Chilao Campground - Manzanita Loop
Manzanita Loop is one of two camping loops at Chilao Campground, located northeast of Los Angeles in the San Gabriel Mountains. It is accessed via the Angeles Crest Highway, a scenic byway that winds through oak woodlands, chaparral, high desert terrain, and pine forests. Situated in the high country of the Angeles National Forest within the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument, Manzanita Loop offers cooler mountain temperatures, panoramic views of surrounding peaks and ridges, and diverse forest habitats.
More like this: reservable in California · big rigs in California · pets allowed in California
Check availability on Recreation.gov ↗
Site mix
| Standard, no hookups | 41 |
| Host/management | 1 |
Site guide
Will my RV fit
The longest site here provides 40 feet of vehicle capacity. Most sites are shorter.
41 sites. Tap a filter to narrow the list; the map follows.
| Site | Fits, ft | Shade | Water / sewer | People / vehicles | Fires |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | None | No / – | 8 / 2 | Yes | |
| 2 | 40 | None | No / – | 8 / 2 | Yes |
| 3 | 40 | Partial | No / – | 8 / 2 | Yes |
| 4 | 40 | None | No / – | 8 / 2 | Yes |
| 5 | 40 | Partial | No / – | 8 / 2 | Yes |
| 6 | None | No / – | 8 / 2 | Yes | |
| 7 | 40 | None | No / – | 8 / 2 | Yes |
| 8 | 40 | None | No / – | 8 / 3 | Yes |
| 9 | 40 | None | No / – | 8 / 2 | Yes |
| 10 | 40 | Partial | No / – | 8 / 2 | Yes |
Per-site records as published by the managing agency on Recreation.gov. Blank cells mean the agency listed nothing for that site. Check-in 02:00 PM, checkout 11:00 AM.
Amenities & rules
| Hookups | None |
| Max vehicle length | 42 ft |
| Equipment | RVs & trailers, Tents |
| Pets | Allowed |
| Campfires | Allowed, subject to restrictions |
Manzanita Loop has 41 campsites, each equipped with a picnic table and fire ring/grill. Amenities include potable water, four vault toilets, bear-proof dumpsters, large parking spurs, and one shared group fire ring. RVs up to 40 feet in length are allowed.
Individual sites vary. Confirm on Recreation.gov or with the managing office.
Weather by month
Getting there
From the Los Angeles basin side of the San Gabriel Mountains: drive to La Canada via the I-210 (Foothill Freeway) to the State Highway 2 (Angeles Crest Highway) exit. Turn north towards the mountains.
| Area | Recreation.gov lists no exact point for this campground. The recreation area is at 34.15° N, 118.03° W. Call the office before you drive. |
Fire nearby
- WildfireBryson
46 mi from the campground · 200 acres · 0% contained
Distance is to the reported incident point, not the fire edge. Call the managing office before you drive.
Explore
Video
Chilao Campground (Little Pines/Manzanita) Located in the Angeles National Forest, CA.
Natural features
Manzanita Loop sits at an elevation of approximately 5,300 feet within the transverse range of the rugged San Gabriel Mountains. The landscape is characterized by a mix of coulter pines, manzanita shrubs, scrub oaks, and chaparral plants covering steep mountain slopes. This mid-elevation environment supports diverse wildlife, including birds, deer, coyotes, bighorn sheep, black bears, and bobcats. The campground is located less than one mile from the San Gabriel Wilderness, a designated wilderness area encompassing over 36,000 acres within the Angeles National Forest. The wilderness preserves its natural character across extremely rugged terrain, with elevations ranging from approximately 1,600 to over 8,200 feet. Vegetation transitions from dense chaparral at lower elevations to pine- and fir-covered slopes at higher elevations; offering significant biodiversity, seasonal temperature variation, colorful wildflowers, and wildlife viewing opportunities.
Recreation
Manzanita Loop provides convenient access to hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. Nearby trails include the Silver Moccasin National Recreation Trail, which connects to sections of the Pacific Crest Trail. The Angeles Crest Highway offers scenic overlooks and access to additional trailheads. Birdwatching, wildlife viewing, and stargazing are popular activities due to the campground’s elevation and reduced light pollution.
Nearby
The Chilao Visitor Center is located approximately 1 mile east of the campground and features interpretive exhibits, short trails, seasonal programs, and a birdwatching deck. The visitor center is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 9 am to 3 pm.
Guidebooks for California
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Titles come from Open Library's catalog, matched by subject heading or by title.
Reference
Questions people ask
Do I need a reservation at Chilao Campground - Manzanita Loop?
Sites at Chilao Campground - Manzanita Loop are reservable on Recreation.gov. Any walk-up sites are listed on the booking page.
Source: Recreation.gov
What time is check-in at Chilao Campground - Manzanita Loop?
Check-in 02:00 PM, checkout 11:00 AM.
Source: Recreation.gov
How many sites does Chilao Campground - Manzanita Loop have?
42 sites, including 41 standard sites without power.
Source: Recreation.gov
Will my RV fit at Chilao Campground - Manzanita Loop?
The longest site here provides 42 feet of vehicle capacity. Most sites are shorter. The sidebar tool checks a trailer or motorhome length against every site.
Source: Will my RV fit
Are pets allowed at Chilao Campground - Manzanita Loop?
Yes, pets are allowed at Chilao Campground - Manzanita Loop. Leash rules apply.
Source: Recreation.gov
Can I have a campfire at Chilao Campground - Manzanita Loop?
Fires are allowed in the provided rings under normal conditions. As of 2026-10-16, there is 1 active fire within 50 miles, so check current restrictions before you light one.
Source: Fire nearby
What is there to do at Chilao Campground - Manzanita Loop?
Manzanita Loop provides convenient access to hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. The Recreation section on this page has the rest.
Source: Recreation