Map showing campground location near Mount Wilson, California

Camper submitted image from Hoegees Trail Camp Campground

Hoegees Trail Camp Campground

Dense forest surrounds this hike-in campground located two miles from Chantry Flats along the Lower Winter Creek Trail. Hoegees Trail Camp sits where a historic resort once operated, with a concrete foundation from a former cabin marking the center of the camping area. The site provides 15 designated spots, each equipped with a picnic table, fire ring, and wood-burning stove.

Winter Creek flows year-round through the campground, though campers must filter or boil all water before drinking. The stream creates a steady backdrop of running water while tall trees provide consistent shade throughout the seasons. Multiple hiking trails branch out from camp, including connections to Mount Wilson and various waterfalls along Big Santa Anita Canyon. David F. notes the "site is shady year round with perennial water."

Access requires hiking either the Lower Winter Creek Trail for scenery or the Upper Winter Creek Trail for easier terrain. Parking at Chantry Flats fills quickly on weekends, often within an hour of the 6 AM opening. The facility operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservations accepted. Campers must pack out all trash and obtain fire permits from the pack station.

This primitive camping experience works well for backpackers comfortable with basic amenities and those seeking overnight access to places to camp near Angeles National Forest trail systems.

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Location

Public Campground

Hoegees Trail Camp Campground is located in California

Coordinates

34.20796908 N
118.03314336 W

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Connectivity

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Access

Walk-In
Park in a lot, walk to your site.
Hike-In
Backcountry sites.

Site Types

Tent Sites

Features

For Campers

Picnic Table
Pets
Fires

Contact

General Info

+18188991900

Drive Time

58 min from Los Angeles, CA
1 hr 36 min from Oxnard, CA
2 hrs 5 min from Bakersfield, CA
2 hrs 25 min from San Diego, CA

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5 Reviews

Numerous guests highlighted the isolated forest setting with shaded sites along a creek, accessible only by backpacking 2+ miles. Basic facilities include fire rings and tables, but water requires treatment and restroom availability varies.

Mandy E.

Guide

Reviewed Feb. 19, 2020

Feel like you're miles away without leaving LA

The Big Santa Anita Canyon Loop on Mount Wilson offers dog friendly free camping immersed in thick mountain woods with babbling creeks and numerous waterfalls. The trail is dotted with one of a kind cabins but the trail camps are as primitive as it gets. Start your hike at the Chantry Flats pack station, don't forget to pay for parking, and be prepared to filter your own water. This is a gorgeous place to put in a few miles, get a little dirty, and feel like you are miles away from it all without even leaving LA.

Pro tips: There are bears in the area so hang your food and keep your campsite clean. Bring your own toilet paper. Parking fills up within an hour on weekends so get there as soon as the parking lot opens at 6am. Finish your hike with burgers from the pack station they really hit the spot!

(9) View All

Anthony K.

Guide

Reviewed Jan. 25, 2020

Great Backcountry Campground

I camped here a couple wks ago & it was great. You feel deep in the forest & there are plenty of spots, fire pits & flat top stoves.

The toilets were boarded up but Winter Creek was flowing well.

I hiked about 8 miles from Eaton Canyon Park via Jones Peak & the Mount Whitney Connector Trail to Upper Winter Creek.

David F.

Guide

Reviewed May. 23, 2019

Hidden gem

Hoegee’s is 2 miles hike from Chantry Flats by way of the Lower Winter Creek Trail. The site is named for Hoegee’s resort which stood just upstream. The concrete foundation in the center of the campground was a private cabin which burned down decades ago. This facility has 15 campsites, each with table, fire ring and wood-burning stove. You must pack your garbage out. Site is shady year round with perennial water. It is illegal to take wood and water from the nearby cabins. There is an emergency call box and calls phones do not work.

To go to the bathroom stay away from the stream and Dig a hole 6-8 inches deep and bury your waste and paper. Do NOT leave it exposed on the ground.

Campsites are first come-first serve only. Stream water must be boiled or filtered. You can get a free fire permit from the pack station.

tom P.

Traveler

Reviewed Aug. 17, 2018

Nice Hike

If you take the Upper Winter Creek Trail it's an easier hike but not as pretty as the Lower one. Campsite is very nice with enough sites for about 20 campers with a privy but no running water. There is a creek that might or might not have water in it. Bring a way of making the water potable. Lots of things to do for the kids and plenty of trails. Be aware of any fire restrictions.

Morgan F.

Guide

Reviewed Jul. 27, 2018

Awesome Campground

You can only access this campground by backpacking in. There's about 12 campsites with picnic benches and fire rings. There's a creek that runs through. it's beautiful and feels completely isolated.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get to Hoegees Trail Camp?

Hoegees Trail Camp is accessible only by backpacking in. The main access point is from Chantry Flats, with the Lower Winter Creek Trail extending about 2 miles to the campground. Alternatively, you can take the Upper Winter Creek Trail which offers an easier hike but less scenic views. Some hikers also access the campground via a longer 8-mile route from Eaton Canyon Park through Jones Peak and the Mount Whitney Connection. The Big Santa Anita Canyon Loop on Mount Wilson is another trail option leading to the camp.

What facilities and amenities are available at Hoegees Trail Camp?

Hoegees Trail Camp offers approximately 12-15 primitive campsites, each equipped with picnic benches and fire rings. The campground features flat top stoves and fire pits scattered throughout. There's a privy toilet (though it may be temporarily closed at times). No running water is available, but Winter Creek runs through the campground, providing a water source that should be treated before drinking. The concrete foundation visible in the center of the campground is a remnant of a private cabin from the historic Hoegee's resort that once existed upstream.

Are there hiking trails near Hoegees Trail Camp?

Numerous hiking trails connect to Hoegees Trail Camp. The Lower Winter Creek Trail (2 miles from Chantry Flats) offers beautiful scenery, while the Upper Winter Creek Trail provides an easier hike alternative. The Big Santa Anita Canyon Loop features babbling creeks and numerous waterfalls. For more ambitious hikers, connections to Jones Peak and the Mount Whitney trail system allow for extended backpacking adventures. The surrounding area is rich with forested mountain trails, making it an excellent base camp for day hikes.

What do Hoegees Trail Camp photos show about the campground?

Photos of Hoegees Trail Camp reveal a secluded forest setting with campsites nestled among thick mountain woods. Images typically showcase the picnic benches and fire rings at individual sites, the flowing Winter Creek that runs through the campground, and the surrounding dense forest that creates a sense of isolation. You'll also see the historic concrete foundation from the old resort cabin in the camp's center. The rustic, primitive nature of the facilities is evident, highlighting the true backcountry camping experience available just miles from Chantry Flats.

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