Picnicking
- Picnic areas are first-come, first-served and open from sunrise to sunset only.
- No overnight camping is allowed in picnic areas in the Angeles National Forest.
- Choose from sites offering only one or two picnic tables, to large areas such as Charlton Flats, Stonyvale, or Chantry Flat which offer dozens of picnic sites.
- Always check the forest's Alerts & Notices webpage for updates prior to your visit to learn more about fire restrictions, potential closures, office hours, and more.
- Fire danger levels can vary throughout the year. Pay close attention to fire restrictions, as you may not be able to cook food onsite either in a campfire ring or propane or charcoal grill. This includes both portable and onsite grills or fire rings. In addition, campfires may be restricted even with a California Campfire Permit.
- When campfires are allowed, based on fire danger levels, a California Campfire Permit is required. The permit can be obtained online at Prevent Wild Fire | Campfire Permit (preventwildfiresca.org), at one of our offices, or stop by a U.S. Forest Service Fire Station.
- Some picnic areas do not have water available. Bring enough water for all of your activities.
- Be sure to purchase your Adventure Pass or America the Beautiful Pass before arrival at campgrounds and/or visiting other forest facilities. Some forest offices sell passes.
- Pets are welcome in the Angeles National Forest, but in consideration of other visitors and for your pet's safety and the protection of wildlife, all pets must be kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet in length at all times.
Search for Picnicking Opportunities
Appletree Campground
Site Open
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.…
Arch-Big Pines Picnic Site
Site Open
Elevation: 6.800-feetSite managed by concessionaire Mountain High. Please contact them for any updates, concerns, or questions at: (760) 316-7828 or campgrounds@mthigh.com. You can also visit their…
Bandido Group Campground
Site 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…
Bear Campground
Site Open
The Angeles National Forest has completed improvements to Sawmill and Bear campgrounds through Great American Outdoors Act funds.Improvements include new fire rings, bear-proof storage lockers,…
Beartrap Picnic Site
Site Closed
Picnic Site
Big Rock Campground
Site Open
ROAD CLOSED- Hike-in onlyGeneral 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…
Blue Ridge Campground
Site Closed
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,…
Buckhorn Day-Use Area
Site Open
This site is located off Angeles Crest Highway (CA-2) with a view of the surrounding mountains to the north. It is popular with hikers due to its proximity to the Mt. Waterman Trail.Amenities: 4…
Chantry Flat Picnic Area
Site Open
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. Nestled high on a ridge in Big Santa Anita…
Charlton Flats Picnic Area
Site Open
Site is hike-in only.Gate is closed at Angeles Crest Highway (CA-2).Sites are shadowed by large Jeffrey pines and incense cedars. Panoramic views along the access road up to Vetter Mountain…