Chilao Campground

It’s a good enough campground. I recommend it to people to keep my favorite spots less busy. My likes are that there’s a few trails close by and it’s first come first served. No RV hookups means it’s mostly tent/car campers which is great - keep those porta potties on wheels away. I’ve stayed here over the years many times and the noise, lack of space between sites and trash are general factors on why i tend to stick to dispersed camping versus campgrounds but it’s a nice hour drive if I’m desperate to get away for a day or weekend. The rangers do make rounds here so be sure to pay for your site or they will ask you for a fee.

Lovely campground off of Hwy 2 perfect for tent camping and hiking in the Angeles National Forest. There were fire rings if weather permitted and the fire danger wasn’t too high. Picnic tables and vault toilets were also available. There were plenty of spots available; first come, first serve basis. There were a lot of bottle caps and small debris - fellow campers, be mindful to leave no trace!

Went with my son and we found ways to enjoy ourselves but the bugs were relentless, making the ultimate experience a disappointment. We hiked around (stayed on the driveway mostly) and it was a very beautiful walk. Yes, the bugs joined us on the day hikes too. Constantly in the ear or on anything food related, these tiny flys will drive you nuts (it did us). Nights aren't as bad since days the bugs arent as annoying. So our night hikes were bomb. Early morning walks were good too. During our stay it rained (thunder & lightning). My son and I were fine. I did see a number of other people scramble. Most were not prepraired for wind / rain. Things improved once and we resumed our hikes and relaxing at the site. We styed in our tents a good chunk of time just to get away from the nats.

It was great. I came her for a quick getaway/ camping trip with my family and we all enjoyed it. It's quiet and a great place to just relax. Some tips and some things that you should know before coming here is that 1. There is not really any hiking trails in this campground, this is more to relax than to hike. 2. Some spots will have shade and other will not so I recommend coming early so that you get to choose which spot you want. 3. Bring something for kids to do if you bring them because my younger brother was bored after a while. Overall though, I definitely recommend coming here if you want to have an enjoyable and relaxing time :)

Gorgeous, the little pines section had perfect views, a subtle breeze, nice enough restroom, private feeling tent sites, however we lasted one night due to yellow jackets which I don’t think enough comments have mentioned because I had seen reviews mention the flies, and yes the little black flies were a bit incessant but they weren’t biting so they were tolerable, the yellow jackets however, we couldn’t have food out…my dog and I had to take refuge in the tent, couldn’t stand still for a minute without being inspected. I had a nervous breakdown. Still want to go back but just gonna have to be extra prepared with a net canopy, bee detergent, and whatever else. I like the outdoors and try not to be high maintenance but these hornets were on another level. Had similar issue at buckhorn during our last trip I thought maybe this camp was different because no one mentioned it but I was wrong. Also note coyotes were confidently scavenging and yeeping around the tents all night, if their chatter unnerves you this isn’t the spot for you either it was a long night trying to calm our pup!