Bear Campground

4.25

13 reviews

12371 N. Little Tujunga Canyon Road, San Fernando, CA 91342

Quick Facts

5,427 ft

Price

$12/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

7 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens Los Angeles Gateway District site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

5,427 ft

Price

$12/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

7 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens Los Angeles Gateway District site

Official Website

Get Directions

Bear Campground

$12.00 - $12.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Overnight use fee is $12 per single site per night, which includes 8 people and 1 vehicle. Additional vehicles are $5 per night. Interagency...

Standard Site Fee$12.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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USFS

Provider

(818) 899-1900

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What Campers Say

4.25

Satisfactory

Based on 13 reviews

8 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietclean

"User reviews highlight the campground's primitive nature and secluded setting. It is praised for solitude but criticized for lack of maintenance and challenging access."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

12371 N. Little Tujunga Canyon Road, San Fernando, CA 91342

Bear Campground

12371 N. Little Tujunga Canyon Road, San Fernando, CA 91342

Driving directionsFrom Interstate 5 in Castaic, turn northeast on Lake Hughes Rd. and drive 27 miles to the town of Lake Hughes. Turn left on Pine Canyon Rd. and drive to Sawmill Mountain (northwest) on Sawmill Mountain-Liebre Ridge Rd. (Forest Service Road 7N23) and drive about 10 miles to the campground.

The road (7N23) is in decent condition as of August 2023, with dry roads and sharp rocks/gravel. User review mentions: 'My Ford Fusion got up with no issues. Recommend an SUV if you want zero fuss, but any car can make it up if you just be careful.'

Nearby places

Lake Hughes (~27 miles, ~45 minutes)

Nearby supplies

San Fernando (~27 miles away) for groceries, camping supplies, and fuel. Pack in-pack out policy applies for trash.

Best Time to Camp at Bear Campground

Bear Campground welcomes intrepid campers throughout all four seasons, offering dramatically different experiences as the calendar turns. Winter transforms this high-country escape into a crisp wonderland where temperatures plunge to bone-chilling levels—perfect for those who relish the sharp bite of mountain air. As summer arrives, the landscape basks under warm, golden sunshine that invites lazy afternoons and starlit evenings. While Mother Nature occasionally surprises visitors with a dusting of snow or refreshing rain showers, these meteorological treats remain delightfully uncommon, making each occurrence a memorable wilderness moment.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.0 / 5

Open in summer but higher insect activity and heat; remains quiet and remote.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Fall likely offers cooler temps and reduced insects; generally favorable seasonal reviews.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.0 / 5

Spring offers variable conditions; no specific bloom or trail info—mix of good weather and access issues.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

2.5 / 5

Winter provides quieter camping and fewer insects but brings cold and access challenges.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: No peak season dates explicitly mentioned.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open year-round
Current Alerts: Gate to Bear Campground is closed as of August 2023; hike-in only access.

About Bear Campground

Escape into the untamed wilderness at Bear Campground, a secluded primitive retreat tucked deep within Angeles National Forest. This hike-in sanctuary rewards adventurous souls with seven intimate campsites, each thoughtfully furnished with sturdy picnic tables and traditional fire rings for those cherished campfire moments. Here, you'll experience camping in its purest form—no running water, no restrooms, and no trash services mean you'll truly disconnect from modern conveniences. Pack your water bottles full and your backpack light, as everything you bring in must journey back out with you on this authentic wilderness adventure.

Bear Campground is a primitive camping site accessible only by hikers or bikers. It features seven designated campsites with picnic tables and fire rings.

Historical SignificanceBear Campground stands as a testament to the timeless appeal of simple, unadorned camping experiences that have drawn outdoor enthusiasts to these mountains for generations.

Weather and SeasonsBear Campground welcomes intrepid campers throughout all four seasons, offering dramatically different experiences as the calendar turns. Winter transforms this high-country escape into a crisp wonderland where temperatures plunge to bone-chilling levels—perfect for those who relish the sharp bite of mountain air. As summer arrives, the landscape basks under warm, golden sunshine that invites lazy afternoons and starlit evenings. While Mother Nature occasionally surprises visitors with a dusting of snow or refreshing rain showers, these meteorological treats remain delightfully uncommon, making each occurrence a memorable wilderness moment.

ElevationPerched at a mountain elevation that offers expansive views and crisp, clean air, Bear Campground provides that authentic high-country camping experience beloved by wilderness enthusiasts.

