Horse Flats Campground sits at 5,000 feet elevation in Angeles National Forest, approximately 30 miles from El Monte. The campground has three distinct camping areas with sites available on a first-come, first-served basis. Sites include picnic tables, fire rings, and access to vault toilets, but campers must bring their own water. Temperatures vary significantly by season, often dropping below freezing at night even when daytime temperatures are mild.
What to do
Bouldering and climbing: Horse Flats Campground offers excellent access to climbing areas within walking distance. "Nice place to stay for climbing - there is mostly bouldering in the area, with some trad stuff. Plenty of sites!" notes Kathleen L. about Horse Flats Campground.
Hiking to Bear Canyon: Bear Canyon Campground provides hiking opportunities along scenic creek trails. "Great campground with multiple sites. Fire pits & along Bear Creek (seasonal). Can be reached from Tom Sloan Saddle or Switzer Falls Trailhead," explains Anthony K. from Bear Canyon Campground. The trail involves creek crossings and moderate terrain.
Disc golf at Mt. Waterman: Located just 10 minutes from Horse Flats Campground, Mt. Waterman offers a scenic chair lift and disc golf course. "Take a scenic chair lift and play disc golf at Mt Waterman, a 10 minute drive away," mentions Les R. in a review of Horse Flats Campground.
What campers like
Secluded backcountry camping: Bear Canyon offers primitive camping far from crowds. "Three fire pits, dig your own commode, lots of water year round, but little wood. Expect to forage far if you want a fire. But otherwise a great spot to spend a few summer days away from anyone not hale enough to trek in a few miles," writes William K. from Bear Canyon Campground.
Pacific Crest Trail access: Mount Pacifico Campground provides direct access to the Pacific Crest Trail. "Great views 360 degrees once you're on top. A 7 mile hike north on the Pacific Crest Trail from mill creek fire station. Fire rings with multiple spots," reports Anthony K. from Mount Pacifico Campground.
Cooler summer temperatures: The elevation of Horse Flats provides relief from summer heat. "We come to this campground throughout the year, and it's one of our favorite spots for summer camping when we're short on time. It's an hour's drive from LA and because the campground is at elevation it stays cooler during the hot months," notes Les R.
What you should know
Seasonal water access: Creek-side camping areas often have limited water during dry seasons. "You start to go uphill again and the creek switches its flow so you're suddenly walking up stream, then you'll be there! There are fire rings but use responsibly- have lots of water at the pit to put it out," warns Shannon E. from Bear Canyon Campground.
Fire restrictions: Fire regulations change frequently in Angeles National Forest. "Purchase firewood before driving up the mountain. I've unfortunately seen too many campers collecting wood around the campground to use for fires. Don't do it! Different woods burn differently and also carry differently in smoke, and the Angeles National Forest is often at elevated fire danger levels," cautions Les R.
Limited cell service: Most forest campgrounds have poor or nonexistent cell coverage. "Make sure you have enough gas and have a map/driving directions ready, because there is no cell phone service," advises one camper about the drive to Horse Flats Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Topanga State Park camping: Musch Trail Camp offers an easy backpacking experience for families. "Musch Camp is an easy one mile hike from the Trippet Ranch Parking Lot in Topanga State Park. If you want a longer hike you can hike up the East Topanga Fire Road and then drop down into Musch Camp on the Backbone Trail from Eagle Junction," suggests Erik M. from Musch Trail Camp.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Many campgrounds provide chances to spot local wildlife. "Tons of little animals hanging out (rabbits, birds, chipmunks). Those chipmunks will definitely go for your stuff if you don't pack it away," warns Kim L. about camping at Caspers Wilderness County Park.
Ranger-led programs: Some parks offer nature walks and educational programs. "On Saturdays there's a nature walk," mentions Berton M. about Caspers Wilderness Park. The nature center also provides educational opportunities for children.
Tips for RVers
Hookup availability: Some campgrounds offer partial hookups for RVs. "There are only Porto potties in the campground, but they were clean. It can be really hot in late summer early fall," notes Kelly E. about Caspers Wilderness Park. The Ortega Flats section offers 30-amp electrical hookups but may have water restrictions during drought conditions.
Leveling and site conditions: Prepare for varied terrain at most forest campgrounds. "Sites are pretty level, gravel and of a good size. My 24' + truck can fit lengthwise with room behind and plenty to the side," reports James about the Ortega Flats campground at Caspers Wilderness Park.
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