Are you in need of a campground near Angeles National Forest, CA? There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. Discover great camping spots near Angeles National Forest, reviewed by campers like you.
"This trip we stayed down near the welcome center instead of Lot N and the experience didn’t even seem like the same RV Park. No loud music, no barking dog, less dust, and dirt."
"My only gripe about this section is I think there is either a dog breeder or humane society to the east. Sometimes all of the dogs just go crazy!"
$12 / night
"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"
"I’m no stranger to bugs being around I’m an avid camper but they seem Immune to repellants. Giant horse flys we’re in the area along with a lot of bees and gnats."
$12 / night
"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."
$12 / night
"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!"
"Nice spot if you don’t want to drive far. Fantastic views. Get there early to get a spot with shade...we arrived in the late afternoon and the only spots had zero shade. It was so hot!!"
"OKAY... seriously this one of the best campgrounds near Los Angeles. My ultimate go to spot for an overnight camping trip."
$55 - $132 / night
"Will stay here again and they are very pet friendly which was nice."
"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."
$12 / night
"There are a few campgrounds in this area of the Angeles National Forest. Horse Flats is not as popular as Buckhorn, and is a little less "green" with regards to the immediate scenery."
"Horse Flats is a popular campground deep in Angeles National Forest.
There are a bunch of sites (more than 20) and there are vault toilets, fire pits, and picnic tables."
"We’ve done Crystal Lake probably 6 dozen times or more in our time in California and it never disappoints on the spectacular views."
"This is probably our favorite place to go considering we end up hear almost every other weekend year around. Camp cost and parking cost isn’t cheap but the views are great."
$12 - $24 / night
"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."
RangerLake Campground in the Angeles National Forest consists of 5 reservable car camping sites, and 3-4 others that are first come, first served. Sites have a table and fire pit, but no tent pads, and there are pit toilet latrines, and potable water spigots. Bear proof boxes are provided at each site for food.
The view of the nearby mountains is good but the real attraction is nearby Lake Jackson, where you can fish, though I'm not sure if your camping fee includes the day-use permit required. Angeles National Forest is divided into several camps near each other, so I'd recommend this one for anglers.
There are trails around the lake (a relatively easy, if hilly, walk) and also up the mountain proper (a real hike). Weather permitting, you can use deadwood in the site for your campfire.
Wildlife included acorn woodpeckers, and one of their cache trees was in our site, so we got to spend a lot of time observing them, as well as the Stellar's Jays, who were very curious about what we were cooking.
TravelerThe coordinates listed are incorrect. They led us through Angeles National Forest. It told us to park our car in the middle of the highway with no other roads or turn offs around. There were a TON of cars racing through down the roads. We even witnessed the immediate aftermath of some people racing who ended up getting in a pretty bad wreck. Be careful just driving on that road.
GuideWe've stayed in Angeles National Forest a few times and I would really recommend staying out of the area during August and September; Spring is beautiful though.
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RangerWe stayed at Cabin Flat several years ago, and it's one of the most difficult campgrounds to reach near Wrightwood in the Angeles National Forest. To get here, you need to take the Blue Ridge Trail Road from Inspiration Point off of Highway 2. This road is closed during the winter, as it traverses through Mountain High Ski Resort. That said, the campground itself is very basic. I would not recommend bringing an RV here as the dirt road to get down is winding and bumpy. Tent camping only.
LegendCamping outside esablished campgrounds within the Angeles National Forest is sometimes prohibited, you have to be on top of reading recently published orders on https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/angeles. Currently, camping is allowed for 7 days or less, see here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/angeles/alerts-notices/?aid=78080 The people I saw camping here looked to have been set up somewhat permanently though. I wouldn't feel comfortable setting up a tent here, but it could be an okay rest area at the beginning/end of the hike to Bridge to Nowhere.
LegendDisregard the "closed for the season" post in the name - this campground is open.
There are a few campgrounds in this area of the Angeles National Forest. Horse Flats is not as popular as Buckhorn, and is a little less "green" with regards to the immediate scenery. It is also quieter for this reason, which is nice. The individual sites are large and spread out from each other, so it is easy to have some privacy. Make sure to get food and firewood before you start the drive up the mountain, as there is no place to purchase such supplies near the camps.
GuideMy review for this site is going to be almost identical to my other reviews in the area. We've stayed in Angeles National Forest a few times and I would really recommend only camping in the Spring and early Summer. It gets extremely hot in August & September.
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If I'm going to choose between this grounds & others on this side of Angeles, I'd go with this one. There aren't as many sites and they're all rather large.
GuideThis campsite is cheap if not free. The toilets were disgusting however I know they got new ones during the pandemic. It's very dry and if they allow you to have a fire it has to be very small, which is fair because the place looks like it's one spark away from the next hashtag fire. A lot of unhoused individuals call this place home and more than once we've been witness to some shady goings ons. However, have some comfort in knowing you do get cell service and it's the farthest into the Angeles National Forest the cops will go so if needed they will arrive. It's far from them though so be prepared if anything we're to go down. This is the campground that made me think "maybe we should get a gun for protection."
TravelerHorse Flats is a popular campground deep in Angeles National Forest.
There are a bunch of sites (more than 20) and there are vault toilets, fire pits, and picnic tables.
$12 fee per site, not sure how many cars that means but you might need the adventure pass if you have a lot of other cars parking overnight.
It's a great escape from the city, about an hour from DTLA. Popular with climbers as there's bouldering in the area.
Know before you go - it's closed from November-ish to April-ish - so check the forest website before you head out there.
When driving there, you take a left off the 2 and it's a little past Bandido Group site. Some people have a hard time finding it their first time going.
Discovering pet-friendly camping spots near Angeles National Forest allows you to enjoy the great outdoors with your furry friends. Here are some excellent options that cater to both you and your pets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find dog-friendly campgrounds in Angeles National Forest?
Angeles National Forest offers several dog-friendly camping options. Peavine Campground is specifically noted as being dog-friendly with beautiful tall pine surroundings and plenty of nearby hiking trails. Horse Flats Campground is another popular option deeper in the forest with over 20 sites, vault toilets, fire pits, and picnic tables. When camping with pets, spring is often the best time to visit as the scenery is gorgeous and temperatures are more moderate. Remember that most Angeles National Forest campgrounds require dogs to be leashed at all times, and you should always pack out pet waste to protect the natural environment.
Is Hoegees Trail Camp in Angeles National Forest pet-friendly?
While specific information about Hoegees Trail Camp's pet policies isn't directly mentioned in the reviews, it follows the general Angeles National Forest pet regulations which allow leashed dogs in most areas. Like Chilao Campground and other similar sites in the forest, you can expect that pets must be kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet at all times. When planning a visit to Hoegees, check the Angeles National Forest website for any special restrictions, as camping regulations can change seasonally. As a trail camp rather than a developed campground, facilities are minimal, so be prepared to pack out all pet waste. For the most current information, contact the local ranger district office before your trip.
What are the pet policies and rules at Angeles National Forest campgrounds?
At Angeles National Forest campgrounds, pets must be kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet at all times. Pet owners are responsible for cleaning up after their animals and properly disposing of waste. Lake Campground and other developed sites require pets to stay within your campsite area when not being walked. Oak Flat Campground and similar locations expect visitors to maintain control of pets to prevent wildlife disturbances. Never leave pets unattended at your campsite. When hiking with dogs, bring enough water for them, especially during hot months. Remember that pet policies may be more strictly enforced during high fire danger periods, as the forest is often described as 'one spark away from the next fire.'
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