Coldbrook Campground
4.5241 reviewsColdbrook Campground
$5.00 - $12.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$12.00
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
First-come, first-served camping costs $12 per night per site. Day use costs $5 per vehicle. Adventure Pass honored for day use.
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About this campground
Tucked away where Coldbrook and Soldier Creeks converge, this hidden gem offers 22 tranquil campsites beneath a canopy of shade trees. Unlike the bustling Crystal Lake Recreation Area nearby, Coldbrook Campground provides a peaceful retreat for those seeking solitude in nature. Open throughout all four seasons, this year-round sanctuary welcomes RVs up to 22 feet, though the camping experience remains delightfully rustic without hookups. Each thoughtfully spaced site comes equipped with its own fire pit for evening storytelling, a grill for outdoor cooking, and a picnic table for gathering under the stars. Fresh drinking water flows from conveniently placed spigots throughout the grounds.
The Coldbrook Campground provides first-come, first-served camping options for tents and small RVs (up to 22 feet in length). Primitive facilities are the only accommodations available.
Weather and SeasonsSummer nights bring a refreshing coolness that gives way to pleasantly warm days hovering in the mid-80s, perfect for both relaxation and exploration. As winter approaches, the mountain air turns crisp and invigorating, transforming the landscape into a different kind of beauty. The southern California mountain climate delivers predominantly dry conditions throughout the year, making it an ideal destination for camping enthusiasts who prefer to avoid the uncertainty of rain-soaked adventures.
ElevationNestled within the varied elevations of Angeles National Forest, the campground sits at a comfortable altitude that offers the best of mountain camping without the challenges of extreme heights. This strategic positioning provides cooler temperatures than the valley below while remaining accessible year-round.
Natural Features and SceneryThe melodic babbling of a creek provides nature's soundtrack as it winds through the campground, creating a soothing ambiance that reaches nearly every campsite. Towering pines mingle with hardy chaparral, creating a diverse tapestry of vegetation that offers both shade and scenic beauty. The interplay of light filtering through the forest canopy creates an ever-changing display throughout the day, while the surrounding landscape showcases the stunning transition from low-elevation chaparral to majestic pine forests.
Geological RegionSet within the dramatic San Gabriel Mountains of Angeles National Forest, Coldbrook Campground showcases the remarkable ecological diversity of this southern California range. The landscape tells a story of elevation and adaptation, where tough chaparral and graceful oaks dominate the lower slopes before giving way to towering pine forests as the mountains reach skyward. This geological wonderland offers campers a front-row seat to one of California's most dynamic mountain ecosystems.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccess to campsites and basic facilities may be possible, but no specific accessibility features like ramps or ADA-compliant restrooms are mentioned.
Sites SizeCampsites are described as being of good size, accommodating up to eight people and two vehicles per site.
Sites PrivacySites offer a reasonable degree of privacy. According to user reviews, the spacing between campsites is ample enough to ensure a sense of seclusion.
Total Campsites22 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose sites closer to the creek for a quieter experience; avoid those near the highway to minimize noise disturbance.
Best CampsitesSite 18 is noted for proximity to the brook. Sites near the creek generally receive positive reviews.
Reserving a campsite
Check-out
Check out by 2 PM (as noted in reviews).
Stay Limit
Stay limit unspecified but inferred to be up to 14 days as per general Angeles National Forest policies.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Up to eight people per site.
Groups
No designated group camping sites are available.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutSites are spaced apart with good privacy. Each site equipped with picnic tables, fire pits, and spigots for potable water.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round.
Reservation PlatformsNot reservable; first-come, first-served.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll 22 campsites are first-come, first-served; consistently fills up during peak summer weekends.
Cancellation PolicyNo reservations are accepted; therefore cancellation policies do not apply.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Activities at Coldbrook Campground include hiking, wildlife viewing, and enjoying the natural surroundings. A brook runs through the campground, adding to the serene atmosphere. The trailhead for the Smith Mountain hike is located just 1/3 of a mile away, and the Bridge to Nowhere hike is a short drive from the campground.
Hiking
The campground is close to the trailhead for the 7-mile round trip hike to the summit of Smith Mountain. Additionally, the Bridge to Nowhere hike is accessible by a short drive.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is possible, with several reviews praising the serene and natural environment, including the presence of a brook.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires allowed with a valid California Campfire Permit.
- Quiet hours are From 10 PM onwards.
Hazards
General hazardsWildlife hazards include occasional bear activity; food must be stored responsibly. Rattlesnakes have been noted in the area.
Weather forecast
83
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 35%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 8.7 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
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
Emergency Services
Emergency hospital and medical services are located in Azusa, approximately 25 miles away.
Good to know
Peak season datesSummer weekends are peak times; campground reaches capacity.
Trash and recyclingMultiple dumpsters are available within the campground for trash disposal, but no recycling facilities are explicitly mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresBrook flows through the campground year-round. Nearby Crystal Lake located further up the road.
Common complaintsNoise from nearby highway due to late-night racing activities. Complaints about rowdy groups in some instances, lack of proper enforcement, and poorly maintained restrooms.
HostHost Ron is frequently mentioned as friendly and maintaining clean grounds.
Campground Map
Driving directionsHeading up Hwy 39, off the 210 Fwy. Drive through downtown Azusa head north. Continue past the East Fork bridge and Westfork picnic areas. Coldbrook Campground is located on the left. Parking pass required to enter. Signage provides basic information upon arrival.
Cold Brook Campground is accessible via paved roads. Hwy 39 is the main route, but users have reported nausea due to winding roads when alternate main roads are closed.Nearby places
Azusa: approx. 25 miles
Nearby supplies
Groceries and camping supplies available at Crystal Lake general store located further up the road from Coldbrook Campground.
Camper Reviews
4.5
41 reviews
Coldbrook Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground's serene environment and the beauty of the brook running through the site. However, common complaints include the poor maintenance of vault toilets, the proximity to the highway leading to noise disturbances, and occasional overcrowding during peak seasons.
Review Summaries
Based on 41 reviews
What Campers Love
1. "Hidden gem just 1.5 hrs from LA, creek flows through the campground all year round." 2. "The campsites are pretty shaded and clean. They are a good distance away from each other." 3. "The host is...
Based on 41 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
1. Vault toilets are frequently described as being dirty, smelly, and infested with flies. 2. Noise disturbances from people racing cars on the nearby highway at night. 3. Increased noise and unruly...
Based on 41 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
1. Arrive early to secure a campsite as it operates on a first-come, first-served basis. 2. Bring exact cash for payment as the campground is cash-only and does not provide change. 3. Consider...
Based on 41 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
The campground reaches capacity on most summer weekends, and reviews indicate that it gets crowded during these times. Off-season visits tend to be quieter. Bugs and flies are more problematic during...
Based on 41 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"Ron, the camp host, is super friendly and obviously takes great pride in maintaining a clean and welcoming campground." "Let me start with the water, its clean and its super cold! That's why its...
Based on 41 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site 18 is particularly appealing as it is situated right next to the brook. User reviews frequently mention enjoying the sound and view of the water from this site.
Based on 41 reviewsAccessibility Features
No user reviews specifically address the accessibility of the campground for individuals with disabilities.
Based on 41 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed at the campground, and user reviews indicate that it is dog-friendly. One user mentioned camping with five small dogs and appreciated the spacing between campsites for maintaining...
Based on 41 reviewsShow more
Last updated August 10, 2025