My bf and I stayed here for 3 days. It has water and bathrooms vaulted toilets but don't expect to have cell service...we have TMobile There's a creek that runs through the campsite which offers some reprieve from the heat, also it's very clean water. We saw some snakes, it's also bear and cougar county...so...we went in late May of 2023, only a few other ppl were there. I believe the site has 19 spots. It's about 25 min from town, which is nice if you need supplies. I really liked this campground, although, there aren't any trails within the site. It's one of those where u camp, and then drive somewhere nearby to explore for the day. Restrooms: Vaulted toilets Dog-friendliness: Animals allowed Picnic area: Plenty of picnic tables
Small but mighty. Monte Cristo it's just a taste of the beauty of nature.... Personally speaking, a perfect place to get away from the city and re-energized and purify mentally, emotional and physically. Making it a perfect place to explore mother nature with my family and friends.
I have no idea how this campground received 4 stars. It was the equivalent of staying at a terrible rest area on the side of a highway. Except no water, littered with tons of trash and vault toilets that were in extreme need of cleaning. Not to mention that even on a Wednesday night there was a group of super loud partiers. California camping is definitely not real camping. Restrooms: Filthy vault toilets. Does everyone that stays here have violent diarrhea?
On the pro side: it is probably the closest campground you can get to from the city of Los Angeles maybe 25-minute drive. I was there in October when the creek was completely dry which was a con but it runs right through the middle of the camp and I’m sure in Spring it has a lovely sound. It has the standard vault no water toilets and trash bins. There is a decent amount of shade. On the con side: most of the campsites are among the smallest I’ve seen. Some of the sites would not have enough room for more than a small tent. If the campground were entirely full, depending on the site you get, your neighbors might be 20-feet away. Given there are 19 campsites, even one obnoxious or loud group could ruin it for the entire camp. It’s that small. Also too, the entire campground is about 20 feet immediately beneath the main road and vehicle noise is very prominent. I would recommend trying to get a site that is on the east side of the camp, and more towards the south end. It can be a nice quick getaway, but it’s not tranquil, quiet, or secluded.
Very peaceful. I am handicapper and the only handicap space was right up against the highway and very exposed to the entire campground. I prefer spaces 17& 19. There's a beautiful road for hiking but closed to vehicles. Water spigots and large trash receptacle.
Campground area is a bit tight to fit all the spaces so when there is a camping season there’s a little privacy. Campsite by the trash can might be a bit dirty. Be aware of snakes.
Left for a day hike and got my tent with all belongings stolen from the campground... Do not leave your property unattended. Trash scattered everywhere and restrooms are in awful conditions.
The place needs some love. Too close to the highway to sleep past 5 am. One step above primitive camping.
Too many idiots from the city. They leave their trash and graffiti everywhere. Is total lack of patrol by forest service. Site can become very unfriendly with loud music. Restrooms: Filthy and full of graffiti. Picnic area: No shade, no forest service patrols graffiti everywhere. People who stay here are from the city and play their music loud all night. Is shame on the forest service for not doing a better job.
It's not perfect, therefore only 4 stars, I also give life a 4 star, as it's not perfect either : If your from the flatlands, like me from Chicago, this place is amazing. only 50 miles from LA. The ride up from LA is amazing. If you take the 405 to 118 your going against the traffic, and usually moves good, Big Plus! Once on Angeles forest Hwy, you will go over 2 beautiful bridges, and a Tunnel. Traffic is light at 9 am on a workday. My last trip, not one car caught up to me. Getting here is 1/2 the fun: It can get noisy, and parties can go on all night, so bring ear plugs. It's not all the time, but occasionally it happens. Water available, creek is flowing now due to all the rain. It's cold here at night. bring all you can bring to keep warm.
