Monte Cristo Campground
Open year-round. May temporarily close due to weather or road conditions during winter months. First-come, first-served only; no advance reservations. Fire restrictions may apply during high fire danger periods. Quiet hours 10 PM to 6 AM.
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.…
San Dimas Experimental Forest Closure
The San Dimas Experimental Forest, located north of Glendora, is currently closed to public recreation activities. The reason for this closure is that the Experimental Forest's primary purpose is research. Many long-term climate, soil, air pollution, erosion, vegetation, wildlife, and fire studies…
San Gabriel Canyon OHV Area Prohibitions
Be aware of the following restricted activities in the San Gabriel Canyon Off-Highway Vehicle Area:Entering or being in the San Gabriel OHV Area when closed. See associated documents and map below.Entering or being in the San Gabriel Reservoir.Parking or leaving a vehicle in violation of posted…
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
Monte Cristo Campground is located on the quieter, high-desert side of the San Gabriel Mountains at 3,600 feet elevation, offering expansive views that feel almost endless. As one of Angeles National Forest's lesser-used campgrounds, it provides a more secluded camping experience compared to the heavily trafficked sites closer to Los Angeles. The 19 large, spacious sites are well-suited for groups, with sites #6 and #7 serving as double sites. The campground recently underwent a complete renovation, with all sites rebuilt to include picnic tables and fire rings. Potable drinking water is available from a hand pump, and vault toilets are provided. RVs up to 30 feet can be accommodated, though no hookups are available. Bears frequent the area, so all food and scented items must be properly stored. Nearby attractions include Granite Mountain for hiking and the postcard-worthy Switzer Falls. The campground can be reached from Pasadena via the Angeles Crest Highway or from the Antelope Valley via the Angeles Forest Highway. Cell phone coverage is poor or nonexistent.
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 Sunland via Big Tujunga Canyon Road turning left at Angeles Forest Highway, or from Palmdale via Angeles Forest Highway.
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 | 30ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (661) 269-2808 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Photos
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