Manker Flats Campground

I like this place alot! Just enough big beautiful trees, close to mt. baldy ski lift. Decent restrooms. Cheap. $ 10/​night + recreation fee $ 5 you have to get on your way up the mountain.

This is a great place to start your hike to Mt Baldy, Cucamonga Peak, Etiwanda Peak. There is abundant parking available. The start of each of the hikes is San Antonio Falls trail. There are also a few scattered picnic tables .
parking — adventure pass required

Almost had my camp weekend ruined when my usual place for camping, Crystal Lake, was closed due to fire. I had already asked for the day off and we had a big sized cooler filled with ¼ of a cow and refreshments so we did not want to go back. I was loosing hope when we realized most camping areas where either too far (and would take us too. long due to Friday traffic) or closed as well; but then someone mentioned this place and told us how to get there. We got there late, almost 9 pm. And there were no open spots, disappointment almost had us returning when I kind stranger let us share. And so our weekend was saved. The place is small, not a lot of spots so be there early, but there are a lot of kind people, it never hurts to ask about a spot that looks taken, sometimes its not or some are kind enough to share. Bathroom was a bit dirty when we got there bit at least it has flushable toilets and light. There are a lot of pine trees that give shade to some of the spots. Perfect to go hiking as well and for a bike ride, drivers please drive cautiously as there are a lot of bikers. Only bad thing is there are a lot and I do mean a lot of rocks so bring a comfy bed and make sure you put it at a good angle or you will find yourself rolling out of it. You’ll know what I mean when you go.

Stayed at Manker Campground on a fathers’ day in June after dropping the kids off at camp. 1:00 on a Sunday there were 4 sites taken out of 21, and only 2 people came that day after me.
The campground is gorgeous. It’s not too far from the street, but the street is not busy and traffic noise was minimal.
Park attendant was very friendly and hard working: cleaned the restrooms, took out the trash, collected the money, and one minute after a neighbor turned on loud music, she was there talking with him. He shut it off.
The campsites were not exactly level but if you put your sleeping bag aimed downhill, it’s not too bad. There was some wood in some of the fire rings and the briefly-​noisy neighbor came over and gave me a log so heavy he could barely lift it.
Neighbors were friendly but not intrusive, and after a very pleasant fire, I turned in.
That’s when the fun began. I heard various varmints through my thin tent fabric. Started with chipmunks, then something that I believe was a raccoon. I had been warned by another camper that they were plentiful. A while later I heard what sounded distinctly like a mountain lion, but I remembered reading about the snarling racoons and choose to believe that’s what it was.
But then came the real wake up call. I was asleep finally, and I awakened to the distinctive trotting sound of something that was clearly a coyote. It came right next to me and I believe I heard it sniffing my little tent.
Several possible responses occurred. I chose not to hit the car remote and shine a headlight on the beast, fearing I wouldn’t be able to unsee a silhouette of a vicious animal projected onto my nylon tent. I slapped the side of the tent and yelled «get away.» it didn’t. I repeated the procedure and heard a distant neighbor stirring.
Then I realized I had to go to the bathroom.
I would have rated Manker Campground fewer stars, but in the morning, I saw that the varmints had gotten into a little garbage bag I forgot to put in the bear-​proof trash can. It had condiment wrappers and the motherlode for raccoons – peach skin.
So if you go, stow.

Please note that the last review appears to be about a year and a half ago and I visited Manker Flats on a weekend.
A friend of mine told me she was taking her siblings for a snow day up at Mt. Baldy, specifically Manker Flats campground. I decided to join her. We went on a Saturday, it’s a relatively easy trip to Mt. Baldy from the 210 freeway. We didn’t need chains for the tires despite the sign indicating that we did. Once you pass Ice House Canyon, the road gets really twisty so take the turns carefully.
There are signs everywhere indicating where you’re at so it’s difficult to get lost. Manker Flats has ample parking on the sides of the road and at the median, you will need an adventure pass to park at Manker Flats.
I guess I need to disclose that I went on a Saturday around 11 am and it was recently after rain and cold weather. What I’m getting at is that everyone in the 20 mile radius decided to make it a snow day as well.
After waiting in a slow turtle crawl of a wait to find parking, I needed to use the loo like no one’s business. There was a blue porta potty parked in the outer area of the campgrounds which had a line that stretched a good 30 feet. Luckily my eagle eye son had spotted a row of porta potties further up the road. Hiking up the mountain in icy terrain — super fun!
Please note there are 4 portable bathrooms to the left of the road and they virtually had no wait at all! Worth the trek!
After the relief, we decided to hit the «snow». At best, it was packed and patchy. Now. the 2 stars are not for the over crowding, not for the traffic, not for the lack of snow, not for the lack of closer portable toilets. No. The 2 stars is for the filth and trash that was everywhere.
I wish I could say that there was a lack of trash cans or otherwise, but in truth there was trash strewn recklessly all over the campground. There were pieces of plastic from broken sleds all over. Bottles, capri sun pouches, a water bottle that had some interesting yellow fluid in it, and the piez de resistance was a paper plate with rice and beans and plastic fork dug in it. It was difficult to walk around without stepping on trash. How difficult is it to pick up after yourself or teach your children to pick up after themselves? I admit I wasn’t expecting Arrendale or anything like that, but I was expecting something a little more decent.
If you decide to visit Manker Flats during snow season (when and if we have it), might I suggest a weekday? Lastly, please pack it out. Every small bit helps!

