Chilao Campgrounds

Open — Little Pines Loop is currently open but may temporarily close throughout winter based on snow and road conditions. Manzanita Loop is closed for the season and reopens in spring. All sites are first-come, first-served with no reservations.

National Forest System Roads

Follow California Vehicle Code on National Forest System Roads

Fire Danger Level Downgraded to "High"

The fire danger level for the Angeles National Forest has been lowered from “Very High” to “High”. Despite the change, there are no new fire restrictions.What does this mean to you?

Be Prepared for Winter Weather

Recent storms have brought winter weather to the Angeles National Forest! From the foothills to elevations reaching over 10,000 feet, visitors can encounter a variety of conditions in the mountains.

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.

Bridge Fire Area Closure Terminated

The Bridge Fire Area Closure (Forest Order No. 05-01-25-12) that was in effect from June 5, 2025 through May 22, 2026 has been terminated starting June 20, 2025.

Mt. Baldy Communications Site Project

Renegade Towers, LLC, is proposing to build, operate, and maintain a communication uses facility and tower. The proposed facility would be constructed within the Mt.

Forest Order 05-01-25-09 Eaton Fire Area Closure

On Friday, April 4, several popular trails, forest roads, and a campground reopened after the Eaton Fire, as per a new forest order issued by the Angeles National Forest. To see the full forest order, visit www.fs.usda.gov/angeles.

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.

Angeles National Forest full closure to partial closure

The Angeles National Forest, which includes the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument, partially reopened on Thursday, January 30.

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.

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:

Wind Advisory issued December 29 at 7:22PM PST until December 30 at 3:00PM PST by NWS Los Angeles/Oxnard CA

7:22 PM — December 30th, 6:00 AM

* WHAT...Northeast winds 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 55 mph expected. * WHERE...Interstate 5 Corridor, Santa Susana Mountains, Western San Gabriel Mountains and Highway 14 Corridor, and Western Santa Monica Mountains Recreational Area. * WHEN...Until 3 PM PST Tuesday. * IMPACTS...Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result.

About

Chilao Campground sits at an elevation of 5,300 feet in the San Gabriel Mountains, giving campers majestic panoramas of nearby Vetter Lookout and Big Tujunga Canyon. The campground offers 84 campsites spread across two loops: Little Pines and Manzanita. Each loop offers 40+ sites for tent camping. Little Pines Loop is open year-round dependent on winter and road conditions, while Manzanita Loop serves as overflow during peak seasons and closes for winter starting in mid-November. All sites are first-come, first-served with no advance reservations. Wildlife is very active in this area, and campers must secure their food when sites are unattended. Bears are common, and proper food storage in vehicles or bear-proof containers is essential. Other wildlife includes bobcats, coyotes, mule deer, and mountain lions. The campground provides access to the Silver Moccasin Trail and is located about an hour and a half from downtown Los Angeles via Angeles Crest Highway (CA-2), making it a popular weekend getaway for Angelenos seeking forest camping close to the city.

Directions

From Interstate 210 in La Cañada Flintridge, exit at Angeles Crest Highway (CA-2) and drive northeast for 26 miles to the signed campground on the left.

Nearby Campgrounds

Amenities

Water Yes
Fires Allowed Yes
Toilets Yes
Dump Station No
Wifi No
Pets Allowed Yes
Showers No
Electric Hookups No
Water Hookups No
Sewer Hookups No
Camp Store No
Price $20

Vehicle

Max RV Length 18ft
Max Trailer Length
Big Rig Friendly No
Pull Through Sites

Contact

Phone +1 (661) 269-2808

Cell Service

AT&T None
Verizon None
T-Mobile None

Community Posts

No posts yet. Be the first to share your experience!