Special Places

San Gabriel Mountains National Monument Sign

The Angeles National Forest is a unique area nestled in the midst of an ever-changing and growing population in the Los Angeles area.   The Forest is one of the few remaining open space areas in Southern California.   The forest is an important part of the overall health and well being of the area population. It provides open space, solitude from the everyday stress of modern living, a place to conduct research, a haven for wildlife, and offers a wide variety of recreation opportunities.

The forest hosts visitors from around the world and provides a scenic backdrop for the larger Los Angeles population.   We invite you to visit the forest, become a volunteer, and join the Forest Service in preserving this wonderful area for future generations!

Wilderness Areas

The Wilderness Act of 1964 established a National Wilderness Preservation System intended to preserve the unique wild and scenic areas of America's public lands. The Act defined "Wilderness" as - "an area where the earth and its community of life are untrammeled by man, where man himself is a visitor who does not remain." 

 "Wild" areas can be found within an hour's drive of downtown L.A. These are areas set aside by Congress to remain untouched - where people can experience the solitude of some of the nation's most beautiful country. 

• Cucamonga
• Magic Mountain
• Pleasant View Ridge
• San Gabriel Wilderness
• Sheep Mountain Wilderness

"We simply need that wild country available to us, even if we never do more than drive to its edge and look in. For it can be a means of reassuring ourselves of our sanity as creatures, a part of the geography of hope."

-Wallace Stegner

Follow this link to Wilderness Guidelines and Leave No Trace Camping Information.

Highlighted Areas

Buckhorn Campground

TEMPORARILY CLOSED due to Highway 2 road damage being worked on by Caltrans. For Highway 2 road conditions, visit: Caltrans Road Information

When open...

General Camping Info: Find helpful guidance and tips for an enjoyable trip to the forest!

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. 

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. 

Overview of Site:

Buckhorn Campground can be the quick escape you need from LA. The campground is drenched in the fresh air with the smell of incense cedars surrounding visitors. Overnight, campers may spot seasonal constellations, planets, and the occasional shooting star. During the day, visitors can venture to nearby waterfalls or trails including the Burkhart Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, and Silver Moccasin. Buckhorn Campground has much to offer.

Amenities: 38 total campsites with 3 accessible campsites. 3-single SST toilets, 2-double SST toilets, 2-double vault toilets. PicPnic tables. Piped water. Bear-proof boxes available for storage of food and scented items. 

Hiking: Access to Burkhart Trailhead; the Burkhart Trail, the Silver Moccasin National Recreation Trail, the Pacific Crest Trail, and the High Desert National Recreation Trail.

Waterplay: Access to Buckhorn Creek, Buckhorn Falls, and Cooper Canyon Falls.

RV’s: Maximum RV length is 18' - No hookups.