178 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Acton, California and the surrounding Angeles National Forest area feature both developed campgrounds and primitive camping options. The campground landscape includes family-friendly established sites like Thousand Trails Soledad Canyon with full hookups and cabin accommodations, as well as more rustic options such as Chilao Campground and Monte Cristo Campground in the nearby mountains. Many sites accommodate both tent and RV camping, with varying amenities and accessibility throughout the region. The area serves as a convenient base for exploring greater Los Angeles while still providing natural surroundings and mountain views.
Seasonal considerations impact campground operations in the region, particularly at higher elevation sites. Several campgrounds in the Angeles National Forest, including Buckhorn Campground and Chilao Campground, operate only from April through November due to winter conditions. Year-round campground options like Monte Cristo Campground and Soledad Canyon RV Resort provide alternatives during colder months. Road conditions vary significantly, with some campgrounds requiring navigation on narrow mountain roads. As one camper noted, "Surrounded by mountains, which is nice. Staff is happy and helpful."
Developed campgrounds near Acton provide varying experiences depending on location and amenities. Visitor feedback highlights both positives and challenges at local camping facilities. The mountainous terrain creates scenic camping opportunities, but several reviewers mention maintenance concerns at some properties. Some campgrounds feature swimming pools, recreation areas, and organized activities, while others offer more basic facilities with picnic tables and fire rings. RV-focused properties like Californian RV Resort and LA RV Resort at Acton Camp provide dedicated services for larger vehicles. Several visitors appreciate the location's balance of rural character with proximity to urban amenities. One review noted, "The campground is in a beautiful valley outside of LA - Acton is known as a 'horse town' to many in LA and the moniker is well earned which adds to the nice mix of relative proximity to the city with rural surroundings."
"Not a lot going on here in Acton. Surrounded my mountains, which is nice. Staff is happy and helpful."
"This is a good location to explore LA and greater LA area, 45 min to Hollywood sign. Park is a large TT resort with recently remolded lodge in 2019."
"Campground We had been driving around the campground loops for more than an hour, and had just about given up, when we say the sign for overflow camping near the exit of the Chilao campground loop"
"Great spot to get away from the big city being only a 45min drive from the Downtown, couldn’t ask for more"
from $20 / night
Check Availability"Beautiful trails near by, next to a stream, gorgeous views, and of course that mountain air! Trees are perfect for hammocks."
"It is set back from the road a little giving you a quieter experience away from the 2. This would be a good first car camping spot for families with young children."
from $20 / night
Check Availability"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."
"It’s Close to Hidden Springs and Switzer falls, surrounding area is very beautiful. I’ll be back!"
from $12 / night
Check Availability"OKAY... seriously this one of the best campgrounds near Los Angeles. My ultimate go to spot for an overnight camping trip."
"We were told that the water pumps were off but actually managed to camp right next to the one that was working. The bathrooms were super clean too!"
from $55 - $132 / night
Check Availability"Easy access to freeway small grocery and great coffee shop close."
"Gated park high on a hill; like driving the hills of SF with a trailer. Lots of pull thrus. Well kept and landscaped. Front desk helpful and friendly."
"We’ve done Crystal Lake probably 6 dozen times or more in our time in California and it never disappoints on the spectacular views."
"Whenever I need to get away from LALA Land, I head up here. I grew up in the mountains of western Pennsylvania, so , sometimes , I need to kick back and recharge."
from $20 / night
Check Availability"This past week had record high temperatures for all of Southern California, so I can’t say how representative our experience was compared to typically late fall trips in other years."
"It's an hours drive from LA and because the campground is at elevation it stays cooler during the hot months."
from $12 / night
Check Availability"This side is on a first come first serve basis and does require you to self pay at the entrance where you find information on the board. Make sure to read everything it has lots of good information."
"Easy campground to get to and close by. First come first serve sites. Does get crowded in summer season. Went there this weekend and very few people."
from $12 - $24 / night
Check Availability
ScoutWell we booked last minute player phone tag coming through the canyon and not having signal she was super patient with us got here and was pleasantly surprised beautiful sunset weather good wind not to bad but bathrooms could use some work but they work
RangerWe camped in our pop up camper at one of the water/electric sites from a Wednesday-Sunday. It was pretty quiet the entire time and we had a decent view of the lake once the other camper left at the site across the way. We just have one tree on our site, so I wish there were more, but it was fine. The bathrooms are meh, and it didn't seem like the shower was working in the women's restroom, but it's camping, so I don't usually expect a lot. At least they flushed and there are sinks with soap. There is a dump station and a playground on-site. You can't swim in the water, but it was still nice to take our chairs down and sit by the lake and watch the birds & ducks.
