Chilao Campground - Little Pines Loop

Campground · 43 bookable sites ·

Managed by the USDA Forest Service

43
Bookable sites
41 ft
Max rig length
up to 8
People per site
Viewpoint
Photo: David J. Cline · Recreation.gov

Overview

Little Pines Loop is one of two camping loops within Chilao Campground, located just 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, Little Pines Loop offers cooler mountain temperatures, panoramic views of surrounding peaks and ridges, and diverse forest habitats. Camping is available for a nightly fee per site.

Recreation

Little Pines 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 minimal light pollution.

Facilities

Little Pines Loop has 43 campsites, each equipped with a picnic table and fire ring/grill. Amenities include potable water via multiple spigots, three vault toilets, bear-proof dumpsters, and large parking spurs. RVs up to 40 feet in length are allowed.

Natural Features

Little Pines Loop sits at an elevation of approximately 5,300 feet within the rugged San Gabriel Mountains, part of the Transverse Ranges. The landscape is characterized by a mix of coulter pines, manzanita shrubs, scrub oak, and chaparral covering steep mountain slopes. This high-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, wildflowers, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Nearby Attractions

The Chilao Visitor Center is located approximately 1.5 miles east of the campground and features interpretive exhibits, short trails, seasonal programs, and a birdwatching deck.

The facts

  • 43 bookable sites
  • 44 sites in total, including non-bookable
  • Vehicles up to 41 ft
  • Up to 8 people per site
  • Loops: Extra Vehicle, Little Pines

Site types

  • 43 Standard Nonelectric
  • 1 Management

Amenities

  • Campfires allowed
  • Fire pits
  • Picnic tables
  • Pets allowed
  • Water hookups — not available

Not recorded upstream: electric hookups, sewer hookups, grills, shade.

Book on Recreation.gov

44 campsites at Chilao Campground - Little Pines Loop

Check-in 02:00 PM · Check-out 11:00 AM

SiteLoopTypeEntrySurfaceMax rigPeople
Extra Vehicle FeeExtra VehicleManagement———8 🐾
01Little PinesStandard Nonelectric—Paved41 ft8 🐾
02Little PinesStandard Nonelectric———8 🐾
03Little PinesStandard Nonelectric———8 🐾
04Little PinesStandard Nonelectric———8 🐾
05Little PinesStandard Nonelectric———8 🐾
06Little PinesStandard Nonelectric———8 🐾
07Little PinesStandard Nonelectric———8 🐾
08Little PinesStandard Nonelectric———8 🐾
09Little PinesStandard Nonelectric———8 🐾
10Little PinesStandard Nonelectric———8 🐾
11Little PinesStandard Nonelectric———8 🐾
12Little PinesStandard Nonelectric———8 🐾
13Little PinesStandard Nonelectric———8 🐾
14Little PinesStandard Nonelectric———8 🐾
15Little PinesStandard Nonelectric———8 🐾
16Little PinesStandard Nonelectric———8 🐾
17Little PinesStandard Nonelectric———8 🐾
18Little PinesStandard Nonelectric———8 🐾
19Little PinesStandard Nonelectric———8 🐾
20Little PinesStandard Nonelectric———8 🐾
21Little PinesStandard Nonelectric———8 🐾
22Little PinesStandard Nonelectric———8 🐾
23Little PinesStandard Nonelectric———8 🐾
24Little PinesStandard Nonelectric———8 🐾
25Little PinesStandard Nonelectric———8 🐾
26Little PinesStandard Nonelectric———8 🐾
27Little PinesStandard Nonelectric———8 🐾
28Little PinesStandard Nonelectric———8 🐾
29Little PinesStandard Nonelectric———8 🐾
30Little PinesStandard Nonelectric———8 🐾
31Little PinesStandard Nonelectric———8 🐾
32Little PinesStandard Nonelectric———8 🐾
33Little PinesStandard Nonelectric———8 🐾
34Little PinesStandard Nonelectric———8 🐾
35Little PinesStandard Nonelectric———8 🐾
36Little PinesStandard Nonelectric———8 🐾
37Little PinesStandard Nonelectric———8 🐾
38Little PinesStandard Nonelectric———8 🐾
39Little PinesStandard Nonelectric———8 🐾
40Little PinesStandard Nonelectric———8 🐾
41Little PinesStandard Nonelectric———8 🐾
42Little PinesStandard Nonelectric———8 🐾
43Little PinesStandard Nonelectric———8 🐾

Getting there

From Los Angeles, travel north on Interstate 210 and exit onto Angeles Crest Highway (State Route 2). Continue for approximately 25.6 miles. Look for the Chilao Overnight Campground sign on the left, turn in, and follow posted signs to Little Pines Loop.

More photos

Member photos

Common questions about Chilao Campground - Little Pines Loop

Can you reserve a site at Chilao Campground - Little Pines Loop?
Yes, Chilao Campground - Little Pines Loop is reservable through Recreation.gov.
How many campsites does Chilao Campground - Little Pines Loop have?
44 sites in total, of which 43 can be booked.
What is the maximum RV length at Chilao Campground - Little Pines Loop?
41 ft. That is the longest vehicle the sites here are recorded as taking; individual sites may be shorter.
Are pets allowed at Chilao Campground - Little Pines Loop?
Yes, pets are allowed at Chilao Campground - Little Pines Loop.
Does Chilao Campground - Little Pines Loop have hookups?
No hookups are recorded here.
Are campfires allowed at Chilao Campground - Little Pines Loop?
Campfires are allowed at Chilao Campground - Little Pines Loop. Check for a current fire restriction before you go.

Comments

Contact

Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-04-28.

Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.