Buckhorn Campground

Need to Escape the City? 5 Campgrounds in the Angeles National Forest

When the concrete jungle of Los Angeles starts to feel more like a prison and less like a playground, it’s time to head for the hills. Literally. The Angeles National Forest offers the perfect escape, and it’s closer than you might think. Here are the top 5 campgrounds where you can pitch your tent, spark your campfire, and reconnect with the wild.

 1. Buckhorn Campground: The Hidden Gem

Tucked away off the Angeles Crest Highway, Buckhorn Campground is like that secret bar only the locals know about. Surrounded by towering pine trees and cool mountain streams, it’s a slice of heaven. The elevation keeps things cool, even when LA is sizzling. Spend your days hiking the Burkhart Trail or exploring the Pacific Crest Trail. Just remember, what happens at Buckhorn stays at Buckhorn.

 2. Crystal Lake Recreation Area: The Classic Choice

If Buckhorn is the hidden speakeasy, Crystal Lake is the timeless diner everyone loves. Located at the end of a winding road, it’s the only natural lake in the San Gabriel Mountains. Perfect for fishing, hiking, or simply kicking back with a good book. There’s even a café nearby if you forget your camping stove or just crave a hot coffee. Crystal Lake is where memories are made, one s’more at a time.

Crystal Lake

 3. Chilao Campground: Adventure Awaits

Chilao Campground, our namesake and personal favorite, is for the adventurers. With multiple loops offering different vibes, it’s a choose-your-own-adventure kind of place. Hike the Silver Moccasin Trail by day, and by night, gaze up at a sky littered with stars. The expansive views make you feel like the king of the world, even if you’re just the king of your campsite.

 4. Manker Flats Campground: The Gateway to Baldy

For those who like their camping with a side of serious hiking, Manker Flats is your go-to. It’s the launchpad for the trek up Mount Baldy, the highest peak in the San Gabriels. Start your day early with the Baldy Bowl Trail and be back in time to share tales of your summit conquests around the campfire. Manker Flats is the camp for those who believe that the best views come after the hardest climbs.

 5. Monte Cristo Campground: The Quiet Retreat

When you need solitude, Monte Cristo Campground is your sanctuary. Nestled along the Angeles Forest Highway, it’s less crowded than its more famous counterparts. Here, you can truly disconnect and let nature’s symphony be your soundtrack. The area is rich with history, too—explore the remnants of old mines and imagine the lives of those who sought fortune in these hills. At Monte Cristo, the past whispers through the trees.

Whether you’re a seasoned camper or a newbie looking to get your feet wet (hopefully not literally), the Angeles National Forest has a spot for you. So pack your gear, leave your worries behind, and get ready to make some memories under the stars. After all, the best stories are the ones you create in the great outdoors (at least we think so).

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