Natural Features and SceneryThe raw, unfiltered beauty of Bear Campground reveals itself in its striking barren landscape—a dramatic departure from typical forested campgrounds. This exposed terrain offers unobstructed views of the surrounding wilderness and creates perfect conditions for spectacular sunrise and sunset photography. The sparse vegetation means shade is a precious commodity, so bring your own sun shelter to create comfortable base camps. Nature thrives here in unexpected ways, with industrious bumble bees buzzing through the wildflowers and tiny insects adding their own soundtrack to your wilderness experience.

Geological RegionNestled within the rugged expanse of Angeles National Forest, Bear Campground showcases the dramatic geological character of Southern California's mountain backbone. The campground's distinctive barren terrain tells the story of ancient geological forces, creating an almost lunar landscape that contrasts beautifully with distant forested peaks. This unique ecosystem supports a fascinating array of native pollinators, including abundant bumble bees that dance among the sparse wildflowers, while smaller insects create a gentle hum that becomes the natural white noise of your wilderness retreat.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Open 24 hours

Check-out

Open 24 hours

Stay Limit

No explicit stay limit mentioned in authoritative sources.

Guests Allowed Per Site

8people per site

Groups

No group camping provisions are mentioned.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutSeven designated campsites, hike-in only.

Reservation PlatformsReservations may be available; no specific platform details provided.

Walk-in AvailabilityHike-in only; no specific walk-up information provided.

Cancellation PolicyNo cancellation policy explicitly mentioned.

AccessibilityThe campground is hike-in only, with access via a 5-mile trail from Atmore Meadows Road. Accessibility options for individuals with disabilities are not mentioned.

Site SizeThe campground consists of seven campsites. Specific site sizes are not detailed, but users report challenges in finding level ground for tents.

PrivacyThe campground is described as clean and quiet, offering a secluded experience due to its remote location and low visitation.

Total Campsites7 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose campsites down from the ridge to minimize wind but be prepared for steep terrain and finding level ground for tents.

Amenities available

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Activities you can enjoy

Limited recreational activities are available due to the primitive nature of the campground. Options include OHV road riding, picnicking at the seven sites, and hiking into the campground.

HikingAccess to the campground is via a 5-mile hike from the road. The Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) offers hiking opportunities, but some sections are overgrown or washed away.

BikingCyclists can bike into the campground using nearby forest roads, though conditions may include closed gates and washouts.

Wildlife viewingThe campground is situated in a remote area, potentially offering wildlife viewing opportunities. However, users emphasize the presence of insects, rodents, and small mammals.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include wildlife such as bears, sharp rocks on roads, and small in-ground rodents that are abundant in the area but generally do not disturb campers.

Active AlertsGate to Bear Campground is closed as of August 2023; hike-in only access.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Food Storage RequiredBear-proof storage lockers are available at each campsite.

Fire PolicyFire restrictions apply during extreme and critical conditions, prohibiting campfires and portable stoves.

Emergency ServicesLos Angeles Gateway District Ranger Station (Address: 12371 N. Little Tujunga Canyon Road, San Fernando, CA 91342, Phone: (818) 899-1900)

Trash & RecyclingNo trash or recycling facilities are available. Campers are required to carry out all waste (Pack In-Pack Out).

Water FeaturesNo piped water available; bring sufficient water for cooking, cleaning, and drinking.

Camp HostNo campground host information mentioned.

Weather at Bear Campground

Reviews

4.3

13 reviews

Satisfactory

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

User reviews highlight the campground's primitive nature and secluded setting. It is praised for solitude but criticized for lack of maintenance and challenging access.

Review Summaries

Based on 13 reviews

What Campers Love

Users appreciated the remote and quiet environment, the presence of picnic tables and fire rings, and the clean condition of the campground.

Based on 13 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include broken or missing signage, insect infestation (particularly bumblebees), lack of level ground for tents, and overgrown trails.

Based on 13 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend carrying plenty of water, preparing for insects and rodents, and ensuring vehicles are suitable for rugged roads. Hiking boots and Leave No Trace principles are emphasized.

Based on 13 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Winter tends to reduce insect activity and provide quieter camping experiences, though access and cold temperatures may pose challenges. Summer sees more insect issues and heat but remains quiet due...

Based on 13 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The campground in of itself is a great site. I was likely the ONLY person on the entire mountain." (Ryan) "Finding level ground for a tent was a challenge." (So Cal Joe) "Be ready for bumblebees and...

Based on 13 reviews