Angeles National Forest near Pearblossom, California offers tent camping options at elevations ranging from 4,000 to 8,000 feet, providing relief from summer heat with temperatures often 15-20 degrees cooler than surrounding valleys. The forest contains over 700 miles of trails with multiple backcountry campsites that connect to the Pacific Crest Trail. Most primitive tent sites require an Adventure Pass for parking, which costs $5 for a day pass or $30 for an annual pass.
What to do
Hike to waterfalls: Cooper Canyon Trail Camp features a waterfall about one mile beyond the campground. As one camper noted about Cooper Canyon Trail Camp: "Nice Campground with several sites near a stream. Hike in 1.75mi... Waterfall is about another 1 mile hike in."
Summit nearby peaks: Mount Pacifico Campground offers access to panoramic views from multiple summit trails. A visitor to Mount Pacifico Campground shared: "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."
Creek fishing opportunities: West Fork Trail Camp provides access to year-round stream fishing. According to a camper: "Perfect stopping point for backpacking. Went here in May and we were the only 2 here. Plenty of water flowing and tree cover from the sun."
What campers like
Natural springs: Little Jimmy Trail Campground features a natural spring for water filtering. A camper reports: "Fantastic in the snowy season. Getting to Windy Gap usually requires spikes or crampons and axe, but it's well worth the effort. There's also year-round running water at Little Jimmy Springs."
Wildlife viewing: Big Rock Campground offers opportunities to see local wildlife in their natural habitat. One visitor to Angeles National Forest Big Rock Campground observed: "A mother bear and her two cubs did visit us on one of the visits. We did find what looked like mountain lion footprints. There is wild life."
Solitude on weekdays: Most backcountry sites remain uncrowded outside summer weekends. A camper at Glenn Trail Camp Campground shared: "A great get away and isolated from the hordes."
What you should know
Water sources require treatment: Stream water must be filtered at all tent sites. "The creek has water for the most part, not a lot which explains the bugs, enough to filter," noted a visitor to Cooper Canyon.
Trail conditions vary by season: Snow often blocks higher elevation access in winter months. According to a camper at West Fork: "We went in March/April so the stream has plenty of water to drink. It is a challenging hike if you have a heavy pack."
Many campgrounds lack facilities: Most primitive sites have minimal amenities. As one camper at Manker Campground observed: "Small tent and motorhome campground with firepits, water spickets, bathrooms (they get very dirty on the busy weekends, beware!)."
Tips for camping with families
Choose easier access points: Jackson Flats has shorter hikes suitable for children. A visitor to Jackson Flats reported: "It had flush toilets, water spigots, picnic tables, and fire pits as well as large campsites seemingly fitting for big groups. When we got there there were a lot of families. It seemed like a safe place for kids to run around and play."
Plan for insects: Bug protection is essential near streams during summer. One camper noted about Cooper Canyon: "Lots of flies and mosquitoes when I went. Even my dog was annoyed."
Consider weather changes: Temperatures can drop significantly at night even in summer. A Manker camper shared: "Nice little campground to pitch a tent and climb mt.baldy."
Tips for RVers
Limited RV options: Deer Flats Group Campground accommodates some RVs but has few amenities. A camper at Angeles National Forest Deer Flats Group Campground noted: "Spacious sites, enough for groups and numerous tents."
Road access challenges: Many forest roads are narrow with creek crossings. A Big Rock Campground visitor warned: "You do have to drive through the creek to get to the campground, so a small car probably would not be advisable when it is really flowing. I drove my small Toyota pickup through it with no problem."
Elevation affects vehicles: Higher elevation affects engine performance and fuel efficiency. Campers should plan accordingly when driving to tent camping sites near Pearblossom at higher elevations.
