Wind moves through the pines and cedars at Chilao Campground with enough force some nights to keep campers up, and the open terrain at this Angeles National Forest site means there's little to slow it down. Set at elevation along Angeles Crest Highway, Chilao draws LA-area campers looking for a quick change of scenery without a long drive, and on summer weekends the campground fills accordingly. Sites vary considerably across the different areas: Little Pines has spacious, partially shaded spots under conifers, while the Manzanita section runs drier and more exposed, dominated by oak woodland, boulders, and manzanita scrub. Manzanita may suit a fall visit better than a summer one, when the lack of canopy cover makes it noticeably warmer.
Noise is a recurring theme in reviews. Several campers report arriving to a quiet site only to have large groups roll in late on Friday nights with generators, music, and little regard for quiet hours. It is not a consistent problem, but it is a documented one. Jordan R. notes "clean vault toilets and facilities, very well maintained," which holds up across multiple reviews. Water availability varies by season and conditions, and boil advisories have been posted at times, so carrying your own supply is the safer approach. Campers should also watch for a purple-leafed plant throughout the campground that behaves like poison oak.
The Silver Moccasin Trail runs directly through the campground, giving hikers immediate access to the backcountry without driving elsewhere. Bears are present in the area. Using a bear canister and storing food properly is standard practice here, not optional. Katy K. describes the Silver Moccasin Trail as "a great hike" and notes that Little Pines has several ADA-accessible sites with paved access and level parking. RVs are limited to 18 feet. The campground is self-pay, so bringing cash is necessary.
Chilao runs from April 1 through November 15, and weekend crowds tend to build by Saturday afternoon. Arriving Friday morning gives the best site selection. Overflow areas have been opened during peak summer weekends when the main loops fill. For campers bringing dogs, Chilao is pet-friendly, and it sits within a broader network of pet-friendly campgrounds around Angeles National Forest for those planning multi-night trips. Nearby options include Little Pine Campground and Coulter Group Campground for groups or when Chilao is at capacity. The campground suits first-time campers and families reasonably well, particularly at Little Pines, but experienced campers who value quiet should plan their timing carefully.
Description
Chilao Campground sits at an elevation of 5,300 feet, giving campers majestic panoramas of nearby Vetter Lookout and Big Tujunga Canyon. The campground offers two different loops for tent camping- Little Pines, and Manzanita. Each loop offers 40+ sites for camping. Both loops remain open until a major snowfall makes it impossible to enter a loop. It's also important to note that wildlife is very active in this area and campers should ensure they secure their food in proper receptacles.
84 campsites spread out over 2 loops. Vault toilets. Piped water. Trash facilities. Accessible campsites.
Chilao Campground sits at an elevation of 5,300 feet, giving campers majestic panoramas of nearby Vetter Lookout and Big Tujunga Canyon. The campground offers two different loops for tent camping- Little Pines, and Manzanita. Each loop offers 40+ sites for camping. Both loops remain open until a major snowfall makes it impossible to enter a loop. It's also important to note that wildlife is very active in this area and campers should ensure they secure their food in proper receptacles.
Fee Info
$12 per night per site, $5 for extra vehicle.
Reservation Info
Campsites are first come-first served. No reserving or holding of campsites allowed.
RV’s: Maximum RV length is 18' - No hookups.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsChilao Campground is located in California near Mount Wilson
Coordinates
34.32335212 N
118.01898236 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GGood Coverage
VerizonNo Coverage- AT&T5GGood Coverage
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GGood Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&T5GGood Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Pull-Through Sites
Drive Time
- 58 min from Los Angeles, CA
- 1 hr 37 min from Oxnard, CA
- 2 hrs from Bakersfield, CA
- 2 hrs 37 min from San Diego, CA
