92% (224 reviews)
Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Angeles adventure.
Experience the beauty of nature without having to stray far from Los Angeles.
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Community favorites near Angeles National Forest
Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.
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Top-rated campgrounds near Angeles National Forest
94%
(89)
Malibu Beach RV Park
298 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Malibu, CA
Malibu RV is set on a coastal bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean in Malibu, California. Founded in the 1970s, Malibu RV offers RV Sites, Van Sites and Tent Camping, a communal ambiance, and a reprieve from the hustle and bustle of your travels along the California Coast.
Whether you are a digital nomad, a surfer looking to shack up for the night, or an adventurer looking for an extended stay, we would love to have you.
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$45
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91%
(82)
Nomad-NeXus @ArtFarm Nature Space
35 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents12 acres · Leona Valley, CA
Nomad-NeXus @ ArtFarm Nature Space offers the best of both worlds: Amazing Nature , bright stars and serenity , a fun creative vibe and good people and blazing fast internet connection for digital nomads and young entrepreneurs who are looking for a space to connect with nature and the world at large all at once, bridging the gap between Nature and Technology, Freedom and Community , hard work and inspiring moments with inspiring and positive people.
ArtFarm Nature space is the perfect space for Digital Nomads and Creative entrepreneurs to immerse themselves in Nature while enjoying the benefits of an instant community of inspired people who love to connect, collaborate and create ! we would love to meet you
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$48
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98%
(66)
AntFarm LA
6 sites · TentsLos Angeles, CA
NOTE: THIS IS A PARK AND HIKE-IN TENT-ONLY STAY. You must park by street and hike-up. You will not sleep in vehicle/RV.My wife and I built this place with the help of our 2 toddlers, our friends, and our team of shovels.
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$40
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100%
(8)
Tiny Home Cabin in the Hills
1 site · Lodging2 acres · CA
On the hillside of rural Shadow Hills in Los Angeles known as "Horse Country", most residents work in the film and TV industry in an area described as "close but a world away from the studios"!With views of the hillside and neighboring horse arenas and barns, you'll forget that you're still in Los Angeles and Disney studios is a mere 15 minutes away!
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$75
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97%
(102)
Old West Mountain Camping Near LA!
2 sites · RVs, Tents100 acres · Acton, CA
Learn more about this land:A vast expanse of oak trees, California Junipers and rugged, mountainous land running with jackrabbits, quail, and owls that is just 3 miles from Vazquez Rocks and the PCT, our ranch transports you. From the tent campsite, you look out for 20 miles and see nothing but nature across small mountains and canyons all the way to the peaks of Angeles National Forest in the distance. The campsite is a large flat area. For a trailer or RV it's a great place to park and the view is towards wide open spaces. With a tent or if you want more pure nature, you can drive out onto the property further towards the small ruin of the old homesteader's cabin or beyond. The property has a long-abandoned gold mine and circular arrastres where miners used mules to break up rocks. Nearby Acton has pick-your-own apples/pears/peaches at Bloom farms. We are at 3000 feet with strong sun during the day and cool mountains air at night. The camping is set away from structures, but if you want to stroll, closer to the ranch buildings, we have friendly small goats you can visit if interested and horses and a donkey to say hello to across the corral fence.
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96%
(42)
Reptacular Ranch Zoo
10 sites · RVs, Tents15 acres · Sylmar, CA
Reptacular Ranch is a 15-acre ranch in the middle of the Angeles National Forest. It's also a private zoo of over 500 animals! Our 15-acre ranch is in the Angeles National Forest - near Los Angeles. The Angeles National Forest of the U.S. Forest Service is located in the San Gabriel Mountains and Sierra Pelona Mountains, primarily within Los Angeles County in southern California. The Forest is one of the few remaining open space areas in Southern California. The forest is an important part of the overall health and well being of the area population. It provides open space, solitude from the everyday stress of modern living, a place to conduct research, a haven for wildlife, and offers a wide variety of recreation opportunities.Reptacular Ranch is also a private zoo of animals including tortoises and farm animals like goats, sheep, alapacs, cows, donkeys, turkeys and pigs. We have lots of birds, reptiles, and a camel and zebra! Welcome.
