Monte Cristo Campground, near Palmdale, California, is a solid choice for those looking to escape the city without straying too far from home. This spot offers a mix of tent and RV sites, complete with picnic tables and fire pits, perfect for roasting marshmallows and sharing stories around the fire.

The campground is surrounded by beautiful trees and features a seasonal creek that adds a nice touch to the scenery. Visitors have mentioned that while the water sources are available, the taste might not win any awards, but it gets the job done for washing up. Many campers appreciate the peaceful vibe, with one saying, “It was a half full occupied place, but loved the calm camp feel.”

If you’re into hiking, you’re in luck! Monte Cristo is close to some great trails, including Hidden Springs and Switzer Falls, making it easy to get your outdoor fix. Just keep in mind that cell service is pretty much non-existent, so it’s a great place to unplug and enjoy nature.

While some campers pointed out that the restrooms could use a little TLC, the overall experience seems to be about enjoying the great outdoors. So, if you’re looking for a laid-back camping experience with a touch of adventure, Monte Cristo Campground might just be the spot for you.

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

Monte Cristo Campground

Join the fun near Mount Wilson. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that California camping has to offer. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your California camping adventure.

Mount Wilson

The Best Camping Near Mount Wilson, California

Stayed overnight while doing a #questival race around LA. Clean, not so quiet but overall a gorgeous place.

So close to LA yet so far away.

Visited it while participating in Cotopaxi. Only about an hour from LA. Campground was clean, easy to find. There were water spigots and pit toilets. There's a small creek that runs through the campground. It was easy to find a spot on a Friday night

One Night at Monte Cristo

Great little spot, easy to find and well maintained

Excellent

Small cute area with a small creek running through it.

Proper dispersed camping, first come first serve $12 cash deposit box. About 20 decent sized spots with firepits, picnic tables &amp; water. Nice campgrounds with lots of trees and big stones, and a creek that runs thru seasonally but it was dry when I visited 4/12/21. One downside there is NO service here or really anywhere on the 2. But if no service is no problem then definitely recommend! It’s Close to Hidden Springs and Switzer falls, surrounding area is very beautiful. I’ll be back!

Nice spot close to good hiking

I camped here for a week and half and it was quiet. No water at sites but they have water. No service. I pulled a 26 TT. I came in from the La side of the mountains and found it’s easier to go in from Palmdale with a rv or tt. If your hauling anything longer then 20 ft. Try for site 11. 

Quiet and relaxing 

Stayed in space #4. No cell phone service here. T-Mobile customer.

Some of the camp grounds are overgrown with grass- not maintained. The pit bathrooms are not pleasant as it's minimally maintained. There are water sources on almost all campsites. Or one right next to you if you don't have one. The water does not taste too good, but it serves for washing. A bear was on our stuff the first night. I whistled and it ran away. In the morning today, we seen another, casually walking Into the grounds. It didn't seem aggressive or particularly interested in humans. It seemed more curious just to take a stroll and look. Yelling at it to leave worked super easy, but it isn't afraid. There are sufficient trees, but I recommend to bring an easy-up for shade. It's in between two peaks (hills on east and west) so you can sleep in and in late afternoon, you're not being blasted by the sun. It got hot, but it was bearable. Paying is easyeasyJet, make sure you have exact change because it's a drop box with available envelopes. You will hear people flying down the highway during the day. It was a half full occupied place, but one group was definitely heard. They weren't too much though. If a little bit of water ran through the trench, it would have been perfect. Giving it 5 stars for the great time. There are nicer places that are too full, but loved the calm camp feel. 

Would visit again

Campground was okay but be careful because there are black widows everywhere! Especially under the tables of the campsites. Be especially careful if you’re traveling with kids, because with the next hospital far away a bite could be deadly. These spiders come out in the evening.

Other than that we liked the vibe. Restrooms were poorly maintained and there was lots of trash laying around. 

Okay but venomous

Nice little camp ground. They need to do some trash cleanup and people need to not be slots. There are dumpsters and water and multiple toilets.   It's a bit close to the road,  but it pretty. There is a nice breeze. Cause it's in a valley the sun isn't too bad

Photos of Monte Cristo Campground

Real photos from real campers