Appletree Campground
4.2723 reviewsBig Pines Highway, County Road N4
Appletree Campground
$5.00 - $20.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$5.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Camping fees are set by Mountain High Resort. Fees can be paid on-site or with the campground host at Mt. Oak Campground. Discounts available for Senior or Accessible America the Beautiful Pass holders (regular annual America the Beautiful pass not accepted).
About this campground
Nestled in the San Gabriel Mountains and thoughtfully managed by Mountain High Resort, Appletree Campground invites adventurers to disconnect and immerse themselves in nature's tranquility. Eight intimate walk-in campsites await, each equipped with classic campground amenities including sturdy picnic tables, traditional fire rings for evening gatherings, and convenient BBQ pedestal grills for outdoor cooking. This year-round mountain retreat welcomes all visitors with ADA-accessible options, though the walk-in nature of the sites means you'll need to carry your gear a short distance from the parking area. Those seeking a rustic experience will appreciate the absence of RV hookups, ensuring a peaceful, tent-camping atmosphere.
Appletree Campground features 8 first-come, first-served walk-in campsites. It is primarily suited for tent camping and small RVs (up to 16 feet in length), although the latter must park in a lot rather than access sites directly. Three sites are ADA-accessible.
Weather and SeasonsAppletree Campground offers a dramatic seasonal transformation that keeps visitors returning throughout the year. Winter blankets the landscape in pristine snow, creating a wonderland for snow enthusiasts, though icy mountain roads demand careful driving and proper preparation. As spring arrives, the forest awakens with perfect camping weather and crystal-clear mountain skies. Summer brings warm days that can climb above 80°F, making the abundant shade especially welcome. Many seasoned campers consider spring and fall the sweet spots for visiting, when moderate temperatures and stunning visibility create ideal conditions for both relaxation and exploration.
ElevationNo specific elevation details provided.
Natural Features and SceneryPerched on a picturesque hillside within the San Gabriel Mountains, Appletree Campground offers a genuine forest camping experience beneath a protective canopy of mature trees. The thoughtfully positioned campsites take full advantage of natural shade, creating cool refuges even on warm summer days. During winter months, this woodland setting transforms into an enchanting snow-covered landscape where families gather for snowball fights and snow angel making, turning the campground into nature's own winter playground.
Geological RegionThe campground's prime location in the San Gabriel Mountains places visitors in one of Southern California's most beloved mountain ranges. Here, dramatic hillside vistas unfold through breaks in the forest, while the surrounding woodland creates an intimate atmosphere that feels worlds away from urban life. Winter snows add another dimension to this geological wonderland, highlighting the rugged mountain contours and creating postcard-worthy scenes that capture the diverse beauty of this elevated terrain.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThree of the eight campsites are ADA-accessible. The area was described as 'easy roadside campground' and ADA-friendly in user reviews.
Sites SizeSites are walk-in and accommodate tents. Maximum RV length is 16 feet, though RVs must remain in the parking lot without direct campsite access.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy is minimal as the campsites are close to one another. A reviewer stated, 'The campsites are very close to each other so there is no privacy.'
Total Campsites8 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites closer to the trees provide more shade, while some sites may get very hot midday. Arrive early during holidays to secure flat campsites.
Best CampsitesNo specific campsite recommendations provided.
Reserving a campsite
Check-out
11:00 AM
Stay Limit
No specific stay limit mentioned.
Guests Allowed Per Site
No specific guest limits mentioned.
Groups
Group camping is not explicitly mentioned as an option at this campground.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutEight walk-in campsites with picnic tables, fire rings, and BBQ pedestal grills. Sites are close together, reducing privacy.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round.
Reservation PlatformsReservations not available. First-come, first-served for the walk-in campsites.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll eight campsites are first-come, first-served. User reviews confirm these sites can fill quickly during holidays or busy weekends.
Cancellation PolicyNo explicit cancellation policy mentioned.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Appletree Campground offers a mix of recreational opportunities, including picnicking and snow play during winter. User reviews mention the area's suitability for family outings and snow sledding. Wrightwood, located nearby, provides additional attractions.
