This campground is currently closed due to damages from the 2009 Station Fire
Need to get out of LA? Fresh air can be found camping within a hardy forest of pines and incense cedars at Buckhorn Campground. A small nearby creek provides a popular swimming hole for summer visitors, and away from the light pollution of LA, there are opportunities to eye shooting stars in the night sky. Day-hikers can venture off on nearby trails including Mount Waterman and Cooper Canyon Falls. Buckhorn Campground has plenty to offer.
Buckhorn Campground is located 35 miles up the Angeles Crest Highway from the 210 Freeway. This drive through the San Gabriels will take an hour, and while this campground is not as convenient to reach as those in the front range of the San Gabriels, it is a great venue for an overnight trip with family or friends.
The tent-centric campground has 38 well-spaced first-come first-serve sites. Amenities include potable water, picnic tables, fire rings, and vaulted toilets. At 6,400 feet, Buckhorn Canyon is cool in the summer months and blanketed with snow in the winter. The campground is open between April and October at a rate of $12 per night. For more information, visit the Angeles National Forest campground webpage.
To get to the campground: From the 210 Freeway in La Canada, head northeast on Angeles Crest Highway (CA 2) for 35 miles. Buckhorn Campground is on the left just past the Mount Waterman Ski Area. Buckhorn Campground can also be reached from the north by driving south on Route 2 from the Route 128 for 30 miles.
Use the map below to create your own directions to the trailhead:
View Los Angeles Hikes in a larger map
Photos
Nearby Trails
 | Mount Waterman This 5.5-mile hike gradually ascends 1300 feet, passing through a pine forest to reach a round summit with big views. |
 | Cooper Canyon Falls This 3-mile hike leaves from Buckhorn Campground and visits a short waterfall in an enchanting glen of tall pines. |
 | More trails in the San Gabriel Mountains Explore other destinations in the range. |
According to the sign at the entrance, this is no longer a campground. There is no more overnighting. As of 3/10/12, it is “Buckhorn Day Use Area”.
That is sad news. Thank you for the important update! Does anyone know if they play to reopen?
http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/angeles/recreation/camping-cabins/recarea/?recid=41690&actid=29
I hear it should open back up by the end of May : )