ScoutIt wasn't sure about camping there parks and camped in the tent wasn't bothered by anybody but we did see a bear so be cautious
ScoutWe just wanted a place close enough to Universal Studios so we could Uber there and not have to pay for Park Parking. Worked for that plus a 7/11 in walking distance was helpful!
Rafael could only text us but he did always answer back (sometimes it took a little bit longer which was in the middle of the day when we were updating him on our arrival time).
Overall it was a good stay and would definitely use the place again if we were wanting a place near that area.
If I had one critique, I would say it a little pricey for what it is but maybe that normal for the area.
GuideSmall and not level spots, but OK spreaded. Toilet building is fine (paid showers though).
GuideIt was easy to find and access based on information on The Dyrt posted by other users. Great for train enthusiasts. Lots of traffic noise from the highway. We even encountered a rare black coyote. Unfortunately I didn’t have the mental presence to snap a picture but it came right up to the trailer. I don’t believe in feeding wildlife but probably others had. Unfortunately there was lots of trash left behind by previous campers or local partiers. I plan to use this location regularly as a launching off point for destinations in Nevada, Utah, and Colorado. Very convenient location, there are also convenience stores, a McDonalds, and very expensive gasoline nearby.
GuideSilverwood Lake Campground offers a range of site experiences depending on where you stay. Some campsites are fairly close together and don’t offer much privacy, while others are more tucked away and feel noticeably more secluded. That said, the sites with better privacy can come with a tradeoff: there may not be enough room to comfortably pitch a tent right next to the car, which could be inconvenient if you like keeping your setup compact and organized. Overall, the campground seems best for campers who are flexible about site layout and are willing to choose between privacy and convenience. If having space to park and set up camp side by side is important, some of the more open sites may work better, even if they are less private.
TravelerCute and nice spot has all amenities has playground pool fishing spot quiet clean and staff are friendly
GuideWe needed a place to stay overnight while traveling cross country. We were pretty weary travelers on this day and we got there about an hour after sunset.
This was a climb up a narrow road. When we came in, we did not see the payment center, but we found it readily on our way out. I blame our being in the dark and being tired on not seeing it coming in.
We woke up in the most beautiful location surrounded by tall trees and hearing turkeys gobbling. It was so fun. The weather is so much better than in the valley, and we do not have A/C so the altitude is great for us.
There are vault toilets and they are not immaculate but also not terrible to use. Many roads were blocked off so first come, first served sites were sparse but on a week day we only saw one other camp site occupied where we were. We parked a few spots away to provide privacy but the sites are large. The site was amazing, the price was great, the weather was great and we would definitely stay here in Tehachapi again - and for more than one night.
Camping spots near Acton, California sit at elevations between 3,000-6,000 feet within Angeles National Forest's diverse terrain. Winter snow often closes higher-elevation campgrounds while sites at lower elevations remain accessible year-round. A creek runs through Monte Cristo Campground during wetter seasons, though campers report it's frequently dry by mid-spring.
Bouldering at Horse Flats: Access multiple climbing routes a short hike from the campground. "There is bouldering in the area, with some trad stuff. Plenty of sites!" notes one visitor to Horse Flats Campground.
Hiking to waterfalls: Explore trails near camp, including Switzer Falls. "It's Close to Hidden Springs and Switzer falls, surrounding area is very beautiful," reports a camper who stayed at Monte Cristo Campground.
Mountain trails near Crystal Lake: Access well-maintained hiking paths directly from campsites. "There are several hiking trails here that are well used and well maintained. This is a great campground near the city," writes a camper at Crystal Lake Rec Area Campground.
Wildlife viewing: Watch for native animals throughout the Angeles Forest campgrounds. "ANIMALS SEEN: Black bear, deer (wandered through our site), red foxes, Stellar's Jays, woodpeckers, other birds," reports one Crystal Lake visitor.
Cooler mountain temperatures: Higher elevation sites provide relief from summer heat. "It was nice and cool a good break from the heat," notes a Crystal Lake camper about their August visit.
Stream access at lower campgrounds: Some sites feature seasonal water features. "There's a small creek that runs through the campground," explains a camper at Monte Cristo Campground.
