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Activities

Established Camping

Manker Campground

Manker Campground, near Mount Baldy, California, is a solid spot for those looking to escape into nature without straying too far from the city. Tucked away in the Angeles National Forest, it offers a simple yet beautiful setting with plenty of trees and a peaceful atmosphere.

This campground is perfect for tent camping, featuring picnic tables and fire pits for those cozy evenings under the stars. Visitors have noted that the bathrooms can get a bit messy during busy weekends, but many appreciate the overall cleanliness during quieter times. One camper mentioned, “I went on a Wednesday afternoon in May and got my pick of sites,” highlighting the tranquility you can find here.

If you’re up for some adventure, Manker Campground is close to several hiking trails, including the challenging ascent of Mt. Baldy. Reviewers have praised the stunning views and the diverse wildlife, with sightings of deer and various birds adding to the experience. As one happy camper put it, “The San Gabriel Mountains are my favorite mountain range,” showcasing the natural beauty surrounding the area.

While it can get crowded at times, especially on weekends, the friendly vibe and the chance to connect with nature make Manker Campground a worthwhile destination for your next outdoor getaway.

Description

USDA Forest Service

Angeles National Forest

Camp high in the clouds at Manker Flats Campground. This campground sits at 6000-feet and offers 21 campsites open year-round. However, piped-water is turned once temperatures reach freezing. Each site comes with a spacious spot for all your family camping needs and includes a picnic bench, fire ring, and vault toilets. It's located within a short drive to historic Mt. Baldy Schoolhouse and Visitor Center where visitors can discover the land's Native American roots. Close by, hikers have several options to begin their day's adventure including, Mt. Baldy Bowl trailhead. This trailhead can be combined with another major route, Devil's Backbone, to reach the summit (10,069') to form an impressive 11.3-mile loop hike. For the more casual hiker, a 1.4 mile round trip to the 75-foot San Antonio Falls is available. Bears are very active in this area, so it is recommended that all campers use provided bear boxes, personal bear canisters, or seal all food as to eliminate scent.

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Location

Manker Campground is located in California

Detail location of campground

Directions

From Foothill Blvd. in Claremont, take Mills Ave. until it turns into Mt. Baldy Road. Drive 12 miles north on Mt. Baldy Rd. passed Mt. Baldy Village to the campground. (Note: Foothill can be reached by taking Mountain Ave. north from the 10 freeway). Call (626) 335-1251 for current conditions and additional information.

Coordinates

34.26500046 N
117.63100082 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Unknown
  • Verizon
    Poor
  • AT&T
    Unknown
  • T-Mobile
    Unknown

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • ADA Access
  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Drinking Water
  • Electric Hookups
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets

Reviews

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4.0

out of 5

12 Reviews

Reviewed Jul. 3, 2024

Mankers campground

We spent 3days and 2nights here and enjoyed our stay, the caretaker was so nice! Although the restroom are very dirty but overall it was a great stay!

Sitesite 11
Month of VisitJune
  • Play button icon
  • Review photo of Manker Campground by Ella Z., July 3, 2024
Reviewed May. 10, 2024

Clean and near trails

I went on a Wednesday afternoon in May and got my pick of sites.  There were only 4-6 other campers each night so it was very quiet.  Bathrooms were clean and supplied with TP.  

No AT&T service.  Only one car per campsite.

Site13
Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Manker Campground by Michelle W., May 10, 2024
  • Review photo of Manker Campground by Michelle W., May 10, 2024
  • Review photo of Manker Campground by Michelle W., May 10, 2024
  • (9) View All
Reviewed Sep. 26, 2021

Manker Flats at Mount Baldy

This is my favorite campground in the greater Los Angeles area. Tucked away at the top of a precarious winding mountain road. It is very basic, simple and beautiful.

Site13
Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Manker Campground by christi W., September 26, 2021
Reviewed Mar. 22, 2021

Day camping

It was nice a little close to the road though.

Reviewed Aug. 2, 2020

Convenient Camping, Gets Crowded

Small tent and motorhome campground with firepits, water spickets, bathrooms (they get very dirty on the busy weekends, beware!) Lots of hiking nearby, close to Baldy Lodge and just a few minutes away from everything.

Reviewed Jan. 3, 2020

Baldy ascent

Nice little campground to pitch a tent and climb mt.baldy

Reviewed Oct. 1, 2019

Good Overnighter

This is a good spot to spend the night. It’s close to Ice House Canyon trail.

  • Review photo of Manker Campground by Stephen S., October 1, 2019
  • Review photo of Manker Campground by Stephen S., October 1, 2019
  • Review photo of Manker Campground by Stephen S., October 1, 2019
Reviewed May. 28, 2019

A must see

The San Gabriel Mountains are my favorite mountain range, and the beauty and majesty of this local treasure are often overlooked even by lifelong area residents. Because of its large size and tall summits over 10,000 feet high and the range offers tremendous diversity, encompassing granite peaks with stunning views, lush alpine forests of pine and cedar, lovely stream fed canyons lined with old growth oaks, and spectacular gorges where pure mountain streams cascade over magnificent waterfalls.

  • Review photo of Manker Campground by David F., May 28, 2019
  • Review photo of Manker Campground by David F., May 28, 2019
  • Review photo of Manker Campground by David F., May 28, 2019
Reviewed Sep. 1, 2018

Hobit Citu....

Close by Hobit trails clear and inviting trails .rivers and in the winter snow....lots of campsites.... seen deer..rabbits and a multitude of squirrels. ...

Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Manker Campground by David O., September 1, 2018
Reviewed Aug. 8, 2018

the almighty dollar. not a terrible spot

with proper funding any campground can be great. This site was riddled with friendly staff and great nearby trailheads to some gorgeous hikes. wish there had been bear boxes at the sites other than the ones for refuse. Some people had recently destroyed the main bathroom by obnoxiously smashing all of the porcelian, leaving campers for 21 spots only two bathrooms to toggle between. Humans are so vile. For larger groups this was not ideal. With proper funding this place could really be a gem.

  • Review photo of Manker Campground by Kittie B., August 8, 2018
  • Review photo of Manker Campground by Kittie B., August 8, 2018
Reviewed Jul. 7, 2018

Only drive in campground around

Top of mt Baldy road.. almost as far as you can drive. Not many sites, about 20. One giant loop. No reservations needed.

Unfortunately, this campground can get rowdy on weekend evenings with people , who frankly have no respect for nature and the outdoors.

But during the week, it’s usually pretty quiet.

Major trailhead close by

most sites under trees

take care with your food.. I had three little bears cruise by me at dusk last November

SiteMost of them
Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Manker Campground by Jennifer D., July 7, 2018
  • Review photo of Manker Campground by Jennifer D., July 7, 2018
  • Review photo of Manker Campground by Jennifer D., July 7, 2018
  • (4) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How much does it cost to camp at Manker Campground?

    Camping at Manker Campground can starts at $12.00.

  • What is the max vehicle length at Manker Campground?

    Manker Campground allows vehicles up to 16 feet.

  • Does Manker Campground have wifi?

    No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Manker Campground does not have wifi.

  • Is there cell phone reception at Manker Campground?

    According to campers on TheDyrt.com, Verizon signal is poor, AT&T is unknown, and T-Mobile is unknown.