Welcome to Chilao Campground, a popular destination in the Angeles National Forest, near Palmdale, California. Known for its stunning views, clear night skies perfect for stargazing, and access to various hiking trails, it's an ideal spot for a nature getaway.
High-Altitude Tranquility:
Situated at an elevation of 5,300 feet, Chilao Campground offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, including the nearby Vetter Lookout and Big Tujunga Canyon. The higher altitude provides a refreshing escape from the city heat, especially during the summer months.
Camping Experience:
Chilao Campground offers two loops for tent camping: Little Pines and Manzanita. Each loop has over 40 campsites, offering a variety of settings from grassy meadows to sites with valley and peak views. Manzanita loop is often used as overflow during the winter season.
Amenities and Services:
Chilao Campground provides basic amenities to ensure a comfortable camping experience:
Explore the Outdoors:
Chilao Campground is a gateway to numerous outdoor activities:
Important Information for Campers:
Plan Your Visit:
Chilao Campground is perfect for:
Contact Us:
Chilao Campground
Unnamed Road
Palmdale, CA 93550, USA
Phone: (626) 574-1613
Mobile: +1 626-574-1613
Experience the beauty and tranquility of Chilao Campground in the Angeles National Forest. It's a place where you can relax, explore, and connect with nature.
Wheelchair accessible parking lot
RV camping
Hiking
Picnic tables
Public restroom
Restroom
Running water
Tent sites
Camping fee
Good for kids
Kid-friendly hikes
On-site parking
Dogs allowed
Awesome place to camp! Close-ish to the city, with toilet stalls (no running water this time of year). Gets very cold at night, so bring the right gear! Beautiful Silver Mocassin Trail connects directly to the campground.
Great sights and a great time. It didn't have running water but it was the middle of the summer. The restrooms were vault toilets so they could only be so clean but, every single one always had toilet paper. The check in system was interesting (in a good way) it was mostly based off the honor system where you fill out a tag with how long you'll be there put the money in an envelope then put it in a box. Make sure you bring cash and a pen. It was EMPTY when we went, and I mean it. I expected it to be a little crammed in summer but in total there were four other people at the entire site. It was amazing as once you walk away it's like you have the forest to yourself. There are loads of hiking trails, a visitor center nearby, and a creek which was stuffed with tadpoles this time of the year... for 12 dollars a night. If you can handle the long twisty drive up I highly suggestyou go! There are no off-roading or fire roads involved to get to the site so take any vehicle you want. If my Ford focus can make it easily you can too.
Awesome place to go camping or BBQ , dog friendly and many trails.
Lovely campground off of Hwy 2 perfect for tent camping and hiking in the Angeles National Forest. There were fire rings if weather permitted and the fire danger wasn’t too high. Picnic tables and vault toilets were also available. There were plenty of spots available; first come, first serve basis. There were a lot of bottle caps and small debris - fellow campers, be mindful to leave no trace!
It’s a good enough campground. I recommend it to people to keep my favorite spots less busy. My likes are that there’s a few trails close by and it’s first come first served. No RV hookups means it’s mostly tent/car campers which is great - keep those porta potties on wheels away. I’ve stayed here over the years many times and the noise, lack of space between sites and trash are general factors on why i tend to stick to dispersed camping versus campgrounds but it’s a nice hour drive if I’m desperate to get away for a day or weekend. The rangers do make rounds here so be sure to pay for your site or they will ask you for a fee.