Appletree Campground

4.29

117 reviews

Big Pines Highway, County Road N4

Quick Facts

6,276 ft

Price

$5 - $20/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

8 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Mountain High Resort site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

6,276 ft

Price

$5 - $20/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

8 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Mountain High Resort site

Official Website

Get Directions

Appletree Campground

$5.00 - $20.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Camping fees are set by Mountain High Resort. Fees can be paid on-site or with the campground host at Mt. Oak Campground. Discounts available for...

Standard Site Fee$0.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$5.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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USFS

Provider

760-316-7828campgrounds@mthigh.com

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What Campers Say

4.29

Satisfactory

Based on 117 reviews

108 Google reviews

Most mentioned

clean

"User reviews are mixed but generally positive, highlighting the campground's affordability, scenic beauty, and simplicity. Several users emphasized the site's peaceful nature, though some noted issues with maintenance and noise from nearby campers."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Big Pines Highway, County Road N4

Appletree Campground

Big Pines Highway, County Road N4

Driving directionsLocated on Big Pines Highway (Co. road N4), approximately 2 miles west of Big Pines, CA. Groceries and services available in the community of Wrightwood (approximately 7 miles).

Easy roadside access from Big Pines Highway. However, icy and dangerous road conditions may occur in winter, requiring slow driving and occasionally snow chains, as noted in user reviews.

Nearby places

Big Pines, CA (2 miles, approximately 5 minutes)

Wrightwood, CA (7 miles, approximately 10 minutes).

Nearby supplies

Groceries and services available in Wrightwood, CA (approximately 7 miles).

Best Time to Camp at Appletree Campground

Appletree Campground offers a dramatic seasonal transformation that keeps visitors returning throughout the year. Winter blankets the landscape in pristine snow, creating a wonderland for snow enthusiasts, though icy mountain roads demand careful driving and proper preparation. As spring arrives, the forest awakens with perfect camping weather and crystal-clear mountain skies. Summer brings warm days that can climb above 80°F, making the abundant shade especially welcome. Many seasoned campers consider spring and fall the sweet spots for visiting, when moderate temperatures and stunning visibility create ideal conditions for both relaxation and exploration.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.0 / 5

Summer described as a peaceful, shaded retreat, though some noise/privacy complaints appear.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Dramatic seasonal transformation implied; forested mountain likely appealing in fall though direct mentions limited.

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Multiple reviews praise spring visits: 'every spring...absolutely beautiful.'

Best

Winter(Dec-Feb)

4.0 / 5

Top 12% in CA

Winter draws snow play and sledding; reviewers specifically note winter activities and crowds.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: No specific peak season dates mentioned.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open year-round.
Current Alerts: Fire restrictions may periodically prohibit campfires and portable cooking systems during extreme fire conditions.

About Appletree Campground

Nestled in the San Gabriel Mountains and thoughtfully managed by Mountain High Resort, Appletree Campground invites adventurers to disconnect and immerse themselves in nature's tranquility. Eight intimate walk-in campsites await, each equipped with classic campground amenities including sturdy picnic tables, traditional fire rings for evening gatherings, and convenient BBQ pedestal grills for outdoor cooking. This year-round mountain retreat welcomes all visitors with ADA-accessible options, though the walk-in nature of the sites means you'll need to carry your gear a short distance from the parking area. Those seeking a rustic experience will appreciate the absence of RV hookups, ensuring a peaceful, tent-camping atmosphere.

Appletree Campground features 8 first-come, first-served walk-in campsites. It is primarily suited for tent camping and small RVs (up to 16 feet in length), although the latter must park in a lot rather than access sites directly. Three sites are ADA-accessible.

Weather and SeasonsAppletree Campground offers a dramatic seasonal transformation that keeps visitors returning throughout the year. Winter blankets the landscape in pristine snow, creating a wonderland for snow enthusiasts, though icy mountain roads demand careful driving and proper preparation. As spring arrives, the forest awakens with perfect camping weather and crystal-clear mountain skies. Summer brings warm days that can climb above 80°F, making the abundant shade especially welcome. Many seasoned campers consider spring and fall the sweet spots for visiting, when moderate temperatures and stunning visibility create ideal conditions for both relaxation and exploration.

ElevationNo specific elevation details provided.

Natural Features and SceneryPerched on a picturesque hillside within the San Gabriel Mountains, Appletree Campground offers a genuine forest camping experience beneath a protective canopy of mature trees. The thoughtfully positioned campsites take full advantage of natural shade, creating cool refuges even on warm summer days. During winter months, this woodland setting transforms into an enchanting snow-covered landscape where families gather for snowball fights and snow angel making, turning the campground into nature's own winter playground.

