Big Rock Campground
4.4511 reviewsBig Rock Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
No specific fees for individual campsites were mentioned. However, vehicles parked in the forest require either an Adventure Pass or an America the Beautiful Pass at standard amenity recreation fee sites. Discounts apply for Access Pass or Senior Pass holders.
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About this campground
Tucked away in the heart of Angeles National Forest, Big Rock Campground beckons those seeking refuge from the digital world. This intimate retreat features just eight thoughtfully spaced campsites, each complete with its own picnic table and campfire ring where stories and s'mores come to life under starlit skies. While modern conveniences are minimal—vault toilets and trash receptacles mark the extent of facilities—this simplicity is precisely what draws adventurers here. Remember to pack your water supply, as none is available on-site. Though the campground welcomes visitors year-round, Mother Nature occasionally closes the access road, transforming arrival into a short but rewarding hike that only adds to the sense of discovery.
Big Rock Campground offers a rustic camping experience with a focus on tent and hike-in camping. While its secluded nature appeals to those seeking tranquility, it lacks amenities for RVs or glamping.
Weather and SeasonsBig Rock's climate paints a canvas of seasonal contrasts. Summer days warm the forest floor with temperatures dancing in the upper 70s to mid-80s, perfect for afternoon explorations and evening campfire gatherings. When winter arrives, the mercury dips to the 50s, occasionally flirting with freezing temperatures that transform morning coffee into a cherished ritual. During the warmer months, mosquitoes join the ecosystem as enthusiastic, if unwelcome, companions—so pack your preferred repellent along with your sense of adventure.
Natural Features and SceneryNature has crafted the perfect sanctuary at Big Rock, where towering trees form a living cathedral overhead. As visitor Karla Henriquez discovered, 'Most of the campsites are perfectly covered by the trees on the hill behind,' creating natural shade pavilions that offer cool respite even on the warmest days. This secluded haven rewards those who venture here with one of Southern California's most spectacular nighttime shows—a celestial display of countless stars undimmed by city lights, reminding us why our ancestors looked to the heavens with such wonder.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground requires a hike of 1/8th mile during seasonal road closures, which may limit accessibility for individuals with mobility challenges.
Sites SizeThe campground includes reasonably level tent sites, though some areas may require clearing sharp rocks.
Sites PrivacySites are described as isolated and appropriately distanced according to users, offering a quiet and peaceful experience.
Total Campsites8 campsites
Reserving a campsite
Groups
Group camping is not mentioned in the authoritative content or user reviews.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round. Road access is seasonally restricted from May to mid-November, requiring hiking access during this period.
Walk-in Availability"Walk-up only," as per Salazar De Lara's review. Reservations cannot be made in advance.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Big Rock Campground provides limited but enjoyable recreational opportunities. The area is well-suited for picnicking, hiking, and stargazing due to its isolation and lack of light pollution.
Hiking
The campground features great hiking paths suitable for young kids and adults, as noted in user reviews. These trails allow visitors to explore the surrounding forested area.Winter Activities
The campground remains open year-round, but it may require a hike-in during winter months when the access road is closed. Specific winter activities like snowshoeing or skiing are not mentioned.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports such as kayaking or paddleboarding are not mentioned.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Fire use restrictions may range from allowing campfires to total bans that include portable cooking systems.
Hazards
General hazards"Be Bear Aware! Bear safety is critical," warns the authoritative source. Additionally, mosquitoes are a significant nuisance during their active seasons, as noted by multiple reviewers.
Active alerts"ROAD CLOSED TO VEHICLES." Road closures are seasonally enforced.
Weather forecast
73
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Humidity: 38%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 16.3 mph
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Overcast
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
Good to know
Trash and recyclingTrash receptacles are available, but user reviews note they are not emptied regularly, leading to accumulated trash. Campers are advised to contact rangers to address this issue.
Common complaintsBroken glass and litter left by previous campers, trash bins not emptied regularly, mosquitoes, and limited ranger availability were some of the complaints mentioned by users.
Campground Map
Driving directionsFrom Highway 138 from Pearblossom, CA, turn south on Longview Road. Turn left on Valyermo Road and drive past the Mojave Work Center. Turn right on Big Rock Creek Road and continue up the canyon past Sycamore Campground. Drive past Camp Fenner to the campground entrance road located on the right-hand side of Forest Service Road 4N11.
Forest Service Road 4N11 provides access to the campground but is seasonally closed from the beginning of May to mid-November. During this period, visitors must hike in approximately 1/8th of a mile from the gate. "Road closed - hike-in only," notes the authoritative source.Camper Reviews
4.5
11 reviews
Big Rock Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User experiences at Big Rock Campground are generally positive, emphasizing its peaceful and isolated environment. However, some concerns such as mosquitoes, trash maintenance, and occasional rude encounters with rangers have been noted.
Review Summaries
Based on 11 reviews
What Campers Love
Users appreciate the campground's isolation, shaded campsites, and excellent stargazing conditions. One user noted, "The tent areas are pretty level," while another stated, "Most of the campsites are...
Based on 11 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Mosquitoes are a significant issue during the season, with one reviewer warning, "Mosquitoes will devour you alive if you are unprepared." Trash bins not being emptied regularly and litter left by...
Based on 11 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend bringing plenty of water, bug repellent, and possibly mosquito nets to combat insects. Carrying an air freshener for the vault toilets is also advised. A user suggested taking the...
Based on 11 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Summer reviews highlight the mosquito problem but praise the shade provided by trees, which helps in hot weather. Winter reviews, though fewer, mention the hike-in requirement due to road closures as...
Based on 11 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"Isolation. This site gets very little use, so it is very isolated." "It was really nice because it was very quiet and peaceful." "No potable water and few other sites. Truly an escape."
Based on 11 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
Specific campsite numbers are not mentioned, but one review suggests there are only about 5-6 sites, spaced far apart for privacy.
Based on 11 reviewsAccessibility Features
The 1/8th mile hike-in during seasonal road closures may present challenges for visitors with mobility issues. No additional accessibility features are mentioned.
Based on 11 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are not mentioned in any of the source materials, so their allowance cannot be verified.
Based on 11 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025