How much does camping cost at Mt. Pacifico Campground?

Camping fees at Mt. Pacifico 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 Mt. Pacifico Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Mt. Pacifico Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. All sites are walk-up first-come-first-served; no reservation is required.

What is the best time to visit Mt. Pacifico Campground?

Mt. Pacifico Campground is open Not explicitly mentioned.. 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 Mt. Pacifico Campground?

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

How many campsites does Mt. Pacifico Campground have?

Mt. Pacifico Campground has 10 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Mt. Pacifico Campground?

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

What amenities are available at Mt. Pacifico Campground?

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

What activities can I do at Mt. Pacifico Campground?

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

Mt. Pacifico Campground

Q: Can I have a campfire at Mt. Pacifico Campground?

Fire policies at Mt. Pacifico Campground: Strict fire restrictions during extreme and critical conditions; campfires and portable stoves may be prohibited.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.00

42 reviews

Stargazing

Quick Facts

7,100 ft

Price

$5 - $30/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Open seasonally and ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

7,100 ft

Price

$5 - $30/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Open seasonally and ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Mt. Pacifico Campground

$5.00 - $30.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Overnight Use: Single Site: $5 per night Day Use: $5 per vehicle per day Adventure Passes are Honored for Day Use: $30 per annual $5 per secondary...

No paid fee categories listed.

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USFS

Provider

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Mt. Pacifico Campground

34.3826, -118.0342

Nearby places

Pasadena (approx. 32 miles, 45 min), Palmdale (approx. 45 miles, 1 hour)

Nearby supplies

Mill Creek Station parking area for water. No adjacent stores or fuel stations.

Driving directionsFrom Interstate 210 in Pasadena, exit onto the Angeles Crest Highway (Hwy.2) and drive north for 9 miles. Turn left onto the Angeles Forest Hwy. (County Rd. N3) and drive about 12 miles to the intersection with Santa Clara Divide Rd. at Mill Creek Summit (there is a sign). Turn right and drive about 6 miles to the signed gate. Turn left and take the dirt road for 4 miles to the campground. The gate is locked in the winter when the road is impassable.

The road includes dirt sections and is not suitable for RVs. The last 4 miles to the campground are challenging terrain, and the gate is locked in winter when impassable.

Weather at Mt. Pacifico Campground

Current alerts(2)

Hike-in ONLY
3N17 between Pony Park and the Angeles Crest Christian Camp will close on Monday, November 10th.

Best Time to Camp at Mt. Pacifico Campground

Summer delivers the most reliable access and warmest conditions, with daytime highs around 70-85°F and nights dropping to the 40s and 50s. Trails are typically snow-free, and skies stay clear for stargazing. Winter storms can make the access road impassable, and the campground closes when conditions deteriorate. Wind is common year-round, particularly at night. The 7,100-foot elevation means temperatures run 15-20 degrees cooler than the valleys below.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer offers most reliable access, warm days, and clear skies for stargazing.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Not explicitly mentioned.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open seasonally and closes when the first winter storm is projected.

About Mt. Pacifico Campground

Mt. Pacifico Campground sits at 7,100 feet in the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument, accessible via a 4-mile hike or high-clearance vehicle drive on a rough dirt road. The campground has 10 tent-only sites, no water, and vault toilets that reviews describe as poorly maintained. Fees range from $5-$30 per night. The Pacific Crest Trail passes nearby.

Mt. Pacifico Campground caters exclusively to tent camping enthusiasts with its 10 designated tent-only sites. The campground is not accessible to RVs due to its remote location and rugged access roads.

Historical Significance

The Pacific Crest Trail crosses near the campground, and summer brings through-hikers on their 2,650-mile journey from Mexico to Canada. Weekend campers sometimes share evening hours with PCT hikers passing through this section of the San Gabriels.

Weather and SeasonsSummer delivers the most reliable access and warmest conditions, with daytime highs around 70-85°F and nights dropping to the 40s and 50s. Trails are typically snow-free, and skies stay clear for stargazing. Winter storms can make the access road impassable, and the campground closes when conditions deteriorate. Wind is common year-round, particularly at night. The 7,100-foot elevation means temperatures run 15-20 degrees cooler than the valleys below.

ElevationAt 7,100 feet above sea level, Mt. Pacifico transports you into a different world where the air is thin and pure, and the temperature can drop dramatically after sunset. This lofty perch means you'll wake to crisp mornings that invigorate the senses and sleep under blankets of stars seemingly close enough to touch. The elevation brings its own rewards—cooler temperatures when the valleys below swelter, and that particular quality of light found only in high mountain environments.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies a pine-forested ridge in the western San Gabriel Mountains, where tectonic uplift has created rugged peaks and weathered rock formations. Reviews consistently mention expansive westward views and exceptional stargazing conditions. One visitor noted you can see the Milky Way clearly at night. Wind moves through the pines regularly, and some campers recommend earplugs for sleeping. The elevation and lack of light pollution make this one of the better spots for astronomy in Angeles National Forest.

