Cabin accommodations in Angeles National Forest range from primitive shelters to modern units with bedding and kitchenettes. Located in the San Gabriel Mountains at elevations between 3,000-8,000 feet, cabins offer a retreat from Los Angeles temperatures that can be 10-15 degrees cooler than the city. Seasonal availability varies with some locations closing during winter months due to snow conditions.
What to do
Hiking to Bonita Falls: Located near Lytle Creek, this waterfall trail provides an accessible adventure from cabin accommodations. "Good place to see, close to the Lytle creek and great hiking to reach the Bonita Falls," notes a visitor to Bonita Ranch Campground.
Star gazing at higher elevations: Crystal Lake Recreation Area offers excellent night sky viewing at 5,600 feet elevation. "This campground has some amazing view areas to hike to and the stars at night are the best I have seen," reports one camper who stayed at the cabins.
Relax by mountain streams: Many cabin locations feature creek access for cooling off. "The creek running behind the camp is great to explore, and a waterfall is a short hike away. We also lucked out finding berries in August," shares a visitor at Bonita Ranch Campground.
What campers like
Year-round accessibility: Valencia Travel Village provides cabin options with consistent availability regardless of season. "Most people live in this campground. Management is really nice staff is friendly. Will stay here again. Super clean campground and each site has grass," one reviewer commented.
Cooler temperatures: The mountain elevation cabins offer relief from valley heat. "We stayed for two nights because it's close to home so it makes for a quick get away," notes a guest at Bonita Ranch, appreciating the temperature drop at higher elevations.
Practical amenities: Many appreciate the modern facilities available at some cabin locations. "This campground has the nicest staff out there. They are always friendly when I go in and they also have treats for your pups. Plenty of spots around the grounds with 30 and 50 amp hook ups. WiFi is included with 3 pools and a hot tube, small store, and a really nice laundry facility," shares a Valencia Travel Village visitor.
What you should know
Fire restrictions vary by location: Crystal Lake Rec Area Campground allows fires in designated pits but other locations prohibit them entirely. "Stayed here two nights in August, it was nice and cool a good break from the heat. There are a lot of sites here for camping unfortunately they are not all open for use," explains a visitor.
Seasonal operation limitations: Several cabin locations close during winter months. "We ended up in site D47, which seemed a little quieter because it was further from the main road and the sites are well dispersed. Camping was $10 with our adventure pass. Firewood was $22 for a wheelbarrow," reports a Crystal Lake camper.
Train noise impacts some locations: Cabins near Soledad Canyon and Acton experience railroad disruptions. "The sites are dirt so be prepared to get lots of fine dessert dirt in the camper. They had a pool and basketball court and there are lots of trees so that's good," mentions a guest at Thousand Trails Soledad Canyon.
Tips for camping with families
Consider cabin accessibility needs: LA RV Resort at Acton Camp offers more accessible options for families. "This is a nice campground in a pretty scenic bit of the mountains. Sites are big and easy to access. BUT, there's about 4 trains a night that will come by with horns blowing," warns one visitor.
Check for child-friendly activities: Some cabin locations offer dedicated recreation options. "If you've got the money and you've got the rig I'd totally recommend staying here! Pool and clean bathrooms available, host also mentioned it has WiFi access," shares a visitor to Valencia Travel Village.
Pack for variable weather: Mountain elevations experience significant temperature fluctuations. "Stayed here two nights in August, it was nice and cool a good break from the heat. There are several hiking trails here that are well used and well maintained," notes a Crystal Lake Rec Area visitor.
Tips from RVers
Cabin rental alternatives for RVers: Millard Trail Campground offers options near cabin facilities. "This campground is a very short drive from Pasadena, CA, and in fact there are some rustic homes adjacent to the campground. Parking is about 150 yards away, down a hill, so be prepared to haul your gear," explains one visitor.
Prepare for desert conditions: Many cabins near Angeles National Forest sit in arid terrain. "Took a very last minute trip for one night. Such a close spot and beautiful escape from LA, that's also probably the most negative part of the review. Being so close to LA means lots of in and out traffic and it shows," shares a Crystal Lake camper.
Utility availability varies widely: "We were currently here and checked in for a two-week stay. After some boon docking prior to our arrival, we wanted all the bells and whistles the park boasted they had," writes a visitor about the varying amenities available at cabin locations.
