Within Angeles National Forest, Coldbrook Campground operates as a US Forest Service facility that draws campers seeking mountain access without lengthy drives from urban areas. The campground sits along a creek with approximately 20 sites available on a first-come, first-served basis throughout the year.
Highway 39 runs directly adjacent to the campground, creating a consistent soundtrack of passing traffic. Christopher notes that "you do hear people racing up and down the road," with motorcycles and sports cars frequently using the mountain route for recreational driving. Emergency vehicles pass through at least once daily according to multiple campers. Sites numbered in the teens tend to experience the most road noise.
The creek flowing through the property provides a natural draw for families and a water source for various activities. Several sites sit directly alongside the water, with site 14 particularly popular for its end-of-loop location overlooking the stream. Parents report children enjoying creek play, though camp hosts warn about occasional bear activity in the area. Water spigots appear at most individual sites despite some official sources suggesting otherwise.
Vault toilets receive regular maintenance from the camp host, who also provides guidance on current fire restrictions and local conditions. Lizzie B. recommends the "Coldbrook Campground Overlook Trail" accessible from the campground, noting that cell service disappears once campers head up the mountain. The drive up Highway 39 accommodates RVs and trailers with multiple turnouts available.
For additional mountain camping options, campers can explore places to camp around Angeles National Forest. Coldbrook works well for groups wanting quick mountain access while accepting road noise as part of the experience.
Description
Coldbrook Campground offers 22 shaded campsites*__at the intersection of Coldbrook and Soldier Creeks that are open year round. Available on a first-come, first-serve basis, each campsite can fit up eight people and two vehicles (additional fee applies for the second vehicle). This campground is less populated then nearby Crystal Lake Recreation Area. However, it does reach capacity on most summer weekends. Each campsite has a fire pit and grill, and picnic tables are available on the grounds. Potable water is available on the campgrounds.__The trailhead for the 7-mile round trip hike to the summit of Smith Mountain is just 1/3 of a mile away and the popular Bridge to Nowhere hike is a short drive away. RV's are allowed up to 22 feet, but there are no hookups for electricity or waste.*Note: Camping - $12 per night per site, $5 for extra vehicle. Day use - $5 per vehicle.__Adventure Pass will be honored for day use. Campsites are first-come-first-served. Adventure Pass required for vehicles parked outside the campground. A California Campfire Permit is required.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundColdbrook Campground is located in California
Coordinates
34.291484 N
117.840418 W
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GGood CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 3/9/26
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&T5GGood Coverage
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GGood CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 3/9/26
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&T5GGood Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Phone Service
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
Drive Time
- 1 hr 8 min from Los Angeles, CA
- 1 hr 49 min from Oxnard, CA
- 2 hrs 18 min from Bakersfield, CA
- 2 hrs 25 min from San Diego, CA



































