Crystal Lake sits at 5,539 feet in the Angeles National Forest, offering 120 sites spread across six paved loops. It's a solid base camp for peak bagging Mt. Islip and Windy Gap, with the bonus of actual fishing if you're willing to hike the mile to Crystal Lake itself.
Campground Details
- ⛺Type
- Developed
- 🏕️Total Sites
- 120
- 💵Fee per Night
- $12
- 📋Reservations
- First-Come, First-Served
- 🏔️Elevation
- 5,539 ft
- 📍GPS
- 34.32417, -117.83611
- 🌤️Best Seasons
- spring, summer, fall, winter
- 🐾Pets Allowed
- Yes
The Camp
The 120 sites here spread across six paved road loops, each equipped with picnic tables and fire rings. At over 5,500 feet, you're high enough to escape the worst of LA's summer heat while staying accessible year-round. The paved loops make this manageable for any vehicle, though the site distribution across six separate areas means you have options for finding your preferred level of neighbor proximity.
What to Know
This operates on a first-come, first-served basis, so weekend arrivals require strategy during busy seasons. The $12 nightly fee keeps it reasonable for extended stays. Pets are allowed, making it family-friendly for those traveling with dogs. The year-round season means you can camp here in winter, though elevation brings cooler temperatures than lower desert options.
Nearby
Mt. Islip and Windy Gap offer hiking within reach of camp—these are the "spectacular peaks" that draw people beyond just the camping. Crystal Lake itself requires a mile hike from the campground, but it's fishable water, which is worth noting in an area where many alpine lakes are seasonal or off-limits. The combination of peak access and fishing opportunities gives you options whether you want to gain elevation or stay near water.