Sycamore Flat Campground
4.478 reviewsnull
Sycamore Flat 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
Adventure Pass Required $5/day or $30/year. Interagency Passes are also accepted.
About this campground
Tucked away in the rugged beauty of Angeles National Forest, Sycamore Flat Campground offers an authentic desert camping experience for those seeking solitude and simplicity. This rustic retreat features 11 well-spaced sites, each equipped with sturdy picnic tables and 10 sites offering grills for outdoor cooking under starlit skies. While the campground maintains a wilderness character with vault toilets and no potable water (so bring your own!), its prime location directly across from the babbling waters of Big Rock Creek provides a natural soundtrack to your desert adventure. This self-maintained gem attracts adventurous campers who appreciate the raw beauty of the high desert landscape.
Sycamore Flat Campground is a basic, undeveloped site for primitive camping. It has 11 combined sites for use, but it does not cater to RVs, groups, or cabins.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic seasonal shifts of the high desert at 4,200 feet, where each season paints the landscape in different hues. Winter transforms the campground into a crisp wonderland, occasionally dusted with snow and punctuated by refreshing rains that awaken the desert flora. As summer arrives, the desert reveals its fierce side with temperatures soaring above 90°F, making early morning hikes and afternoon siestas essential. Spring emerges as nature's grand opening, with wildflowers dotting the landscape and perfect camping temperatures, while fall delivers golden days and cool nights ideal for campfire gatherings. Seasoned visitors know that spring and fall offer the sweet spot for camping, when the desert is at its most hospitable and beautiful.
ElevationPerched at 4,200 feet above sea level, this high desert campground offers cooler temperatures than the valleys below and clearer air that makes stargazing spectacular. The elevation creates a unique microclimate where desert meets mountain, supporting a diverse ecosystem that changes with the seasons.
Natural Features and SceneryAncient sycamores stretch their pale, mottled branches skyward while hardy junipers dot the landscape with their evergreen presence, creating a stunning contrast against the golden desert terrain. The campground's open design offers sweeping views of the surrounding wilderness, though the sparse vegetation means you'll be camping under big skies with your neighbors in view. Just steps away, Big Rock Creek provides a refreshing oasis where the sound of flowing water mingles with the whisper of desert winds. The minimal shade requires strategic parking to catch what the trees offer, but the unobstructed views of sunrise and sunset more than compensate for the exposure.
Geological RegionSet within the diverse tapestry of Angeles National Forest, this 4,200-foot desert oasis showcases the unique transition zone where the Mojave Desert meets the San Gabriel Mountains. The landscape tells an ancient story through its weathered rocks and resilient vegetation, with junipers and sycamores standing as sentinels in this high desert environment. Big Rock Creek has carved its path through the terrain over millennia, creating a riparian corridor that attracts wildlife and provides a vital water source in this arid landscape. This geological crossroads offers campers a front-row seat to observe how water, wind, and time have sculpted the dramatic desert scenery.
Campsite details
AccessibilityWheelchair-friendly toilets are not available, and the site is not explicitly described as accessible for individuals with disabilities.
Sites SizeThe campground offers standard-sized parking aprons made of dirt, with longer aprons having no shade due to limited tree coverage.
Sites PrivacyThere is little to no privacy between campsites or from the access road. The limited shade and lack of barriers between sites contribute to an open, less secluded atmosphere.
Total Campsites11 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites with longer parking aprons have less shade, making them less ideal in summer.
Best Campsites"Found decent shade for camping in summer." (Review by Jonathan Boucher).
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Open 24 hours/day
Check-out
Null
Stay Limit
Maximum stay is 14 consecutive days.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Null
Groups
No group camping sites or accommodations are available.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layout"There is no privacy between camp sites or the access road."
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round.
Reservation Platformsnull
Walk-in AvailabilityNo reservations; walk-up availability only.
Cancellation Policynull
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The campground offers limited recreational opportunities, emphasizing scenery viewing and picnicking. Activities such as hiking are not officially provided on-site, but the creek across the road adds some exploratory options.
Wildlife viewing
According to user reviews, wildlife sightings (birds, marmots, and small lizards) are minimal. The campground offers a quiet and remote environment that some visitors find conducive to enjoying the natural surroundings.Winter Activities
With no official trails or developed facilities, the campground does not support winter recreational activities such as skiing or snowshoeing.Water Sports
There are no water sports opportunities at the campground, and the creek is not suitable for such activities.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Extreme restrictions on fire use; no campfires or portable cooking systems/stoves allowed during certain conditions.
- Quiet hours are null
Hazards
General hazardsPotential fire hazards due to extreme restrictions. Be bear aware and follow safety protocols to keep bears wild.
Active alerts"Extreme" and "Critical" fire use restrictions are in effect. Bring cold food and avoid campfires.
Weather forecast
86
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Humidity: 26%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 17.4 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
Highway dept, fire and ambulance dept come by twice a day. Motorcycle sheriff patrols the area.
Good to know
Peak season datesnull
Trash and recyclingPack-in, pack-out policy is enforced. There are no designated trash or recycling facilities; users are expected to carry out all waste.
Proximity to water featuresIt is located across from Big Rock Creek, which is accessible for hiking.
Common complaintsLittering is a recurring issue as mentioned by multiple reviewers. The campground is close to the road with minimal privacy.
Hostnull
Campground Map
null
Driving directionsFrom Wrightwood, CA, take State Rt. 2 west 2.4 miles to Palmdale/Jackson Lake sign (County Rt. N4/Pines Hwy). Turn right onto Rt. N4 and go 11.5 miles to Sycamore Flats sign (Forest Rt. 4N11). Turn left onto Rt. 4N11 and go 1.9 miles to campground sign. Turn left into campground.
"The parking aprons are dirt."Nearby supplies
Adventure Pass is available nearby at 4 Points Liquor Store.
Camper Reviews
4.5
8 reviews
Sycamore Flat Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
The campground receives mixed reviews, with positive feedback highlighting the quiet, remote nature of the site, proximity to the creek, and affordability. However, concerns about maintenance, litter, and limited amenities are repeatedly expressed.
Review Summaries
Based on 8 reviews
What Campers Love
Visitors appreciate the natural desert landscape, nearby creek for exploration, and affordability, as the site requires only an Adventure Pass ($5/day or $30/year). Many reviewers noted the peace and...
Based on 8 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Common concerns include lack of maintenance, littering by other campers, no potable water, and limited shade at many sites. Some reviewers found the bathrooms to be basic, and noise from the...
Based on 8 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Bring plenty of water, as there is no potable water on-site. Ensure a California Campfire Permit during fire season if using a camp stove. Pack out all trash to maintain the site's cleanliness....
Based on 8 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Summer visits were noted to have better shade coverage in certain spots. During fire season, restrictions like no campfires or portable stoves can limit cooking options. Winter conditions may make it...
Based on 8 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"Sycamore Flat campground is an awesome place for anyone near the Antelope Valley..." - ordinaryevery day prepper. "Fire rings are well thought out, but trees do overhang some sites, so watch those...
Based on 8 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
No detailed site-by-site reviews are available; however, visitors mention that shade availability varies by site. Sites with longer parking aprons generally have less shade due to limited tree...
Based on 8 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
No specific reviews address accessibility features, but general comments suggest the campground is not wheelchair-friendly.
Based on 8 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No information or reviews specifically discuss pet policies or experiences.
Based on 8 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025