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.

Chilao Campground

**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](http://www.leatherman.com/) 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](http://www.leatherman.com/sidekick-9.html?cgid=multi-tools#start=1). 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)

Ranger Review: Leatherman Sidekick at Chilao overflow camping

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

Nice spot

there are easy hiking trails all over &amp; 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. 




loved it!

Great spot

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. 

Crowded in the weekend 

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. 

Easy camp less then 1 hour from home

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. 

Great for first time campers

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.


Pretty close to LA

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

Quiet and relaxing 

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!

Clean and Beautiful

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 😅

Bug problem 

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