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$250
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(13)
Desert mountain
2 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents5 acres · Agua Dulce, CA
Learn more about this land:
Desert mountain view of the open sky with lots of stars Covered picnic area with games fire pit seating area tables heat lamps in western Decour Two horses chickens ducks dogs with clean comfort walking distance to Le Chen Restaurant
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$120
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97%
(86)
Camping @ Quail Run Ostrich Ranch
8 sites · RVs, Tents62 acres · Lake Hughes, CA
Run by three generations, our ranch has been in our family for more than 70 years. We opened our doors to the public in 2014 to help support feeding our animals, bred and rescued, after the Powerhouse Fire almost burned us out. We’ve survived a county quarantine(2018-2019), the COVID Lockdowns (2021-2022), the Lake Fire (2020), and the Hurricane Kay burn scar debris flow and flood (9/11/22), depending on hard work and strong family and community bonds. In addition to camping and educational tours, we host private and community events, grow & sell produce and eggs, hatch and sell chicks, rescue ratites, and support the local bee population (which gives us RAW honey to sell), and are working to open a private U-pick-by-appointment orchard. We are all animal lovers, and conservationists, and try to do our part to ensure our children inherit a healthy and viable world. This is our home where we live, work, love, and play. We enjoy sharing our space with visitors who we hope learn about ostrich and make some great memories.
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$20
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(1)
WIldflower Ridge
2 sites · RVs, Tents11 acres · Topanga, CA
Pitch your tent in the shade of a sprawling Sumac tree, enjoying views of the mountain side. Be intoxicated by the scent of vibrant purple sage surrounding you on all sides. Be enchanted by the abundance of wildflowers in every direction. Catch views of Black Walnut and California live oak trees.
Relax in our hammock and take in the beauty of the mountain. Eat by camp at our picnic table with chairs to lounge in. Take a nap in the tree on our treehouse platform.
Access a private hike with a 360 degree view featuring Topanga Canyon, Pacific Ocean, Catalina Island, and San Fernando Valley.
Dog friendly :)
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$55
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100%
(4)
Zorthian Ranch
1 site · Tent45 acres · Altadena, CA
For over 70 years, the Zorthian Ranch has stood as a haven for artists and intellectuals, functioning as both a community and arts center, and providing a natural respite from the city.
Conveniently located just 15 miles from Downtown Los Angeles and bordering the Angeles National Forest, Zorthian Ranch spans 45 acres of mountains, valleys, forests, structures, and sculptures. Its distinctive architecture, handcrafted by the renowned Jirayr Zorthian, a popular and eccentric artist in the area, adds a unique touch. The ranch features vintage vehicles, a variety of farm animals, agriculture, and a diverse landscape, creating a vibrant setting for community events, art, music, and permaculture. Additionally, the ranch has served as a film location for over 20 years, hosting popular TV shows, movies, and music videos.
Campers have various options for their stay. Those seeking a tranquil, wilderness-immersed experience can choose campsites accessible by foot trail, offering shaded areas and expansive overlooks with views stretching to Santa Catalina Island. For car campers, campsites within the developed portion of the ranch are accessible by vehicle and nestled in a lively garden oasis.
The property boasts extensive wilderness with numerous private trails available to campers. Scenic outlooks and open flat rest areas with tables and chairs are scattered throughout the private wilderness trails. Campers also have access to a vast network of public trails and sites in the San Gabriel Mountains, including Millard Canyon Falls Trail, Sunset Ridge Trail, Mt Lowe Trail, and Echo Mountain Trail.
