J
Jermiah 
Scout
ScoutAngeles Crest Overlook to LA
Nice
It wasn't sure about camping there parks and camped in the tent wasn't bothered by anybody but we did see a bear so be cautious
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 (193)
1. 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 Availability2. 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 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. 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!"
7. 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."
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
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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
285 Photos of 193 Juniper Hills Campgrounds
Esther Y.
Cooper Canyon Trail Camp
Tony C.
Cooper Canyon Trail Campground
Vickie C.
Buckhorn Campground
Les R.
Camp Eaton
Christopher L.
Southfork Campground
Les R.
Bandido Group campground
Justin B.
Horse Flats Campground
Freddy L.
Angeles National Forest Deer Flats Group Campground
Dora O.
Angeles National Forest Chilao Campground
Les R.
Angeles National Forest Meadow Group Campground
Les R.
Chilao Campground
Andres P.
Little pine campground
Recent Reviews near Juniper Hills, CA
889 Reviews of 193 Juniper Hills Campgrounds
Jennica L.ScoutRafael’s RV park
Safe and comfortable, just a 1-2 space park
We just wanted a place close enough to Universal Studios so we could Uber there and not have to pay for Park Parking. Worked for that plus a 7/11 in walking distance was helpful!
Rafael could only text us but he did always answer back (sometimes it took a little bit longer which was in the middle of the day when we were updating him on our arrival time).
Overall it was a good stay and would definitely use the place again if we were wanting a place near that area.
If I had one critique, I would say it a little pricey for what it is but maybe that normal for the area.
Glen C.
GuideRim of the World Byway (near 15 fwy south) Dispersed
Great free camping for a one night stay
It was easy to find and access based on information on The Dyrt posted by other users. Great for train enthusiasts. Lots of traffic noise from the highway. We even encountered a rare black coyote. Unfortunately I didn’t have the mental presence to snap a picture but it came right up to the trailer. I don’t believe in feeding wildlife but probably others had. Unfortunately there was lots of trash left behind by previous campers or local partiers. I plan to use this location regularly as a launching off point for destinations in Nevada, Utah, and Colorado. Very convenient location, there are also convenience stores, a McDonalds, and very expensive gasoline nearby.
- NNathan L.
TravelerMesa Campground — Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area
A scenic campground
Silverwood Lake Campground offers a range of site experiences depending on where you stay. Some campsites are fairly close together and don’t offer much privacy, while others are more tucked away and feel noticeably more secluded. That said, the sites with better privacy can come with a tradeoff: there may not be enough room to comfortably pitch a tent right next to the car, which could be inconvenient if you like keeping your setup compact and organized. Overall, the campground seems best for campers who are flexible about site layout and are willing to choose between privacy and convenience. If having space to park and set up camp side by side is important, some of the more open sites may work better, even if they are less private.
Kiabeth C.TravelerBonelli Bluffs
Great camping spot
Cute and nice spot has all amenities has playground pool fishing spot quiet clean and staff are friendly
- RRussell W.Scout
Orangeland RV Park
Works Well for Disneyland
Our stay has been overall very nice. With campground is in an urban setting, so there is some traffic noise that comes with that, but it wasn't too bad. Very clean and well maintained. Nice staff. Disneyland is 12 minutes. Angles Stadium maybe 3. Can easily walk to a ball game if you wish. This isn't the kind of park that we normally stay at, but it was perfect for our needs in this case.
Nick M.TravelerBell Mountain Road
Gun shots galore
People shooting here all waking hours, found a group of kittens that some loser left to die.
Definitely a shooting-first, camping second place. Plenty of space once people are done shooting. Won’t personally be back here
Lauren M.GuideBell Mountain Road
Open space
Large, level, gravel lots off highway. Quite a few semis parked. As you continue past there are tons of open spaces to camp, just find a spot you like and set up.
Kevin M.
RangerMount Pacifico Campground
Very Remote for Close to L.A. and I LIKE IT!
The Views are fantastic sites are rugged but very cool locations, This is mainly a Hike in CG most of the time and better have some serious clearance to get there even when the road is open in summer, BUT very worth it!
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 193 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 Buckhorn Campground with a 4.8-star rating from 20 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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