How much does camping cost at Lupine Campground?

Camping fees at Lupine Campground range from $5-$30/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

Is Lupine Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Lupine Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Campsites are first-come-first-served.

Can I see photos of campsites at Lupine Campground before I book?

Yes! Lupine Campground has 4 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 Lupine Campground?

Lupine Campground is open Open year-round, Hike-in only from early- to mid-November to late-April through early-May due to seasonal closures of Blue Ridge Road.. 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 Lupine Campground?

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

Is there cell service at Lupine Campground?

Cell phone service at Lupine Campground is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

How many campsites does Lupine Campground have?

Lupine Campground has 7 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Lupine Campground?

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

What amenities are available at Lupine Campground?

Lupine Campground offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Lupine Campground

Q: Can I have a campfire at Lupine Campground?

Fire policies at Lupine Campground: "Extreme and Critical fire use restrictions mean no campfires and no portable cooking systems/stoves.". Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.25

68 reviews

Great Hiking

Featured in:Hiking Camping California

Quick Facts

8,300 ft

Price

$5 - $30/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

7 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

8,300 ft

Price

$5 - $30/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

7 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Lupine Campground

$5.00 - $30.00 / night

Campsite Fees

$5/vehicle/day or $30/vehicle/year Adventure Pass required for vehicles.

No paid fee categories listed.

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Campground Map

Lupine Campground

34.3296, -117.6681

Nearby places

Wrightwood - 5 miles

Nearby supplies

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Weather at Lupine Campground

Current alert: Road is in poor condition, please use caution--4x4 vehicles highly recommended.

Best Time to Camp at Lupine Campground

Spring offers the best window: Blue Ridge Road reopens as snowpack melts, wildflowers emerge, and daytime temps hit 45-65°F. Nights still drop near or below freezing early in the season. Wind is a constant. Campers report gentle breezes building to powerful gusts around 7 PM that continue until dawn. 'Prepare for legit serious wind,' one reviewer warns. Some embrace it as natural ambiance; others find it relentless. Bring extra tent stakes and guy lines. Winter access requires hiking in after the road closes, typically November through late April.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Described as best window: road reopens, wildflowers and mild days (45–65°F), though nights remain cold.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Open year-round, Hike-in only from early- to mid-November to late-April through early-May due to seasonal closures of Blue Ridge Road.

About Lupine Campground

Lupine Campground sits at 8,300 feet on Blue Ridge in Angeles National Forest, where the Pacific Crest Trail passes nearby and Mt. Baldy dominates the horizon. Seven first-come, first-served sites offer panoramic views of both wilderness peaks and the Los Angeles basin below. Fees run $5-30 per night, and the access road closes from November through April or May when snow makes it impassable.

Lupine Campground is a primitive camping area that caters to both hikers and vehicle campers depending on the season. It is accessible to Recreational Vehicles (RVs), although the rough road strongly favors high-clearance or 4x4 vehicles.

Weather and SeasonsSpring offers the best window: Blue Ridge Road reopens as snowpack melts, wildflowers emerge, and daytime temps hit 45-65°F. Nights still drop near or below freezing early in the season. Wind is a constant. Campers report gentle breezes building to powerful gusts around 7 PM that continue until dawn. 'Prepare for legit serious wind,' one reviewer warns. Some embrace it as natural ambiance; others find it relentless. Bring extra tent stakes and guy lines. Winter access requires hiking in after the road closes, typically November through late April.

ElevationAt 8,300 feet above sea level, Lupine Campground claims one of the loftiest perches in the Angeles National Forest. This dramatic elevation places you above the marine layer, often camping literally above the clouds while Los Angeles sprawls far below. The thin mountain air and cooler temperatures offer refreshing relief from the valleys below, creating an alpine environment just hours from the city.

Natural Features and SceneryThe ridgeline position delivers 360-degree views. Mountain ranges stretch toward the Pacific on one side while the LA basin glitters far below on the other. Hawks and eagles ride thermals beneath the campground's elevation. At night, city lights create what one visitor called 'the favorite part of this place.' The high-altitude perch makes both sunrise and sunset visible from most sites, though you're fully exposed to the elements up here.

Geological RegionLupine Campground crowns the dramatic Blue Ridge in the northern reaches of Angeles National Forest, where ancient geological forces thrust these mountains skyward. This strategic position places you at the intersection of wilderness and accessibility, with the legendary Pacific Crest Trail passing nearby. The ridge serves as a natural divide, separating the urban sprawl of Southern California from the wild backcountry of the San Gabriel Mountains, creating a unique threshold between civilization and untamed nature.