The dominant plant communities within and around the ranch create a diverse mosaic, including chaparral, coastal sage scrub, coast live oak, Engelmann oak woodland, riparian habitat, and ephemeral wash habitat. The undeveloped foothill and mountainous terrain within the Angeles National Forest to the north serve as the core habitat for large mammals and birds. Wildlife movement within and through the ranch features daily and seasonal patterns for both large and small vertebrates, with shaded canyon bottoms acting as vital corridors. Regular wildlife sightings include bobcats, coyotes, bears, deer, rabbits, squirrels, and a variety of birds.
In the developed portion of the ranch, terrain can be steep and uneven in certain areas, with dirt pathways that result in dust during hot summers and mud during the wet season. Campers should take this into consideration when packing and come prepared with sunscreen, hats, sturdy footwear, and water bottles for exploring the property.
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$35
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95%
(38)
Magic Door Stargazer's Retreat
14 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Elizabeth Lake, CA
***Wildflowers are blooming all over! Book now to witness the Superbloom!!**
Discover Magic Door Stargazer's Retreat, situated in the serene wilderness of Antelope Acres, California less than 90 mins outside of Los Angeles. Our quaint and peaceful campsite provides a one-of-a-kind outdoor experience beneath the vast night sky.
Being less than 4 miles away from the famous flowers Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve, 10 miles to the charming Lake Hughes, and 12 miles Joshua Trees in Arthur B. Ripley State Park, Magic Door is a perfect midpoint to explore all this area has to offer.
Our grounds comprise five individual campsites and a dispersed camping area, each outfitted with a solar lamp to help guide your way. There's plenty of space at each site for your tent and/or one vehicle. We also have an outhouse shared amongst the sites.
During daylight, soak in the beauty of the Mojave Desert's natural landscape. Watch out for the local wildlife like quail, roadrunners, and jackrabbits. As night cloaks the desert, you're presented with a mesmerizing spectacle of a starlit sky, making it a dream location for stargazers. During the spring you will be immersed in a sea of wildflowers.
Adding a unique allure to our campsite is the 'Door to Nowhere'. This freestanding door amidst the desert makes for a whimsical photo opportunity and a conversation starter.
Please note, our amenities are basic to preserve the authentic charm of the surroundings. There no fire pits on site, and we encourage campers to bring along any additional necessities, including extra lighting, for their comfort.
Immerse yourself in the calming stillness of the desert, under a canopy of twinkling stars, and make unforgettable memories at our Hipcamp site in Antelope Acres.
Book your stay now for an unparalleled camping experience at Magic Door Stargazer's Retreat.
We're just getting started and would love your feedback!
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$49
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84%
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California Poppy & Wildflower Field
17 sites · RVs, Tents2 acres · Lake Hughes, CA
***CALIFORNIA POPPIES & WILDFLOWERS ARE CURRENTLY STARTING TO BLOOM THROUGHOUT THE ANTELOPE VALLEY. SUPERBLOOM IMMINENT! 2024
The wildflower and poppy season generally runs early March to end of April. Camp amidst the flower fields on our gorgeous rolling hills and views as far as the eye can see!
**Amazing Stargazing! No light pollution! One of the best places near LA to enjoy the constellation covered night sky! 2.5-acre desert property in the foothills near the Antelope Valley California Poppy reserve, with stunning stargazing, sunsets, and sunrises year round and overflowing with millions of blooming wildflowers in the Spring. The property is filled with endless, amazing panoramic mountain, hill, and valley views. Tons of dirt roads and trails through the hills in total raw natural beauty for you to explore and enjoy the true beauty of nature, just a little over an hour from Los Angeles, and still in LA County. Immerse yourself in this secluded sanctuary and untouched nature, leave refreshed and ready for all that life has in store.
We have amazing camping at this site and our other properties year round. Please ask us about our other Hipcamp listing "High Desert, Joshua Trees, and Views", only 20 minutes north of this one! Also, we offer monthly and annual memberships with major discounts, as well as Unlimited camping passes!
