Jalin C.
Traveler
TravelerCrystal Lake Rec Area Campground
noisy but beautiful
very pretty sight the mountain air is incredible. the staff is very helpful and friendly. at night the drunks go crazy and the bears steal their food.
Camping near Juniper Hills, CA
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Campgrounds in the Angeles National Forest near Juniper Hills, California provide multiple options for overnight stays in a high desert mountain setting. Established sites like Buckhorn Campground and Horse Flats Campground offer developed facilities within reasonable driving distance of Juniper Hills, while Crystal Lake Recreation Area provides cabin accommodations alongside traditional tent and RV sites. Most locations in this area feature fire rings, picnic tables, and vault toilets, with varying levels of drinking water availability depending on the specific campground.
Road conditions and campground accessibility vary significantly by season, with most developed sites operating from spring through fall. "Most campgrounds are closed during winter months when snow makes access difficult," according to one visitor who noted the challenges of high-altitude camping. Sites like Buckhorn typically open from April to November, while Horse Flats Campground remains accessible year-round despite its elevation. Summer temperatures can reach into the 90s during daytime hours, while winter brings snow and freezing conditions. Cell phone coverage is limited throughout much of the Angeles National Forest, making advance planning essential. Adventure passes are required for parking at most trailheads and campgrounds in the area.
The proximity to the Pacific Crest Trail represents a major draw for many campers in this region. Little Jimmy Trail Campground, accessible only by hiking, serves as a popular backcountry option for PCT hikers and those seeking a more remote experience. A camper described it as "a backcountry hike-in only campground nestled just 2 miles off the Angeles Crest Highway" with access to vintage backcountry ovens and several first-come, first-served sites. Wildlife sightings including bears are common in some areas, particularly during summer months when proper food storage becomes crucial. Many campgrounds in the Angeles National Forest provide a balance between accessibility and natural seclusion, with most sites situated within a 90-minute drive from Los Angeles, making them popular weekend destinations.
Best Campgrounds near Juniper Hills (192)
1. Crystal Lake Rec Area Campground
"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 Availability2. Buckhorn Campground
"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 Availability3. Chilao Campground
"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 Availability4. Coldbrook Campground
"We left LA (Hollywood) on a Friday afternoon around 3, and were setting up camp by 5! Luckily a friend got to the campground before us though, as he snagged the last of the 20 or so sites there."
"Coldbrooke is a excellent campground that is relatively close to the city. The camp host was super helpful in explaining the fire restrictions and overall questions."
5. Table Mountain Campground
"If you have a chance after - drive the whole Angeles crest highway! Worth the trouble. You are also located close to the PCT, take a hike!"
"We got a campsite that was on the outside of the loop. We were in Cherokee loop in campsite #87."
from $30 - $500 / night
Check Availability6. Thousand Trails Soledad Canyon
"It's a very hot campground close to a road and train. Sites are big. Tons of things to do for adults and children."
"Surrounded my mountains, which is nice. Staff is happy and helpful."
7. Angeles National Forest Chilao Campground
"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!"
8. Horse Flats Campground
"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 Availability9. Southfork Campground
"The drive to the campsite is pretty rough but doable. It’s very close to a good stream of of water. There are fire pits in some spots just get there early to get a good spot."
"First come first serve, short drive from OC making it a nice option for a spontaneous getaway. Sites are pretty close to each other and you can hear some road noise from the 38."
10. Monte Cristo Campground
"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
Drive Time
- 1 hr 7 min from Los Angeles, CA
- 1 hr 40 min from Oxnard, CA
- 1 hr 48 min from Bakersfield, CA
- 2 hrs 33 min from San Diego, CA
Recent Camping Photos near Juniper Hills, CA
290 Photos of 192 Juniper Hills Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Cooper Canyon Trail Camp
Cooper Canyon Trail Campground
Buckhorn CampgroundE
Camp Eaton
Southfork Campground
Bandido Group campground
Horse Flats Campground
Angeles National Forest Deer Flats Group CampgroundF
Angeles National Forest Chilao Campground
Angeles National Forest Meadow Group Campground
Little pine campground
Chilao Campground
Recent Reviews near Juniper Hills, CA
920 Reviews of 192 Juniper Hills Campgrounds
- J
Jerina V.TravelerMesa Campground — Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area
Fun camp trip
Nice campground, clean and well maintained - would pick a different spot a bit further from street. If you want to go to lake, its a bit away so need car.
Hans V.
GuideMesa Campground — Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area
Fine, nicely wooded
No lake view, which was a bit disappointing. Nice wooded area though with tree climbing. A bit loud music from the neighbors, not until very late so was OK. Limited amount of toilets for the amount of spots
- WWilliam Y.
ScoutHuttopia Paradise Springs
Nice place, bring your own water
It was a nice place and the people were nice. I checked with the staff on day one if their water was potable. They confirmed everything is potable. My dog had explosive diarrhea day 1 and by the time I got home I had fever and diarrhea. It’s been a rough ride ever since. My dog and I did not share food. We only used the tap as a water source. My husband ate all of our food any only drank store bought drinks. No water. He’s fine. Just me and the dog riding it out. Don’t learn my lesson the hard way. Bring your own water and enjoy it.
