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Established Camping

Manker Campground

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Manker Campground, near Mount Baldy, California, is a solid spot for those looking to escape into nature without straying too far from the city. Tucked away in the Angeles National Forest, it offers a simple yet beautiful setting with plenty of trees and a peaceful atmosphere.

This campground is perfect for tent camping, featuring picnic tables and fire pits for those cozy evenings under the stars. Visitors have noted that the bathrooms can get a bit messy during busy weekends, but many appreciate the overall cleanliness during quieter times. One camper mentioned, “I went on a Wednesday afternoon in May and got my pick of sites,” highlighting the tranquility you can find here.

If you’re up for some adventure, Manker Campground is close to several hiking trails, including the challenging ascent of Mt. Baldy. Reviewers have praised the stunning views and the diverse wildlife, with sightings of deer and various birds adding to the experience. As one happy camper put it, “The San Gabriel Mountains are my favorite mountain range,” showcasing the natural beauty surrounding the area.

While it can get crowded at times, especially on weekends, the friendly vibe and the chance to connect with nature make Manker Campground a worthwhile destination for your next outdoor getaway.

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Location

Manker Campground is located in California

Detail location of campground

Directions

From Foothill Blvd. in Claremont, take Mills Ave. until it turns into Mt. Baldy Road. Drive 12 miles north on Mt. Baldy Rd. passed Mt. Baldy Village to the campground. (Note: Foothill can be reached by taking Mountain Ave. north from the 10 freeway). Call (626) 335-1251 for current conditions and additional information.

Coordinates

34.26500046 N
117.63100082 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
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Connectivity

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    T-Mobile5G
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    AT&T5G
    Good Coverage

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • ADA Access
  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Drinking Water
  • Electric Hookups
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets

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Reviews

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4.0

out of 5

13 Reviews

Reviewed Jun. 7, 2025

Different but doable

Great quiet place just needs more lighting they should add showers and more bathroom because it gets dark

Site6
Month of VisitJune
Reviewed Jul. 3, 2024

Mankers campground

We spent 3days and 2nights here and enjoyed our stay, the caretaker was so nice! Although the restroom are very dirty but overall it was a great stay!

Sitesite 11
Month of VisitJune
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  • Review photo of Manker Campground by Ella Z., July 3, 2024
Reviewed May. 10, 2024

Clean and near trails

I went on a Wednesday afternoon in May and got my pick of sites.  There were only 4-6 other campers each night so it was very quiet.  Bathrooms were clean and supplied with TP.  

No AT&T service.  Only one car per campsite.

Site13
Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Manker Campground by Michelle W., May 10, 2024
  • Review photo of Manker Campground by Michelle W., May 10, 2024
  • Review photo of Manker Campground by Michelle W., May 10, 2024
  • (9) View All
Reviewed Sep. 26, 2021

Manker Flats at Mount Baldy

This is my favorite campground in the greater Los Angeles area. Tucked away at the top of a precarious winding mountain road. It is very basic, simple and beautiful.

Site13
Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Manker Campground by christi W., September 26, 2021
Reviewed Aug. 2, 2020

Convenient Camping, Gets Crowded

Small tent and motorhome campground with firepits, water spickets, bathrooms (they get very dirty on the busy weekends, beware!) Lots of hiking nearby, close to Baldy Lodge and just a few minutes away from everything.

Reviewed May. 28, 2019

A must see

The San Gabriel Mountains are my favorite mountain range, and the beauty and majesty of this local treasure are often overlooked even by lifelong area residents. Because of its large size and tall summits over 10,000 feet high and the range offers tremendous diversity, encompassing granite peaks with stunning views, lush alpine forests of pine and cedar, lovely stream fed canyons lined with old growth oaks, and spectacular gorges where pure mountain streams cascade over magnificent waterfalls.

  • Review photo of Manker Campground by David F., May 28, 2019
  • Review photo of Manker Campground by David F., May 28, 2019
  • Review photo of Manker Campground by David F., May 28, 2019
Reviewed Sep. 1, 2018

Hobit Citu....

Close by Hobit trails clear and inviting trails .rivers and in the winter snow....lots of campsites.... seen deer..rabbits and a multitude of squirrels. ...

Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Manker Campground by David O., September 1, 2018
Reviewed Aug. 8, 2018

the almighty dollar. not a terrible spot

with proper funding any campground can be great. This site was riddled with friendly staff and great nearby trailheads to some gorgeous hikes. wish there had been bear boxes at the sites other than the ones for refuse. Some people had recently destroyed the main bathroom by obnoxiously smashing all of the porcelian, leaving campers for 21 spots only two bathrooms to toggle between. Humans are so vile. For larger groups this was not ideal. With proper funding this place could really be a gem.

  • Review photo of Manker Campground by Kittie B., August 8, 2018
  • Review photo of Manker Campground by Kittie B., August 8, 2018
Reviewed Jul. 7, 2018

Only drive in campground around

Top of mt Baldy road.. almost as far as you can drive. Not many sites, about 20. One giant loop. No reservations needed.

Unfortunately, this campground can get rowdy on weekend evenings with people , who frankly have no respect for nature and the outdoors.

But during the week, it’s usually pretty quiet.

Major trailhead close by

most sites under trees

take care with your food.. I had three little bears cruise by me at dusk last November

SiteMost of them
Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Manker Campground by Jennifer D., July 7, 2018
  • Review photo of Manker Campground by Jennifer D., July 7, 2018
  • Review photo of Manker Campground by Jennifer D., July 7, 2018
  • (4) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Manker Flats Campground located on Mt Baldy?

Manker Flats Campground is located at the top of Mt. Baldy Road, almost as far as you can drive up the mountain. Situated in the San Gabriel Mountains, this campground offers a prime location for accessing the majesty of this often overlooked mountain range. The campground sits at high elevation (over 6,000 feet) tucked away at the end of a winding mountain road. Its location provides a perfect base for exploring Mt. Baldy, with its impressive 10,000+ foot peaks and diverse landscape.

What facilities and amenities are available at Manker Flats Campground?

Manker Flats Campground offers basic but functional amenities. The campground features fire pits, water spigots, and bathrooms (though these can get quite dirty on busy weekends). There are no showers or bear boxes at individual sites, only refuse containers. The campground accommodates both tents and motorhomes in a single loop layout with approximately 20 sites. Each campsite is limited to one vehicle. Cell service is limited, with no AT&T coverage reported. The campground has trees throughout, providing nice shade, but minimal lighting at night.

How do I make reservations at Manker Flats Campground?

Manker Flats Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservations accepted. Weekdays typically offer the best chance of securing a site, as visitors report being able to have their pick of locations midweek, especially in spring months like May. Weekends can be considerably busier. The campground has approximately 20 sites arranged in one large loop. For the most current information on availability and fees, contact the Angeles National Forest or check their official website before your trip.

What hiking trails can I access from Manker Flats Campground?

Manker Flats Campground provides excellent access to numerous hiking trails in the area. The Mt. Baldy summit trail starts nearby, making it convenient for those looking to climb this 10,000+ foot peak. Icehouse Canyon trail is also close by and popular with hikers. The Hobit trails are clear and inviting, offering beautiful scenery. The San Gabriel Mountains provide diverse hiking opportunities from this base camp, with trails leading through granite peaks, along rivers, and through snow-covered terrain in winter. Wildlife sightings are common, including deer, rabbits, and squirrels.