Lake Campground

LAKE CAMPGROUND

Part of Angeles National Forest

Overview

Lake Campground offers an excellent escape from the city, just a short drive northeast of the Los Angeles metro area. It's set on the shores of Jackson Lake, providing a scenic, peaceful setting for fishing, swimming and canoeing in Angeles National Forest.

Visitors enjoy exploring the Angeles Crest Scenic Byway, which offers incredible views of oak thickets, high desert landscapes, chaparral and pine forests.

Facilities

Campsites can accommodate eight campers and two vehicles. Food storage lockers, grills, picnic tables, vault toilets and drinking water are provided. Firewood can be purchased at nearby Mountain Oak Campground.

Natural Features

Lake Campground sits at an elevation of 6,100 feet in Angeles National Forest. Campsites are secluded and shaded with scattered oak trees and Jeffrey pines. Daytime temperatures in the summer are usually in the low 80s and evenings are cool.

Angeles National Forest spans nearly 695,000 acres over most of the San Gabriel Mountain Range in southern California. Vegetation ranges from chaparral and oak at lower elevations to pine forests at higher altitudes. Elevations range from 1,200 to 10,000 feet.

The endangered California condor inhabits the forest. The Least Bells vireo and the Southwestern Willow flycatcher are two migratory birds that visitors enjoy spotting in the area. Other local inhabitants include the Arroyo toad, mountain yellow-legged frog, the mountain lion and the two-striped garter snake.

Recreation

Wildlife viewing is a popular activity, as visitors may see bobcats, mountain lions, bears and Nelson bighorn sheep.

Powerboating is not permitted on Jackson Lake, so the setting is peaceful and quiet for swimming, canoeing and fishing. The lake is stocked with trout and bluegill.

Nearby Attractions

  • The Angeles Crest Highway, part of California State Route 2, is a scenic byway that meanders through oak thickets, chaparral, high desert landscapes and pine tree forests.

  • The ski resort town of Wrightwood is very close by. Restaurants and a disc golf course can be found at the North Resort. 

  • Take a hike on the Blue Ridge Trail or the Pacific Crest Trail. The Pacific Crest Trail is an impressive path that starts in Mexico and zigzags its way through Angeles and continues north across California, Oregon and Washington.

  • Visit the Mountain High Downhill Bike Park.

Contact Info

For facility specific information, please call (760) 316-7828.

Important Notices

  • It is advised that transportation remain on-site with your group in case of emergency evacuations.
  • Fire restrictions may be enforced due to dry conditions.

  • Bears frequent the area; all food must be kept in approved containers
  • Canoes and inflatable boats are the only boats permitted on the lake
  • This facility has first-come, first-served sites
  • Please only call the office between the hours of 7am-10pm
  • Click here to learn more about the Angeles National Forest
  • 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.

Available Activities

  • Hiking - Hiking
  • Camping - Camping
  • Mountain Biking - Mountain Biking
  • Biking - Biking

Directions

From Wrightwood, turn left on CA-2 W/Angeles Crest Highway and drive for 3.6 miles. Then turn right onto Big Pines Highway and drive 2.7 miles. Look for signs into the campground.

Contact Information

Phone: 760-249-3526

22234 BIG PINES HWY
WRIGHTWOOD, CA 92397

Rental Options

Learn more about gear rental options for your trip

Available Campsites

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