Bear Canyon Trail Camp (Hike-in Campground)

Angeles National Forest full closure to partial closure

Part of the Angeles National Forest is temporarily closed through December 31, 2025. under a new updated forest order dated January 29, 2025. The forest order (Eaton Fire Area Closure) covers only National Forest System roads, trails, and other facilities. These areas are closed for public safety and to facilitate recovery of nature across these landscapes. 

To read Forest Order No. 05-01-25-05, including exceptions, click here.


Area Status: 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, 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: 

Campground is located 5 miles from Switzer's Picnic Area. Requires a 5-mile hike (one-way) in to the campground. Equestrian and mountain bike use not recommended. 

Amenities: 3 hike-in campsites each with a designated picnic table. No toilets. No trash receptacles. Pack In-Pack Out. There is no piped water available. Seasonal stream water (treat before using). However, water flow may be low or non-existent due to reduced rainfall/drought. (Please bring enough water for cooking, cleaning, drinking, and extinguishing campfires.) 

At a Glance

Reservations: Campsites are first-come, first-served. Reserving or holding of sites not allowed.
Fees: The Adventure Pass or America the Beautiful Pass is required for vehicles parked in the forest at standard amenity recreation fee sites.

Find out if you need to buy a pass

Information & Pass Sales
Open Season: Year-round
Usage: Medium
Restrictions: See current fire restrictions. 
Water: Seasonal Stream
Restroom: NONE
Passes: Information & Pass Sales
Operated By: Forest Service
Information Center: Please call the LA Gateway District Office at: (818) 899-1900 for current conditions and additional information. For more office info, visit Information & Pass Sales.

General Information

Directions:

From Interstate 210 in La Cañada Flintridge, exit at Angeles Crest Highway (CA-2) and drive northeast for approximately 10 miles to the Switzers Picnic Area. Take a right into the Switzers Picnic Area and follow the narrow paved road about 1/2 mile down to the lower parking lot. The trail to Bear Canyon Campground begins at the east end of the parking lot across a wooden footbridge.


Recreation Map

Map showing recreational areas. Map Information

Activities

Campground Camping

No. of Sites 3 single site(s)
Reservation Info Not reservable
No. of Accessible sites None

Picnicking

Related Information

Recreation Areas

Recreation Activities

Featured Events

Location

 
  Latitude : 
34.250672

  Longitude : 
-118.148633

  Elevation : 
3400