Monte Cristo Campground
Open — Open year-round on a first-come, first-served basis. Check-in and check-out is at 11 a.m. No reservations or holding of campsites allowed.
Mt. Baldy Trails Closure Extended to March 20
A temporary closure has been extended for National Forest System trails within the Mount Baldy (Mount San Antonio) area of the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument. The purpose of the closure is to provide for public safety. This closure is in effect from February 27 through March 20, 2026.The…
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…
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. For your safety and the safety of first responders, be sure to “Know Before You Go” this…
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
Monte Cristo Campground is located towards the backside of the San Gabriel Mountains in a high-desert climate making the epic views seem endless. It is one of Angeles National Forest's lesser-used spots to pitch a tent. With 19 large, spacious and accessible sites at 3,600 feet elevation, the campground is perfect for grabbing a friend and spending the weekend telling stories around the campfire. The campground recently underwent a complete renovation with all campsites totally revamped. Sites are equipped with picnic tables and fire rings, and the campground offers vault toilets and piped water from a hand pump. RVs up to 30 feet are allowed, though there are no hookups. Sites #6 and #7 are double sites that can accommodate larger groups. The location provides easy access to hiking Granite Mountain or taking a dip in the cool waters of postcard-worthy Switzer Falls. The campground is open year-round and operates on a first-come, first-served basis with an 11 a.m. check-in and check-out time.
Directions
From Interstate 210 in Pasadena, exit the Angeles Crest Highway (Highway 2) and drive north for 9 miles. Turn left onto the Angeles Forest Highway (County Road N3) and drive about 9 miles to the campground. May also be reached from the Sunland area by taking Big Tujunga Canyon Road and turning left at the Angeles Forest Highway, or taking the Angeles Forest Highway from the Palmdale area.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $20 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 30ft |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (661) 269-2808 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
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