Appletree Campground puts you in a canyon setting at 6,100 feet with just eight sites tucked under oaks and Jeffrey pines. It's a small, quiet spot off the Big Pines Highway that works well for campers who want forest shade and easy access to Jackson Lake without dealing with crowds.
Campground Details
- ⛺Type
- Developed
- 🏕️Total Sites
- 8
- 💵Fee per Night
- $20
- 📋Reservations
- First-Come, First-Served
- 📍GPS
- 34.38660, -117.71343
- 🌤️Best Seasons
- spring, summer, fall, winter
- 🐾Pets Allowed
- Yes
- 📞Phone
- 760.316.7828
- 🗺️Address
- CA
Amenities
The Camp
The eight tent sites here share a remote parking lot a few hundred feet away — you'll carry your gear to the actual campsite. Each site gets shade from scattered oak trees and Jeffrey pines, plus the standard setup of picnic table, fire ring, and grill. Summer days typically hit the low 80s before cooling down for comfortable evenings.
Water and vault toilets are on-site, but you'll need to buy firewood from the host at nearby Mountain Oak Campground if you want a campfire. The small size keeps things peaceful, though that also means your options are limited if the camp fills up.
What to Know
This is first-come, first-served camping, so timing matters. At eight sites total, weekend availability can disappear quickly. The campground operates year-round, giving you flexibility for off-season visits when the crowds thin out.
Parking for just one vehicle per site is provided in that shared lot, so coordinate if you're arriving in multiple cars.
Nearby
Jackson Lake sits within driving distance and offers a quieter water experience since powerboats aren't allowed. The lake gets stocked with trout and bluegill, and the calm water works well for canoeing and swimming.
The Angeles Crest Scenic Byway runs through varied terrain from chaparral and oak thickets to pine forests. For hiking, you can access the Blue Ridge Trail or pick up the Pacific Crest Trail, which cuts through this section on its route from Mexico to Canada.
Wrightwood provides nearby services and dining, plus a disc golf course at the North Resort. Mountain High operates a downhill bike park for riders looking for lift-served trails.