Just came back from a trip and camped at Manker Flats. There was ½ of the campsites available around 1pm on a Sunday so we chose spot #21. It had nice shade and a nice layout, not too many rocks but it was rather close to the other sites. You could hear everybody’s conversations and our campsite was right in front on the bathrooms with the flush toilets. The women’s restroom only had 1 out of 4 restrooms that had complete doors the others did not, and there was no sink. The bugs were really bad with small flies and a lot of mosquito’s, unfortunately our mosquito spray did not work and we had to suffer through all the bites. We hiked to San Antonio falls and it was a nice hike to a very beautiful site. We paid only $ 12 without an adventure pass and we placed it in the box.

took a 2 night trip up to this campground in the dead of summer/​August. It sure was hot!!! Each camp site has 2 parking spots assigned to it, spots for 2 tents, a standup BBQ grille and a fire pit. We chose spot #4 and found it quite comfy. The only downsides to #4 was that the fire pit had a grill that would not budge, luckily, we brought a veggie grill that we were able to place on top. I would suggest bringing charcoal for the standup and firewood for the pit. The bathrooms were clean and toilet paper was readily available. Never saw the campground ranger tho. Seemed like the campground fees were based solely on the honor system.
A snarling raccoon got into our food overnight, so be sure to store your goodies. Ice was available at the bar across the street. There were tons of houseflies!!! Where do these bugs come froooooom? We found they disappeared after 8pm. So better to cook dinner around that time. Also there were plenty of mosquitoes. With the amount of loud and chirping blue jays in the area, you’d expect the insect population to be under control, but nope. Prepare to do battle with the bugs.
The falls are quite close and so beautiful. Well worth the trip. Highly recommend stopping at the river on the way down the mountain. Not quite sure what the stop was called, but you won’t be able to miss it on the way down on the right. Really shady area with tall, skinny, lush and green trees.
We plan on going back in the fall!!!

Great place to camp but get there early! Friends and I arrived at around 5:30 p.m. on the Friday after memorial day and the camps were already all taken. We set up tent in an area that we weren’t even sure was a night spot, may have been a day only, and luckily one of the camp sites only had one car and the guy let us leave our car next to his. We were waking up at 2:30 a.m. to leave for a hike so we kind of squatted, we did have an adventure pass displayed and put $ 11.00 into the box. Anyway, get there EARLY in the afternoon or probably be out of luck.
Happy to have our temporary campsite staked out we were happy to find the Snowcrest inn right down the street about ¹⁄₅ mile from where we pitched ten. It is a very quaint ski lodge meets backwoodsy bar meets the Shining! Friend and I played 2 rounds of pool and we could have had drinks had we not just drank some of our own beers. Roaring fire in the fireplace and some very vibrant locals in the bar! Loved it!

Thought I would shed a little light since I live in the area and come up here almost every weekend.
This is the only place to camp in the immediate area, (other than trail campsites, which are walk-​in only).
This is not a fancy campground with showers and restaurants. It’s basic camping, and although it is fairly small, with 21 sites, it’s clean and well maintained. Although there are no showers, there is a sink in each restroom.
First, there are flush toilets here and have been for many years. There is however, only 1 set of toilets, and with 21 sites, it can get a little crowded. Also, the campsite right next to the toilets can be noisy.
This is a single loop campground, with off-​shoot trails, on fairly level ground. Those wanting complete seclusion would be happier heading to the Sierra, as this campsite is basically right on a well-​traveled road. Although usually very quiet during the week, it can get noisy here on the weekends with teenagers coming up to party, and the occasional boy scout gathering. But, if you find a site far enough from the road, it shouldn’t be a problem.
Some of the sites are well-​shaded, while others are exposed. There are several water spigots, and all the parking aprons are paved. Approximately half the sites are appropriate for small RV’s (16 feet or less), as this is mainly a tent camping area. There are neither hookups nor a dump station here.
While there are 21 sites, there is often a camp host, bringing the the available sites to only 20. Reservations are not accepted, and although this place is pretty quiet most of the time, holiday weekends can cause it to book up quickly.
The sites are quite rocky, so either a freestanding tent, or using rocks to help anchor your tent are required in some spaces.
Regarding Fires —
There is a reason that one of the people here experienced the store owner taking photos of their campfire. Even though there are fire rings here, fires were banned in the Angeles National Forest for part of 2008 and 2009 due to wildfires. Although many people ignore them, there are normally signs posted along the road, as well as a bulletin board at the entrance to the campground. During much of 2008 and 2009, cooking was restricted to fuel camp stoves, and wood fires were not allowed. Even when fires are allowed, you are NEVER allowed to cut any brush or trees for firewood, and it is recommended to purchase firewood and leave the natural scenery as it is. Campfires are expected to be controlled in such a way as embers are not a threat.
Contrary to what most people think, there are bears up here, as well as many coyotes, bighorn sheep, etc. You are expected to properly store your food, dispose of all trash in bear approved trash cans, and never leave out your ice chests.
An Adventure Pass, ($ 5 per day, or $ 30 per year) is required to park at trailheads, and will discount your camping fee from $ 12 per night to $ 10. Note: America The Beautiful pass holders are not required to purchase an adventure pass, just make sure you insert your pass inside a hang tag and hang from your rear view mirror.
The ranger station on the way up is a great source of information, with really friendly folks, and they also sell Adventure Passes, as well as America The Beautiful yearly passes. Right across from the Ranger Station, is Mt. Baldy Lodge, which has great food, and very friendly staff. I believe they open daily at 11, except for Sundays they do serve breakfast.
There are no gas stations at all in Mt. Baldy village, so gas up before you head up the hill!

