How much does camping cost at Crystal Lake?

Camping fees at Crystal Lake are $20/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Crystal Lake first-come first-served or reservation?

Crystal Lake accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

What is the best time to visit Crystal Lake?

Crystal Lake is open January 01 to December 31. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Crystal Lake?

Crystal Lake does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Crystal Lake?

Fire policies at Crystal Lake: Don't Move Firewood: Protect California's forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. For more information visit firewood.ca.gov.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

Are dogs allowed at Crystal Lake?

Pets are not allowed at Crystal Lake. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Crystal Lake?

Crystal Lake offers: Restrooms, Potable Water. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Crystal Lake?

Popular activities at Crystal Lake include Hiking, Fishing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Crystal Lake

0 review

HWY 39, Azusa, CA 91702, USA

Summer Destination

Quick Facts

5,600 ft

Price

$20/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Recreation.gov Official Website

Get Directions

Elevation by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

Quick Facts

5,600 ft

Price

$20/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Recreation.gov Official Website

Get Directions

Elevation by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

Crystal Lake

$20.00 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $20.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No campsite fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · Premium adds 2-min scans

263,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

626-335-1251

I manage this campground

Ask Camp Sage about Crystal Lake

Availability, what to pack, similar spots — ask anything and get an instant answer.

Campground Map

HWY 39, Azusa, CA 91702, USA

Crystal Lake

HWY 39, Azusa, CA 91702, USA

Nearby places

Azusa is identified as the nearest city, but distances to other population centers were not provided.

Weather at Crystal Lake

Best Time to Camp at Crystal Lake

Best season: summer. Summer at Crystal Lake offers the biggest payoff: reliably warm, sunny days and cool, crisp nights that make hiking and lakeside camping comfortable compared with the hot lowlands. Expect daytime highs roughly in the mid-60s to mid-80s °F and nights in the 40s–50s, perfect for fishing, longer hikes, and relaxing by the water (motorized boats are prohibited, so the lake stays quiet). Weekends are busiest as valley visitors escape the heat, so plan midweek visits for more solitude; be aware that a Peak months: September, June, July, August Avoid: December, January, February

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Explicitly called the 'best season': warm days and cool nights ideal for lakeside camping.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: January 01 to December 31. Book 2-3 months ahead.

Weather data by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

About Crystal Lake

Crystal Lake sits in the mid-elevation forest of Angeles National Forest near Azusa, offering tent camping and seasonal access during peak months. The campground serves hikers and anglers drawn to the quiet, motorboat-free lake and surrounding trails. Summer brings warm days and cool nights ideal for lakeside relaxation and backcountry exploration.

Crystal Lake features areas for tent camping. The sites are first-come, first-served, and not reservable via Recreation.gov. Other accommodation types are not mentioned.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer at Crystal Lake offers the biggest payoff: reliably warm, sunny days and cool, crisp nights that make hiking and lakeside camping comfortable compared with the hot lowlands. Expect daytime highs roughly in the mid-60s to mid-80s °F and nights in the 40s–50s, perfect for fishing, longer hikes, and relaxing by the water (motorized boats are prohibited, so the lake stays quiet). Weekends are busiest as valley visitors escape the heat, so plan midweek visits for more solitude; be aware that a Peak months: September, June, July, August Avoid: December, January, February

Elevation5600 ft above sea level

Weather data by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

Natural Features and SceneryAncient granite formations frame the lake basin, the result of millennia of erosion carving through the San Gabriel Mountains. The lake itself reflects the surrounding peaks and pine forest. At this elevation, the terrain is steep and rugged, typical of the high country in Angeles National Forest. The canyon walls create a dramatic backdrop, and the area provides access to wilderness trails that wind through this alpine environment.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodges or other accommodations are mentioned in the data.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum Consecutive Stay: 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Guests Allowed Per Site

No information provided on maximum number of guests per site.

Groups

No details about group site capacities are provided.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations are no longer available through Recreation.gov, and sites are now first-come, first-served.

AccessibilityAccessibility features are not detailed in the provided data.

Site SizeNo specific information about campsite sizes (e.g., standard, large) is available.

PrivacyNo details about campsite privacy, such as whether they are secluded or clustered, are noted.

Need help booking Crystal Lake?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Crystal Lake offers basic camping amenities in the Crystal Lake Recreation Area. Tent areas are provided, but the campground does not allow motorized boats on the lake. There is no mention of specific amenities like fire rings, picnic tables, or laundry facilities in the provided data.

Potable water

Flush toilets

I manage this campground

Things to do at Crystal Lake

Crystal Lake offers opportunities for hiking, fishing, camping, and other day-use activities. Motorized boats are prohibited on the lake. Specific details about activities' quality are not included.

Fishing3.5/5

Hiking3.0/5

Hiking is explicitly mentioned and surrounding trails exist, but trail details (length/difficulty) are missing.

Water Sports2.0/5

Motorboats banned; non-motorized boating (kayak) not specified.

Winter Activities1.5/5

Signature experiences

Photography3.5/5Reflective lake, granite formations and pine forests provide strong photo subjects.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.