Geological RegionNestled within the western reaches of the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument, Mt. Pacifico occupies a spectacular position in one of Southern California's most geologically fascinating regions. These ancient mountains, thrust skyward by tectonic forces, create a rugged backdrop that showcases millions of years of Earth's sculptural artistry. The protected monument status ensures these geological wonders remain unspoiled for generations of campers to discover and explore.

Scenic ViewsViews include sunsets described as "insane" by visitors and nighttime skies where the Milky Way is visible. User reviews praise the breathtaking and panoramic mountain views.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Not explicitly stated.

Check-out

Not explicitly stated.

Stay Limit

Not explicitly stated in authoritative sources.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Not explicitly stated in authoritative sources.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutTen tent-only sites spread across the ridge. Reviews describe the layout as quiet and secluded, though specific spacing and site characteristics aren't detailed in user feedback.

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

Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are walk-up first-come-first-served; no reservation is required.

Cancellation PolicyNot explicitly mentioned.

AccessibilityThe campground is hike-in only during winter months and accessible by vehicles during other times. The road is noted to be rough and better suited for high-clearance vehicles.

Site SizeThe campground features 10 tent-only sites, and reviews suggest some variability in size, but no specific dimensions are mentioned.

PrivacyReviews highlight the secluded nature of the campground, but privacy among sites is not detailed extensively.

Total Campsites10 campsites

Recommended SitesBring sufficient water, trash bags, and earplugs for windy nights. Choose sites with wind cover near rock outcrops.

Amenities available

The Mt. Pacifico Campground provides basic amenities suitable for a remote camping experience. Restrooms are available in the form of vault toilets, although users frequently mention the lack of toilet paper and the need to bring your own supplies. Potable water is not available, so visitors need to bring sufficient water for their stay. Campsites come equipped with picnic tables, but shade is limited, and some reviews note that all tables are exposed to direct sunlight.

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Mt. Pacifico Campground offers scenic views and opportunities for stargazing, including visibility of the Milky Way. Hiking is a notable activity due to its proximity to the Pacific Crest Trail, and visitors frequently comment on the beauty of the sunsets and the clear night skies.

Hiking

Winter Activities

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsTreacherous dirt road access, lack of shade at campsites, windy conditions, and bear activity.

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

Fire PolicyStrict fire restrictions during extreme and critical conditions; campfires and portable stoves may be prohibited.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are Not explicitly stated.

Emergency ServicesMill Creek Station for water, parking area, and basic needs.

Trash & RecyclingTrash facilities are present but often overfilled. Campers are advised to bring trash bags and pack out all waste. One reviewer encourages visitors to help clean up additional trash left by others.

Water FeaturesNo water features nearby; potable water is not available.

Cell CoverageReviews do not explicitly mention cell phone service availability.

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

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.0

42 reviews

Satisfactory

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

User reviews for Mt. Pacifico Campground are generally positive, with highlights including stunning views, quiet surroundings, and excellent opportunities for stargazing. However, the lack of water, challenging road conditions, and poor maintenance of facilities are mentioned as drawbacks.

Review Summaries

Based on 42 reviews

What Campers Love

Many users praise the campground for its beautiful views, seclusion, and dark skies perfect for stargazing. 'You literally see the Milky Way in the evening,' one review states. Another mentions the...

Based on 42 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include the lack of potable water, overflowing trash bins, and poorly maintained vault toilets. The access road is often described as rough and challenging, with one reviewer advising...

Based on 42 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers should bring all necessary supplies, including water, toilet paper, and trash bags. A high-clearance vehicle is recommended for accessing the site. Earplugs are suggested for dealing with...

Based on 42 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews note that the campground can be extremely windy at night, and bugs can be an issue during the day. The road to the campground is often closed in the winter, making it hike-in only during that...

Based on 42 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Great place to be able to camp right at the top of the mountain. But there are some caveats.' 2. 'Insane. Sunset and views are spectacular.' 3. 'You literally see the Milky Way in the...

Based on 42 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No specific reviews mention experiences with pets at the campground.

Based on 42 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

Stargazers and PCT-adjacent hikers who pack in all their water and don't mind a high-clearance slog on dirt road. Summers are the sweet spot, with 70s in the day and clear, dark skies after the valley lights fade below you.

Skip if

Road 3N17 is currently closed, so driving in isn't an option right now. Even when it reopens, sedans and trailers can't make it, the vault toilets are frequently trashed, and there's zero water on-site.

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