Wildlife viewing
The campground is located in a bear and raccoon habitat. Official sources emphasize bear safety, and one user review stated, 'Bear and raccoon area, so keep your food in your vehicle at all times.'Winter Activities
The campground turns into a 'snowy playground' during winter, offering snow play and sledding.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports are not mentioned in the source materials or user reviews.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fire restrictions can prohibit campfires and portable cooking systems during extreme fire conditions. Each site includes a campfire ring and BBQ pedestal grill.
- Quiet hours mentioned in user review; violations noted with loud music and karaoke late at night.
Hazards
General hazardsSeasonal hazards include icy roads during winter and potential wildlife encounters with bears and raccoons. Proper food storage is essential.
Active alertsFire restrictions may periodically prohibit campfires and portable cooking systems during extreme fire conditions.
Weather forecast
74
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Partly cloudy
Precipitation: 0%
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Humidity: 43%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 14.2 mph
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Partly cloudy
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
San Gabriel Mountains National Monument Information Center (110 N. Wabash Avenue, Glendora, CA 91741). Phone: (626) 335-1251. Closest medical and emergency services likely available in Wrightwood, CA, approximately 7 miles away.
Good to know
Peak season datesNo specific peak season dates mentioned.
Trash and recyclingOn-site trash bins are present, and park rangers or Mountain High employees periodically check and empty the bins.
Proximity to water featuresMention of nearby running creek upstream, but water flow seasonal. Piped water is available except during winter months.
Common complaintsRecurring issues include lack of privacy due to close campsites, loud campers violating quiet hours, and poorly maintained restrooms noted by user reviews.
HostCampground host available at nearby Mt. Oak Campground for fee payment and assistance.
Campground Map
Big Pines Highway, County Road N4
Driving directionsLocated on Big Pines Highway (Co. road N4), approximately 2 miles west of Big Pines, CA. Groceries and services available in the community of Wrightwood (approximately 7 miles).
Easy roadside access from Big Pines Highway. However, icy and dangerous road conditions may occur in winter, requiring slow driving and occasionally snow chains, as noted in user reviews.Nearby places
Big Pines, CA (2 miles, approximately 5 minutes)
Wrightwood, CA (7 miles, approximately 10 minutes).
Nearby supplies
Groceries and services available in Wrightwood, CA (approximately 7 miles).
Camper Reviews
4.3
23 reviews
Appletree Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews are mixed but generally positive, highlighting the campground's affordability, scenic beauty, and simplicity. Several users emphasized the site's peaceful nature, though some noted issues with maintenance and noise from nearby campers.
Review Summaries
Based on 23 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive aspects include affordability ('very affordable'), scenic beauty ('absolutely beautiful'), cleanliness in recent visits ('well maintained campground'), and accessibility ('easy drive for a...
Based on 23 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Common complaints involve the lack of privacy (sites are 'very close to each other'), noise from other campers (e.g., karaoke speakers late at night), and restroom cleanliness ('absolutely...
Based on 23 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend arriving early due to the first-come, first-served policy. Keeping food in vehicles is advised to avoid attracting bears and raccoons. Winter visitors are advised to drive...
Based on 23 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
In winter, the campground becomes a popular spot for snow play, leading to crowded parking. During summer, it is described as a peaceful and scenic retreat, though some visitors reported noise from...
Based on 23 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
1. 'Been camping here for over 4 years every spring and summer!! It's absolutely beautiful and very affordable.' — Leah Raedel 2. 'The campsites are very close to each other so there is no privacy.'...
Based on 23 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Specific campsites are not singled out in user reviews, but it is noted that three sites are ADA-accessible.
Based on 23 reviewsAccessibility Features
Several reviews highlight the ADA-accessible features of three campsites. One user described the area as 'ADA Friendly.'
Based on 23 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, but they must be on a leash. However, one review noted that 'none of the campers kept their dogs on a leash' during a visit.
Based on 23 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025