Appletree Campground

Star4.27
108 reviews
Appletree Campground

Quick Facts

6,100 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Check Site

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Not Allowed

Opens Angeles National Forest site

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Appletree Campground
No fees available
Campsite Fees
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
Total Campsite Fees$0.00

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What Campers Say

4.27

Satisfactory

Based on 108 reviews

108 Google reviews

Most mentioned

peacefulhikingfriendly

"Reviewers overwhelmingly praise Appletree Campground as a beautiful, affordable, and fun spot for both camping and winter snow play. Long-time visitors note improvements in maintenance in 2024 after a period of neglect, and many highlight its family-friendly atmosphere and convenient location near Jackson Lake. Crowds and limited parking can be an issue in peak snow season, but overall sentiment is very positive."

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Best Time to Camp at Appletree Campground

Summer days at Appletree are pleasantly warm, with temperatures climbing into the low 80s before the mountain works its magic. As the sun dips behind the peaks, that 6,100-foot elevation ushers in refreshingly cool evenings—perfect for gathering around the campfire under a blanket of stars. Pack a light jacket even in summer, as those crisp mountain nights are part of the high-country charm.

Spring (Mar-May)

Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.

Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)

Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.

Fall (Sep-Nov)

Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.

Winter (Dec-Feb)

Off-season, limited services. Check for closures before visiting.

Planning Tips

    About Appletree Campground

    Tucked into a shaded canyon just off Big Pines Highway, Appletree Campground offers a serene mountain escape at 6,100 feet in the Angeles National Forest. This scenic basecamp puts you within easy reach of Jackson Lake's sparkling waters and the dramatic vistas of the Angeles Crest Scenic Byway, while the charming mountain town of Wrightwood beckons just down the road.
    Tent campsites are provided and each site can accommodate up to eight campers; parking is remote in a shared lot. No on-site RV hookups, cabins, or glamping accommodations are described in the source text.
    Historical SignificanceYour stay at Appletree places you within the vast 695,000-acre Angeles National Forest, a protected wilderness stretching across the majestic San Gabriel Mountain Range. The legendary Pacific Crest Trail weaves through this very forest, bringing through-hikers on their epic 2,650-mile journey from Mexico to Canada. This is more than just a campground—it's a gateway to one of Southern California's most storied mountain landscapes, where generations of adventurers have found solace in the high country.
    Weather and SeasonsSummer days at Appletree are pleasantly warm, with temperatures climbing into the low 80s before the mountain works its magic. As the sun dips behind the peaks, that 6,100-foot elevation ushers in refreshingly cool evenings—perfect for gathering around the campfire under a blanket of stars. Pack a light jacket even in summer, as those crisp mountain nights are part of the high-country charm.
    ElevationPerched at 6,100 feet above sea level, the campground sits in that perfect sweet spot where the air is crisp and clean, the temperatures stay comfortable, and the night sky reveals countless stars invisible from the valleys below.
    Natural Features and SceneryScattered oak trees and towering Jeffrey pines cast dappled shade across the campsites, creating natural sanctuaries from the mountain sun. The forest around you tells a story of elevation, transitioning from hardy chaparral and oak woodlands in the lower reaches to dense pine forests that climb toward the peaks. This diverse landscape supports an remarkable cast of wildlife—from the secretive bobcat and mountain lion to the rare California condor soaring overhead. Lucky visitors might spot Nelson bighorn sheep navigating rocky outcrops, while patient observers can search for the threatened Least Bell's vireo, mountain yellow-legged frog, and the distinctive two-striped garter snake. Even the possibility of a black bear sighting reminds you that this is authentic wilderness, where nature still reigns supreme.
    Geological RegionAngeles National Forest, San Gabriel Mountain Range
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    Campsite details

    Sites SizeTent campsites can accommodate eight campers; parking is in a shared lot a few hundred feet from sites for one vehicle.
    Total Campsitesnull campsites
    Recommended CampsitesTent campsites accommodate up to eight campers. Remote parking for one vehicle is provided in a shared parking lot a few hundred feet from the sites; expect a short walk from parking to sites.

    Best Campsites

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    Reserving a campsite

    Guests Allowed Per Site
    Tent campsites can accommodate eight campers.
    Tents
    Tents are allowed
    RV vehicles
    RV vehicles are not allowed
    Primitive
    Primitive are not allowed
    Reservable
    Reservations are not allowed

    Site layoutTent campsites are shaded and located a few hundred feet from a shared parking lot that provides remote parking for one vehicle per site. Facilities include grills, picnic tables, pit toilets and drinking water.

