Open year-round, first-come first-served only. No advance reservations accepted. All paved loops (A, B, C, D, E, I) and lake access road currently open. Subject to winter snow closures.
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
Crystal Lake Campground is a popular mountain escape in the San Gabriel Mountains, located at the top of Highway 39 within Angeles National Forest and the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument. At 5,539 feet elevation, the campground offers cooler temperatures than the LA basin below. The 120 campsites are distributed across six paved loops (A, B, C, D, E, and I), each equipped with a fire ring and picnic table. Potable water is available from ground spigots throughout each loop, and vault toilets serve the area. The campground operates first-come, first-served with no advance reservations. A visitor center staffed by the Angeles Volunteer Association is open weekends from 9am to 4pm. The privately operated Crystal Lake Cafe & General Store sells hot meals, sandwiches, and camping necessities including firewood, open Wednesday through Monday from 8am to 5pm. Crystal Lake itself is approximately a one-mile hike from the campground. Swimming is prohibited, but fishing is allowed with a valid California license. Motorized boats are not permitted. Trails lead to Mt. Islip and Windy Gap for those seeking more strenuous hikes. The maximum vehicle length is 22 feet, making this campground best suited for tents and smaller camping trailers rather than large RVs.
Directions
From Azusa, take Highway 39 north for 25 miles through San Gabriel Canyon. Follow signs to Crystal Lake. Turn right on Crystal Lake Road and stop at the fee station. The campground is at mile marker 38.13.
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | — |
| Wifi | — |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | Yes |
| Price | $20 |
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
Photos
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