Chilao Campgrounds
Both Little Pines and Manzanita loops are open. Little Pines operates year-round but may close temporarily due to winter weather or road conditions. Manzanita serves as overflow during winter months. Recreation.gov Scan & Pay digital payment is available at arrival, or pay cash/check at the fee tube.
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…
About
Chilao Campgrounds occupies a forested setting at 5,300 feet in the San Gabriel Mountains, roughly 26 miles northeast of La Cañada Flintridge via the Angeles Crest Highway (CA-2). The campground consists of two loops: Little Pines with 43 sites operates year-round (weather permitting), while Manzanita with 41 sites serves as overflow capacity during winter months. Both loops accommodate tents and RVs up to 40 feet, though no hookups are available. Every site includes a picnic table and fire ring with grill. Potable water is available via hand pumps and spigots, with vault toilets distributed throughout both loops. Bear-proof dumpsters are provided for trash disposal. Quiet hours run from 10 pm to 6 am, and generators, amplifiers, and loud music are prohibited. Bears are active in the area, requiring proper food storage. The campground provides access to excellent hiking via the Silver Moccasin National Recreation Trail, which connects to sections of the Pacific Crest Trail. The elevation and distance from Los Angeles make it a good location for stargazing. Vetter Lookout and Big Tujunga Canyon offer panoramic views nearby.
Directions
From Interstate 210 and CA-2, proceed 25.1 miles north on CA-2 to Forest Service Road 3N21 (Chilao Road). Turn left onto 3N21 and proceed 0.2 miles west. Campground entrance will be on the left.
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | — |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $20 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 40ft |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | Yes |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (661) 269-2808 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Photos
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