Monte Cristo Campground

4.22

195 reviews

33708 Crown Valley Road, Acton, CA 93510

Quick Facts

3,600 ft

Price

$12 - $20/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

19 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens USDA Forest Service site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

3,600 ft

Price

$12 - $20/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

19 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens USDA Forest Service site

Official Website

Get Directions

Monte Cristo Campground

$12.00 - $20.00 / night

Campsite Fees

The fee is $12 per night per site until May 1, 2025, after which it will increase to $20 per site per night. Additional vehicles cost $5 each. Double...

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

(661) 269-2808

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What Campers Say

4.22

Satisfactory

Based on 195 reviews

178 Google reviews

Most mentioned

spacioussites

Some mention

noise

"Reviews are mixed, with users praising the campground's proximity to Los Angeles and affordability ($12 per night), but criticizing noise from the nearby highway and lack of maintenance."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

33708 Crown Valley Road, Acton, CA 93510

Monte Cristo Campground

33708 Crown Valley Road, Acton, CA 93510

Driving directionsFrom Interstate 210 in Pasadena, exit the Angeles Crest Highway (Hwy. 2) and drive north for 9 miles. Turn left onto the Angeles Forest Highway (County Rd. N3) and drive about 9 miles to the campground. It may also be reached from the Sunland area by taking Big Tujunga Canyon Rd. and turning left at the Angeles Forest Highway, or taking the Angeles Forest Highway from the Palmdale area.

Roads are paved, but there is a steep low-water bridge crossing Mill Creek, which may be challenging for travel trailers and large motor homes. The campground is accessible year-round via Angeles Forest Highway.

Nearby places

La Canada (approx. 25 miles, 25-minute drive)

Sunland (approx. 20 miles, 20-minute drive)

Palmdale (approx. 30 miles, 30-minute drive)

Nearby supplies

Supplies for camping, food, and fuel are available in nearby La Canada, Sunland, and Palmdale. Specific locations include 7-Eleven stores and gas stations.

Best Time to Camp at Monte Cristo Campground

Experience the dramatic seasonal shifts of the high desert, where winter brings crisp, crystalline days with temperatures dancing between 37°F at dawn and a comfortable 55°F by afternoon. As summer arrives, the mercury climbs to a pleasant range of 60°F to 80°F, creating ideal conditions for outdoor adventures. Winter visitors should prepare for occasional rain and snow that transform the landscape into a wonderland, while year-round winds carry the scent of sage and pine through the canyon. Each season paints the mountains in different hues, from snow-dusted peaks to sun-baked golden hills.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

2.0 / 5

Creek often dry in late summer; high-desert heat and increased weekend noise make summer less ideal.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.0 / 5

Pleasant fall days but hunting season and weekend noise can impact visits in October.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Spring brings flowing creek, good reviews for late-May visits and pleasant conditions.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.0 / 5

Open year-round; crisp winter days (37–55°F) can be comfortable for camping.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Not specified; the campground operates on a first-come-first-served basis year-round.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open year-round.
Current Alerts: Fire restrictions are often in place due to the high-desert climate. Campers should check current conditions before arrival.

About Monte Cristo Campground

Escape the urban sprawl and discover Monte Cristo Campground, where 19 spacious sites await beneath a canopy of majestic sycamore trees in the Angeles National Forest. This high-desert sanctuary operates on a first-come, first-served basis, inviting spontaneous adventurers to claim their spot among nature's grandeur. Each site comes thoughtfully equipped with accessible picnic tables and fire rings, perfect for evening gatherings under star-studded skies. Just a short drive from Los Angeles, this hidden gem serves as your gateway to winding hiking trails and the peaceful solitude that only the mountains can provide.

Monte Cristo Campground accommodates a mix of tent and RV camping. There are no primitive or glamping options, but the sites are first-come, first-served, with double sites available for larger groups.

Historical SignificanceStep into a landscape steeped in California's golden past, where the campground's name echoes the dreams and determination of 1800s prospectors. Monte Cristo gold camp once bustled with miners seeking fortune in these rugged mountains, their picks and shovels carving history into the hillsides. Today, their legacy lives on in the campground that bears the camp's name, inviting modern explorers to create their own adventures where gold-seekers once made camp under the same ancient sycamores.

Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic seasonal shifts of the high desert, where winter brings crisp, crystalline days with temperatures dancing between 37°F at dawn and a comfortable 55°F by afternoon. As summer arrives, the mercury climbs to a pleasant range of 60°F to 80°F, creating ideal conditions for outdoor adventures. Winter visitors should prepare for occasional rain and snow that transform the landscape into a wonderland, while year-round winds carry the scent of sage and pine through the canyon. Each season paints the mountains in different hues, from snow-dusted peaks to sun-baked golden hills.

ElevationPerched at 3,600 feet above sea level, Monte Cristo Campground offers a refreshing retreat from the heat of the valleys below. This elevated position gifts visitors with crisp mountain air and temperatures that can be 15-20 degrees cooler than Los Angeles, making it a perfect summer escape. The altitude frames spectacular high-desert vistas that stretch for miles, where the interplay of light and shadow across the mountainous terrain creates an ever-changing canvas of natural beauty.

Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in the raw beauty of the San Gabriel Mountains' backside, where Monte Cristo Campground nestles among towering sycamores that provide natural shade and shelter. Seasonal creeks gurgle to life after winter rains, creating ribbons of water that wind through the rugged terrain. The dramatic peaks of Granite Mountain loom nearby, while the trail to Switzer Falls beckons hikers to discover hidden cascades. This high-desert landscape offers a stunning contrast of textures and colors, from smooth granite formations to twisted juniper trees, all set against expansive views that remind you why John Muir called these mountains 'the Range of Light.'

Geological RegionPositioned on the dramatic backside of the San Gabriel Mountains within Angeles National Forest, Monte Cristo Campground showcases the unique character of Southern California's high-desert ecosystem. This geological wonderland reveals millions of years of Earth's history in its exposed rock faces and carved canyons. Ancient sycamores sink their roots deep into soil enriched by seasonal creeks, while the surrounding terrain tells the story of tectonic forces that thrust these mountains skyward. The high-desert climate creates a distinctive environment where hardy plants thrive and the interplay between elevation, exposure, and moisture creates diverse microclimates within the rugged mountainous landscape.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in

11:00 AM

Check-out

11:00 AM

Stay Limit

14 nights maximum

Guests Allowed Per Site

8people maximum

Groups

Sites #6 and #7 are designated as double sites, allowing for larger groups. Fees are doubled if both sub-sites (e.g., 6A and 6B) are occupied.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutThe campground features one large loop bisected by Mill Creek and a smaller upper loop above the creek.

Reservation PlatformsReservations are not applicable; sites are first-come-first-served.

Walk-in AvailabilityAll campsites are first-come-first-served. Campers are advised to arrive early for best site selection.

Cancellation PolicyNot applicable. Sites are first-come-first-served.

AccessibilityOfficial sources state that the vault toilets are wheelchair accessible. However, user reviews mentioned that 'the only handicap space was right up against the highway and very exposed to the entire campground.

Site SizeDescribed as large and spacious in the official overview. However, user reviews contradict this, with one stating, 'most of the campsites are among the smallest I’ve seen.

PrivacyPrivacy is limited, as noted in official sources and reviews. 'The camp sites tend to be closely spaced with minimal privacy,' one review noted. Another user added, 'if the campground were entirely full, your neighbors might be 20 feet away.

Total Campsites19 campsites

Recommended SitesArrive early to secure east-side sites, particularly #17 and #19. Double sites (6A, 6B, 7A, 7B) are suitable for larger groups.

Amenities available

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Group Sites

Activities you can enjoy

Monte Cristo Campground offers limited on-site activities, focusing more on relaxation and proximity to nearby attractions. Visitors are encouraged to hike Granite Mountain or explore Switzer Falls, both accessible by a short drive. Wildlife viewing is also a possibility, with one user reporting sightings of snakes and other wildlife.

HikingWhile no hiking trails are directly accessible from the campground, nearby trails such as Granite Mountain and Switzer Falls are a draw for visitors. 'It’s one of those where you camp, and then drive somewhere nearby to explore for the day,' noted one review.

Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is mentioned in reviews, with users reporting sightings of snakes and other animals. 'Bear and cougar country' was also noted, emphasizing the need for caution.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsThe area features bears, cougars, snakes, and occasional high winds. Mill Creek's low-water bridge is tricky for trailers and RVs. Noise from nearby roads may detract from tranquility.

Active AlertsFire restrictions are often in place due to the high-desert climate. Campers should check current conditions before arrival.

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Fire PolicyCampfires are allowed unless restricted due to fire safety regulations. Fire rings are provided at each site.

Emergency ServicesNearest emergency services are available at Acton Work Center, located at 33708 Crown Valley Road, Acton, CA 93510. Phone: (661) 269-2808.

Trash & RecyclingTrash bins are available, but recycling facilities are not mentioned. Some user reviews expressed concerns about littering: 'Trash was scattered everywhere,' stated one reviewer.

Water FeaturesMill Creek runs seasonally through the campground but may be dry during late summer and fall. No swimming or fishing options are available.

Camp HostThe campground is managed by Acton Work Center. A host named Rob is mentioned in reviews for being helpful and friendly.

Weather at Monte Cristo Campground

Reviews

4.2

195 reviews

Satisfactory

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

Reviews are mixed, with users praising the campground's proximity to Los Angeles and affordability ($12 per night), but criticizing noise from the nearby highway and lack of maintenance.

Review Summaries

Based on 195 reviews

What Campers Love

Close proximity to LA ('25-minute drive'), affordable price, and spacious sites with fire rings and picnic tables. 'Nice little spot to spend one day camping,' one review stated.

Based on 195 reviews

Common Concerns

Frequent noise from the highway; lack of privacy due to closely spaced sites; reports on occasional theft and littering. 'Your neighbors might be 20 feet away,' noted a user.

Based on 195 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Arrive early to secure better sites, especially on weekends. Sites on the east side and south end are quieter. Bring earplugs for noise and drinking water as a precaution.

Based on 195 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Creek is dry in summer but flows in spring. Noise levels increase during weekends and hunting seasons, with some users reporting unpleasant experiences.

Based on 195 reviews

Camper Quotes

'It can be a nice quick getaway, but it’s not tranquil, quiet, or secluded.' 'Bathrooms are usually okay.' 'Bring earplugs for the highway noise,' users advised.

Based on 195 reviews