Lupine Campground
4.3625 reviewsLupine Campground
$5.00 - $30.00 / 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
$5/vehicle/day or $30/vehicle/year Adventure Pass required for vehicles.
About this campground
Perched high on a windswept ridgeline where the Pacific Crest Trail threads through the Angeles National Forest, Lupine Campground offers an escape into the clouds at 8,300 feet. This intimate, ridgetop sanctuary draws adventurers seeking solitude and spectacular vistas, with the mighty Mt. Baldy beckoning from nearby trails. While welcoming visitors year-round, winter transforms this high-altitude haven into a hike-in destination when snow closes the access road, adding an extra layer of adventure to your mountain retreat.
Lupine Campground is a primitive camping area that caters to both hikers and vehicle campers depending on the season. It is accessible to Recreational Vehicles (RVs), although the rough road strongly favors high-clearance or 4x4 vehicles.
Historical Significancenull
Weather and SeasonsLupine's ridgeline location creates a symphony of wind that has become part of its wild charm. Campers describe the nightly ritual: gentle breezes building to powerful gusts around 7 PM, creating a natural lullaby that continues until dawn breaks at 6 AM. 'Prepare for legit serious wind,' seasoned visitors advise, while others embrace it: 'I love the sounds.' Blue Ridge Road typically closes to vehicles from November through late April or early May, when snow and weather make driving treacherous, transforming the campground into a backcountry experience accessible only by foot.
ElevationAt 8,300 feet above sea level, Lupine Campground claims one of the loftiest perches in the Angeles National Forest. This dramatic elevation places you above the marine layer, often camping literally above the clouds while Los Angeles sprawls far below. The thin mountain air and cooler temperatures offer refreshing relief from the valleys below, creating an alpine environment just hours from the city.
Natural Features and SceneryFrom this ridgetop aerie, the world unfolds in panoramic splendor. By day, mountain peaks march toward distant horizons while hawks and eagles ride the thermals below your feet. As darkness falls, the transformation is magical – the Los Angeles basin becomes a glittering sea of lights stretching to the Pacific, creating what visitors call 'the favorite part of this place.' The campground's position atop Blue Ridge delivers 360-degree views that shift from rugged wilderness to twinkling metropolis, offering front-row seats to both sunrise and sunset performances.
Geological RegionLupine Campground crowns the dramatic Blue Ridge in the northern reaches of Angeles National Forest, where ancient geological forces thrust these mountains skyward. This strategic position places you at the intersection of wilderness and accessibility, with the legendary Pacific Crest Trail passing nearby. The ridge serves as a natural divide, separating the urban sprawl of Southern California from the wild backcountry of the San Gabriel Mountains, creating a unique threshold between civilization and untamed nature.
Campsite details
Sites SizeSmall campground, compact layout with a limited number of campsites.
Sites PrivacySomewhat secluded and compact. Reviews describe the campground as 'little secluded campsite' and 'not too crowded.'
Total Campsites7 campsites
Recommended Campsites"Definitely gotta go early because each campsite is first come first serve." "Bring ropes for extra support for your tents." "Prepare for legit serious wind; bad for big tents."
Best Campsites"Reference to Site #2 as having the best view."
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
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Check-out
Null
Stay Limit
Null
Guests Allowed Per Site
Null
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutSmall campground with 7 sites equipped with tables and fire pits.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round, Hike-in only from early- to mid-November to late-April through early-May due to seasonal closures of Blue Ridge Road.
Walk-in AvailabilityCampsites are first-come-first-served.
Cancellation Policynull
Amenities available
Picnic tables
Cell phone service
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Camping at Lupine Campground offers opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, and enjoying panoramic views due to its high-altitude location. The Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) runs through the campground, making it a popular stopping point for hikers. Additionally, nighttime stargazing is a highlight.
Hiking
Access to the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) is a major draw. Reviews highlight its connection to nearby Mount Baldy and short night hikes. One user stated, 'Great base camp for short night hikes.'Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing opportunities are noted, though specifics on the types of animals are not mentioned. Campers should follow bear safety recommendations, as highlighted in the official guidance.Winter Activities
Winter use might be limited due to road closures, but hike-in camping is possible.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- "Extreme and Critical fire use restrictions mean no campfires and no portable cooking systems/stoves."
- Quiet hours are null
Hazards
General hazards"Prepare for legit serious wind." "No water." "Trail is hard to get to. Need a 4x4 or Jeep. Large rocks on the trail."
Active alertsRoad is severely overgrown and not maintained.
Weather forecast
72
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Humidity: 40%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 14.7 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
Emergency Services
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Good to know
Trash and recyclingThere is no mention of specific trash or recycling facilities on-site. Campers are advised to follow Leave No Trace principles.
Proximity to water features"No water, except, sometimes there's water at the end of the campground going down (there's a sign on the PCT)."
Common complaints"Bathrooms were kinda gross but that's to be expected with a glorified Porto potty." "No water." "Extreme wind conditions."
Hostnull
Campground Map
Driving directionsFrom Angeles Crest Highway (Hwy. 2), approx. 5 miles west of Wrightwood, take Blue Ridge Road to campground.
Road is in poor condition, please use caution--4x4 vehicles highly recommended.
"Blue Ridge Road (Forest Service Road 3N06) is severely overgrown and very hard to follow between Lupine Campground and Cabin Flat Campground."Nearby places
Wrightwood - 5 miles
Nearby supplies
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Camper Reviews
4.4
25 reviews
Lupine Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews generally highlight the campground’s natural beauty, excellent views, and tranquility. However, challenges such as high winds, the rough access road, and the condition of vault toilets are common concerns.
Review Summaries
Based on 25 reviews
What Campers Love
Beautiful panoramic views, seclusion, connection to the Pacific Crest Trail, and opportunities for stargazing. One user called it 'one of the most beautiful places in Southern California to go...
Based on 25 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Frequent high winds, rough and overgrown access road, and poorly maintained vault toilets. One user mentioned, 'The wind was really bad though, bring ropes for extra support for your tents.'
Based on 25 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Arrive early as sites are first-come, first-served. Prepare for wind by bringing extra tent support, and bring all necessary water due to the lack of potable water on-site. A high-clearance or 4x4...
Based on 25 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
The campground is more accessible during late spring to early fall when the road is open. High winds are a recurring issue, regardless of the season, and bear safety measures are always emphasized.
Based on 25 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'Amazing views. Definitely going back.' - User csmather77
2. 'Prepare for legit serious wind. It’s at the top of a ridge and it gusts all the time.' - User Matthew Henderson
3. 'The view of the...
Based on 25 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
1. Site #2 recommended for the best views.
2. Multiple users highlight its location along the PCT as a major advantage.
Based on 25 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025