Crystal Lake sits at 5,539 feet in the San Gabriel Mountains, offering developed camping with flush toilets, water, and picnic tables among pine and oak forest. The campground has 29 sites that can handle medium-sized RVs, though the winding mountain road deters most large rigs. Popular with families and as a base camp for hiking nearby peaks and exploring forest roads.
Access via winding Crystal Lake Road from Azusa can be challenging in wet weather — chains required in winter. The road climbs 4,000 feet in 20 miles, so check conditions before heading up. Reservations recommended for weekends April through October.
Mountain retreat above the LA sprawl
Place Details
| Type | Established Campground |
|---|---|
| Street address | Windy Gap Trail, Crystal Lake, California Get directions → |
| Nearest town | Azusa, CA |
| Miles from pavement | 24 mi |
| Minimum vehicle | Any vehicle |
| Access road surface | Paved |
| Cell service | None |
| Capacity (# of rigs) | 29 rigs |
| Cost (USD/night, 0 = free) | $30.00 / night |
| Reservation required | Yes — Reservation site |
| Stay limit (nights) | 14 nights |
| Best season | April-October |
| Land manager | USFS |
| Permit required | No |
| Amenities | Drinking water, Fire ring, Picnic table, Toilets, Trash service |
| Coordinates | Open directions |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |