Campgrounds near Valyermo, California are distributed throughout the Angeles National Forest and San Gabriel Mountains, offering varied camping experiences from developed sites to more primitive options. Crystal Lake Recreation Area Campground provides cabin accommodations alongside traditional tent and RV camping, while Table Mountain Campground offers a higher-elevation experience with tent and RV sites. Most campgrounds in the region maintain seasonal operations, typically open from spring through fall, with facilities ranging from basic (vault toilets and picnic tables) to more developed amenities including drinking water, trash service, and fire rings.
Road access varies significantly throughout the Angeles National Forest, with some campgrounds requiring travel on unpaved forest roads or steep mountain highways. The majority of campgrounds in the Valyermo area operate seasonally from April or May through November, closing during winter months when snow and ice can make mountain roads hazardous. Many sites require an Adventure Pass for parking, and campers should be prepared for variable conditions at higher elevations. Cell service is limited or non-existent in many camping areas, particularly in canyon locations. "This campground is nestled in a valley/canyon and is next to Fenner Canyon Conservation Camp #41. At the time of visiting, we did not have cell phone service in that canyon," noted one visitor about Big Rock Campground.
The camping experience near Valyermo tends to be more rustic and peaceful compared to other areas closer to Los Angeles. Several developed campgrounds feature picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets, while offering access to hiking trails including portions of the Pacific Crest Trail. Campers frequently mention the peaceful atmosphere and dark night skies as highlights of the region. Wildlife sightings, including bears, are reported at several campgrounds, requiring proper food storage. The region offers a mix of remote, quiet campgrounds and more accessible sites that can become busy during summer weekends. Winter camping is limited but provides solitude for those prepared for cold conditions. According to one camper, the area "never disappoints on the spectacular views," though they advise that popular campgrounds can become crowded during summer holidays.
"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."
$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."
$30 - $500 / night
"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."
"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."
$20 / 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"
"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."
"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!"
"This campsite is located in California and is one of my favorites."
"I hiked in while doing the Pacific crest trail from the south. great campground with bear lockers and many sites, also nearby spots along the pct. a short walk from little jimmy spring, where you can get"
$12 / night
"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."
"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."
RangerThe 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!
TravelerCamping at the beach in LA! Large country campground that has sites designed for motorhomes and sites designed for travel trailers and fifth wheels. It asphalt campsites, but you’re at the BEACH! My only complaints are the electrical was not working properly, (I had to connect to 30A instead of 50A), and people don’t pick up after themselves.
TravelerThis is my first time solo camping and this was a great starter! It’s really quiet all day long and every where you look is absolutely beautiful. I drove up here in my Honda civic and I saw some truck but this is a super narrow road and my car barely fit.-.
During cold times you might need to be ready to shovel the road. There’s not enough snow for chains but I saw a Jeep wrangler in front of me get stuck.
Dog friendly as well, there’s a lot of open space.
There’s my rant
ScoutSome nights very windy, but it’s extremely beautiful out here. It’s a great time.
GuideBeautiful, quiet site with plenty of space but it is VERY windy with trash flying everywhere. It also seems to function as an illegal dumping site for couches, appliances …
Practice shooters at night and early am nearby are also not the most reassuring and the main reason for our decision to skip staying over the weekend.
GuideStayed here for one night tent camping. No one in sight in the tent section. Good spot with showers and restrooms. The pool and spa were open.
GuideThis is a big area right off the 15 with plenty of space to have a good time. We pulled in at night and passed a few other people camping, but there are so many little roads/trails around we had no problem finding a spot. We woke up on a Saturday morning to people shooting around 7am. It seems like the classic dispersed spot with scattered trash and broken glass from shooting practice, but with the spring flowers it was very beautiful and really quiet at night :) it worked great for what we needed, a spot to break up our long drive.
ScoutReally incredible location, was snow to book last minute by calling and checking for availability. Can't reserve by phone but was able to confirm availability. Prob easier to do in off season, add it is Feb not the summer.
Pricing is 75 for closest to beach 65 to furthest in RV 40FOOT LIMIT super chill, quiet hours are 9pm Love the space, fire pits on the beach. Pet friendly
ScoutPretty good. Smells a tiny bit like black water fumes.
Camping options near Valyermo, California range from basic tent sites to full-service RV resorts. The Angeles National Forest camping areas sit at elevations between 5,000 and 7,000 feet, creating a distinct high-desert pine environment with dramatic temperature shifts. During summer months, daytime temperatures average 75-85°F but can drop below 50°F at night, requiring proper layering and cold-weather sleeping gear.
