About LAKE CAMPGROUND
Overview Lake Campground offers an excellent escape from the city, just a short drive northeast of the Los Angeles metro area. It's set on the shores of Jackson Lake, providing a scenic, peaceful setting for fishing, swimming and canoeing in Angeles National Forest. Visitors enjoy exploring the Angeles Crest Scenic Byway, which offers incredible views of oak thickets, high desert landscapes, chaparral and pine forests.Recreation Wildlife viewing is a popular activity, as visitors may see bobcats, mountain lions, bears and Nelson bighorn sheep. Powerboating is not permitted on Jackson Lake, so the setting is peaceful and quiet for swimming, canoeing and fishing. The lake is stocked with trout and bluegill.Facilities Campsites can accommodate eight campers and two vehicles. Food storage lockers, grills, picnic tables, vault toilets and drinking water are provided. Firewood can be purchased at nearby Mountain Oak Campground.Natural Features Lake Campground sits at an elevation of 6,100 feet in Angeles National Forest. Campsites are secluded and shaded with scattered oak trees and Jeffrey pines. Daytime temperatures in the summer are usually in the low 80s and evenings are cool. Angeles National Forest spans nearly 695,000 acres over most of the San Gabriel Mountain Range in southern California. Vegetation ranges from chaparral and oak at lower elevations to pine forests at higher altitudes. Elevations range from 1,200 to 10,000 feet. The endangered California condor inhabits the forest. The Least Bells vireo and the Southwestern Willow flycatcher are two migratory birds that visitors enjoy spotting in the area. Other local inhabitants include the Arroyo toad, mountain yellow-legged frog, the mountain lion and the two-striped garter snake. Contact Info For facility specific information, please call (760) 316-7828. Nearby Attractions The Angeles Crest Highway, part of California State Route 2, is a scenic byway that meanders through oak thickets, chaparral, high desert l
How to Get There
From Wrightwood, turn left on CA-2 W/Angeles Crest Highway and drive for 3.6 miles. Then turn right onto Big Pines Highway and drive 2.7 miles. Look for signs into the campground.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
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Long-sleeve shirt
Synthetic or merino, sun-protective.
- 🧥
Light shell or windbreaker
Even on warm days, wind can chill (avg wind 0 mph).
- 👖
Hiking pants or convertible
Layer for variable conditions.
- 🥾
Trail runners or low boots
Comfortable, broken in.
🎒 What to Pack
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Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection
Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to LAKE CAMPGROUND
Heading to LAKE CAMPGROUND? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for LAKE CAMPGROUND?
No central reservation system listed for LAKE CAMPGROUND. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/233734) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to LAKE CAMPGROUND?
From Wrightwood, turn left on CA-2 W/Angeles Crest Highway and drive for 3.6 miles. Then turn right onto Big Pines Highway and drive 2.7 miles. Look for signs into the campground.
How do I contact LAKE CAMPGROUND?
You can reach the park at phone: 760-249-3526 or email: campgrounds@mthigh.com.
References & Official Resources
