Pyramid Lake - Los Alamos Campground

4.14

388 reviews

Pyramid Lake Road, Hard Luck Road, CA

Summer Destination

Quick Facts

1,300 ft

Price

$20 - $160/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

93 campsites

Season

Open from March 1 to...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens U.S. Forest Service site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

1,300 ft

Price

$20 - $160/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

93 campsites

Season

Open from March 1 to...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens U.S. Forest Service site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Pyramid Lake - Los Alamos Campground

$20.00 - $160.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Standard nonelectric sites cost $20 per night for up to 6 people and 2 vehicles. Premium sites with shade cost $35 per night (sites 47, 49, 50, 53,...

Standard Site Fee$26.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$35.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$160.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider

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What Campers Say

4.14

Satisfactory

Based on 388 reviews

212 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanrestroomslakesites

Some mention

noise

"User reviews present a mixed picture of Los Alamos Campground. Positive highlights include clean facilities, helpful staff, and convenient access to Pyramid Lake. On the downside, issues such as lack of shade, windy conditions, and noise from other campers are commonly mentioned."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Pyramid Lake Road, Hard Luck Road, CA

Pyramid Lake - Los Alamos Campground

Pyramid Lake Road, Hard Luck Road, CA

Driving directionsFrom Valencia, California, drive 20 miles north on Interstate 5, then take the Smokey Bear exit west. Make a left on Pyramid Lake Road. Take a right at Hard Luck Road and continue 1.5 miles to the campground.

Accessible via paved roads with clear signage upon exiting Interstate 5. Some sections may involve sandy gravel parking aprons.

Nearby places

Valencia (20 miles, ~30 minutes), Los Angeles (~90 minutes).

Nearby supplies

Gorman Plaza Market (6 miles north on Interstate 5) for essentials with slight mark-ups, multiple gas stations, and fast food chains such as McDonald's.

Best Time to Camp at Pyramid Lake - Los Alamos Campground

Experience the authentic high desert climate where warm, sun-drenched days give way to refreshingly cool evenings perfect for stargazing around the campfire. Spring arrives with characteristic desert winds in mid-April, bringing a wild, untamed energy to the landscape. As summer unfolds, the sun commands respect—savvy campers come prepared with shade structures to create their own cool oases. The dry air and occasional dust devils remind you that you're camping in true California wilderness, where nature sets the rhythm of your days.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.0 / 5

Summer is hot with limited shade and frequent wind; peak season but less comfortable for some campers.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Fall noted for milder temps and pleasant conditions in reviews; good for outdoor activities.

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Spring offers milder weather and pleasant desert conditions; reviewers note good spring visits.

Best

Winter(Dec-Feb)

4.0 / 5

Top 12% in CA

Winter (December) reviews praise peacefulness and stargazing; campground closed Jan–Feb.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: March 1 to September 30.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open from March 1 to December 31. First-come, first-served period: June 20–24.
Current Alerts: Periodic fire bans; visitors advised to confirm restrictions in advance.

About Pyramid Lake - Los Alamos Campground

Escape the urban hustle and discover your perfect outdoor retreat at Los Alamos Campground, where adventure meets tranquility just 90 minutes from Los Angeles. Nestled near the sparkling waters of Pyramid Lake, this scenic destination beckons with endless possibilities for camping enthusiasts, anglers seeking their next big catch, and boaters ready to explore 21 miles of pristine shoreline. While the open-air sites embrace the natural landscape with sandy gravel aprons and selective shade, they offer unobstructed views of the surrounding wilderness that will take your breath away.

Los Alamos Campground accommodates various camping preferences, including single-family, group, tent, and RV camping. The campground is suited for those seeking a high-desert environment with minimal facilities.

Historical SignificanceJourney through California's remarkable water story at Los Alamos, where the life-giving waters of Pyramid Lake have traveled an epic path from the pristine Plumas National Forest, winding through the ancient Tehachapi Mountains via an engineering marvel of aqueduct systems. The nearby Vista Del Lago Visitor Center invites curious minds to explore interactive exhibits that reveal how this precious resource shapes both the landscape and the Golden State's destiny, making your camping experience not just recreational but educational.

Weather and SeasonsExperience the authentic high desert climate where warm, sun-drenched days give way to refreshingly cool evenings perfect for stargazing around the campfire. Spring arrives with characteristic desert winds in mid-April, bringing a wild, untamed energy to the landscape. As summer unfolds, the sun commands respect—savvy campers come prepared with shade structures to create their own cool oases. The dry air and occasional dust devils remind you that you're camping in true California wilderness, where nature sets the rhythm of your days.

ElevationPerched at 1,300 feet above sea level, Los Alamos Campground offers the perfect elevation sweet spot—high enough to escape the valley heat and enjoy crisp, star-filled nights, yet accessible enough for comfortable year-round camping. This gentle elevation creates a natural air conditioning effect, ensuring your evenings are pleasantly cool even after the warmest desert days.

Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in the raw beauty of the Santa Clarita Valley hills, where Los Alamos Campground sprawls across a landscape painted in earth tones and desert hues. The open camping sites frame panoramic vistas, with scattered trees providing pockets of shade like natural umbrellas dotting the terrain. Your eyes will be drawn to the dramatic silhouette of Pyramid Rock standing sentinel over the landscape, while the surrounding desert terrain tells ancient geological stories written in stone and sand.