Mountain hiking: 2-5 miles from most sites. Several campgrounds provide direct access to mountain trails ranging from beginner to advanced difficulty. At Little Jimmy Trail Campground, "Many trails lead from here. Including a 1.2 mike haunt up to a little peak (Mt Islip)," notes Jennifer D. The Pacific Crest Trail runs through multiple camping areas.
Bouldering: Technical climbing opportunities. Horse Flats Campground is a hub for rock climbers. "Nice place to stay for climbing - there is mostly bouldering in the area, with some trad stuff," explains Kathleen L. The area draws climbers from throughout Southern California.
Stargazing: Best between 9pm-midnight. The high elevation and distance from city lights makes these campsites ideal for night sky viewing. At Chilao Campground, one visitor experienced "sleeping with a completely open tent and viewing the night sky was amazing. Moon lit the entire mountain up."
Mountain escape under 2 hours from Los Angeles. The proximity to urban areas makes these campgrounds perfect for quick getaways. At Coldbrook Campground, one camper shared: "This is a great little campground. This is right up hwy 39, which is a quick getaway for us to do a 1 night trip. We absolutely love this place."
Spring water access: Natural hydration source. Several campgrounds feature natural springs. At Crystal Lake Rec Area Campground, visitors appreciate the cafe: "Dog friendly and the cafe isn't cheap but I swear has the nicest people and the best cocoa. Bring your dirt bike and hit some of the trails, it's a definite must!"
Privacy between campsites. Many campers highlight the spacious layout at campsites near Valyermo. "Mostly quiet/private. Shaded. Big site with lots of tent/hammock placement options," noted Forest G. about Crystal Lake. Another camper mentioned that Chilao offers "campsites very well secluded from others."
Extreme temperature fluctuations: 30-40 degree swings. The high elevation means cold nights even during summer. "Even though the daily high was 79 degrees, the low at night was 56, and it was still only 61 degrees by 7 am," reports a camper at Chilao Campground.
Water availability varies by season and site. Many campgrounds have limited or seasonal water. At Table Mountain Campground, "There are bathroom stalls and running water but is not drinkable," according to Adrian R. Prepare to bring your own drinking water.
Wildlife encounters: Bears and deer. Multiple campers report wildlife sightings. "ANIMALS SEEN: Black bear, deer (wandered through our site), red foxes, Stellar's Jays, woodpeckers, other birds," reported Forest G. Proper food storage is essential.
Insect preparation essential. Bug activity increases during warmer months. "Lots of gnats! They swarm your face but then after you sit still for about a minute they leave you alone," warned one Coldbrook visitor. Multiple campgrounds recommend bringing repellent.
Campground difficulty ratings: Varies widely. For beginners, Buckhorn Campground provides an accessible experience. "This would be a good first car camping spot for families with young children," recommends Meghan W. The campground includes "Babbling brook to lull you to sleep at night. Very quiet after 10:00 pm."
Picnic facilities: Available at most sites. Most established campgrounds include tables and designated eating areas. "There are lots of spacious camping sites, clean bathrooms, running water, numerous of shade trees, and a cafe/store for all the things you forgot," notes Chris B. about Crystal Lake.
Bear-safe storage requirements. Families must properly store food at all campgrounds in the region. "After parking at Islip Saddle, cross the highway and begin hiking for 2 miles up the switchbacks until you reach Little Jimmy Campground on your right... In the summertime, bears can be common visitors so make sure and secure your food in provided bear boxes or bring your own bear canisters," advises Tony C.
Length restrictions: Maximum 24 feet recommended. Most forest campgrounds have tight turns and limited space. At Buckhorn Campground, "Good for small RVs. Over 24 foot not recommended," warns Lauralyn J.
Limited hookup availability. Most Angeles National Forest campgrounds lack RV hookups. "We had an encounter with a bear both times. Lost our marshmellows. 1st come spots had us looking for a good one," shares Kat M. about Coldbrook Campground.
Elevation challenges for larger vehicles. The mountain roads present driving challenges. "The drive from the base of the mountain to this campground is about 45 minutes. Make sure you have enough gas and have a map/driving directions ready, because there is no cell phone service," advises an experienced camper at Horse Flats.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Valyermo, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Valyermo, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 197 campgrounds and RV parks near Valyermo, CA and 11 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Valyermo, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Valyermo, CA is Crystal Lake Rec Area Campground with a 4.1-star rating from 27 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Valyermo, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 11 free dispersed camping spots near Valyermo, CA.
What parks are near Valyermo, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 13 parks near Valyermo, CA that allow camping, notably Angeles National Forest and Mojave River Dam.
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