Angeles National Forest offers pet-friendly camping options within 45 minutes of downtown Los Angeles. The forest's trail camps sit at elevations between 3,000-6,000 feet, creating significantly cooler temperatures at night than the surrounding valleys, with temperature drops of 15-20 degrees after sunset even in summer months. Most campgrounds require Adventure Passes for parking at trailheads.
What to do
Mountain biking on established trails: Crystal Lake Recreation Area welcomes cyclists on designated paths. "There is camping, horseback riding, fishing, trails, biking, hiking, picnics, you can use your jet skies in designated areas, swimming on the pool areas, kayaking, Park for kids and plenty more," notes Jessica P. in her Crystal Lake Rec Area Campground review.
Cooling off in seasonal streams: Winter Creek flows through Hoegees Trail Camp during spring months. "Site is shady year round with perennial water. It is illegal to take wood and water from the nearby cabins," explains David F. in his review of Hoegees Trail Camp Campground.
Overnight backpacking: For beginning backpackers, Valley Forge Trail Camp offers an accessible wilderness experience. "Took some friends for their first ever backpacking trip, great intro to the 'experience.' Trail camp is in the canyon so it's an easy 3.5 mile hike in, but a tough hike out of the canyon," shares Kelly B. about her trip to Valley Forge.
What campers like
Secluded campsites with privacy: Many Angeles Forest campgrounds offer well-spaced sites. "Campgrounds are spread out well giving each site plenty of space," writes CodyRay C. about Valley Forge Trail Camp, adding "We filtered water from the 'river' - seemed like a creek to me."
High-elevation escape from heat: Buckhorn Campground sits at over 6,000 feet elevation. "Beautiful campground. A little over 6000 feet up in the pine trees. The campground fills quickly for the weekend. It's a first come/first serve so get there early," advises Lauralyn J. in her review of Buckhorn Campground.
Quick access from urban areas: Mount Lowe Trail Camp provides wilderness seclusion within easy driving distance. "This is a hike in only campground that is secluded and a little spare. It has no running water but it does have facilities and tables (first come, first serve). Fantastic views on a clear day," explains Tom P. about his experience at Mount Lowe.
What you should know
Bear activity in certain areas: Wildlife encounters require proper food storage. "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," reports Taka B. about Monte Cristo Campground.
Water availability varies seasonally: Streams may run dry in summer months. "In April the creek was full, with several creek crossings on the hike and crisp, fresh water along the campsite that contribute to a beautifully green owasis of a meadow. I would imagine it would be a sad/nonexistent creek flow in the summer," notes Kelly B. about her spring visit to Valley Forge Trail Camp.
Weekend congestion at popular sites: Arrive early for first-come, first-served spots. "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," shares Les R., who fortunately found the overflow camping section.
Tips for camping with families
Dog-friendly trail camps with creek access: Several trail camps welcome pets with nearby water features. "The Big Santa Anita Canyon Loop on Mount Wilson offers dog friendly free camping immersed in thick mountain woods with babbling creeks and numerous waterfalls," explains Mandy E. about the area surrounding Hoegees Trail Camp.
Campsites with amenities for children: Developed campgrounds offer more facilities. "There is a pool. A tent area. Some spaces monumentally better than others. Occasionally they run a special. There's good hiking and bike riding and fishing," mentions Dennis B. about Bonelli Bluffs.
Short hiking options for young campers: Choose campgrounds with nearby activities. "There are easy hiking trails all over & good trees for hanging my hammock. The campsites are very spacious and clean (bathrooms were clean too!) i have been here a few times for a last minute weekend away, it's less than an hour from pasadena," writes Melinda M. about Chilao Campground.
Tips from RVers
Size limitations on mountain roads: Angeles Forest campgrounds have access restrictions. "Good for small RVs. Over 24 foot not recommended," warns Lauralyn J. about Buckhorn Campground.
RV-friendly campsites with hookups: Not all campgrounds accommodate recreational vehicles. "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," shares Aostara K. after visiting Bonelli Bluffs.
Generator restrictions: Check campground rules before arrival. "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. If your hauling anything longer then 20 ft. Try for site 11," suggests Jamie from Monte Cristo Campground.
Legend
