Crystal Lake Recreation Area

Crystal Lake Recreation Area is one of the amazing places to go camping near Los Angeles. If you’re looking for silence and solitude, as well as access to some spectacular hiking, then the Crystal Lake Recreation Area in Azusa is your spot. It’s one of the closest local campgrounds, and yet almost never has a crowd. There are just enough amenities to feel plush, but few enough people to feel peaceful. There are a variety of hikes that start right at the campground, but if you’re looking for a challenging day out, head up the Hawkins Trail to the ridge.

From there you can bag south and north Mount Hawkins, as well as Mount Islip. To make it a loop, backtrack from the summit of Mount Islip, and head down the Windy Gap trail to the campground. If you’re looking for something more mellow, try the Tototngna Nature Trail. Each site has either a BBQ box or a fire pit, and about half of the sites have both. Each site also has a spigot with potable water and is within walking distance of lit flush toilets. Sites cost $12 a night without an Adventure Pass, or $10 if you have a pass. Don’t want to cook, but still want a homemade lunch? Walk down to the Crystal Lake Café near the campground’s entrance. There you’ll find the incredibly friendly owner, Adam, serving up fresh-made chili and baked goods. The café also stocks any camping essentials you might have forgotten.

Location: San Gabriel Mountains of Southern California, USA