Monte Cristo 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.
Overview of Site
- 3600' elevation
- 19 campsites with picnic tables, vault toilets, and piped water.
- Campsites are first-come-first-served. $20 per site per night. No reserving or holding of campsites allowed. Check-in/Check-out is at 11 a.m.
- RV's allowed up to 30' - No Hookups
- Vault toilets
General Information
What to Expect
Monte Cristo Campground is located towards the backside of the San Gabriel Mountains in a high-desert climate making the epic views seem endless. It is one of Angeles National Forest's lesser-used spots to pitch a tent. With 19 large, spacious and accessible sites, grab a friend (or two or three) and spend the weekend telling stories around the campfire, taking a short drive to hike Granite Mountain, or dip in the cool waters of postcard-worthy Switzer Falls.
Year-round
Open 24 hours/day
An Adventure Pass or America the Beautiful Pass may be necessary if visiting other locations during your visit to the Angeles National 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.
Overnight Use:
Single Site: $20 per night
Additional Vehicle Fee: $5 per vehicle per night
Camping - Fee will increase to $20 per vehicle (8 people per site) per night on May 1, 2025. $5 per extra vehicle. 50% discounts given for Senior or Accessible America the Beautiful Pass holders. (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."*
Dogs must be on leash.
36 CFR 261.8 (d) Possessing a dog not on leash or otherwise confined.
$150 fine
Address: 33708 Crown Valley Road Acton, CA 93510
Phone: (661) 269-2808
Hours: Open Monday, Tuesday, and Friday: 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Closed 1 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. for lunch. (Closed on federal holidays)
Getting There
Latitude / Longitude
Latitude: 34.34277778
Longitude: -118.1097222
Directions
Location: From Interstate 210 in Pasadena, exit the Angeles Crest Highway (Hwy. 2) and drive north for 9 miles. Turn left onto the Angeles Forest Highway (County Rd. N3) and drive about 9 miles to the campground. May also be reached from the Sunland area by taking Big Tujunga Canyon Rd. and turning left at the Angeles Forest Highway, or taking the Angeles Forest Highway from the Palmdale area.
Facility and Amenity Information
Restrooms
Restrooms are available at this site.
Water
Potable water is available at this site.
Picnic Tables
Picnic tables are available at this site.