Varied campsite layouts: Find secluded or group-friendly options. "Lots of spots were hidden by rocks and or large brush," notes a visitor to Chilao Campground.
Night sky viewing: Clear mountain air provides excellent stargazing. "Moon lit the entire mountain up," describes a Horse Flats camper who enjoyed "sleeping with a completely open tent and viewing the night sky."
Uncrowded weekday camping: Weekdays offer significantly quieter experiences. "It was pretty much empty during the week," reports another Horse Flats visitor.
Bathroom facilities vary significantly: Most sites offer only basic amenities. "Bathrooms were a little gross, but hey, its camping," notes one camper at Chilao, while another mentioned "Clean vault toilets and facilities" at the same location.
Wildlife encounters: Bears and other wildlife require proper food storage. "A bear was on our stuff the first night. I whistled and it ran away," reports a Monte Cristo camper. Another notes seeing a bear "casually walking into the grounds."
No cell service: Most forest campgrounds lack connectivity. "No cell service here. T-Mobile customer," explains a Monte Cristo visitor. Another camper mentions "No service. I pulled a 26 TT."
Seasonal water limitations: Water access varies throughout the year. "Water is available but do know it is not portable so don't drink it," advises a visitor to Little pine campground.
Railroad noise at valley locations: Lower elevation sites experience train disturbances. "There's about 4 trains a night that will come by with horns blowing," warns a camper at LA RV Resort at Action Camp.
Buckhorn for group sites: Secure adjacent sites for larger gatherings. "If you want to do group camping there's plenty of it there. 9-10-11 are the best ones with shade together, they have a campfire circle big enough for 10+," recommends a Buckhorn Campground visitor.
Crystal Lake store access: Utilize the on-site café for forgotten items. "A cafe/store for all the things you forgot or for a ice cream treat on a hot day!" notes a Crystal Lake camper.
Bug protection essential: Bring insect repellent, especially for summer months. "Bring some bug spray if you're bugged by bugs," advises a Horse Flats visitor, while another warns, "Lots of Mosquitoes and bugs."
Black widow awareness: Inspect campsite furnishings carefully. "Be careful because there are black widows everywhere! Especially under the tables of the campsites. Be especially careful if you're traveling with kids," warns a Monte Cristo camper.
Site selection at Monte Cristo: Choose accessible spots for larger vehicles. "If your hauling anything longer then 20 ft. Try for site 11," advises an RVer who visited with a 26-foot travel trailer.
Size restrictions at higher campgrounds: High-elevation sites have limited access. "Good for small RVs. Over 24 foot not recommended," notes a Buckhorn camper.
Seasonal road conditions: Plan access routes carefully in winter months. "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," shares a Monte Cristo camper who stayed for over a week.
Level site challenges: Look for flatter areas within your campsite. "Only problem was it's on a slope. Not perfectly flat. There is a clearing about 30 feet out but feels far from the firepit," notes a Little Pine camper about site #13.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there RV parks or resorts available in Acton, California?
Yes, Acton has several RV park options. Californian RV Resort offers extended stays with monthly rental options. Another option is LA RV Resort at Action Camp, though visitor experiences have been mixed regarding maintenance and amenities like WiFi. For those with a Thousand Trails membership, their Soledad Canyon location provides recently remodeled facilities (as of 2019) and is approximately 45 minutes from Hollywood, making it convenient for exploring Los Angeles while staying in a more rural setting.
What amenities are available at Acton campgrounds?
Amenities at Acton area campgrounds vary widely. Little Jimmy Trail Campground offers a more rustic experience with approximately 7 first-come, first-served sites featuring fire rings and vault toilets, though it requires a 2-mile hike to access. For more developed facilities, Hungry Valley State Vehicle Recreation Area provides spacious camping areas with fenced sections that include picnic tables and pergolas, making it suitable for families. Some campgrounds in the area offer basic amenities like water and toilets, while others might have additional features depending on the specific location.
Where can I find camping spots in Acton, CA?
Acton offers several camping options in and around the area. Thousand Trails Soledad Canyon is a large campground surrounded by mountains with helpful staff, making it ideal for those wanting to explore the greater LA area while staying in a rural setting. For those seeking a more natural experience, Los Alamos Campground at Pyramid Lake offers approximately 90 dry camping sites with water spigots available in some areas. The campground is typically less crowded during weekdays, with more visitors on weekends.
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