- AAustin A.Traveler
Yellow Post #1
Beautiful area, half of the sights require minimal vehicle mods
Stockton flats yellow post sights 1-8 can be driven easily in any 2wd vehicle with moderate clearance. I took my f250 service body truck to site#6 or im assuming its #6. Sites are not label. Trail Roads got washed and i wasnt able to continue further to verify. If you’re afraid of clearance issues stick to sites 1 & 2. At the time of going, 3,4 & 5 looked like perfect sights to stay, other sites were rough and a rake would be needed minimum to make it comfortable. #9 currently requires minor upgrades to reach the campground. A stock jeep with oversized tires could easily get to that location as of 8-29-2026
Travis P.ScoutMusch Trail Camp — Topanga State Park
Amazing topanga oasis
The hike-in experience has captivating views and diverse environment. Really felt away from the " concrete jungle" of the city.
- DDoug B.Traveler
Mesa Campground — Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area
Good campground during week
Good campground, quiet, not crowded during the week. Too much trash around some sites, though, on a Monday (doesn’t look like new trash). Bathrooms were clean, but basic. Evening bike ride was fantastic, but the trail is not well kept up (rough or crumbling in many spots) and is steep enough to require an electric bike in several parts unless you are good with an 8-9% grade. Park is quiet during the day, with a lot of amenities.
Tons of ants. Active gnats and mosquitoes at dusk and dawn.
Temperatures were quite warm in mid August. Glad we had an RV with AC.
Courtney G.GuideThousand Trails Soledad Canyon
It’s fine
Some of the campground seems very nice and some is the exact opposite. Pool is very nice and HUGE. But, there are entire sections of this campground that have just faded into non-existent. The bathrooms aren’t great. There are a lot of stationary campers(or what looks to be…) which isn’t really our favorite site to see. But, it was included with our membership and we aren’t going to leave to go pay for somewhere else.
Kyle K.GuideChilao Campground
Great Camp Ground
This location is very close to the city but just far enough out to feel the grandeur of the great outdoors! Spots were generally spread out and had fantastic views. Not too much light pollution and very peaceful. Sites have fire pits, tables, and vault toilets. Water spigots were not operational during my stay but usually are.
Guide to Juniper Hills
Campgrounds in the Angeles National Forest near Juniper Hills offer a mix of high-elevation wilderness camping with accessible sites between 5,000-6,500 feet. Summer temperatures typically range from mid-80s during the day to mid-50s at night, while winter brings heavy snowfall at many sites. The region forms part of the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument, providing a stark transition from desert landscape to alpine forest within a relatively short drive.
What to do
Bouldering adventures: Horse Flats Campground serves as a popular base for climbing enthusiasts with numerous bouldering routes nearby. "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 mountain peaks: Several trails lead to panoramic summit views throughout the area. At Table Mountain Campground, "There are a couple of trails right from the campground too," according to Amy B., who visited Table Mountain Campground for a day trip. For more challenging routes, head to Little Jimmy Trail Campground where "a short hike from mount baden Powell, mount Williamson & mount islip" provides multiple summit options according to Anthony K.
Astronomy and stargazing: The high elevation and relatively dark skies make this area ideal for night sky viewing. At Chilao Campground, "At night it's the best especially when the sun is going down... on a clear night you can see all the stars," shares Jessica P. The area's elevation places many campgrounds above the light pollution from nearby urban areas.
What campers like
Secluded campsites: Many campgrounds feature well-spaced sites that offer privacy despite being established areas. "Each camp sites is pretty well secluded from others, high desert, shrubs and some trees, was able to hang my hammock at site," writes Justin B. about Horse Flats Campground.
Convenient water sources: Some campgrounds maintain year-round water access. "There is a great little creek that runs through the campground. Standard pit toilets. Friendly people," notes Forest G. about Coldbrook Campground. Similarly, at Little Jimmy Trail Campground, campers appreciate the "great natural spring by that has water year round" according to Ian C.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The forest setting provides chances to observe local animals. "We saw wild ducks too and some other desert critters," reports Suly&Fabian L. about Southfork Campground. At Crystal Lake Recreation Area, Forest G. details specific sightings: "ANIMALS SEEN: Black bear, deer (wandered through our site), red foxes, Stellar's Jays, woodpeckers, other birds."
What you should know
Fire restrictions vary significantly: Fire policies change frequently based on conditions. At Coldbrook Campground, a recent visitor noted, "We camped during a no fire period so no campfires or outdoor propane gas stove fires." These restrictions can impact camping plans substantially.
Vault toilets are standard: Most campgrounds feature basic facilities. "Has pit toilets in 2 locations, a large dumpster in 2 locations, a large picnic area, small group fire pit, individual fire pits in some campsites," explains Christopher L. about Southfork Campground.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Juniper Hills, CA?
What camping is available near Juniper Hills, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Juniper Hills, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 192 campgrounds and RV parks near Juniper Hills, CA and 10 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Juniper Hills, CA?
Which is the most popular campground near Juniper Hills, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Juniper Hills, CA is Crystal Lake Rec Area Campground with a 4.1-star rating from 28 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Juniper Hills, CA?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Juniper Hills, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 10 free dispersed camping spots near Juniper Hills, CA.
What parks are near Juniper Hills, CA?
What parks are near Juniper Hills, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 13 parks near Juniper Hills, CA that allow camping, notably Angeles National Forest and Mojave River Dam.
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