At 5,300 feet in the Angeles National Forest, Chilao Campground trades the basin's smog for mountain air and views that stretch across Big Tujunga Canyon. It's a solid choice for car campers who want easy forest access without the backcountry commitment, though you'll need to stay vigilant about wildlife.
Campground Details
- ⛺Type
- Developed
- 🏕️Total Sites
- 84
- 💵Fee per Night
- $20
- 📋Reservations
- Reservation Required
- 🏔️Elevation
- 5,300 ft
- 📍GPS
- 34.32111, -118.01583
- 🌤️Best Seasons
- spring, summer, fall, winter
- 🐾Pets Allowed
- Yes
Amenities
The Camp
Chilao spreads across two loops: Little Pines and Manzanita, each holding over 40 sites. Little Pines runs year-round when road conditions cooperate, while Manzanita serves as overflow during winter months. The elevation brings genuine mountain feel to what's otherwise a standard developed campground setup — vault toilets, picnic tables, and the usual car camping amenities.
The setting delivers on views. Vetter Lookout rises nearby, and the panoramas across Big Tujunga Canyon give you something to look at besides your neighbor's RV. At this elevation, you're high enough to escape some of the heat that bakes the lower elevations, making this a sensible summer retreat from the LA basin.
What to Know
Reservations are required, which tells you something about demand. Wildlife activity runs high here — bears and other critters are regular visitors, so locking up food isn't optional when you leave your site. This isn't casual advice; it's the reality of camping in active wildlife habitat.
Winter access depends on road conditions, and even Little Pines can close when snow or ice make the approach dicey. If you're planning a winter trip, call ahead rather than assuming the campground will be open just because it's listed as year-round.