Follow Us @CaliforniaCampingClub
***Some things to please be aware of:
- This is off grid camping! No markers or specifically defined campsites are present, we provide exact GPS coordinates. All sites are dispersed camping in the wildflower fields! We intentionally leave the property unaltered to preserve the raw natural beauty.
- Our site is about 2 miles from the nearest paved road (HWY 138) It’s all dirt roads to get here off of HWY 138, through the hills. For years we have found 2WD is more than sufficient to get here, as long as you drive slow, and don't stop on hills you should be fine. However, some campers have found that not to be the case for them and wanted 4WD, so come prepared either way.
- If you are unfamiliar navigating using GPS coordinates or with off grid camping, our location may be hard to find and may not be a good fit for you.
- It can get very windy sometimes so come prepared to snuggle up in the back of your car or camper and enjoy the stunning stars, sunrises, sunsets and views.
- It is considerably easier to navigate with a little daylight.
- We are happy to provide you with a map as well upon request, which seems to be the most direct route.
Feel free to reach out and we will help you with whatever you may need, just ask! Thank you and we hope you enjoy your stay! :)
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$75
/ night
The best camping near Angeles National Forest guide
Overview
About
Just outside of Los Angeles, the aptly named Angeles National Forest attracts city slickers with its mix of mountains, rivers, high desert, and woodlands, all within easy reach of the city. The forest extends for roughly 700,000 acres in the San Gabriel and Sierra Pelona Mountains and encompasses much of the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument. The forest is divided into three ranger districts and has over 50 campgrounds, many of which accommodate RVs, plus a handful of cabins and group sites. Popular activities in the forest include hiking, rock climbing, and fishing, and it’s the closest place to LA to find snow in the wintertime.
Notable campgrounds
- Best for getting away from it all: Hike or bike seven miles to Glenn Camp Campground, which offers 10 tent sites and vault toilets.
- Best for wildlife watchers: Table Mountain Campground offers easy access to nearby trails and meadows that provide a habitat to a variety of birds and animals.
- Best for anglers: Coldbrook Campground’s location on the San Gabriel River, just four miles from where the river is stocked with rainbow trout, makes it a great place for a fishing getaway.
Tips for snagging a campsite
- Campsites in Angeles National Forest are available on a first-come, first-served basis, whereas group campgrounds require advanced reservations.
- Arrive on a weekday to increase your chances of securing a spot, particularly if you plan to camp during the busy summer season.
- While some campgrounds are free, many levy a small fee.
- If you're having trouble finding a campsite, check with rangers or staff at one of the area visitor centers to see if they have any suggestions.
- If you'd rather secure a campsite ahead of your departure, there are plenty of private options in the area, including Hipcamps, that do take advance reservations.
When to go
The weather in Angeles National Forest varies greatly depending on elevation, but summers are generally hot and dry while winters are chilly and damp. Parts of the forest get snow in the wintertime, with high-elevation snowfall starting as early as November and often not melting until well into May. Note that while winter sports are popular in parts of the forest, campgrounds in these snowier areas generally remain closed from mid-fall until late spring.
Know before you go
- Dogs are welcome in the forest, but must be kept on leashes no longer than six feet in length.
- Cell phone service can be spotty in parts of the Angeles National Forest, so make sure to download offline maps or print directions before you leave home.
- Burn bans are common in the forest, especially in summer and fall, when the risk of forest fires is at its highest.
- Check the Alerts & Notices section of the Angeles National Forest website for information on road closures and forest fires before you head out.
- Los Alamos Campground, Monte Cristo Campground, and some concessionaire-managed campgrounds offer wheelchair-accessible camping.
Nearby attractions
- Soak in panoramic views of towering peaks and vast deserts when camping near the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument. The serenity and beauty of this area offer a distinct camping experience that will leave you rejuvenated and inspired.
- Experience the joy of camping near Frank G. Bonelli Regional Park, a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Overlooking the shimmering Puddingstone Lake, it offers abundant recreational activities, making your camping trip fun-filled and memorable.
Top cities near Angeles National Forest
- Angeles National Forest
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