Geological RegionThe campground's prime location in the San Gabriel Mountains places visitors in one of Southern California's most beloved mountain ranges. Here, dramatic hillside vistas unfold through breaks in the forest, while the surrounding woodland creates an intimate atmosphere that feels worlds away from urban life. Winter snows add another dimension to this geological wonderland, highlighting the rugged mountain contours and creating postcard-worthy scenes that capture the diverse beauty of this elevated terrain.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

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Reserving a campsite

Check-out

11:00 AM

Stay Limit

No specific stay limit mentioned.

Guests Allowed Per Site

No specific guest limits mentioned.

Groups

Group camping is not explicitly mentioned as an option at this campground.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutEight walk-in campsites with picnic tables, fire rings, and BBQ pedestal grills. Sites are close together, reducing privacy.

Reservation PlatformsReservations not available. First-come, first-served for the walk-in campsites.

Walk-in AvailabilityAll eight campsites are first-come, first-served. User reviews confirm these sites can fill quickly during holidays or busy weekends.

Cancellation PolicyNo explicit cancellation policy mentioned.

AccessibilityThree of the eight campsites are ADA-accessible. The area was described as 'easy roadside campground' and ADA-friendly in user reviews.

Site SizeSites are walk-in and accommodate tents. Maximum RV length is 16 feet, though RVs must remain in the parking lot without direct campsite access.

PrivacyPrivacy is minimal as the campsites are close to one another. A reviewer stated, 'The campsites are very close to each other so there is no privacy.

Total Campsites8 campsites

Recommended SitesSites closer to the trees provide more shade, while some sites may get very hot midday. Arrive early during holidays to secure flat campsites.

Amenities available

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Appletree Campground offers a mix of recreational opportunities, including picnicking and snow play during winter. User reviews mention the area's suitability for family outings and snow sledding. Wrightwood, located nearby, provides additional attractions.

Wildlife viewingThe campground is located in a bear and raccoon habitat. Official sources emphasize bear safety, and one user review stated, 'Bear and raccoon area, so keep your food in your vehicle at all times.'

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsSeasonal hazards include icy roads during winter and potential wildlife encounters with bears and raccoons. Proper food storage is essential.

Active AlertsFire restrictions may periodically prohibit campfires and portable cooking systems during extreme fire conditions.

Fire PolicyFire restrictions can prohibit campfires and portable cooking systems during extreme fire conditions. Each site includes a campfire ring and BBQ pedestal grill.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours mentioned in user review; violations noted with loud music and karaoke late at night.

Emergency ServicesSan Gabriel Mountains National Monument Information Center (110 N. Wabash Avenue, Glendora, CA 91741). Phone: (626) 335-1251. Closest medical and emergency services likely available in Wrightwood, CA, approximately 7 miles away.

Trash & RecyclingOn-site trash bins are present, and park rangers or Mountain High employees periodically check and empty the bins.

Water FeaturesMention of nearby running creek upstream, but water flow seasonal. Piped water is available except during winter months.

Camp HostCampground host available at nearby Mt. Oak Campground for fee payment and assistance.

Weather at Appletree Campground

Reviews

4.3

117 reviews

Satisfactory

Appletree Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews are mixed but generally positive, highlighting the campground's affordability, scenic beauty, and simplicity. Several users emphasized the site's peaceful nature, though some noted issues with maintenance and noise from nearby campers.

Review Summaries

Based on 117 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include affordability ('very affordable'), scenic beauty ('absolutely beautiful'), cleanliness in recent visits ('well maintained campground'), and accessibility ('easy drive for a...

Based on 117 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints involve the lack of privacy (sites are 'very close to each other'), noise from other campers (e.g., karaoke speakers late at night), and restroom cleanliness ('absolutely...

Based on 117 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend arriving early due to the first-come, first-served policy. Keeping food in vehicles is advised to avoid attracting bears and raccoons. Winter visitors are advised to drive...

Based on 117 reviews

Seasonal Insights

In winter, the campground becomes a popular spot for snow play, leading to crowded parking. During summer, it is described as a peaceful and scenic retreat, though some visitors reported noise from...

Based on 117 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Been camping here for over 4 years every spring and summer!! It's absolutely beautiful and very affordable.' — Leah Raedel 2. 'The campsites are very close to each other so there is no privacy.'...

Based on 117 reviews