Chilao Campground - Little Pines Loop
Chilao Campground - Little Pines Loop
Part of Angeles National Forest
Overview
Little Pines Loop is one of two camping loops within Chilao Campground, located just northeast of Los Angeles in the San Gabriel Mountains. It is accessed via the Angeles Crest Highway, a scenic byway that winds through oak woodlands, chaparral, high desert terrain, and pine forests. Situated in the high country of the Angeles National Forest within the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument, Little Pines Loop offers cooler mountain temperatures, panoramic views of surrounding peaks and ridges, and diverse forest habitats. Camping is available for a nightly fee per site.
Facilities
Little Pines Loop has 43 campsites, each equipped with a picnic table and fire ring/grill. Amenities include potable water via multiple spigots, three vault toilets, bear-proof dumpsters, and large parking spurs. RVs up to 40 feet in length are allowed.
Natural Features
Little Pines Loop sits at an elevation of approximately 5,300 feet within the rugged San Gabriel Mountains, part of the Transverse Ranges. The landscape is characterized by a mix of coulter pines, manzanita shrubs, scrub oak, and chaparral covering steep mountain slopes. This high-elevation environment supports diverse wildlife, including birds, deer, coyotes, bighorn sheep, black bears, and bobcats.
The campground is located less than one mile from the San Gabriel Wilderness, a designated wilderness area encompassing over 36,000 acres within the Angeles National Forest. The wilderness preserves its natural character across extremely rugged terrain, with elevations ranging from approximately 1,600 to over 8,200 feet. Vegetation transitions from dense chaparral at lower elevations to pine- and fir-covered slopes at higher elevations, offering significant biodiversity, seasonal temperature variation, wildflowers, and wildlife viewing opportunities.
Recreation
Little Pines Loop provides convenient access to hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. Nearby trails include the Silver Moccasin National Recreation Trail, which connects to sections of the Pacific Crest Trail. The Angeles Crest Highway offers scenic overlooks and access to additional trailheads. Birdwatching, wildlife viewing, and stargazing are popular activities due to the campground’s elevation and minimal light pollution.
Nearby Attractions
The Chilao Visitor Center is located approximately 1.5 miles east of the campground and features interpretive exhibits, short trails, seasonal programs, and a birdwatching deck.
Important Notices
No generators, amplifiers, live bands, or loud music. Quiet hours are from 10 pm to 6 am.
Bears frequent the area. All food and scented items must be properly stored.
Check out time is 11 am. Check in time is 2 pm.
Call (661) 269-2808 for current conditions and additional information.
Don't move firewood: Protect California's forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. For more information, visit firewood.ca.gov
Campground is open year-round but may temporarily close due to weather and/or road conditions during the winter months.
Directions
<p>From Los Angeles, travel north on Interstate 210 and exit onto Angeles Crest Highway (State Route 2). Continue for approximately 25.6 miles. Look for the Chilao Overnight Campground sign on the left, turn in, and follow posted signs to Little Pines Loop.</p>
Contact Information
Phone: 661-269-2808
Rental Options
Available Campsites
- Site 04, Loop Little Pines, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 02, Loop Little Pines, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 41, Loop Little Pines, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 23, Loop Little Pines, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 32, Loop Little Pines, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 11, Loop Little Pines, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 42, Loop Little Pines, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 20, Loop Little Pines, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 39, Loop Little Pines, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 13, Loop Little Pines, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 14, Loop Little Pines, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 36, Loop Little Pines, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 06, Loop Little Pines, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 22, Loop Little Pines, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 05, Loop Little Pines, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 31, Loop Little Pines, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 30, Loop Little Pines, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 08, Loop Little Pines, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 18, Loop Little Pines, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 15, Loop Little Pines, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 38, Loop Little Pines, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 34, Loop Little Pines, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 12, Loop Little Pines, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 25, Loop Little Pines, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 24, Loop Little Pines, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 33, Loop Little Pines, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 28, Loop Little Pines, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 09, Loop Little Pines, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 29, Loop Little Pines, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 03, Loop Little Pines, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 26, Loop Little Pines, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 17, Loop Little Pines, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 01, Loop Little Pines, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 10, Loop Little Pines, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 40, Loop Little Pines, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 37, Loop Little Pines, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 35, Loop Little Pines, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 43, Loop Little Pines, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 27, Loop Little Pines, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 21, Loop Little Pines, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 07, Loop Little Pines, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 16, Loop Little Pines, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 19, Loop Little Pines, Type Standard Nonelectric