Geological RegionDiscover a geological wonderland where the rolling hills of Santa Clarita Valley meet the protective embrace of Angeles National Forest. At the heart of this 1,300-acre aquatic jewel lies Pyramid Lake, its 21-mile shoreline carved through millennia of natural forces. The landscape reveals its desert heritage through sparse but resilient vegetation and exposed rock formations, while the iconic Pyramid Rock rises from Piru Gorge like a natural monument. This unique terrain offers campers an authentic high desert experience, where every sunrise and sunset paints the rocky canvas in spectacular colors.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

3:00 PM

Check-out

12:00 PM

Stay Limit

Maximum stay: 14 consecutive nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Standard sites accommodate up to 8 people
additional charges for over-limit guests.

Groups

Each group site accommodates up to 40 guests and 10 vehicles. Sites include picnic tables and grills.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutOrganized into loops with varying levels of shade and proximity to facilities. Loops 3 and 4 offer shaded sites; Loop 1 is closer to highways.

Reservation PlatformsReservations available via Recreation.gov. Facility also operates on first-come, first-served basis during select periods.

Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-served (FCFS) available during June 20–24. Limited availability during peak periods.

Cancellation PolicyChanges or cancellations incur a $10 fee. Late cancellations (within one day for individual sites or 14 days for group sites) result in forfeiture of first night's fee.

AccessibilityAccessible features include flush toilets and water spigots, although detailed accessibility reviews are mixed. Some users found parking aprons and paths suitable for small RVs or vans.

Site SizeThe campground offers spacious sites, accommodating single-family and group camping. Group sites can fit up to 40 guests and 10 vehicles.

PrivacySites offer varying levels of privacy, with some being more secluded than others. Reviews often highlight areas in loops that provide better privacy.

Total Campsites93 campsites

Recommended SitesBring shade structures for hot weather; loops 3 and 4 offer more shade. Avoid Loop 1 sites near highways to minimize noise.

Amenities available

Potable water

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Activities you can enjoy

Los Alamos Campground offers diverse recreational activities that cater to various interests. Pyramid Lake is popular for water sports, including boating and jet skiing. Fishing opportunities abound, with striped bass, rainbow trout, and other species available. Hiking trails are accessible nearby, although not directly from the campsite. Wildlife viewing is common, with sightings of birds, squirrels, and larger animals like bobcats and mountain lions. Beach activities and off-roading are available close to the campground.

HikingHiking options are available in the surrounding areas but require driving. Trails include Buck Creek Trail, which spans approximately 7.5 miles. Several reviews noted the lack of direct hiking access from the campground itself.

FishingFishing is a big draw at Pyramid Lake, with species such as striped bass, rainbow trout, and bluegill. User reviews often mentioned enjoying their fishing experiences.

SwimmingSwimming is available at Pyramid Lake but is contingent on algae conditions. During certain times, swimming may be prohibited due to toxic algae blooms.

BikingBiking is feasible along nearby roads and trails, but there are no dedicated biking paths within the campground.

BoatingBoating is highly popular, with rentals available for kayaks, paddleboards, and fishing boats. Jet skiing is also an option, though reviews highlighted occasional issues with rude behavior from jet skiers.

Wildlife viewingThe campground provides opportunities to view various wildlife, including bobcats, mountain lions, and Nelson bighorn sheep. Birds like hummingbirds are also common.

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsFrequent wind gusts, biting flies, red ants, and occasional rattlesnake sightings. Limited shade exacerbates hot summer conditions.

Active AlertsPeriodic fire bans; visitors advised to confirm restrictions in advance.

Fire PolicyFire restrictions apply; specific bans on campfires and propane stoves during high-risk periods. Confirm in advance.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are Enforced quiet hours from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM. Amplified music prohibited.

Emergency ServicesEmergency services likely available in Valencia or nearby towns along Interstate 5.

Trash & RecyclingTrash bins are provided and maintained regularly. Some reviews mentioned overflowing bins, but these instances appeared sporadic. Recycling facilities are not explicitly mentioned.

Water FeaturesPyramid Lake (2 miles away) accessible by car; additional fee of $15 per vehicle. No direct walking access.

Camp HostHosts praised for cleanliness and friendliness; typically sell firewood and ice. Limited supplies available on-site.

Weather at Pyramid Lake - Los Alamos Campground

Reviews

4.1

388 reviews

Satisfactory

Pyramid Lake - Los Alamos Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews present a mixed picture of Los Alamos Campground. Positive highlights include clean facilities, helpful staff, and convenient access to Pyramid Lake. On the downside, issues such as lack of shade, windy conditions, and noise from other campers are commonly mentioned.

Review Summaries

Based on 388 reviews

What Campers Love

Camp hosts are frequently praised for their helpfulness and friendliness. Clean restrooms and large campsites are appreciated. Many campers enjoyed the proximity to Pyramid Lake and the availability...

Based on 388 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include overly windy conditions, lack of shade, noisy neighbors, and crowded beach areas at Pyramid Lake. Some reviews noted issues with campsite access and misleading information...

Based on 388 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring a canopy or tarp for shade, especially during hot weather. Check for fire restrictions and algae conditions at the lake before arrival. Plan for early marina access to avoid long lines.

Based on 388 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews frequently highlight the high temperatures and lack of shade, while winter reviews commend the peaceful environment and stargazing opportunities. Spring and fall are noted for milder...

Based on 388 reviews

Camper Quotes

- 'Bathrooms clean and camp sites orderly.' - Emma Hodcroft - 'The stars at night were spectacular.' - Diana K - 'Hosts were very friendly and helpful.' - Jacqueline B - 'Bring bug spray! Mosquitos...

Based on 388 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 6 in Loop 1 was criticized for its incline and poor tent setup. Site 32 and 33 received praise for cleanliness and proximity to restrooms. Group sites were noted for spaciousness and suitability...

Based on 388 reviews