Camping near Angeles National Forest

Camping near Angeles National Forest, California, offers a fantastic escape into nature with a variety of campgrounds to choose from. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a family-friendly adventure, there's something for everyone in this beautiful area.

What to do:

• Hiking: There are numerous trails for all skill levels. Many campers enjoy the Burkhart Trail leading to a waterfall, which one visitor described as “beautiful” during their stay at Buckhorn Campground.
• Fishing: Anglers can find great spots at nearby lakes. One family at Castaic Lake State Recreation Area noted, “Fishing was fantastic, hiking was breathtaking. Loved every minute.”
• Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for bears and other wildlife. A camper at Chilao Campground shared their experience of encountering a bear at night, saying, “We yelled ‘go bear’ and it did in fact, go.”

What campers like:

• Clean Facilities: Many campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms. One visitor at Bonelli Bluffs remarked, “Possibly the cleanest public bathroom I've ever seen.”
• Friendly Staff: Campers often mention the helpfulness of the staff. A reviewer at Crystal Lake Rec Area Campground said, “Very nice and friendly people work at the cafe at the entrance.”
• Scenic Views: Campgrounds like Table Mountain Campground offer stunning views. One camper noted, “Really nice spot with amazing views.”

What you should know:

• Crowded on Weekends: Many campgrounds fill up quickly on weekends. A camper at Soledad Canyon RV and Camping Resort mentioned, “The weekdays are really quiet, maybe 15 to 20 RVs in the F area, but weekends fill up completely.”
• Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may lack certain amenities. A visitor at Lake Piru Recreation Area pointed out, “It’s a little hard to feel like you’re getting away with how close the sites are to each other.”
• Wildlife Precautions: Bears are known to roam in the area. A camper at Coldbrook Campground advised, “Be careful with your garbage and everything around it as bears appear looking for food.”

Tips for camping with families:

• Bring Entertainment: Some campgrounds lack playgrounds or activities for kids. A family at Bonelli Bluffs had to get creative to keep their children entertained due to the absence of such facilities.
• Plan for Distance: If you’re near a lake, be prepared for a longer walk. One family at Crystal Lake Rec Area Campground found the walk to the lake longer than expected, making spontaneous trips less feasible.
• Pack Snacks: Having snacks on hand can help keep kids happy during downtime. A camper at Buckhorn Campground enjoyed the peacefulness and noted that it was a great spot for family BBQs.

Tips from RVers:

• Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A visitor at Soledad Canyon RV and Camping Resort mentioned that some sites are not suitable for larger RVs.
• Be Prepared for Limited Connectivity: Many campgrounds have poor cell reception. A camper at Thousand Trails Soledad Canyon noted, “We normally have pretty bad cell reception.”
• Bring Your Own Wi-Fi: If you need internet access, consider using a mobile hotspot or satellite service. A reviewer at Soledad Canyon RV and Camping Resort mentioned that Starlink works well if you don’t park under trees.

Camping near Angeles National Forest, California, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors with family and friends. With a little planning and the right expectations, you can have a memorable experience in this beautiful area.