Lupine Campground

Star4.36
68 reviews
Great Hiking

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

Opens Angeles National Forest site

Official Website
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Lupine Campground
$5.00 - $30.00 / night
Campsite Fees
$5/vehicle/day or $30/vehicle/year Adventure Pass required for vehicles.
Standard Site Fee$0.00
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

4.36

Recommended

Based on 68 reviews

65 Google reviews

Most mentioned

views

"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."

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Campground Map

Lupine Campground

34.3296, -117.6681

Driving directionsFrom Angeles Crest Highway (Hwy. 2), approx. 5 miles west of Wrightwood, take Blue Ridge Road to campground.
Road is in poor condition, please use caution--4x4 vehicles highly recommended. "Blue Ridge Road (Forest Service Road 3N06) is severely overgrown and very hard to follow between Lupine Campground and Cabin Flat Campground."
Nearby places
Wrightwood - 5 miles
Nearby supplies
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Best Time to Camp at Lupine Campground

Lupine's ridgeline location creates a symphony of wind that has become part of its wild charm. Campers describe the nightly ritual: gentle breezes building to powerful gusts around 7 PM, creating a natural lullaby that continues until dawn breaks at 6 AM. 'Prepare for legit serious wind,' seasoned visitors advise, while others embrace it: 'I love the sounds.' Blue Ridge Road typically closes to vehicles from November through late April or early May, when snow and weather make driving treacherous, transforming the campground into a backcountry experience accessible only by foot.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Road typically open late spring–early fall; summer accessibility and views make it a good season.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Accessible and scenic in fall; high winds remain a recurring issue year-round.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Late spring road openings increase accessibility; scenic wildflower and mountain views likely.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.0 / 5

Open year-round but road closures make it hike-in only; winter winds and access limit appeal.

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.
  • Current Alerts: Road is severely overgrown and not maintained.

About Lupine Campground

Perched high on a windswept ridgeline where the Pacific Crest Trail threads through the Angeles National Forest, Lupine Campground offers an escape into the clouds at 8,300 feet. This intimate, ridgetop sanctuary draws adventurers seeking solitude and spectacular vistas, with the mighty Mt. Baldy beckoning from nearby trails. While welcoming visitors year-round, winter transforms this high-altitude haven into a hike-in destination when snow closes the access road, adding an extra layer of adventure to your mountain retreat.
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.
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Amenities available

Picnic tables
Vault toilets

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.
HikingAccess to the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) is a major draw. Reviews highlight its connection to nearby Mount Baldy and short night hikes. One user stated, 'Great base camp for short night hikes.'
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing opportunities are noted, though specifics on the types of animals are not mentioned. Campers should follow bear safety recommendations, as highlighted in the official guidance.
Winter Activities
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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."
Active AlertsRoad is severely overgrown and not maintained.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Lupine Campground

Reviews

4.4
68 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Lupine Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% 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...
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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

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...
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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...
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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

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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