Crystal Lake Recreation Area / Campground
General Camping Info: Find helpful guidance and tips for an enjoyable trip to the forest!
Be Bear Aware!: Bear safety is critical, for the safety of your group and/or you, as well as our bears. Help keep bears wild by following these tips.
Outdoor adventures lie around every corner including hikes to spectacular peaks of Mt. Islip and Windy Gap or fishing in Crystal Lake (which is a mile-long hike from the campground).
Elevation: 5,539-feet in elevation
Amenities:
- Campsites: Total of 120 sites with picnic tables and fire rings. Sites are spread throughout six paved road loops. Loops: A, B, C, D, E, I.
- Visitor Center: Staffed by Angeles Volunteer Association. Open weekends 9:00am - 4:00pm (including major holidays). Adventure Passes sold here, no America The Beautiful Interagency Passes sold. Cash only.
- Crystal Lake Cafe and General Store: Sells hot meals, sandwiches, snacks, and camping necessities (including firewood). Open Weds - Mon 8:00am - 5:00pm (including major holidays). Closed on Tuesdays.
- Note: Crystal Lake Cafe is a private business and is not owned/operated by the USDA Forest Service.
Reservations
Campsites are first come, first serve.
General Information
All seasons. However, lake access road and paved campsite loops are subject to winter snow closures.
24/7/365 subject to weather/fire related closures.
An Adventure Pass or America the Beautiful Pass may be necessary if visiting other locations during your visit to the Angeles National Forest.
- Lake Restrictions:
- No camping.
- No swimming.
- Fishing requires California state fishing license required. CDFW Fishing License Website.
- Know Fire & Other Restrictions Before You Go!: These conditions can affect your entire trip. For example, Extreme and Critical fire use restrictions mean no campfires and no portable cooking systems/stoves. Bring cold food and no S'mores.
Overnight Use:
Peak Season:
Single Site: $12 per night (1 vehicle included per site)
Additional Vehicle fee: $5 per vehicle per night
Non-Peak (Winter):
$5 per vehicle per night
Day Use:
$5 per vehicle per day
$30 per annual
$5 per secondary annual
Adventure Pass not accepted in-lieu of camping fee.
*Place cash/check/money order in the envelope provided and put it in the fee tube. Make checks and money orders payable to "USDA Forest Service."*
Day Use: $5 per vehicle. Adventure Pass or America the Beautiful Interagency Pass is required for day use and for vehicles parked outside the campsites.
Cash or Check only.
Pets must be "...crated, caged, or upon a leash not longer than six feet, or otherwise under physical restrictive control".
- 36 CFR 261.16(j)
Address: 110 N. Wabash Avenue Glendora, CA 91741
Phone: (626) 335-1251
Hours: Open Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Closed daily from 1 - 1:30 p.m. for lunch. (Closed on federal holidays)
Getting There
Latitude / Longitude
Latitude: 34.32416667
Longitude: -117.8361111
Directions
Crystal Lake Recreation Area / Campground is located at the top of highway CA-39 (mile marker 38.13).
Travel Considerations
- Please ensure your vehicle has enough fuel/battery for your entire trip including return. No gas/charging stations are available within the National Forest.
- No cell signal or wifi/internet service.
- Snow conditions may require chains and/or 4x4.
Parking
Each site contains parking for at least two vehicles.
Maximum vehicle/RV length is 22 feet. No hook-ups.
- Additional parking:
- Windy Gap Trailhead parking lot (at the end of Crystal Lake Road). $5 per day/overnight added to your camping fees. Vehicles must display proof of camping fee payment or display a valid Adventure Pass or America the Beautiful Interagency Pass. Day use and overnight parking permitted.
- Fawnskin Picnic Area parking lot (behind the Visitor Center). Vehicles must display a valid Adventure Pass or America the Beautiful Interagency Pass. Day use only. No overnight parking.
- Golden Cup Trailhead parking lot (between the exits to B loop and D loop). Vehicles must display a valid Adventure Pass or America the Beautiful Interagency Pass. Day use only. No overnight parking.
Facility and Amenity Information
Restrooms
Restrooms are available at this site.
Water
Potable water is available at this site.
Water is available from ground spigots in each camping loop along the paved roadways; however, bringing enough water for your trip is always recommended.
Picnic Tables
Picnic tables are available at this site.
Horse/Pack Animal Information
Horse/Pack animals are not allowed at this site.
- 36 CFR 261.16(L)
Recreation Opportunities
Visitor CentersVisitor Centers Info
Staffed by Angeles Volunteer Association. Open weekends 9:00am - 4:00pm (including major holidays). Adventure Passes sold here, no America The Beautiful Interagency Passes sold. Cash only.
Picnicking - Single Info
Fawnskin Picnic Area located behind the Visitor Center. Parking lot requires vehicles to display a valid Adventure Pass or America the Beautiful Interagency Pass. Day use only; no overnight camping.
Fishing - Lake & Pond Info
Fishing requires California state fishing license required. CDFW Fishing License Website.