Chula Vista Campground at Mt. Pinos

Chula Vista is a short hike from the parking lot (1/4 mile), but it is quite a way off of the 5 up more than one windy road. Mt. Pinos stands at almost 9,000 feet, one of the highest in the area, so if you are subject to altitude sickness be aware.

The camp area itself is semi dispersed, there are fire pits and picnic tables as well as an older pit toilet.

It has been one of our favorite places to Snow Camp every January, as it is relatively close and even during the drought there was usually a little bit of snow at the top. There are many places to make snow runs down the slopes, build snow caves, etc.

A wilderness permit may be required, the area is first come first serve, and there is no water nor trash so pack it in pack it out.

If you enter the parking lot at night be aware that it is a popular place for stargazing, so enter with your headlights dimmed and be respectful and cautious.

Primative campsite close to socal snow

My first visit to Chula Vista was a fantastic experience and perfect for viewing the Perseids Meteor Shower.

The campground itself is a short hike from the parking lot and is first come, first serve. Many of the campsites have fire pits, however due to the fire hazards we did not use ours. There is no trash or water, so it is necessary to pack in and pack out.

A permit is required to park in the parking lot and also if you enter the lot at night it is important to be respectful and do so with your headlights dimmed due to the area being a very popular place for stargazing.

Overall, my time at Chula Vista was fantastic. The hike to Mt. Pinos from there is short and well worth the views!

Perfect campsite for stargazing!

Park at the lot up top, then walk about 1/2 mile to campground via dirt path. Plenty of sites. Old rustic bathrooms work well. Picnic tables at each site. Brought my dogs here and they had a blast, plus no ticks found. Plenty of hiking directly around this campground. Stayed here for three nights and found plenty of exploring to do nearby. Highly recommend, especially because there is no fee. Being said, Pack it in and pack it out! Leave No Trace principles are crucial to keep this place beautiful

Hike In Gorgeous Campground with ample space

It’s a nice drive to get to the campground. Nice clean area with lots of space.  Love it that’s it’s a Walk in campground so no cars or RVs. Lots of Hiking  trails nearby. It’s a lot cooler up here so it’s a nice way to get away from the summer heat. Awesome area for stargazing. The bathrooms could use some cleaning but other than that it’s a beautiful area. 

Summer Heat Getaway!

Plus:
Great free shaded sites with fire rings and tables. 
The 12 sites are spread out 
Great hiking trails thanks to all the cross country skiing trails.
Camping is free but so is most of the land along the roadway. It’s called dispersed camping. 
Great hike to Mount Pinos, 


Just a few caveats:
1. The toilets sometimes don’t have TP.
2. “Bears were active” signs are posted.
3. No water
4. It’s a three yard hike back to the parking lot.
5 Ranger said he has written 100 tickets this summer for people having campfires when it’s posted no campfires. I think he visits the site daily. 