Top 10 Camping Spots In Pacific Crest Trail, USA

Tent-only camgrounds

1. Cooper Canyon Trail Camp

Cooper Canyon Trail Camp offers six primitive campsites, and guests staying here can make use of a fire grill, a picnic table, and vault toilets. Water is available from a nearby stream, but it is advisable to carry your own supply. The camp is open all year round and comes with access to hiking trails, including Pacific Crest Trail and Silver Moccasin Trail. Don’t forget to visit Cooper Canyon Falls nearby.

The campground is open to friends or families who want to enjoy the great outdoors. While camping at the site is free, you should buy a parking pass. Plan your visit in the spring or early summer, when there is perfect outdoor weather.

Cooper Canyon Trail Camp

Address: Angeles Crest Hwy Pacific, Crest Trail, Pearblossom, CA 93553, United States [map]

Website: Cooper Canyon Trail Camp

2. Mt. Pacifico Campground

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Mt. Pacifico Campground, part of Angeles National Forest, offers first-come, first-serve campsites. Guests will have access to the parking lot, vault toilets, and picnic tables. There are eight tent-only sites here, perfect for groups of travelers who want to sleep under the stars.

During your stay hike on Pacific Crest Trail, which runs through the campground’s picnic area. The campground is usually open from May until November.

Mt. Pacifico Campground

Address: Forest Service Rd 3N17H, Pacifico Mountain Rd, Palmdale, CA 93550, United States [map]

Website: Mt. Pacifico Campground

3. Jackson Flat Group Campground

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Jackson Flat Group Campground is found in Angeles National Forest and comprises five group tent sites. Perfect for a large traveling group, these sites can accommodate between 30 to 50 people. Since there is limited parking space, carpooling would be an excellent way to access the campground. Other amenities on site include a portable toilet and picnic tables. Do note that it is important that you bring your own water supply.

You will love the experience of being surrounded by groves of fir and pine trees. Also, the site has an observation deck, a trail leading to Jackson Lake, and a path that will take you to Pacific Crest Trail. If you want to stay here, the best time to visit is between early May and the last week of September.

Jackson Flat Group Campground

Address: Angeles Crest Hwy, Wrightwood, CA 92397, United States [map]

Website: Jackson Flat Group Campground

4. Crest Camp/Trailhead

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Crest Camp/Trailhead is an intimate campground with four campsites. Aside from hiking, this campground allows you to experience horseback riding on Pacific Crest Trail. If you are arriving in a vehicle, you can park your car at the Pacific Crest trailhead, which is close by.

It is important to note that this campground is quite primitive, so you should remember to bring what you need. However, there is a vault toilet on site for your convenience, as well as a few fire rings. Overall, it’s a great spot for a couple of travelers who need to spend the night.

Crest Camp/Trailhead

Address: NF-60, Carson, WA 98610, United States [map]

Website: Crest Camp/Trailhead

5. Irish and Taylor Campground

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

This campground is located within the Irish and Taylor Lakes area, and it’s ideal for family and friends who wish to try dispersed camping in a quiet area. It has six campsites and offers access to the two lakes. Vault toilets are also available for guests’ convenience.

From here, you can easily access Pacific Crest Trail and Three Sisters Wilderness for day-long hikes. If this campground has caught your eye, plan your getaway between May and September.

Irish and Taylor Campground

Address: Forest Service Road 4635, United States [map]

Website: Irish and Taylor Campground

RV camgrounds & RV sites

6. Domingo Spring Campground

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Domingo Spring Campground, found in Lassen National Forest, has 18 sites, each with a capacity of 8 people, including children. It can accommodate RVs spanning 27 feet (8.2 kilometers). Additionally, it provides picnic tables, campfire rings, drinking water, and vault toilets for guests’ convenience. Pets are allowed here but they must be on a leash. The campground is open from May to September, inviting families, friends, and all sorts of travelers to come and unwind.

Less than 1 mile (1.6 kilometers) from here are the North Fork River and Pacific Crest Trail. You can also take a day trip to Lake Almanor to indulge in fishing and boating.

Domingo Spring Campground

Address: California, United States [map]

Website: Domingo Spring Campground

7. Kennedy Meadows Campground

Kennedy Meadows Campground, located in Inyo National Forest, welcomes both adults and children. Pets are also welcome here but they must be on a leash. The campground offers 37 sites, but do take note that there are no water, toilets, or trash service. Each site can cater to six people. Available amenities here include a picnic table and a fire ring.

You can come here any time of the year, whether you are bringing an RV or setting up a tent. Enjoy trout fishing in the Kern River, which is located nearby. With its convenient position along Pacific Crest Trail, it is the perfect spot for a stopover.

Kennedy Meadows Campground

Address: Kennedy Meadows Rd, Pearsonville, CA 93527, United States [map]

Website: Kennedy Meadows Campground

8. Panther Creek Campground

Open from the first week of May until the middle of September, Panther Creek Campground offers 33 sites with electric hookups, fire rings, picnic tables, and barbecue grills. RVs spanning 20 feet (6.1 meters) up to 40 feet (12.2 meters) can be accommodated here. Also, the campground has vault toilets and a water supply.

Groups, families, and solo travelers are most welcome here. Although it has limited Wi-Fi, you will enjoy hiking to Panther Falls. Pacific Crest Trail is easily accessible from here, as well.

Panther Creek Campground

Address: NF-65, Carson, WA 98610, United States [map]

Website: Panther Creek Campground

9. Walker Pass Campground

Walker Pass Campground offers views of the Southern Sierras and features 11 walk-in sites with fire rings and picnic tables. There are also two sites for those arriving in RV. Do note that the campground has no potable water supply. Remember to carry some water and sunscreen, and take plenty of photos while enjoying views of the valley.

The campground boasts a tranquil atmosphere, making it ideal for families or couples who wish to spend some time together. It also leads you to a dog-friendly trail.

Walker Pass Campground

Address: Isabella Walker Pass Rd, Onyx, CA 93255, United States [map]

Website: Walker Pass Campground

10. Guffy Campground

Guffy Campground boasts six campsites with vault toilets, campfire rings, and picnic tables, allowing families or groups of friends to have a convenient time. The site has no running water, so make sure to carry enough for all your drinking, cooking, and cleaning needs. During your stay, you can enjoy incredible views of Iron Mountain, Pine Mountain, and canyons.

The slots here come on a first-come, first-serve basis. While camping attracts no charges, adventure pass fees apply. The campground is open throughout the year, but vehicles cannot enter during winter.

Guffy Campground

Address: Blue Ridge Truck Trail, Forest Service Rd 3N39, Wrightwood, CA 92397, United States [map]

Website: Guffy Campground

Be on your way to a memorable getaway

Camping along Pacific Crest Trail is an exciting experience. You can chat and sing songs as the embers of the log fire crackle. Then, wake up after a refreshing night and get ready for a hike. There are no routines, and you decide what to do and when. For a wonderful adventure, stay in one of the campgrounds listed above.