Bear Canyon Campground
Closed — Closed through at least December 31, 2025, due to damage from the January 2025 Eaton Fire.
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.…
Mt. Baldy Trail Closure
Due to inclement weather, snow, and ice, Mt. Baldy area trails are temporarily closed to the public. The closure is effective April 10, 2026, at 8 pm, through April 20th, 2026. See map and details of the closure 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…
Winter Weather Advisory issued April 10 at 12:07PM PDT until April 13 at 11:00AM PDT by NWS Los Angeles/Oxnard CA
* WHAT...Wet snow expected. Total snow accumulations up to 6 inches above 6000 feet. Winds gusting as high as 40 mph. * WHERE...Eastern San Gabriel Mountains, Interstate 5 Corridor, and Western San Gabriel Mountains and Highway 14 Corridor. * WHEN...From 3 AM Sunday to 11 AM PDT Monday. * IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous conditions could impact the Monday morning commute. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Snow levels will be around 7000 feet through Sunday morning, then lowering to 6000 feet Sunday afternoon and 4500 to 5000 feet late Sunday night into Monday morning. No accumulating snow is expected on the Grapevine over Interstate 5 but there could be a mix of rain and snow there Monday morning.
About
Bear Canyon Campground offers a true backcountry experience in the San Gabriel Mountains, situated along Arroyo Seco within Angeles National Forest. Located 5 miles from the trailhead at Switzer's Picnic Area, this remote hike-in campground requires commitment and preparation from visitors seeking solitude in the wilderness. The campground contains three designated primitive campsites, each equipped with a picnic table. No developed facilities exist at this location—there are no toilets, no trash receptacles, and no piped water. A seasonal stream flows nearby, but water availability is intermittent and heavily dependent on rainfall; all stream water must be treated or filtered before use. During dry periods, the stream may run low or cease flowing entirely, making it essential to pack in adequate water for all needs including cooking, cleaning, drinking, and fire suppression. The 5-mile approach follows the historic Gabrielino National Recreation Trail through Arroyo Seco canyon. This area was popular during the early 20th century "Great Hiking Era," and remnants of that history remain visible along the trail. Access begins at the lower parking lot of Switzer's Picnic Area off Angeles Crest Highway, approximately 10 miles from La Cañada Flintridge. The trail crosses a wooden footbridge at the east end of the parking area. Due to trail conditions, equestrian and mountain bike use is not recommended. An Adventure Pass or America the Beautiful Pass is required for parking.
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 Switzer's Picnic Area and follow the narrow paved road about 0.5 miles 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. Hike 5 miles one-way along the Gabrielino Trail to reach the campground.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | No |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| 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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