Crystal Lake
Closed — Open year-round, first-come, first-served. Winter camping fees are $5 per vehicle per night. Lake access road and paved campground loops are subject to winter snow closures and may require chains or 4x4.
Wind Advisory issued December 29 at 7:22PM PST until December 30 at 3:00PM PST by NWS Los Angeles/Oxnard CA
* WHAT...North to northeast winds 20 to 35 mph with gusts of 40 to 50 mph. * WHERE...Ventura County Coast, Malibu Coast, Ventura County Valleys, western Los Angeles County Valleys, Southern Ventura County Mountains, Eastern Santa Monica Mountains, and Eastern San Gabriel Mountains. * 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.
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:
About
Crystal Lake Recreation Area Campground is the largest campground in the San Gabriel Mountains, situated at 5,539 feet elevation at the terminus of Highway 39. The campground features 120 sites distributed across six paved loops (A, B, C, D, E, and I), each equipped with a picnic table and fire ring. Sites accommodate vehicles and RVs up to 22 feet with parking for at least two vehicles per site, though no hookups are available. The campground serves as an excellent basecamp for exploring the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument. Hiking opportunities abound, with trails leading to spectacular peaks like Mt. Islip and Windy Gap accessible from nearby trailheads. Crystal Lake itself is located about a mile from the campground and offers fishing opportunities, though motorized boats are not permitted. The lake access road and campground loops are subject to winter snow closures, but the area remains open year-round when accessible. On-site amenities include water from ground spigots in each camping loop and vault toilets throughout the facility. The nearby Crystal Lake Cafe (a private business) operates Wednesday through Monday, selling hot meals, snacks, and camping supplies including firewood. An Angeles Volunteer Association-staffed visitor center operates on weekends. No cell service or WiFi is available in this remote mountain setting, and visitors should ensure they have adequate fuel as no services exist within the National Forest.
Directions
From Azusa, take Highway 39 north for 25 miles through San Gabriel Canyon to mile marker 38.13. Turn right onto Crystal Lake Road. Stop at the fee station.
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 | $5 - $12 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 35ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 35ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (626) 335-1251 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
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