Scenic ViewsDaytime views include Mojave Desert to the north, Mt. Baldy to the east, urban nightscapes to the south, and Mt. Baden Powell to the west.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

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Check-out

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Stay Limit

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Guests Allowed Per Site

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Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutSeven sites with picnic tables and fire pits. The compact layout keeps things quiet. Reviewers describe it as 'not too crowded' and 'a little secluded campsite,' though with only seven spots total, you're never far from neighbors.

Walk-in AvailabilityCampsites are first-come-first-served.

Cancellation Policynull

Site SizeSmall campground, compact layout with a limited number of campsites.

PrivacySomewhat secluded and compact. Reviews describe the campground as 'little secluded campsite' and 'not too crowded.

Total Campsites7 campsites

Recommended SitesDefinitely gotta go early because each campsite is first come first serve." "Bring ropes for extra support for your tents." "Prepare for legit serious wind; bad for big tents.

Best CampsitesSite #2 reportedly has the best view, though specifics aren't detailed in reviews.

Amenities available

Potable water is not available at this site.

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Camping at Lupine Campground offers opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, and enjoying panoramic views due to its high-altitude location. The Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) runs through the campground, making it a popular stopping point for hikers. Additionally, nighttime stargazing is a highlight.

Hiking

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & Alerts"Prepare for legit serious wind." "No water." "Trail is hard to get to. Need a 4x4 or Jeep. Large rocks on the trail."

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

Fire Policy"Extreme and Critical fire use restrictions mean no campfires and no portable cooking systems/stoves."

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are null

Water Features"No water, except, sometimes there's water at the end of the campground going down (there's a sign on the PCT)."

Cell CoverageSeveral user reviews mention good cell phone reception at the campground. One user stated, 'I get very good cell phone service too,' while another called the site 'secluded and beautiful,' yet still accessible for connectivity.

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

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

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

4.3

68 reviews

Satisfactory

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

User reviews generally highlight the campground’s natural beauty, excellent views, and tranquility. However, challenges such as high winds, the rough access road, and the condition of vault toilets are common concerns.

Review Summaries

Based on 68 reviews

What Campers Love

Beautiful panoramic views, seclusion, connection to the Pacific Crest Trail, and opportunities for stargazing. One user called it 'one of the most beautiful places in Southern California to go...

Based on 68 reviews

Common Concerns

Frequent high winds, rough and overgrown access road, and poorly maintained vault toilets. One user mentioned, 'The wind was really bad though, bring ropes for extra support for your tents.'

Based on 68 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

1. Site #2 recommended for the best views. 2. Multiple users highlight its location along the PCT as a major advantage.

Based on 68 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Arrive early as sites are first-come, first-served. Prepare for wind by bringing extra tent support, and bring all necessary water due to the lack of potable water on-site. A high-clearance or 4x4...

Based on 68 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is more accessible during late spring to early fall when the road is open. High winds are a recurring issue, regardless of the season, and bear safety measures are always emphasized.

Based on 68 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Amazing views. Definitely going back.' - User csmather77 2. 'Prepare for legit serious wind. It’s at the top of a ridge and it gusts all the time.' - User Matthew Henderson 3. 'The view of the...

Based on 68 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

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Go if

PCT hikers and view-chasers who can handle a rough, rocky access road in a 4x4 or high-clearance rig will get the most out of this place. Site #2 gets the best panorama. Bring all your water and extra tent stakes for the nightly wind.

Skip if

The access road is currently in poor condition and 4x4 is strongly recommended, so low-clearance vehicles should stay away. No potable water, genuinely rough vault toilets, and relentless gusts from 7 PM to dawn make this a tough sell for anyone who isn't prepared to rough it.

Nearby Campgrounds

Angeles National Forest

Guffy Campground sits at 8,300 feet on a windswept ridge in Angeles National Forest, offering six primitive, first-come sites where the Pacific Crest Trail crosses the mountain crest. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring. There's no water, so bring all you need. Cell service is surprisingly good for some carriers.

Lupine Campground

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

Get Notified When Available

Plan a trip to Lupine Campground

Campground Map

Weather at Lupine Campground

Best Time to Camp at Lupine Campground

Planning Tips

About Lupine Campground

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Amenities available

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews

Go if

Skip if

Overview

Plan a trip to Lupine Campground

Best Time to Camp at Lupine Campground

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Amenities available

Activities you can enjoy

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews