Sitting at elevation in the San Gabriel Mountains above the Los Angeles basin, Little Pine Campground in Angeles National Forest gives campers the sensation of being well above the surrounding sprawl. The drive takes roughly an hour from Glendale, and the road leads to a loop layout where multiple sites face open sightlines toward the surrounding ridges and forest canopy. Sites fill on weekends, particularly in summer, so arriving early or checking availability matters.
Sites vary in character. Site 13 offers more separation from neighbors but sits on a slope, making tent setup uneven. Site 15 has a fire pit with a cooking grate and parking large enough for a small RV, which aligns with the campground's big rig-friendly designation. Nightly rates start at $12, making this one of the more affordable options in the area. Daniel A. sums up the draw simply: "Cool scenery, and great hiking."
The campground runs on a first-come, first-served basis for most sites, with a self-pay station at the entrance. Water is available on-site but is not potable. Toilets, trash service, and picnic tables are provided, and pets are welcome, which makes it a reasonable fit for dog-friendly camping near Angeles National Forest. Alcohol is permitted.
Campers wanting a group setting or a different configuration nearby can look at Coulter Group Campground or Chilao Campground, both within a short distance along the same road system.
Description
Overview
Little Pines Loop is one of two camping loops within Chilao Campground, located just northeast of Los Angeles in the San Gabriel Mountains. It is accessed via the Angeles Crest Highway, a scenic byway that winds through oak woodlands, chaparral, high desert terrain, and pine forests. Situated in the high country of the Angeles National Forest within the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument, Little Pines Loop offers cooler mountain temperatures, panoramic views of surrounding peaks and ridges, and diverse forest habitats. Camping is available for a nightly fee per site.
Recreation
Little Pines Loop provides convenient access to hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. Nearby trails include the Silver Moccasin National Recreation Trail, which connects to sections of the Pacific Crest Trail. The Angeles Crest Highway offers scenic overlooks and access to additional trailheads. Birdwatching, wildlife viewing, and stargazing are popular activities due to the campgrounds elevation and minimal light pollution.
Facilities
Little Pines Loop has 43 campsites, each equipped with a picnic table and fire ring/grill. Amenities include potable water via multiple spigots, three vault toilets, bear-proof dumpsters, and large parking spurs. RVs up to 40 feet in length are allowed.
Natural Features
Little Pines Loop sits at an elevation of approximately 5,300 feet within the rugged San Gabriel Mountains, part of the Transverse Ranges. The landscape is characterized by a mix of coulter pines, manzanita shrubs, scrub oak, and chaparral covering steep mountain slopes. This high-elevation environment supports diverse wildlife, including birds, deer, coyotes, bighorn sheep, black bears, and bobcats.The campground is located less than one mile from the San Gabriel Wilderness, a designated wilderness area encompassing over 36,000 acres within the Angeles National Forest. The wilderness preserves its natural character across extremely rugged terrain, with elevations ranging from approximately 1,600 to over 8,200 feet. Vegetation transitions from dense chaparral at lower elevations to pine- and fir-covered slopes at higher elevations, offering significant biodiversity, seasonal temperature variation, wildflowers, and wildlife viewing opportunities.
Nearby Attractions
The Chilao Visitor Center is located approximately 1.5 miles east of the campground and features interpretive exhibits, short trails, seasonal programs, and a birdwatching deck.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsLittle pine campground is located in California near Mount Wilson
Public CampgroundDirections
From Los Angeles, travel north on Interstate 210 and exit onto Angeles Crest Highway (State Route 2). Continue for approximately 25.6 miles. Look for the Chilao Overnight Campground sign on the left, turn in, and follow posted signs to Little Pines Loop.
Coordinates
34.3204207 N
118.0123391 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.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Group
- Tent Cabin
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Water Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 58 min from Los Angeles, CA
- 1 hr 37 min from Oxnard, CA
- 2 hrs 18 min from Bakersfield, CA
- 2 hrs 32 min from San Diego, CA
