Is Lightning Point Group Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Lightning Point Group Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Lightning Point Group Campground before I book?

Yes! Lightning Point Group Campground has 3 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Lightning Point Group Campground?

Lightning Point Group Campground is open The campground is currently closed indefinitely.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Lightning Point Group Campground?

Lightning Point Group Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Lightning Point Group Campground have?

Lightning Point Group Campground has 6 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Lightning Point Group Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Lightning Point Group Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What activities can I do at Lightning Point Group Campground?

Popular activities at Lightning Point Group Campground include Hiking. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Lightning Point Group Campground

5 reviews

12371 N.LITTLE TUJUNGA CANYON SAN FERNANDO, CA 91342

Featured in:Group Camping California

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

6,100 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

6 campsites

Season

The campground is cu...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Angeles National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

6,100 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

6 campsites

Season

The campground is cu...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Angeles National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Lightning Point Group Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No paid fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

818-899-1900

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

12371 N.LITTLE TUJUNGA CANYON SAN FERNANDO, CA 91342

Lightning Point Group Campground

12371 N.LITTLE TUJUNGA CANYON SAN FERNANDO, CA 91342

Nearby places

Palmdale (25 miles southeast), San Fernando Valley (35 miles north)

Driving directionsFrom Interstate 210 in La Canada, exit onto the Angeles Crest Highway (HWY 2) and drive northeast for approximately 10 miles to the intersection of the Angeles Crest Highway and the Angeles Forest Highway (County Road N3). Turn left (north) on to the Angeles Forest Highway and drive approximately 12 miles to the Santa Clara Divide Road at Mill Creek Summit. Turn left (west) onto the Santa Clara Divide and continue for about 11 miles to the campground.

Weather at Lightning Point Group Campground

Current alert: closed until further notice.

Best Time to Camp at Lightning Point Group Campground

Best season: fall. Fall offers the most comfortable mountain conditions—mild daytime temps (typically 55–70°F) and crisp, clear evenings (25–40°F)—making long hikes and group gatherings under the Jeffrey pines especially pleasant. Oak groves take on late-season color and wildlife activity (deer, birds) increases as animals prepare for winter, so hiking and wildlife viewing are at their peak while crowds thin after the busy summer weekends. Note: Lightning Point Group Campground is currently closed indefinitely; if Peak months: October, November, May, June Avoid: January, February, March, April

Summer(Jun-Aug)

Not recommended

Campground closed indefinitely due to wildfire recovery; seasonal rating not applicable.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: The campground is currently closed indefinitely.

About Lightning Point Group Campground

Lightning Point Group Campground sits in the mid-elevation forest of Angeles National Forest, near San Fernando, with direct access to the Pacific Crest Trail. Operated by the Forest Service, this primitive group site offers fire rings, picnic tables, and horse corrals at select sites, drawing equestrians and hikers looking for a backcountry basecamp. The setting is quiet and rustic, surrounded by Jeffrey pines and oak groves, with wildlife sightings common in fall.

This campground caters primarily to group and equestrian campers. There are six group campsites, two of which are specifically designed for horse camping. No designated tent or RV camping areas are separately mentioned. "The peaceful campground has six group campsites that can accommodate a total of 240 campers. Two of the sites are designed for horse camping."

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the most comfortable mountain conditions—mild daytime temps (typically 55–70°F) and crisp, clear evenings (25–40°F)—making long hikes and group gatherings under the Jeffrey pines especially pleasant. Oak groves take on late-season color and wildlife activity (deer, birds) increases as animals prepare for winter, so hiking and wildlife viewing are at their peak while crowds thin after the busy summer weekends. Note: Lightning Point Group Campground is currently closed indefinitely; if Peak months: October, November, May, June Avoid: January, February, March, April

Elevation6100 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies a transition zone where chaparral and oak woodlands give way to Jeffrey pine forests. At this elevation, the forest shifts character. Twisted scrub oaks and manzanita share space with the aromatic Jeffrey pines that dominate higher ground. The Pacific Crest Trail runs nearby, offering access to ridgelines and the forest's dramatic vertical ecosystem changes. Angeles National Forest spans 700,000 acres with elevations from 1,200 to 10,000 feet, and Lightning Point sits squarely in the middle of that range.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo lodging accommodations such as hotel-style lodges are available on-site.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are indicated at this campground.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Group camping allows up to 240 individuals across six sites.

Groups

The six group campsites can accommodate up to 240 campers in total. Sites 5 and 6 are equipped with six horse corrals each and are designed for equestrian campers but can also be reserved by non-equestrian groups.

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov online, mobile app, or contact center.

AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are mentioned for this campground. Campers with disabilities may face challenges due to the lack of facilities like toilets and water.

Site SizeEach group campsite is large enough to accommodate group gatherings and features communal tables and open spaces. Sites 5 and 6 include additional space for horse corrals.

PrivacyNo detailed information is provided about the level of privacy at individual campsites. However, the group camping setup suggests a less private experience.

Total Campsites6 campsites

Recommended SitesEquestrian campers should prioritize Sites 5 and 6 for their horse corrals. All visitors must bring portable toilets and drinking water.

Best CampsitesSites 5 and 6 include horse corrals. Six corrals at each site. Making them the obvious choice for equestrian groups. The other four sites lack this feature but still provide communal tables and open spaces for group gatherings.

Need help booking Lightning Point Group Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

No toilets or water is available. Visitors must bring their own portable toilets and take all components with them upon departure.

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Group Sites

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

The main recreational activities at Lightning Point Group Campground include hiking, bird watching, and horseback riding. The campground is located near the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail, offering extensive hiking opportunities with access to diverse ecozones. Mountain biking is allowed on all trails in the Angeles National Forest except the Pacific Crest Trail. "Hiking, bird watching and horseback riding are the biggest attractions for campers."

Hiking

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

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

No Flush ToiletsThere are no flush toilets at this campground. Campers must bring portable toilets.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

0.0

5 reviews

Limited Reviews

Lightning Point Group Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviews for Lightning Point Group Campground are sparse and indicate mixed experiences. The campground's closure due to safety concerns and wildfires is noted. Some reviews detail directions and the current state of recovery for the area.

Review Summaries

Based on 5 reviews

What Campers Love

Equestrian facilities like the horse corrals at Sites 5 and 6 are appreciated. The proximity to the Pacific Crest Trail is a highlight for outdoor enthusiasts.

Based on 5 reviews

Common Concerns

The lack of basic facilities like toilets and water is a consistent complaint. The closure of the campground and limitations due to wildfire recovery have also been noted.

Based on 5 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Sites 5 and 6 are highlighted for their horse corrals, making them ideal for equestrian campers.

Based on 5 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers should bring their own portable toilets, potable water, and garbage bags. Wildlife precautions, including proper food storage, are essential.

Based on 5 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is currently closed, but during open seasons, its high elevation likely provides cooler summer temperatures. Winter closures may be due to hazardous snow or icy conditions.

Based on 5 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The campground [is] only getting closed for the Season. When it's very cold in there, which is making the place to be not safe for peoples and horses."

Based on 5 reviews