    Amenities available

    Potable water
    Picnic tables
    Firewood available
    Vault toilets

    Activities you can enjoy

    Activities include hiking, picnicking, wildlife viewing, fishing, canoeing and swimming. The campground is within driving distance of Jackson Lake (stocked with fish) and near regional trails and scenic byways.
    Hiking
    Access to nearby trails such as the Blue Ridge Trail and the Pacific Crest Trail; scenic driving and walking along the Angeles Crest Scenic Byway.
    Fishing
    Jackson Lake is accessible for fishing and is stocked with trout and bluegill.
    Swimming
    Swimming is available at Jackson Lake.
    Biking
    Mountain biking opportunities nearby (e.g., Mountain High Downhill Bike Park) noted in nearby attractions.
    Boating
    Canoeing is available on Jackson Lake; powerboating is not permitted, making the lake suitable for non-motorized boating.
    Wildlife viewing
    Wildlife viewing is popular; visitors may see bobcats, mountain lions, bears, Nelson bighorn sheep and a variety of birds (including the California condor, Least Bell's vireo and Southwestern Willow flycatcher), plus amphibians and reptiles such as the arroyo toad and mountain yellow‑legged frog.
    Water Sports
    Canoeing and swimming on Jackson Lake; powerboating is prohibited.
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    Campground rules

    • Pets are not allowed
    • Firewood is available for purchase from the host at nearby Mountain Oak Campground; grills are provided at campsites. (No explicit campfire restrictions provided in the source.)

    Hazards

    General hazardsWildlife hazards include mountain lions, bears and other large mammals; visitors may also encounter venomous or protected species in the area. General wilderness hazards apply given the forested, mountainous setting.

    Weather at Appletree Campground

    51
    °F
    Dec 11
    Thursday
    Clear sky
    Precipitation: 0%
    Humidity: 28%
    Wind: 8.9 mph
    Clear sky

    Weather History
    Weather data powered by Open-Meteo

    Detailed 7-Day Forecast
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    Good to know

    Proximity to water featuresWithin driving distance of Jackson Lake, which offers swimming, canoeing and fishing; powerboating is prohibited on the lake.
    HostFirewood can be purchased from the host at nearby Mountain Oak Campground.

    Campground Map

    Appletree Campground
    Located just off Big Pines Highway and near the Angeles Crest Highway (California State Route 2).
    Nearby places
    Wrightwood (very close)
    Los Angeles metro area (campground is northwest of the LA metro area).
    Nearby supplies
    Restaurants and other services in Wrightwood
    firewood available for purchase from the host at nearby Mountain Oak Campground.

    Reviews from booking and map sources

    4.3
    108 reviews
    Satisfactory
    Satisfactory
    Appletree Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
    Reviewers overwhelmingly praise Appletree Campground as a beautiful, affordable, and fun spot for both camping and winter snow play. Long-time visitors note improvements in maintenance in 2024 after a period of neglect, and many highlight its family-friendly atmosphere and convenient location near Jackson Lake. Crowds and limited parking can be an issue in peak snow season, but overall sentiment is very positive.
    Review Summaries
    Based on 108 reviews

    What Campers Love

    Campers love the natural beauty, plentiful trees, and peaceful setting, with some calling it a “little gem” and a great place to beat the crowds. The campground is considered very family-friendly,...
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    Based on 108 reviews

    Common Concerns

    Several reviewers mention that campsites had become poorly maintained over the years, requiring campers to clean fire pits and clear debris themselves, although this appears to have improved...
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    Based on 108 reviews

    Pro Tips & Recommendations

    Arrive early in snow season, ideally before 9:30 a.m. on weekends, to secure limited parking. Bring your own firewood to use the fire pits, and be prepared for dirty restrooms and no cell reception....
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    Based on 108 reviews

    Seasonal Insights

    Winter reviews repeatedly highlight Appletree as an excellent sledding and snow-play destination with lots of snow in December through early spring, but also mention crowds, limited parking, and...
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    Based on 108 reviews

    Camper Quotes

    “Been camping here for over 4 years every spring and summer!! It's absolutely beautiful and very affordable.” “If you are coming here for a snow experience, you are in for a treat. Know that it will...
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    Based on 108 reviews

    Accessibility Features

    One reviewer notes that there is no cell reception at the campground, which may affect accessibility for those relying on phones or data. No other accessibility details (e.g., mobility access, ADA...
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    Based on 108 reviews

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    Last updated December 10, 2025
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