Cool and Popular

The campground is a ways into the forest. I'm sure smaller cars could make it but it's not going to be a very comfortable ride.

There are a lot of sites and most were packed the weekend we were there. Lots of families and it wasn't quiet. Lots of pets and it wasn't quiet.

Picnic tables, firepits, the campground manager was on top of people who let their fires get too big.

It's truly a beautiful site though, lots of trails around and some rock climbing as well.

Popular with Climbers

Horse Flats is a popular campground deep in Angeles National Forest.

There are a bunch of sites (more than 20) and there are vault toilets, fire pits, and picnic tables.

$12 fee per site, not sure how many cars that means but you might need the adventure pass if you have a lot of other cars parking overnight.

It's a great escape from the city, about an hour from DTLA. Popular with climbers as there's bouldering in the area.

Know before you go - it's closed from November-ish to April-ish - so check the forest website before you head out there.

When driving there, you take a left off the 2 and it's a little past Bandido Group site. Some people have a hard time finding it their first time going.

Hiding in Sierra National Forest

Little Sandy is way in there, about a 45-60 minute drive with a stream crossing from the main road. A bit past the more popular Big Sandy campground, Little Sandy is much less used and much more primitive. There are no bathrooms so bring your shovels! Firepits available but no picnic tables. It's next to a stream. It's very peaceful and quiet, though during the daytime there were people there just hanging out and a family with kids playing in the stream.

Tucked Away Amongst the Giants

This small and quiet campground is tucked away in the Nelder Grove area. It's a little tricky to find in the guise of night if you haven't been there - go past Nelder Grove area, turn right at the fork, turn left to get to camp sites. It's by a stream and there are a handful of Giant Sequoias that have seen better days.

Typical campsite other than the stunning and peaceful nature: fire pits and picnic tables.

There are great trails in the area with even more (living) Giant Sequoias.