Southfork Campground
Currently closed and not accessible by vehicle due to winter storm damage. The main gate is closed at Big Rock Creek Road. When open, the campground operates year-round on a first-come, first-served basis with a 14-day stay limit.
Air Quality Alert issued May 20 at 3:59PM PDT by NWS Los Angeles/Oxnard CA
* WHAT...The South Coast AQMD has issued an air quality alert due to increased fine particle pollution from wildfire smoke. Visit https://www.aqmd.gov/alertinfo to check current and forecasted air quality levels. * WHERE...in portions of Los Angeles, Riverside, and San Bernardino Counties. Levels of particle pollution can vary by time and location depending on fire activity and local weather conditions. * WHEN...until 10 PM on Thursday. * IMPACTS...Particles in wildfire smoke can get deep into the lungs and cause serious health problems such as heart attacks, strokes, asthma attacks, and difficulty breathing. Everyone can be affected, but people with lung or heart disease, older adults, people who are pregnant, children, and those who spend a lot of time outdoors are at greater risk.
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
Southfork Campground is a hidden gem tucked between steep canyon walls on the backside of the San Gabriel Mountains in the Mojave Desert. At 4,500 feet elevation, the campground offers 21 spacious sites with year-round tranquility. Each site includes a fire ring with grill and a picnic table. Vault toilets are provided, but there is no potable water, so campers must bring their own supply. The campground serves as a basecamp for excellent hiking and horseback riding opportunities. The High Desert NRT (South Fork) Trail begins here and connects to Islip Saddle on Highway 2. Hikers can travel south along Big Rock Creek to see seasonal waterfalls and potentially spot Nelson's Bighorn Sheep, head east on the Manzanita Trail toward Vincent Gap, or venture west to Devil's Punchbowl, one of the most geologically interesting formations in Los Angeles County. Beyond hiking, the area offers snow play in winter, fishing along the creek, and exceptional stargazing due to its remote high desert location. The campground accommodates RVs up to 16 feet, though high-clearance vehicles are recommended due to road conditions. Dogs are welcome but must be kept leashed.
Directions
From Highway 138 in Pearblossom, turn south on Longview Road. Turn left on Valyermo Road and drive past the Mojave Work Center. Turn right on Big Rock Creek Road and continue up the canyon. High-clearance vehicle recommended.
Location
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | — |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $5 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 16ft |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (626) 574-1613 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
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