Los Angeles River Ranger District Camping and Picnicking

The Los Angeles River Ranger District offers many beautiful sites for camping and picnicking. Several facilities are barrier ¬free and accessible to all users. Sometimes recreation areas will be closed. Recommend visitors call before hand to confirm that an area will be open.

Campgrounds
Campsites provide a table, a single space for a tent, a barbecue or metal fire ring, and a nearby toilet building, unless otherwise noted. Campsites accommodate up to eight people and two vehicles. These sites allow you to park next to your campsite and set up camp for individuals and families. Quiet hours in campgrounds are from 10 p.m. until 6 a.m. Many campgrounds are located on narrow, winding roads, making access for large recreational vehicles difficult. A few sites will accommodate RVs; check the list of campgrounds to see recommended lengths. There are no hook¬ups available. The campsites are first-come, first-served, no reservations. Saving campsites for other campers is not allowed. All drive-in campgrounds above 5,000 feet are closed during winter (Nov. 15 to March 31) and are weather¬ dependent for spring opening. There is a 14¬-day limit, and a limit of 21 days in the district per year. Fees are required and vary according to the amenities and accommodations provided.

Group Campgrounds
These sites, which may accommodate up to 240 people, are drive-in campgrounds and reservations are required. Reservations are available either online at www.recreation.gov or you may call (877) 444-¬6777. Fees are required and vary according to the amenities and accommodations provided.

Trail Camps
These are located along popular trails and are accessed by hiking, biking, and horse. Check the list of campgrounds for information regarding length of hike to campsite and other amenities. Mountain bikes are prohibited on the Pacific Crest Trail. Many trailheads

Picnic Areas
Picnic areas are for day ¬use only, from 6 a.m. until 10 p.m. They are available on a first come first served basis. An Adventure Pass or Interagency Pass is required for parked vehicles at all picnic areas except the Echo Mountain, Niño, and Paul Little Picnic Areas.

Fires and Campfire Permits
Only portable stoves using gas, jellied petroleum, or pressurized liquid fuel may be used outside developed sites. A state Campfire Permit, a shovel, and a 5-foot clearance of leaves and grass around the stove are required. Free Campfire Permits may be obtained at any Forest Service office. Campfire permits are not required at developed Forest Service campgrounds or picnic areas. At developed campgrounds you may use the site¬ provided stoves, fire pits or campfire circles, or your own portable barbeque or liquid/gas fuel stove. Collecting firewood is limited to dead material on the ground. Fire restrictions vary during the year and may disallow the use of portable stoves—call before going.

Fees and Passes
Fees vary depending on facilities or services provided. Where a camping fee is not charged, a National Forest Adventure Pass or Interagency Pass may be required. Sixty percent of the Los Angeles River Ranger District is free; otherwise an Adventure Pass or Interagency Pass is required for parked vehicles.

Pets
All pets must be kept on a leash.

Dispersed Recreation

“Dispersed recreation” refers to activities outside a developed campground or picnic site. Fishing, snow play, sightseeing, bicycling, hunting, and horseback riding are just a few examples of dispersed recreation. Facilities are limited in these dispersed areas, and your help is needed in keeping these areas clean.

For more information, contact:

Los Angeles River Ranger District
12371 N. Little Tujunga Canyon Road
San Fernando, CA 91342
(818) 899-1900
CRS (800) 735-2922 (Voice)
CRS (800) 735-2929 (TDD/TTY)
Monday through Friday — 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Los Angeles River Ranger District Camping and Picnicking

Alerts & Warnings