Best Campgrounds near Mount Wilson, CA

Angeles National Forest surrounds Mount Wilson in the San Gabriel Mountains, offering several established campgrounds and trail camps for overnight stays. Chilao Campground, Buckhorn Campground, and Crystal Lake Recreation Area provide developed camping options with varying amenities for both tent and RV campers. Trail camps like Valley Forge, Spruce Grove, and Mount Lowe offer more primitive camping experiences accessible only by hiking. Most campgrounds operate seasonally from April through November, with limited year-round options available at lower elevations.

Road closures and access limitations affect many sites in the area, particularly following wildfire impacts. "Drove all the way to the turn in to find the road was closed," noted one visitor attempting to reach Valley Forge Trail Camp. Hikers should be prepared for potentially challenging trail conditions with several backpackers mentioning downed trees, stream crossings, and steep terrain when accessing trail camps. Most developed campgrounds provide drinking water, vault toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings, though fire restrictions may apply seasonally. Elevation ranges from approximately 3,000 to 7,000 feet, creating significant temperature variations between sites and seasons.

Campers consistently mention the region's flowing creeks and sense of wilderness as highlights. "There is a flowing creek right along the camp, and a 10-foot waterfall just 50 yards away," shared one visitor at Idlehour Trail Camp. Trail camps typically offer more seclusion but require backpacking gear and water filtration capabilities as most lack developed water sources. Several reviewers noted the contrast between the nearby urban environment and the natural experience: "Feel like you're miles away without leaving LA." Bear activity occurs throughout the region, requiring proper food storage. Cell phone reception is limited or non-existent at most sites, particularly in canyon locations, with some trail camps providing emergency call boxes.

Best Camping Sites Near Mount Wilson, California (176)

    1. Chilao Campground

    17 Reviews
    Mount Wilson, CA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (818) 790-1151

    $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"

    "Great spot to get away from the big city being only a 45min drive from the Downtown, couldn’t ask for more"

    2. Buckhorn Campground

    20 Reviews
    Juniper Hills, CA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (818) 899-1900

    $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."

    3. Bonelli Bluffs

    39 Reviews
    South El Monte, CA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (909) 599-8355

    $76 - $88 / night

    "Our experience at Bonelli Bluffs Campground was mostly positive, but there were a couple of aspects that could be improved."

    "The views around the outskirts of B loop are just lovely, the staff has been so friendly and helpful (we’re RV newbies and had a ton of questions) the store was stocked with all of the little things we"

    4. Crystal Lake Rec Area Campground

    26 Reviews
    Valyermo, CA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (626) 335-1251

    "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."

    5. Angeles National Forest Chilao Campground

    12 Reviews
    Mount Wilson, CA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (626) 574-1613

    "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!"

    6. Coldbrook Campground

    18 Reviews
    Glendora, CA
    14 miles
    Website

    "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."

    7. Monte Cristo Campground

    10 Reviews
    Mount Wilson, CA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (661) 269-2808

    $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!"

    8. Millard Trail Campground

    9 Reviews
    Altadena, CA
    5 miles
    Website

    "When you can’t do a 2h hike before setting camp, but you also don’t want to camp close to your car, Millard campground is perfect. The parking lot is just behind the corner out of view."

    "Cool drive to get to the campground. You drive up and down these hilly roads up the mountain to get there. Once there, there's a parking lot that fits about 20 cars."

    9. Mount Lowe Trail Campground

    8 Reviews
    Mount Wilson, CA
    3 miles
    +1 (818) 899-1900

    "We went in May this year so not much people around. Brand new toilet is nice as well. There was some flowing water still."

    "There's a stream nearby the Mount Lowe Summit Trail, also. Plenty of great sites to choose from."

    10. Thousand Trails Soledad Canyon

    25 Reviews
    Acton, CA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "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."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 176 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Recent Reviews near Mount Wilson, CA

1000 Reviews of 176 Mount Wilson Campgrounds


  • Spencer S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 20, 2025

    Malibu Beach RV Park

    Beautiful beach!

    They have ports potty’s and a nice stretch of beach between houses that you can enjoy privately

  • Gillian L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 20, 2025

    Hollywood RV Park

    Themed Park!

    First of all, staff was amazing. We were originally supposed to arrive on a Tuesday and we’re not able to make it. Staff shifted our reservation instead of us eating the missed night cost. Also super accommodating allowing us to extend a day longer last minute. Park is tight quarters with 200 spots. Two laundry rooms/bathrooms with showers on site, plus a cute little dog park! We stayed for three nights. Every “road” in the park is themed with California or Hollywood themed decorations and murals. We were parked right next to a Mister Roger’s mural across from the laundry/bathrooms. My only complaint in the noise level at times which is not from the park itself. Helicopters would fly over randomly, sometimes at night and it could be annoying when trying to sleep. Otherwise, absolute GEM of a place!

  • Imerie T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 18, 2025

    Oak Flat Campground

    Good place to stop between stops

    So the good first, Quiet, not many ppl in the fall/winter months. Sites are large, dumpsters, vault toilets, close to town amenities. We felt safe staying here. Met nice campers.

    The crappy. Yes you can hear the humm of the freeway from further away. Didn’t bug us, but some it does. There is micro trash everywhere. No one cleans the sites, leaves are outta control on the ground. You cannot have any cooking or fires right now. Only cooking inside. The single bathroom is cleanest. The Ranger was super rude He asked way too many personal questions and kept wanting to make sure we weren’t “homeless”. He doesn’t understand the difference between vagrants and choosing to not live in bricks and sticks. He wanted to know exactly how many days we were staying and what day and time we were leaving. You can stay up to 14days and no reservations required.

    It is only free if you have your America The Beautiful Pass, otherwise it’s 5.00 a night And you have to buy that at the Shell Gas Station down the pass.

  • Anna X.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 8, 2025

    Dockweiler Beach RV Park

    Pacific touch :)

    Nice place very close to the beach with amazing Pacific view. All connections in place; sites very close to each other; a bit loud due to airport nearby. Very friendly staff. In overall good experience and recommend it :)

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Bonelli Bluffs

    Wish we could stay longer this trip

    We chose Bonelli for our shakedown trip in our new trailer (first time RVers). SO quiet. Numerous residents, but spots are mostly keep up nicely. Our rental spot has 3 trees, a picnic table, a firepit, level parking(!) and full hookups. We will be back for sure, especially since it's less than an hour from home.

  • Jake M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 30, 2025

    Malibu Creek State Park Campground

    Awesome Mountain View’s and spacious sites!

    Every friendly people. Nice open sites that are good for people who just want to be isolated. Showers and bathrooms available. No charging unless you can find an open one in the park. Site 27 is a very good site.

  • Julia G.
    Sep. 27, 2025

    Hare School Park

    Overnight parking ✅

    You can overnight park here with your RV without problems.

  • Lianne A.
    Sep. 23, 2025

    Monte Cristo Campground

    Nice Campground but Fire Restrictions!

    Monte Cristo is a nice campground not far from home. My husband and I visited this campsite for the first time just for one night. There was a fire restriction. No bonfires, no cooking on stoves and there was no water due to a leak. The bathroom that I was using I give it a 2 star.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 19, 2025

    Malibu Beach RV Park

    Great Family Vacation

    Perfect weekend getaway for the family! Loved the store and how close to the beach this place was. Will definitely be coming back!!


Guide to Mount Wilson

Camping spots near Mount Wilson, California range in elevation from approximately 3,000 to 7,000 feet, creating diverse microclimates throughout the San Gabriel Mountains. Mount Wilson itself sits at 5,710 feet, surrounded by pine forests with several campgrounds operating primarily from April through November. Winter closures affect many of the higher elevation sites due to snow conditions, while summer brings temperatures ranging from 45-85°F depending on elevation.

What to do

Hiking to waterfalls: 30 minutes or less from several campgrounds. At Coldbrook Campground, one visitor noted "There's a nice waterfall trail which will be 2.5 in & 2.5 miles back." The area features several accessible water features, particularly during spring months.

Mountain biking: Popular on fire roads throughout Angeles National Forest. Many trails connect multiple campgrounds. "There is a recreational area 20 minutes down the mountain on the lake," mentioned a camper at Crystal Lake Rec Area Campground, where multiple trail systems connect.

Bird watching: Dawn hours recommended for best viewing. "Good bird-watching in the morning. Stream and faucets nearby," noted one visitor at Coldbrook. Many campers report seeing Stellar's Jays, woodpeckers, and ravens throughout the area.

Wildlife spotting: Common sightings at dawn and dusk. "Black bear, deer (wandered through our site), red foxes, Stellar's Jays, woodpeckers, other birds," listed one camper at Crystal Lake, giving a sense of the biodiversity around Mount Wilson.

What campers like

Seclusion despite proximity to LA: Many campers appreciate the forest setting just a short drive from urban areas. "So close to LA yet so far away," wrote one Monte Cristo Campground visitor. Another camper at Buckhorn Campground noted, "We found this gem, just 1 1/2hrs from LA and you'd never know you were anywhere near the city."

Temperature relief: The elevation provides natural air conditioning. "We love to travel and camp but can't always carve out the time for a long drive out of LA... amazingly quiet space, so tranquil and an absolute perfect temperature in August during the day and night," reported a Buckhorn camper.

Campsite privacy: Many sites offer good separation. At Angeles National Forest Chilao Campground, "Each camp sites is pretty well secluded from others, high desert, shrubs and some trees, was able to hang my hammock at site," according to one reviewer. Another noted, "Out of 83 sights, divided on 2 loops, only a few were shared parking with another vehicle but seemed like they would be good for larger groups."

Stream access: Flowing water adds to the camping experience. "There is a great little creek that runs through the campground," wrote one Coldbrook visitor, while a Monte Cristo camper mentioned "a creek that runs thru seasonally" – though availability depends on recent rainfall.

