Where to Camp in California's San Gabriel Mountains

For Southern Californians seeking an overnight getaway in the wild, the Mediterranean climate, majestic vistas and swimming holes found in the San Gabriel Mountains are an outdoor sanctuary that is ideal for weekend escapes and multi-day excursions. This region, also known as the Angeles National Forest, offers scenic wilderness areas, developed campgrounds, and top-notch trails for cycling, hiking and horseback riding. Our team of contributors have trekked and documented hundreds of miles throughout these mountain ranges and want to share their insights to help fuel your next adventure.

Angeles Crest Highway winds its way through 66 miles of the Angeles National Forest. It’s well paved and usually only exposed to light traffic, making it a noteworthy ride for cyclists looking to climb. Along the way you’ll find peaceful day use picnic areas and campsites nestled among the rugged landscape. For more adventure, countless trailheads for backpacking, hiking, horseback riding and mountain biking sprout from the highway.

For a complete list of Outdoor Project's San Gabriel campgrounds along with those in the San Bernardinos, have a look at our filtered search results. To get you started, we've listed a few of our favorites below and in the Featured Adventure section. And don't forget to let us know about your experience by leaving a comment below or on the campground's page!

Campgrounds (west to east on Angeles Crest Highway)

• Millard Campground 
• Chilao Campground, Little Pines Loop
• Chilao Campground, Manzanita Loop
• Meadow Group Campground
• Horse Flats Campground
• Buckhorn Campground

Campgrounds (north to south on San Gabriel Canyon Road)

• Deer Flat Group Campground
• Crystal Lake Recreation Area Campground
• Coldbrook Campground

Campgrounds (northwest to southeast on Big Pines Highway)

• Sycamore Flat Campground
• South Fork Campground
• Big Rock Campground
• Mountain Oak Campground
• Lake Campground
• Peavine Campground
• Apple Tree Campground
• Table Mountain Campground