Great place to camp. We went in Sept during the week and there were a couple campers other than us, but it was exactly what we were looking for, a place to get away and find quiet. We hiked to the summit and came down, the only reason for four stars is there is no showers. I suppose it would not be worth the time/​money to install showers, but after hiking I would suggest re-​thinking camping here. We took our huge tote and filled it with water from the spicket and boiled water to clean ourselfs from the dusty trail. Its not too far from everything you would need (except showers) yet you feel away from everything at the same time! Will definately be going back.

Like everyone else said its cheaper if you have a adventure pass, and not much has changed from 2009 to 2010. But its truly a nice place to go camping. Lots to explore and some very spectacular vies and sights on the way up. I plan on just going back up and hanging for the day sometime this summer.

I camped here with quite a few years ago, when there were no flush toilets. We had to deal with porta potties. It was gross. The feces was stacked merely a couple inches from the opening of the seat at the end of the weekend. It was a big conical pile of human excrement and hygenic paper.
The campsite, however, is very nice. It’s right off the main road to Mt. Baldy, so there was a lot of traffic close by. The little convenience store was within easy walking distance from the camp, which came in handy when we ran out of firewood. The ground at the sites it rather rocky, but not too bad if you can rake off some of the larger ones. They spots are decently spaced apart. The whole area is surrounded by rocks and cliffs. There is a water faucet close to every campsite, so washing and cooking water is easily had. There are no showers, so take a bucket and washcloth, or Wet Ones. All in all, it’s a good area for a beginning camper.

My friends and I stayed at the Manker Flats (MF) campground in the Angeles National Forest for 3 days and 2 nights. It is my first time camping in the Angeles National Forest. It was $ 12 a night and $ 4 for additional cars. It is cheaper if you have an adventure pass. It is first come and first serve.
MF comes equipped with flushed toilets and drinking water. I believe there are 21 sites and one of those sites can fit an RV. Each site has a picnic table, fire pit, and a fire grill. Some campsites have a campsite literally right next to it for larger groups, but most campsites are about 20 – 30 feet apart from each other. MF is a pretty rocky camp area and aerobeds are a plus.
Our campsite had a 4-​person tent, 3-​person tent and 6-​person. It could easily fit two more 3 or 4-​person tents. Some campsites have minimal shading from trees and others have an ample enough of trees to shade the tents. We had a canopy to shelter all our chairs from the sun since the trees shaded the areas with our tents. Bringing wood for the fire is not needed, but bringing and ax and saw is helpful to cut down wood from trees. We didn’t have an ax and saw, but rather gathered for wood.
There are several trails to choose from while you stay here. The trail to the San Antonio Falls was quite easy and didn’t seem like it was ~2 miles. Since it was summer, the falls weren’t as big as if you were to come after a rainy season. It was still nice to see. The trail next to the San Antonio Falls leads to Mt. Baldy. This trail is much more strenuous and I believe 9 miles from the San Antonio Falls.
Make sure to pack up the food somewhere because racoons will steal them. Flies roam during the day, but mosquitos and ants come out on warm nights. I did not get one bite. We were fortunate not to have too hot of a weather, but sun block was still needed. At night it did get cold and my 20 degree sleeping bag helped a lot. Although, I’m sure during hotter nighters, a sleeping bag to keep you warm may not be necessary.
There is a small convenient store/​restaurant at the corner of Manker flats. Chrcoal, gloves, sleds, beanies, etc. are sold. Also the owner sells cheeseburgers, bbq burgers/​ribs, soda, root beer float, etc. The prices are decent. A cheeseburger is $ 3 and a root beer float is $ 3, but don’t expect anything too spectacular. We decided to try it out since it was there. Only problem about the owner was that he was taking pictures of the people and their campfires when he felt the campfire was too big. This upseted the group that I came with. He took our pictures without permission and said «this is not the beach. do you know how far those embers travel?» When we asked if we should lower the fire, he just kept taking pictures and left. He also took pictures of other campsites, but they did not notice it since he wasn’t using flash. I’ve been camping many times and I know that our fire was not a threat whatsoever and the other fires were actually much higher than ours.