What you should know

Fire restrictions vary seasonally: Rules change based on conditions and location. A visitor to Mount Lowe Trail Campground warned, "Check on camp fires permitted (last time I was there ABSOLUTELY NO FIRES ALLOWED)." Always check current regulations before arrival.

Wildlife requires proper precautions: Bears are active throughout the region. "A bear was on our stuff the first night. I whistled and it ran away. In the morning today, we seen another, casually walking into the grounds," reported a Monte Cristo camper. Food storage containers are required at most sites.

Weekend crowding: Many campgrounds fill quickly Friday-Sunday. "The only negative is the loudness of cars driving by on the adjacent road," noted one Coldbrook camper. Another visitor to Buckhorn advised, "It is however very popular, you need to get there early to get a good spot."

Water availability changes: Water systems undergo maintenance and seasonal shutdowns. "Drove up Saturday morning and was able to pick our ideal site. Has some great views. No running water," stated a Chilao visitor. Always bring backup water supplies.

Tips for camping with families

Short hiking trails: Multiple family-friendly options available. "There are easy hiking trails all over & good trees for hanging my hammock," shared a Chilao visitor. "Fun little campground with decent facilities and beautiful surroundings. Lots of trails all around with a nice hike of about 1/2 mile up to Millard Falls that is easy for kids and grown ups," wrote a reviewer about Millard Trail Campground.

Shade considerations: Some campgrounds offer better coverage than others. "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!!" cautioned a Chilao visitor. Research site maps before arrival to identify shadier spots.

Bug protection: Necessary, especially in summer months. "Lots of gnats! They swarm your face but then after you sit still for about a minute they leave you alone," reported a Coldbrook visitor who added, "I didn't have any bug spray with me. My mistake that hopefully you won't repeat."

Site selection for families: Some campgrounds have better layouts for groups. At Buckhorn, "9-10-11 are the best ones with shade together, they have a campfire circle big enough for 10+," advised one reviewer. Most campgrounds offer sites with picnic tables.

Tips from RVers

Size restrictions: Many campgrounds limit RV length. "Good for small RVs. Over 24 foot not recommended," advised a Buckhorn visitor. Monte Cristo can accommodate slightly larger units as one RVer noted, "I pulled a 26 TT. I came in from the La side of the mountains and found it's easier to go in from Palmdale with a rv or tt."

Road conditions: Access routes can be challenging. "The road closest to our site was washed away... so a long jog or drive around the perimeter to get us to the pool, laundry and hot tub," reported one RVer. Forest roads may not be regularly maintained after storms.

Limited hookup options: Most forest service campgrounds lack services. Chilao offers water hookups but many others, including Monte Cristo, only have water spigots. "No water at sites but they have water. No service. If your hauling anything longer then 20 ft. Try for site 11," recommended a Monte Cristo visitor.

Level sites vary: Finding flat parking can be challenging. "It's set back from the road a little giving you a quieter experience away from the 2," noted a Buckhorn visitor, highlighting how terrain affects site quality. Always bring leveling blocks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the camping sites at Mount Wilson?

Mount Wilson has several nearby camping options rather than sites directly on the mountain itself. Hoegees Trail Camp Campground is accessible via the Big Santa Anita Canyon Loop on Mount Wilson, offering free primitive camping in wooded areas with creeks and waterfalls. For a backcountry experience, Little Jimmy Trail Campground is located just above Crystal Lake, approximately 2 miles off Angeles Crest Highway with first-come, first-served sites. Both are hike-in only, so be prepared for a trek to reach these secluded spots. Mount Wilson is primarily within Angeles National Forest, where dispersed camping is generally permitted in designated areas with proper permits.

How do I get to Mount Wilson campgrounds from Los Angeles?

From Los Angeles, take the 210 Freeway east toward La Cañada Flintridge, then exit onto Angeles Crest Highway (CA-2). For most Mount Wilson area campgrounds, you'll follow this scenic route into the mountains. To reach Millard Trail Campground, one of the closest sites to Pasadena, take the 210 to the Lake Avenue exit, head north until it ends, then follow the signs to the trailhead. For Chilao Campground, continue on Angeles Crest Highway for approximately 26 miles from La Cañada Flintridge. Most campgrounds are within a 1-2 hour drive from downtown LA, depending on traffic conditions. Always check road closures during winter months when snow can affect access.

What amenities are available at Mount Wilson campground?

Campgrounds near Mount Wilson are generally primitive with basic amenities. Buckhorn Campground offers potable water and vault toilets during operating season, while Coldbrook Campground provides similar facilities. The more rustic trail camps like Little Jimmy have vault toilets and fire rings but no running water. Most sites include picnic tables and established fire pits, though fire restrictions are common during dry seasons. None of the Mount Wilson area campgrounds offer electrical hookups, showers, or other modern conveniences. Cell service is typically limited or non-existent. Prepare to be self-sufficient with your own water filtration system for the backcountry sites, and always pack out all trash as many sites have no garbage service.