read the full product specs on the official Sidekick product page. Tools included:

1. Spring-action Needlenose Pliers
2. Spring-action Regular Pliers
3. Spring-action Wire Cutters
4. Wire Stripper
5. 2.6 inch Knife (with safety lock)
6. Serrated Knife
7. 2.6 inch Saw (with safety lock)
8. Ruler (1.5 in | 3.8 cm)
9. Can Opener
10. Bottle Opener
11. Wood/Metal File
12. Phillips Screwdriver
13. Medium Screwdriver
14. Small Screwdriver
15. Carabiner Accessory
16. Hex Bit Driver (on carabiner)
17. Another Bottle Opener (on carabiner)