Crystal Lake
00 reviewHWY 39, Azusa, CA 91702, USA
Crystal Lake
$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
Facility rates by season are listed as unavailable in authoritative data. Recreation Use fees and Reservation Service fees are mentioned but not tied to Crystal Lake specifically.
About this campground
Nestled high in the San Gabriel Canyon at 5,600 feet, Crystal Lake Recreation Area offers a pristine mountain escape where tent campers can immerse themselves in the tranquil beauty of Angeles National Forest. This serene alpine retreat centers around the shimmering waters of Crystal Lake, where the only sounds you'll hear are birdsong and gentle breezes through the pines—motorized boats are prohibited, preserving the peaceful atmosphere that makes this destination so special.
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.
Historical SignificanceWhile specific historical records await further documentation, Crystal Lake stands as a cherished recreational destination within the Angeles National Forest system, offering generations of outdoor enthusiasts a gateway to the natural wonders of the San Gabriel Mountains.
Weather and SeasonsAt 5,600 feet elevation, Crystal Lake enjoys refreshingly cool temperatures that provide welcome relief from the valley heat below. The mountain climate creates ideal conditions for comfortable camping, with crisp mornings giving way to pleasant afternoons and cool evenings perfect for gathering around the campfire.
ElevationPerched at 5,600 feet above sea level, Crystal Lake campground sits in the heart of the San Gabriel Mountains' cooler climate zone. This significant elevation transforms the landscape into a mountain paradise, where towering conifers replace the chaparral below and temperatures drop 15-20 degrees from the valley floor, creating an alpine environment that feels worlds away from Southern California's urban sprawl.
Natural Features and SceneryCrystal Lake sparkles like a jewel amid the rugged beauty of San Gabriel Canyon, surrounded by towering peaks and dense forests that characterize this spectacular corner of Angeles National Forest. The crystalline waters reflect the surrounding mountains and sky, while the campground's position offers stunning vistas of the canyon's dramatic topography and access to miles of wilderness trails.
Geological RegionSet within the dramatic landscape of San Gabriel Canyon in Angeles National Forest, Crystal Lake occupies a unique geological niche at 5,600 feet elevation. This mountain environment showcases the region's ancient granite formations and steep canyon walls, carved over millennia by natural forces that created the perfect basin for this pristine alpine lake.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features are not detailed in the provided data.
Sites SizeNo specific information about campsite sizes (e.g., standard, large) is available.
Sites PrivacyNo details about campsite privacy, such as whether they are secluded or clustered, are noted.
Total Campsites0 campsites
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 are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round.
Reservation PlatformsReservations are no longer available through Recreation.gov, and sites are now first-come, first-served.
Walk-in AvailabilitySites are now exclusively available on a first-come, first-served basis. Reservations through Recreation.gov are not offered anymore.
Cancellation PolicyReservations may be canceled prior to the check-in date. A $10 cancellation fee applies, and late cancellations, starting from midnight 1 calendar day before check-in, will forfeit the first night's fee. No-show reservations incur a $20 fee plus forfeiting the first night's fee. Early departures may also forfeit fees. Modifications incur no fee for changes within the original reservation period, but changes outside this period incur a $10 fee.
Activities you can enjoy
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.
Hiking
Hiking is explicitly mentioned as an available activity, but no details on trail difficulty, length, or popularity are provided.Fishing
Fishing is noted as an available activity, but no information is provided about the types of fish or fishing conditions.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not discussed in the data.Water Sports
No details about non-motorized water sports like kayaking or paddleboarding are included.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- No additional fire policy details beyond firewood guidelines.
Hazards
General hazardsNo specific hazards mentioned in authoritative content.
Active alertsNo active alerts mentioned.
Weather forecast
65
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 66%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 2.2 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
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
Peak season datesNo specific dates provided in source materials for peak season.
Trash and recyclingNo specific details on trash and recycling facilities are provided.
Proximity to water featuresCrystal Lake is located adjacent to the campground. Motorized boats are prohibited.
Common complaintsNo data provided regarding user complaints.
HostNo campground host information provided.
Campground Map
HWY 39, Azusa, CA 91702, USA
Driving directionsFrom Azusa, take Highway 39 north for twenty-five miles through San Gabriel Canyon. Follow the signs to Crystal Lake. When you come to Crystal Lake Road, turn right to Crystal Lake. Stop at fee station.
Access involves traveling on Highway 39 for 25 miles through mountainous terrain in San Gabriel Canyon. No specifics mentioned about road conditions such as paved/unpaved or seasonal closures in the provided authoritative content.Nearby places
Azusa is identified as the nearest city, but distances to other population centers were not provided.
Camper Reviews
0.0
0 reviews
Crystal Lake has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
There are no user reviews available in the provided data.
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
No positive aspects have been highlighted due to the absence of user reviews.
Common Concerns
No common complaints have been recorded.
Pro Tips & Recommendations
No user-provided tips or recommendations are available.
Seasonal Insights
No seasonal user review trends are mentioned in the provided data.
Camper Quotes
No direct user quotes are provided.
Site-Specific Reviews
There is no site-specific feedback or data available.
Accessibility Features
No data about accessibility-related user experiences is included.
Pet-Friendly Features
No reviews or data focusing on pet policies or pet-friendly features are included.
Last updated August 10, 2025