Bear Canyon Campground
Currently closed due to the Eaton Fire. The broader Eaton Fire Area Closure extends through December 31, 2027.
Fireworks and Explosives are always Prohibited
Fireworks and explosives (including explosive targets) are always prohibited on national forest lands. The prohibition of fireworks and exploding targets on national forest system lands is part of a set of permanent fire safety regulations in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), listed below.…
Fire Danger Level Downgraded to "Moderate"
Effective January 23, 2025, the Angeles National Forest fire danger level and associated restrictions are moving to MODERATE. Visitors to the forest, including recreational cabin owners and concessionaires, are advised of the following updates: All stoves and campfires require a valid California…
Eaton Fire Area Closure
In effort to protect the public and to facilitate natural recovery of the resources affected by the Eaton Fire, this closure extends the Eaton Fire Area Closure through December 31, 2027.The following roads and trails remain closed:RoadsMount Wilson Toll Road (below Mt Wilson Trail) Mount Wilson…
Forest Order No. 05-01-25-13, Camping Equipment Prohibition
Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(a), and to provide for public safety, the following acts are prohibited within the Angeles National Forest and San Gabriel Mountains National Monument. This Order is effective from August 15, 2025, through August 1, 2027.Possessing personal…
Office & Visitor Center Updates - Need Info or Passes?
The information below provides updates to existing information on our webpage about Angeles National Forest offices and visitor centers. Check this alert regularly. Hours and pass availability may change with limited or no notice.When one office is closed, please contact another forest…
Williamson Rock Area and Trail Closure
Hikers and equestrians along the Pacific Crest Trail may be affected by a temporary closure of the Williamson Rock area of the Angeles National Forest. This closure (Forest Order No. 05-01-24-04), in effect through December 31, 2026, is for the protection of natural resources, specifically the…
Planning to Camp? (Stay Limits/Dispersed Camping Restrictions) til Dec. 15, 2026
The following is prohibited within the Angeles National Forest and San Gabriel Mountains National Monument from Dec. 16, 2022, through Dec. 15, 2026: 1. Camping outside of a Forest Service developed campground for > 7 consecutive days in a calendar year. 2. Camping outside of a Forest Service…
Air Quality Alert issued May 20 at 3:59PM PDT by NWS Los Angeles/Oxnard CA
* WHAT...The South Coast AQMD has issued an air quality alert due to increased fine particle pollution from wildfire smoke. Visit https://www.aqmd.gov/alertinfo to check current and forecasted air quality levels. * WHERE...in portions of Los Angeles, Riverside, and San Bernardino Counties. Levels of particle pollution can vary by time and location depending on fire activity and local weather conditions. * WHEN...until 10 PM on Thursday. * IMPACTS...Particles in wildfire smoke can get deep into the lungs and cause serious health problems such as heart attacks, strokes, asthma attacks, and difficulty breathing. Everyone can be affected, but people with lung or heart disease, older adults, people who are pregnant, children, and those who spend a lot of time outdoors are at greater risk.
About
Bear Canyon Trail Camp offers a true backcountry experience deep in the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument. The campground sits 5 miles from Switzer's Picnic Area via a moderately challenging trail that is not recommended for equestrian or mountain bike use. This primitive campground features just three designated hike-in sites, each with a picnic table. There are no toilets, no trash receptacles, and no piped water. An intermittent stream provides seasonal water that must be treated before use, though flow may be low or nonexistent during drought conditions. Campers must be fully self-sufficient, bringing adequate water for drinking, cooking, cleaning, and fire extinguishing, and packing out all trash. Bear activity is common in this area, so proper food storage and bear-aware practices are mandatory. Fire restrictions vary by season and conditions, so check current fire danger levels before planning campfires.
Directions
From Interstate 210 in La Cañada Flintridge, exit at Angeles Crest Highway (CA-2) and drive northeast for approximately 10 miles to Switzer's Picnic Area. Turn right into the parking area and follow the narrow paved road about half a mile down to the lower parking lot. The trail to Bear Canyon Campground begins at the east end of the parking lot across a wooden footbridge. The campground is a 5-mile one-way hike from the trailhead.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | No |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $5 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (626) 574-1613 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
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