West Fork Trail Campground - Temporarily Closed

Angeles National Forest includes West Fork Trail Campground, a hike-in site that requires campers to carry their gear along a creek-side trail. The US Forest Service manages this free campground, though it currently shows as temporarily closed. Access involves either a challenging trail descent or a utility road route that several campers find more manageable with heavy packs.

The campground sits directly alongside a creek that provides water for filtering during spring months. Will B. notes "I go in March/April so the stream has plenty of water to drink." Most of the approach trail runs under tree cover, offering shade from Southern California sun. Sites cluster near the water, and deer frequently visit the area in early morning hours.

Campers must pack out all water or filter from the creek, as no spigot exists on-site. A toilet provides basic facilities. The return hike presents a significant uphill climb, particularly challenging after spending time at creek level. Several visitors report having the campground to themselves during weekday visits in spring.

For those planning multi-day trips in the region, nearby options include Chilao Campground and Coulter Group Campground. Check current closure status before making the hike, and plan for stream-level temperatures that can be significantly cooler than surrounding areas.

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Map & DirectionsWest Fork Trail Campground is located in California near Mount Wilson

Detail location of campground
Public Campground

Coordinates

34.29100045 N
118.04900055 W

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Connectivity

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    Good Coverage
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    Verizon
    No Coverage
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    AT&T5G
    Good Coverage

Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Good Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Good Coverage

Access

  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Hike-In
    Backcountry sites.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • Tent Cabin

Features

For Campers

  • Market
  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Firewood Available
  • WiFi
  • Showers
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Pets
  • Fires

FREE established camping

Enjoy camping on government land. Limited or no services at this camping area.


PERMIT might be REQUIRED

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General Info

Drive Time


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Reviews4 Camper Reviews - West Fork Trail Campground

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4 Reviews

Many visitors highlighted the scenic creek-side location with good tree cover and peaceful setting. Water must be filtered from stream or packed in, and access involves significant uphill hiking on return.

Reviewed Jun. 12, 2021

Wrong Coordinates

The coordinates listed are incorrect. They led us through Angeles National Forest. It told us to park our car in the middle of the highway with no other roads or turn offs around. There were a TON of cars racing through down the roads. We even witnessed the immediate aftermath of some people racing who ended up getting in a pretty bad wreck. Be careful just driving on that road.

Sitenone
Month of VisitJune
Reviewed Nov. 15, 2020

Beauty away from the city

Perfect stopping point for backpacking. Went here in May and we were the only 2 here. Plenty of water flowing and tree cover from the sun.

  • Review photo of West Fork Trail Campground - Temporarily Closed by Stacy C., November 15, 2020
  • Review photo of West Fork Trail Campground - Temporarily Closed by Stacy C., November 15, 2020
  • Review photo of West Fork Trail Campground - Temporarily Closed by Stacy C., November 15, 2020
Reviewed Aug. 16, 2020

Challenging hike out.

I've been to this campground several times. It's one of my favorites. I go in March/April so the stream has plenty of water to drink. It is a challenging hike if you have a heavy pack. However, there is a utility road you can take that would make it 100% easier. No water facet but there is a toilet. I have woke in the morning to deer on several occasions. I will come back here.

  • Review photo of West Fork Trail Campground - Temporarily Closed by Will B., August 16, 2020
  • Review photo of West Fork Trail Campground - Temporarily Closed by Will B., August 16, 2020
  • Review photo of West Fork Trail Campground - Temporarily Closed by Will B., August 16, 2020
Reviewed May. 23, 2019

Nice drive to the site

Great location - especially for southern CA where so much of the camping/backpacking is scrubby and in the sun, etc. Most of this trail is under cover, beautiful and well maintained. The sites are right along the creek and very peaceful. You do have to hike out your own water or filter from the stream. Warning it's downhill almost exclusively on the way in and therefore... almost entirely uphill on the way out and the last bit is significant climb out. Dont let that stop you it's well worth the visit.

Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of West Fork Trail Campground - Temporarily Closed by David F., May 23, 2019
  • Review photo of West Fork Trail Campground - Temporarily Closed by David F., May 23, 2019

Frequently Asked Questions

Are fires allowed at West Fork Trail Campground - Temporarily Closed?

Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at West Fork Trail Campground - Temporarily Closed, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

Does West Fork Trail Campground - Temporarily Closed have wifi?

Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, West Fork Trail Campground - Temporarily Closed does have wifi.

Is there cell phone reception at West Fork Trail Campground - Temporarily Closed?

According to campers on TheDyrt.com, there is good coverage for AT&T, good coverage for T-Mobile, and no coverage for Verizon.