Horse Flat Campground

Star4.52
57 reviews
Angeles National Forest, California
StargazingGreat Hiking

Quick Facts

5,600 ft

Price

$5 - $12/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

26 campsites

Season

Open seasonally from...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Angeles National Forest site

Official Website
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Horse Flat Campground
$5.00 - $12.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Camping fees are $12 per night per site, with an additional $5 charge for extra vehicles. Day-use fees are $5 per vehicle. Interagency Senior and...
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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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What Campers Say

4.52

Top-Rated

Based on 57 reviews

54 Google reviews

Most mentioned

privacyhikingsites

"User reviews highlight the campground's rustic charm and privacy, though criticisms include the lack of water and cleanliness of vault toilets. Overall, the site is appreciated for its seclusion and proximity to trails."

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Campground Map

Angeles National Forest, California

Horse Flat Campground

Angeles National Forest, California

Driving directionsFrom Interstate 210 in La Canada, exit at Angeles Crest Highway (Hwy. 2) and drive 29 miles to the intersection with the Santa Clara Divide Rd. (3N17) at Three Points (watch for the sign). Turn to the south and drive 3 miles to the campground.
The campground is accessible from Angeles Crest Highway and Santa Clara Divide Road. Roads are paved, but there are winding sections and elevation changes that may require cautious driving.
Nearby places
La Canada (29 miles, approximately 40 minutes)
Pasadena (32 miles, approximately 45 minutes)
Los Angeles (45 miles, approximately 1 hour).
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel are available in La Canada, approximately 29 miles from the campground.

Best Time to Camp at Horse Flat Campground

Experience the dramatic beauty of high-elevation camping where warm, sun-drenched days give way to refreshingly cool mountain nights during peak season. The exposed nature of many campsites means you'll feel the full warmth of the California sun, as one visitor noted: "It can get super hot here as most sites are exposed." Winter transforms this landscape into a different world entirely, bringing freezing temperatures and occasional snow dustings that blanket the forest in pristine white. Spring and fall offer ideal conditions with moderate temperatures and stunning seasonal changes.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.5 / 5

Open in summer with warm days/cool nights; reviews note dry streams and aggressive yellow jackets.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Spring/fall cited as moderate temps and pleasant conditions; fall likely best for comfort and fewer bugs.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Spring offers moderate temps and trail access; fewer complaints than summer (bugs/dryness).

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground seasonally closed Nov 15–Apr 15; winter access limited.

Planning Tips
  • Operating Season: Open seasonally from April 15 through November 15.
  • Current Alerts: Current fire restrictions may limit campfire and stove usage.

About Horse Flat Campground

Escape to the tranquil wilderness of Horse Flats Campground, where 26 thoughtfully spaced campsites await both equestrian enthusiasts and traditional campers seeking an authentic outdoor experience. This rustic mountain retreat features four dedicated horse corrals and multiple hitching posts, making it a haven for riders exploring the backcountry. Each campsite comes equipped with a picnic table and fire ring, perfect for evening gatherings under the stars. Adventure seekers will discover they're perfectly positioned at the crossroads of scenic hiking trails, challenging bouldering routes, and exhilarating mountain biking paths that wind through the surrounding forest.
Horse Flats primarily caters to tent campers and equestrian camping. While it has some RV-accessible sites, the campground lacks hookups and can only accommodate vehicles up to 20 feet in length.
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Check-in
Open 24 hours for check-in.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay is 14 consecutive nights.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Horse Flats Campground offers diverse recreational opportunities including hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, and rock climbing. The campground serves as an excellent base for outdoor enthusiasts seeking access to trails and bouldering sites.
HikingThe Silver Moccasin Trail, a 58-mile-long route accessed from the southwest side, invites both hikers and equestrians. This trail is also popular with Boy Scouts earning the Silver Moccasin Badge. The Mt. Hillyer Trail, approximately 1 mile long, provides access to rock climbing opportunities.
ClimbingClimbing opportunities may be available in nearby natural areas such as rocky outcrops, boulders, or cliff faces. Visitors should bring appropriate gear and check local regulations or park guidelines before attempting any climbs.
BikingTrails such as Mt. Hillyer and Silver Moccasin are accessible for mountain biking, offering varied terrain suitable for intermediate to advanced riders.
Wildlife viewingThe campground is located in bear country, requiring campers to employ safe food storage techniques to protect both visitors and wildlife. Other wildlife sightings are likely due to the forested environment.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include bears and yellow jackets, as highlighted by multiple reviews. "The biggest problem were the bugs!" and "No joke, we woke up to buzzing every morning."
Active AlertsCurrent fire restrictions may limit campfire and stove usage.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Horse Flat Campground

Reviews

4.5
57 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Horse Flat Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground's rustic charm and privacy, though criticisms include the lack of water and cleanliness of vault toilets. Overall, the site is appreciated for its seclusion and proximity to trails.
Review Summaries
Based on 57 reviews

What Campers Love

Campers appreciate the privacy between sites, the accessibility of hiking trails, and the beauty of the surrounding area. The horse corrals and hitching posts are valued by equestrian visitors.
Based on 57 reviews

Common Concerns

Frequent criticisms include the lack of potable water, poor ventilation in vault toilets, and aggressive yellow jackets, particularly during warmer months.
Based on 57 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing plenty of water and preparing for yellow jackets by minimizing exposure to food and drinks during the day. Visiting during weekdays is suggested for more seclusion.
Based on 57 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews often mention dry streams and aggressive yellow jackets. Spring and fall provide more moderate temperatures, while winter accessibility is limited due to seasonal closures.
Based on 57 reviews

Camper Quotes

Chelsea Brisson: 'During the week the campground is secluded and a lovely escape. There are fire pits and horse corrals at each site, and trails leading to the climbing area.' Daniel T: 'No running...
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Based on 57 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 21 was noted for its issues with yellow jackets, potentially due to proximity to a hive or nest.
Based on 57 reviews

Accessibility Features

Wheelchair-accessible vault toilets are available, though their condition has been criticized.
Based on 57 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pet-related policies and reviews are not explicitly mentioned.
Based on 57 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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