Highway noise from Angeles Crest Highway carries through this first-come, first-served campground, where about 20 sites with fire pits and picnic tables spread across terrain dotted with large boulders and mature trees. Monte Cristo operates year-round at $12 per night through a cash drop box system, accommodating RVs up to 30 feet alongside tent campers who can access walk-in spots.
Water spigots serve most sites directly or within close proximity, though seasonal maintenance issues occasionally affect availability. The campground sits in a valley between eastern and western peaks, providing natural windbreaks and afternoon shade that campers appreciate during warmer months. A seasonal creek runs through the grounds when water levels permit. Taka B. notes "you will hear people flying down the highway during the day," reflecting the campground's proximity to the main mountain route.
Pit toilets and dumpsters handle basic sanitation needs, though maintenance levels vary according to recent visitors. Cell service remains unavailable for most carriers, creating a communication-free environment. Bears occasionally wander through the campground, requiring standard food storage precautions. The location provides access to nearby hiking destinations while maintaining the rustic feel that draws campers seeking an uncomplicated mountain experience within campgrounds just outside Angeles National Forest.
Description
Monte Cristo Campground recently underwent a complete renovation. All campsites in the campground were totally revamped during the renovation. There are now 19 individual camp sites with sites #6 and #7 as double sites. In order to ensure fee compliance site #6 was designated as #6A and #6B; and site #7 was designated as #7A and #7B. This is to inform the public if both A and B sites are occupied at #6 and #7, campers will be required to pay double to occupy the double sites.
3600' elevation
19 campsites
Campsites are first-come-first-served.
Accessible,Tent camping,Camping trailer,Fee charged for some activities,Picnic tables,Toilets,Drinking water,Parking
Fee Info
Fees are due within 30 minutes upon occupying the camp site. Occupancy is on a first come, first served basis. Campsites must be occupied the first 24 hours. Reserving or holding of campsites is not allowed. 8 people, 2 vehicles maximum per campsite. Quiet hours are 10:00 pm - 6:00 am. Check out/Change of day time is 11:00 am. Pets must be confined or on a leash.
Adventure & Interagency Passes are not accepted in-lieu of the $12 fee. Interagency Senior and Access Passes entitle the cardholder to 1/2 price on the camping fee.
Reservation Info
First come first serve
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundMonte Cristo Campground is located in California
Directions
Location: From Interstate 210 in Pasadena, exit the Angeles Crest Highway (Hwy. 2) and drive north for 9 miles. Turn left onto the Angeles Forest Highway (County Rd. N3) and drive about 9 miles to the campground. May also be reached from the Sunland area by taking Big Tujunga Canyon Rd. and turning left at the Angeles Forest Highway, or taking the Angeles Forest Highway from the Palmdale area.
Coordinates
34.34135 N
118.109452 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.
Site Types
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
Drive Time
- 50 min from Los Angeles, CA
- 1 hr 25 min from Oxnard, CA
- 1 hr 43 min from Bakersfield, CA
- 2 hrs 30 min from San Diego, CA
